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A review by nathansnook
Advocate: A Graphic Memoir of Family, Community, and the Fight for Environmental Justice by Eddie Ahn
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
Major thanks to NetGalley and Ted Speed Graphic for offering me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts:
A perfect example that an interesting life does not lead to an interesting book, though it left me inspired when it came to social justice work within the Bay Area. Though the art is strong in its layout and fluidity, there are moments where there is much more telling than showing. Where emotions should ring a lot more truer and stronger, it ends up feeling like a Ted Talk intro that goes on for too long and lacks grounding for readers as most panels feel like background fluff. I wish there were more scenes between Eddie and his mother and the emotions there with his grandfather’ letters. But Eddie merely scrapes the surface, his focus stuck on telling than collaging it all in a way that feels like a story than basic personal background.
I’m excited to see more of Eddie’s art as I think there’s a lot to share. So much good to share. A lot of promise only the future knows.
*Eddie, if you’re reading this, I recommend you read How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee and an Andrea Long Chu piece, as well as this podcast in how to construct convincing voice that holds.
🥮🥮🥮
If you enjoyed this write-up, please consider purchasing my novella here.
Or find other thoughts on books and films here.
A perfect example that an interesting life does not lead to an interesting book, though it left me inspired when it came to social justice work within the Bay Area. Though the art is strong in its layout and fluidity, there are moments where there is much more telling than showing. Where emotions should ring a lot more truer and stronger, it ends up feeling like a Ted Talk intro that goes on for too long and lacks grounding for readers as most panels feel like background fluff. I wish there were more scenes between Eddie and his mother and the emotions there with his grandfather’ letters. But Eddie merely scrapes the surface, his focus stuck on telling than collaging it all in a way that feels like a story than basic personal background.
I’m excited to see more of Eddie’s art as I think there’s a lot to share. So much good to share. A lot of promise only the future knows.
*Eddie, if you’re reading this, I recommend you read How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee and an Andrea Long Chu piece, as well as this podcast in how to construct convincing voice that holds.
🥮🥮🥮
If you enjoyed this write-up, please consider purchasing my novella here.
Or find other thoughts on books and films here.