A review by quirky
Advocate: A Graphic Memoir of Family, Community, and the Fight for Environmental Justice by Eddie Ahn

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.