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chelseamann's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Minor: Domestic abuse
emmalen3's review against another edition
5.0
When I ordered this book online, I had fully expected more of a zine format; nope. That is not this beautiful, informative, striking, must have of an anthology of stories that will make you giggle, sob and fill with a bubbling hot rage. I have some students who perused it too, and it inspired them to look into funding and accessibility in the US (12 year olds in Canada!!! Hello future leaders!)
glfowler's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
allykornides's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
An interesting variety of perspectives on the topic, from those who have had abortions to healthcare workers to activists. Some of the comics felt incomplete, like they needed a few more pages to reach their full potential. Oh well. Anthologies are nice for a reason; if you don’t like something, you most likely will like the next entry.
_darbi_'s review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
wonderful anthology of illustrated stories on the topic of abortion: doulas, policy, history, advocacy, clinic escorts, and familial/romantic/platonic relationships are specific lenses and themes.
i learned about the hyde amendment’s relationship to the global gag rule/mexico city policy and was appalled at how we’ve limited healthcare aid internationally to those who offer abortions or even have discussions about contraception within their clinics/orgs. i also learned about the mechanics of the d+e procedure, Jane, and Wendy Davis’ infamous TX filibuster.
would love to have an entire graphic novel dedicated to the outcasts by heidi williamson and ciela krause. i was captivated by the premise of this story and was disappointed to find that it wasn’t longer! the sci-fi style and content was reminiscent to me of some of the works i’ve read by octavia butler.
highly recommend this graphic collection for humanizing abortion and its many facets to those both new and familiar with what being pro-choice means in practice. excellent balance of pathos and logos throughout the variety of storytelling methods and illustration styles.
*note: there were some stories that were difficult to read due to the lack of contrast of the text to the illustration or weight of the text to the page
i learned about the hyde amendment’s relationship to the global gag rule/mexico city policy and was appalled at how we’ve limited healthcare aid internationally to those who offer abortions or even have discussions about contraception within their clinics/orgs. i also learned about the mechanics of the d+e procedure, Jane, and Wendy Davis’ infamous TX filibuster.
would love to have an entire graphic novel dedicated to the outcasts by heidi williamson and ciela krause. i was captivated by the premise of this story and was disappointed to find that it wasn’t longer! the sci-fi style and content was reminiscent to me of some of the works i’ve read by octavia butler.
highly recommend this graphic collection for humanizing abortion and its many facets to those both new and familiar with what being pro-choice means in practice. excellent balance of pathos and logos throughout the variety of storytelling methods and illustration styles.
*note: there were some stories that were difficult to read due to the lack of contrast of the text to the illustration or weight of the text to the page
amandaannotates's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so important. It took me a while to finish because I had to sit after reading each comic and just think about it. I am pro choice and this comic just made me even more pro choice. The book was just so good. I loved all the stories. I didn’t even know that “pro life” people go so far as kill abortion doctors or people who’ve had an abortion. I read this book during the time where it is being debated if roe vs wade should be overturned. Abortion is a human right. Keep is legal and safe.
sydneyfwhite's review against another edition
5.0
Informational, inspiring, anger inducing.
Your body? Your choice. My body? My choice.
Awesome read for anyone who wants to learn a thing or two about abortion and it's history while also seeing some interesting art!
Highly recommend.
Your body? Your choice. My body? My choice.
Awesome read for anyone who wants to learn a thing or two about abortion and it's history while also seeing some interesting art!
Highly recommend.
yokorie's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars (rounded up)
A fascinating and intimate look at the lives of individuals who, for varying reasons, have had an abortion. Each story was unique, and I appreciate that such a variety of individuals stepped up to tell their story. Many stories stood out in their quality, in both storytelling and art, and I found it difficult to point to one that impacted me the most/ "a favorite."
However, there were several areas in which I thought the book was lacking. By the end, I felt that the book was a polished piece, but that there were some areas more effort could have been put in to make it more inclusive/ "complete":
1) Because every story featured is in comic-form, I feel that the scope of abortion experiences that could have been shared was limited. I feel that the book would have benefited had their been more writer-artist pairs, rather from writer-artists. Scientists, stay-at-home-moms, secretaries, CEOs, psychologists and therapists, grocery store clerks, individuals in the armed forces, etc. all seek/ benefit from comprehensive abortion services... so to pretty much only share stories from individuals who make their living from making art severely limited the scope of stories that Comics for Choice could have told.
2) The book makes an amazing effort to include individuals of different racial/ ethic, sexual, and gender identities, but I would have liked to see more writing/art from individuals with disabilities. I could write a whole essay on how I can interpret this, but I will concede and simply admit that I was disappointed to not see more women like myself featured.
3) Though the book contains a great deal of information on varied experiences with abortion, medical (pill) abortions, legal/ public health issues involving abortion, and medical information... I can't remember any stories that actually, clearly define how a surgical abortion works. It's always there, just under the surface, but no comic went into the details on what exactly it entails, the tools used, how it is defined medically, etc. A bizarre choice for a book that encourages empowerment through education.
In all, I felt that this book was very valuable, and one that many individuals will find strength and knowledge in, but it lacked in some (I felt) very important ways. I would gladly financially support/ read a second volume should one come about. I have decided to give this book five stars (rounded up), in spite of my issues, because I felt that the sheer breadth of honesty, personal reflection, compassion, and personality featured in these individual stories makes up for the problems I found within Comics for Choice as a whole.
A fascinating and intimate look at the lives of individuals who, for varying reasons, have had an abortion. Each story was unique, and I appreciate that such a variety of individuals stepped up to tell their story. Many stories stood out in their quality, in both storytelling and art, and I found it difficult to point to one that impacted me the most/ "a favorite."
However, there were several areas in which I thought the book was lacking. By the end, I felt that the book was a polished piece, but that there were some areas more effort could have been put in to make it more inclusive/ "complete":
1) Because every story featured is in comic-form, I feel that the scope of abortion experiences that could have been shared was limited. I feel that the book would have benefited had their been more writer-artist pairs, rather from writer-artists. Scientists, stay-at-home-moms, secretaries, CEOs, psychologists and therapists, grocery store clerks, individuals in the armed forces, etc. all seek/ benefit from comprehensive abortion services... so to pretty much only share stories from individuals who make their living from making art severely limited the scope of stories that Comics for Choice could have told.
2) The book makes an amazing effort to include individuals of different racial/ ethic, sexual, and gender identities, but I would have liked to see more writing/art from individuals with disabilities. I could write a whole essay on how I can interpret this, but I will concede and simply admit that I was disappointed to not see more women like myself featured.
3) Though the book contains a great deal of information on varied experiences with abortion, medical (pill) abortions, legal/ public health issues involving abortion, and medical information... I can't remember any stories that actually, clearly define how a surgical abortion works. It's always there, just under the surface, but no comic went into the details on what exactly it entails, the tools used, how it is defined medically, etc. A bizarre choice for a book that encourages empowerment through education.
In all, I felt that this book was very valuable, and one that many individuals will find strength and knowledge in, but it lacked in some (I felt) very important ways. I would gladly financially support/ read a second volume should one come about. I have decided to give this book five stars (rounded up), in spite of my issues, because I felt that the sheer breadth of honesty, personal reflection, compassion, and personality featured in these individual stories makes up for the problems I found within Comics for Choice as a whole.
livlamentloathe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion