Customer Reviews

Radiator Days

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first read some of Lucy Knisley's comics on her website via reference from Drawn.ca. I was highly entertained and so I purchased her book, which didn't disappoint. There are plenty of new strips not seen online in the book, along with some favorites that are posted on her site; it's the best of both worlds. Lucy is just starting out her career as a cartoonist, but as a fellow struggling illustrator/cartoonist, her emotions, thoughts, and stress hit home. She captures the anxiety, pressures, and stress of art while also creating some wonderful stories. Her work is honest at its core, and that's something which is intriguing for readers no matter if you've been to art school or not. But if you've been to art school, it may be a little funnier. Also full plenty of sexual jokes and references, which I appreciate from a woman artist.

Radiator Days reminds me of an anthology (it is a collection of Knisley's comics created during a two-year period). The book is predominantly a graphic memoir/autobiography, and showcases her unique comic/cartoon style as well as her storytelling abilities. I love her sense of humor, and the little moments of human connection and experience she captures with such insight. It was easy for me to relate to many of her stories (the hope, fear, hilarity, joy, strangeness, etc. that comes with living), and was often laughing out loud as I read this.

If you are not familiar with Knisley's work this is a good introduction, and also more diverse in content than French Milk (which was also awesome). If you read this after French Milk, you will hopefully enjoy her many adventures here in the U.S..

If you become a Lucy Knisley fan as I have, you might also enjoy her music (yes, people, she is a talented, folksy singer as well!). Her album: Pretty/Nerdy

I <3 Manatees

Lucy Knisley is one of my favorite young artists. She has a way of looking at the world and instantly making you feel like you're a part of the scenes that she depicts, even if you weren't there or really have no idea what's going on. She has the ability to quickly get to the heart of the matter and show warmth in humor, even if it's a low point in what she's showcasing. In this book Lucy shares with us short comics from a two year period, and in the dedication shares that many of them were drawn with a rather noisy radiator.

The short comics in this collection from over a two year period show Lucy trying out different methods of illustrating the stories and trying to find her own voice in storytelling. It's rather easy to pick out the stories that really stick with you, such as the one about the book store closing and the cashier sneakily giving away books to different people that would find them useful. Other stories show Lucy talking about growing up, going away to school (getting kicked out of school), heading off to college, and just attempting to figure out what to do in the world when she graduates. She makes it easy to relate to the world around her.

I look forward to seeing many more years of excellent work from Lucy and I'd recommend this book or any of her other works highly.

I really liked this book it was really funny and has some adorable drawings definietly woth checking out

I feel in love with Lucy Knisley/s cartoons when I read French Milk, and Radiator Days was just as good.

I am similar in age and also an artist, I felt at home reading this book.