Something New: Tales From a Makeshift Bride by Lucy Knisley
Review by Lauren
source: copy for review; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: A funny and whip-smart new book about the institution of marriage in America told through the lens of her recent engagement and wedding…. The graphic novel tackles the all-too-common wedding issues that go along with being a modern woman: feminism, expectations, getting knocked over the head with gender stereotypes, family drama, and overall wedding chaos and confusion.
Review: One of my most favorite comic artists is Lucy Knisley. I’m pretty sure I’ve read all but one book by Lucy. She creates comics/graphic novels about her life, particularly about her travels. However, Something New is about an adventure much different. This time, Lucy is chronicling her story of getting engaged and getting married. Lucy never really thought about marriage much before her boyfriend John proposed. She knew she wanted to be a mom, but that didn’t mean she had to get married. John, on the other hand, really wanted to and she soon realized that so much about a wedding is exciting and wonderful. Despite this, Something New is happy to note all the rough patches that a couple goes through when dealing with a wedding. You have family weighing in about this and that, and it’s not always easy to step back and think about what you want and not just want tradition tells you to do.
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| page from Something New – source |
I loved that Lucy and John found ways to really make their wedding their own. Lucy is very much a feminist and doesn’t believe in the traditional ideals of marriage, where a man has power over a woman. Sure, most people probably feel the same way these days, but they still keep so many of the traditions of an old-fashioned wedding. Lucy and John did things differently, from writing their own vows and having her godfather be the officiant. They had the wedding in Lucy’s mom’s backyard and Lucy made a lot of the decorations, and even her own veil! They had friends and family help with food and both of their parents walked them down the aisle – yes, the groom got walked down the aisle too; he just went first! While I’m not getting married anytime soon, I really appreciated reading this book and seeing how one can create their own wedding, one that is truly representative of the couple and not just a follow-the-traditions wedding, though there is nothing wrong with that if it’s what the couple truly wants for them.
Finally, what I really liked about this book was that it’s long – about 300 pages- and in full color. Some of Lucy’s books in the past have been shorter or didn’t include color (French Milk), so it was nice to have this one. It meant I could dive into Lucy’s world for much longer, and I really appreciated that! Now that Lucy is married, I could see a baby in her and John’s future, so hopefully she’ll create a book based on that! I want to read more and more about Lucy (and John’s) life.
It sounds fun to have a book like that mainly if you love the artist
I think I should read this book so I can see the funny side of all the wedding preparations that my daughter is going through at the moment – it might make it all a lot less stressful 😉
I've never read anything of hers before, but this looks absolutely delightful Lauren! I love out of the box, funny perspectives of real life events. This would be the perfect gift for an engaged friend. Wonderful review, so glad you enjoyed it <3
Well, that cover certainly put a smile on my face. This sounds like a fun read and one I'm sure many newly weds/those who are about to marry may well relate to.
I, personally, don't believe in marriage; but this does sound like a funny little tome. The illustrations are adorable!
xx
Wow that is long!
I hate all that wedding planning stuff so we eloped in FL and went to the theme parks for the day lol
Karen @For What It's Worth
Fun that these are more of adult reads done in graphic form. I think these would be a fun change of pace.
I'm still laughing at the cover! That caught me up right away.
I have never heard of this author before, but what a fun book. That cover is brilliant and made me want to pick up a copy before I even read your review!
I think it's pretty cool that the author writes about her adventures in the form of a graphic novel. It's almost like a memoir, but easier to read lol.
This woman must be some kind of amazing. I mean, to write and draw at the same time? That's insane talent.
That's so cool!
Oh I love the layout of this book and that it is based on her life experiences. This one I could totally see myself enjoying. I may have to pick up a copy. Great review!
~Lili
http://www.thefashionsalt.com
I recognized the author's name right away! I read her book Relish a while back. I really like the whole graphic novel meets memoir she has going on with her writing. I'm very much into what she's about in this book. Traditional is okay but I'm more modern when it comes to marriage and weddings when I get to that point.