Customer Reviews

Lightsurfing: Living Life in the Front of My Mouth

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How to describe this... it's like the conversations you have with friends, alternately in a bar or a coffee shop, beginning with those immortal words, "So there I was..."

It's a story about growing up without growing old, maturing without souring, changing without surrendering, sacrificing but gaining. How to follow your dreams without losing your heart; parables, one after another, writing within a theme take you on her journey; you see the author change what she wants without giving up. A goal is a dream with a deadline, and this book shows how the author moves closer to her ideal.

As books go, it has a beginning, middle, and an end, but more than that, it's a concrete example of someone wrestling with temptation, facing her demons, spitting her hair from her face, and then getting back to work.

Ultimately, the book, through examples, using heartbreak and humor, shows what it takes to decide who you are, who you want to be, and what it takes to get there. It's written in a format such that you can start or stop whenever you want, and gives a concrete example of the hard work it takes to be a success. When people talk about the hard choices we have to make, they are theoretical things, which we're sure we'll recognize, but which often sneak up on us.

I liked it, and will send it as a gift this December, both for the writing and the art. Yes, the lovely artwork inside gives examples of creative styling, ever evolving through the author's life.

Marrus writes positive stories that show some of the real life struggles behind them, giving the reader inspiration with a realistic swift kick in the rear. I want to share this quote from page 87:

"Happiness comes from living life now, being aware of what you have that brings you joy and peace and focusing on that. Sure sometimes this part hurts or that bill goes unpaid, sometimes we're very sick and sometimes our beloved dies, but this a beautiful, huge world, and as long as there if life, there is the potential for joy and love.

So quit your bitching. Open your eyes. Squeeze every drop out of every moment you've got."

Marrus's book is an entertaining read. She has definitely had an interesting life an shares it openly in a journal style book. Marrus's writing is as entertaining as her artwork. Good Job!

A captivating look into the formation of an artist from a wide eyed girl to a diamond edged force of creativity. Pick it up if you have any interest in comics, in staying focused on the creative drive, keeping a hold of your dreams, kink culture, renfaires and the SCA, living life to the fullest, New York City culture, or if you just want a great laugh in a bite sized format. The book is memoir and art gallery in one. I'd want to recommend giving it to any fresh faced girl who's heading to Manhattan to follow her big dreams.

One of the first things that struck me as I read "Lightsurfing" for the first time was the wry, verging on dark, sense of humour, inherent in Marrus's writing. Soon thereafter, I was struck by the raw openness of the tale. The author is surprisingly honest with us -- and perhaps more importantly, with herself -- about the uncomfortable realities of her experiences in the City that Never Sleeps. She's thus managed to tell a story about a formative chunk of her life, working to make it as an artist in New York City, without making it seem at all like every other struggling-artist tell-all we've read in the last few decades.

Marrus's story is peppered with illustrations, not only lots of the fully developed artistic style her work has shown the last several years, but early sketches offering a peek of the evolution of her talent. This book is a must-read for artists and those who love them, for city-dwellers and those who love them, and for you. A perfect gift, as well; it's tough to put down, so it won't sit unread on the nightstand for months. I'm looking forward to the next chapter in this engaging story.

Marrus's story takes the reader from a girl with a talent in NYC on a long strange trip into the world of art. This is not a "how to paint" type of book, but more of how do I make enough money to survive while painting. They say a book tells you more about the writer than the subject, but this is what happens when the writer is the subject. Her story takes you into the under belly of the comic book world and that's the normal part. From there She takes you into the new and strange all with humor and bawdy tales you have to read to believe. This book is not for the close minded nor is her art, one might think one explains the other and in some ways it does. However in reading her story you get to know not just how life has taken her surfing but you get more understanding of her works and where she comes up with her ideas. I titled this a need to read book, vice the must read because if you have ever wondered how an artist comes up with their art this is your best chance at that hidden knowledge. Just like a magician an artist never reveals their secrets, Marrus does not reveal all but she does give you a peek into the artist world and I found it to be fascinating. Please buy and enjoy this book as much as I have, you will not be disappointed.

Documenting her adventure from young adulthood, the self possessed Marrus gives a unique perspective on how to move through the world to create both the art and the person with the lines between the two being blurred. This is an intriguing journey past disaster and towards a truly chosen path. Rich in content and depth, it will be hard to put down.

I"d advise this book to anyone with an interest in forging their own path in life, especially the path of the creative or one that wanders from the mainstream.

Her account of her journey and personal evolution is interspersed with examples of her visual art, both unfinished sketchwork and finished paintings. The progression of her visual renderings proceeds alongside the text describing her adventures. From the wilds of New York city to the humid and decadent environs of New Orleans, where she and I met through the local art community, she relentlessly forges her own path.

ElfQuest, Classics Illustrated, a stint as creative director on the Gor graphic novels,and many more stops little the path you're taken along. The world of the SCA and medieval reenactment becomes a frequent pit stop alongside an array of unique and vibrant locales. Like a perky, sexy Carmen Sandiego in a corset we see Marrus at the forefront all the way through. Dancing like a pixie through life and making her way by following her gift. She stumbles, as do we all, but like a cartoon character she keeps bouncing back- a little scuffed up but basically unscathed. A wonderful example of the two things one needs to walk a unique path in the modern world: strength of character and pure indomitable will power.

Highly recommended for artists, creators and independent thinkers of all stripes.

An inspirational essay on taking the road less travelled that's also visually delightful and written with intelligent humour and an eye for the ridiculous. Whether you're a bartender, writer or accountant, this book can only make your life better. A joy.

"Lightsurfing" is funny, sweet, sad, infuriating, and inspirational for anyone who wants to make a living or life a life that's slightly outside the mainstream. It's partially the author's story growing and developing as a visual and professional artist (and the book is replete with tons of gorgeous images from her as is appropriate), and partially her musings and essays on the creative process. Everything is presented in these short, bite-sized morsels; it's dim-sum for the right side of your brain.

If you create for love -- paint, draw, sculpt, carve, knit, cook, act, sing, dance, or make sock puppets -- it's a good read.

If you want to know what it was like to be a funky club kid in New York City before the Towers fell, it's good read.

If you've been part of a renaissance fair (or wanted to), it's a good read (and yes, the S.C.A. is in there too)

If you want a good laugh or a good cry or a good idea... or know someone who needs one ... this is a good book.