September 15, 2021 | YA Review

Dancing at the Pity Party: a Dead Mom Graphic Memoir

Feder, Tyler

2020, Dial Books

Graphic Novel

Grades 7 - 12

Print copy at library; eBook available through Boundless; eAudiobook available through Libby and Boundless

Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.

From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing--but also often funny--details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.

Read a review by Joan Herron:

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