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chem_heidi's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Enjoyed this graphic memoir of Eddie’s work and how the medium conveys the complexity of both his work and his personal connections to it.
quirky's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I’ve had this book on my shelf for a few months, but I feel this book is more relevant than ever with the ongoing LA wildfires.
Very touching and moving graphic memoir about an environmental justice attorney/non profit executive based in SF/Oakland, with themes of climate change activism, non-profit and community advocacy, socioeconomic challenges, anti-Asian hate during the peak of COVID-19, and immigrant parent expectations versus dreams of the child. I like that the comic panel colors change to signify different part of Ahn’s life (past v. present, parent’s v. child’s perspectives, etc) and Ahn’s perseverance in spite of numerous obstacles (including medical, student loans, and choosing a fulfilling career over wealth) is very inspiring. The art is also very detailed and brought me back to SF (and I also agree Shan Dong dumplings are nourishing).
One note from me is that although the bpok quality is nice, I would’ve preferred if the paper used a more sustainable type (see The Magic Fish or Lunar New Year Love Story). Overall, I think this is a book that will become more relevant with time.
radagast_the_brown's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
kevatappi's review against another edition
5.0
A humble but powerful look into Eddie’s life—identity, mundanity, and the true ethic of service to community. What an inspiration, with vivid artwork to really add color to it all. - very short read, but beautiful to soak in the artwork, took me a couple hours!
wanderingintopages's review against another edition
4.0
"Advocate" is a compelling graphic memoir by Eddie Ahn, an environmental justice lawyer and activist based in San Francisco. The memoir chronicles Eddie's journey from his upbringing in Texas as the child of Korean immigrants to his pivotal role in the fight for environmental justice. Balancing his family's high expectations with his passion for community service, Eddie narrates his transition from a lucrative legal career to the nonprofit sector.
The memoir delves into Eddie's personal and professional challenges, including dealing with the aftermath of Californian wildfires, addressing economic inequality, and navigating racial prejudice. His story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of fulfilling familial duties while pursuing a career rooted in advocacy and activism. Eddie's narrative is enriched with humorous anecdotes, victories, and moments of hope, illustrating the profound impact of choosing a life of service over material success.
Review
"Advocate" is a beautifully illustrated and deeply moving memoir that combines personal storytelling with broader social and environmental issues. Eddie Ahn's journey is both inspiring and relatable, capturing the essence of what it means to fight for justice and community in the face of systemic challenges.
The graphic novel format is particularly effective in conveying the emotional depth and complexity of Eddie's experiences. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing to life the various stages of his journey and the people he encounters along the way. The use of color and design enhances the narrative, making it an engaging read for a wide audience.
Eddie's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community service and the impact one individual can have on the world. His struggles with familial expectations and professional pressures are universally relatable, making this memoir not just a story about environmental justice but also about personal growth and resilience.
Tropes
- Immigration and Identity
- Environmental Justice
- Activism and Advocacy
- Family Dynamics
- Personal Growth
"Advocate" is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental justice, social activism, or personal memoirs that tackle significant issues with grace and humor. Eddie Ahn's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. This graphic memoir is not only a tribute to Eddie's remarkable journey but also an inspiration for others to find their path and make a difference in their communities.
The memoir delves into Eddie's personal and professional challenges, including dealing with the aftermath of Californian wildfires, addressing economic inequality, and navigating racial prejudice. His story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of fulfilling familial duties while pursuing a career rooted in advocacy and activism. Eddie's narrative is enriched with humorous anecdotes, victories, and moments of hope, illustrating the profound impact of choosing a life of service over material success.
Review
"Advocate" is a beautifully illustrated and deeply moving memoir that combines personal storytelling with broader social and environmental issues. Eddie Ahn's journey is both inspiring and relatable, capturing the essence of what it means to fight for justice and community in the face of systemic challenges.
The graphic novel format is particularly effective in conveying the emotional depth and complexity of Eddie's experiences. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing to life the various stages of his journey and the people he encounters along the way. The use of color and design enhances the narrative, making it an engaging read for a wide audience.
Eddie's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community service and the impact one individual can have on the world. His struggles with familial expectations and professional pressures are universally relatable, making this memoir not just a story about environmental justice but also about personal growth and resilience.
Tropes
- Immigration and Identity
- Environmental Justice
- Activism and Advocacy
- Family Dynamics
- Personal Growth
"Advocate" is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental justice, social activism, or personal memoirs that tackle significant issues with grace and humor. Eddie Ahn's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. This graphic memoir is not only a tribute to Eddie's remarkable journey but also an inspiration for others to find their path and make a difference in their communities.