How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris. Walker Books, 2023. 9781536217889
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover graphic novel
What did you like about the book? Based on their Webcomic Name, queer illustrator Alex Norris has created a relationship advice book that is “intense, weird, and silly. Just like me.” The advice is relayed as a series of quirky multi-page answers to questions that teen readers will relate to: what if I feel lonely? what if they say no? is jealousy good or bad? The inclusive nature of the dialogue and androgynous characters means the book will be relevant to both LGBTQ+ and straight readers. In fact, a lot of the advice applies to friendships as well as romantic relationships. The zany, bright colors and metaphorical cartoons make this the kind of book that kids will enjoy pouring over and sharing. The simple hand-drawn matter-of-fact captions present common sense suggestions and employ language that kids hear everyday: hotties, horny, and sexy.
Anything you didn’t like about it? My main caveat would be that the cartoonish look of the book is slightly at odds with the maturity of the content. But on the other hand, we have lots of books for older kids that are far less playful and groovy, so I welcome this heartfelt and slightly irreverent take on relationships.
To whom would you recommend this book? This would be a good choice for high school students. The cuteness of the illustrations should appeal to those who have enjoyed Just Peachy: Comics About Depression, Anxiety, Love, and Finding the Humor in Being Sad by Holly Chisholm.
Who should buy this book? High school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Graphic novels
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer: Susan Harari, Keefe Library, Boston Latin School, Boston, MA
Date of review: November 29, 2023
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