Something New

March 7, 2016
“There’s a difference,” Knisley’s bespectacled self says at the start of this breezy yet substantial graphic memoir, “between being a nerd, a fan, an enthusiast... and being an expert.” By the end of her chirpy story about crafting the perfect ceremony for marrying her fiancé, John, Knisley has gone through all of those stages. She, and in some sense the reader, comes out the other end a near expert in the kind of artisanal, ultra-personalized, not-too-pricey wedding that crafty, non-trust-fund millennials could drown their social media accounts in documenting. Like the almost overwhelmingly twee wedding (a barn raising, handmade wood boxes for the guests, midnight poutine) that she plans, Knisley (Displacement, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen) has a knack for presenting a highly precise type of whimsy that stops just shy of precious overkill. The relentlessly bright tone and artwork power the narrative through its less riveting segments. Agent: Holly Bemiss, Susan Rabiner Literary Agency

Starred review from July 1, 2016

The quirky and the mundane sparkle in this new installment of graphic memoirs from Knisley (Age of License; Displacement). When her on-again, off-again boyfriend John turns into a keeper and then proposes, the besotted couple design their own version of "weddingzilla" that turns into a complicated and thoughtful yet rewarding adventure. Food, decor, venue, outfits, and ceremony all come to incorporate DIY touches, and little how-to vignettes encourage readers to consider similar approaches. Rain and mishaps intrude, of course, and Lucy feels a rush of love when her take-charge mom removes a dead squirrel by hand from the reception area. She also ruminates over issues of gender and feminism vs. American wedding culture, and work vs. love dilemmas. The whimsical full-color drawings interweave narration with images of wedding cliches and traditions worldwide, analysis of the couple's feelings about everything, how-to instructions, and occasional photos. VERDICT This mature-minded, multilayered title succeeds as both entertainment and advice, especially for those who want to reduce wedding costs while personalizing the ceremony and having fun, too. For another book from the groom's perspective, see Adrian Tomine's Scenes from an Impending Marriage. [See also Tom Batten's Graphic Novel Preview, "Picture the Possibilities," LJ 6/15/16.--Ed.]--MC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2016
A newly wedded comic artist shares her experience, by turns hesitant and enthusiastic, planning the big event. Alex Award winner Knisley (Relish, 2013, etc.) offers another genial and creative graphic memoir. This one chronicles her handmade--down to the veil and groomsman's pocket square--wedding. After what feels like an irreconcilable difference of opinion concerning procreation, a complicated separation, some time in relationship limbo, and a wholehearted subway sob, Knisley finds herself engaged to John, a kind and sincere man whom she loves deeply. With this engagement comes a breadth of unexpected feelings--excitement, reluctance, confusion--a tumult which Knisley terms "emotion sickness." She asks herself hard questions about participating in what she has previously felt is a sexist and antiquated ritual which promotes exclusion, wondering "How can something so universal and ubiquitous as a wedding alter a person's perception of herself so much?" With honesty and humor, Knisley tackles such difficult topics as overbearing mothers-of-the-bride, the misery of the "dress safari," the "bridal weight loss imperative," making the wedding her own artistic accomplishment, and dead squirrels. She documents in a self-expressive and clever style as she learns the compromise that comes with weddings, marriage, and love. Like her wedding, Knisley's book is introspective and inventive; the illustrations are charming, the language clear, and the sequence coherent. At once universal and deeply personal, this book is a visual and emotional achievement. Open, original, and at times amusing narrative of being a "makeshift bride."

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May 15, 2016
Knisley has documented episodes from her life in four previous graphic novels, and here she recounts her recent nuptials as well as the romantic turmoil, followed by months of preparation, that preceded them. A long game of will-they-or-won't-they played out before the author found herself suddenly, blissfully, and utterly cluelessly on the precipice of a tradition she'd long been somewhat wary ofthe wedding. Wanting to create a resource for other newlyweds-to-be, Knisley wrote this graphic novel while she planned forand DIYed the heck out ofher big day. Spreads of wedding myths and traditions punctuate the book's chapters, with many of the author's own photos scattered throughout. Whether she's sharing moments that are sensitive, silly, or enraging, Knisley's full-color comics are clever, precise, and appealing as ever. All couples pondering potential lifelong partnerships and any celebrations thereof will find affirmation, recognition, and reassurance here. While the subject matter might limit her audience, Knisley keeps her voice and style true to their beloved forms. Sure to please her many enthusiastic fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)