Scan barcode
A review by yokorie
Comics for Choice: Illustrated Abortion Stories, History, and Politics by Hallie Jay Pope, Kendra Josie Kirkpatrick, Ally Shwed, Sophia Foster-Dimino, Yamani Hernandez, O.K. Fox, Brittany Mostiller, Cynthia Greenlee, Michelle Kinsey Bruns, Claudia E. Berger, Bree Jordan, Samantha Romero, Rickie Solinger, Rachel Merrill, Laura Martin, Jennifer Camper, Kennedy Tarrell, Lucy Haslam, Emily Lady, Rachel Wilson, Ahmara Smith, Erin Lux, Katie Brown, Julia Krase, C.B. Hart, Sharon Rimann, Steph Kraft Sheley, Andrew Carl, Nomi Kane, Hazel Newlevant, Jaz Malone, Kat Fajardo, Benita Ulisano, Katie Fricas, Wren Chavers, Sarah Mirk, Vreni, Stephanie Rodriguez, M.J. Flores, Leah Hayes, Heidi Williamson, Sage Coffey, Tanya DePass, Cathy Camper, Sarah Crowe, Mallory McMaster, Daniela Diaz, Whit Taylor, Gianna Meola, Renee Bracey, Anise Simon, Laura Lannes, Kris Louis, Rachel Hays, Lindsay Rodriguez, Kriota Willberg, Tatiana Gill, Mick Moran, Lilly Taing, Anna Bongiovanni, Anna Sellheim
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.