Beth Fish Reads: Bullet Review: Underwire by Jennifer Hayden

20 January 2014

Bullet Review: Underwire by Jennifer Hayden

Not all books written in graphic form are geared to a young audience or involve characters with superpowers. Over the years, I've read and enjoyed several graphic memoirs, so when I came across Jennifer Hayden's Underwire at my library, I thought I'd give it a try.

Underwire is a collection of thirty short autobiographical stories written in comic-strip form. Many of the pieces first appeared as part of Hayden's involvement with the ACT-I-VATE collective, which is a Brooklyn-based group of graphic artist and writers. Since the publication of Underwire, she's been working on other webcomics and a graphic memoir about her experiences with breast cancer.

What are the stories about? Hayden writes about everyday life: being a woman, a mother, and a wife; about marriage, family, and friendship. Sometimes Hayden tells us about life before kids or shares a dream or nightmare she's had. Don't expect crazy dysfunction; Hayden seems to have a decent marriage and a normal relationship with her kids. Do expect to nod in agreement and laugh along with her as she muddles her way through her many roles.
Stories I liked: My two favorites were a one-page story about Hayden and her husband celebrating their wedding anniversary and a longer story about when Hayden and her husband visit their alma mater, kids in tow.
General thoughts: As in any collection, there are stronger stories and weaker stories. I didn't love every piece in Underwire, but I did come away with an overall positive feeling, and Hayden had me chuckling or laughing in several places. The book may have a more direct appeal to baby boomers than to younger woman, but most adults will readily relate.
The artwork: The scan (click to enlarge) is from the first page of the book and gives you a good idea of Hayden's style and the general tone of the book. Hayden is quite good at conveying facial expressions and action, and I like her asides and footnotes. All the panels are done in pen and black ink.

12 comments:

(Diane) bookchickdi, 1/20/14, 7:17 AM: I don't know too many graphic novels aimed at this demographic, it sounds intriguing.
bermudaonion, 1/20/14, 8:09 AM: I have a feeling I'd like that one too!
Daryl, 1/20/14, 9:01 AM: i am still on the fence about graphic novels and i am not a lover of short stories i always feel cheated, i know .. insane

but you chose well, that was a funny relatable 'story'

thanks
JoAnn, 1/20/14, 9:06 AM: I usually read one or two graphic novels/memoirs each year, but just realized I don't have any on my 2013 list. Will keep an eye out for this one.
grammajudyb, 1/20/14, 10:02 AM: I have only had one experience at reading a graphic novel and it was BAD. I did not realize that there was a different kind of graphic novel. I may check my library. Thanks for sharing.
Heather, 1/20/14, 10:34 AM: This sounds fantastic. I will have to get my hands on this one. I love graphic novels anyway, but I especially love the biographical ones!
Kailana, 1/20/14, 11:55 AM: I definitely need to break my library ban and get some graphic novels.
Amanda, 1/20/14, 1:55 PM: I'm glad I'm not the only one who reads comics that are not based around super heros!
Vasilly, 1/20/14, 6:36 PM: I see it's your turn to add a graphic memoir to my tbr list! ;-)
Becca, 1/20/14, 7:58 PM: I really love graphic novels that are not comics or manga. They have a lot of good ones about various cultures that I have liked. The author might be talking about some things like marriage and children that I don't identify with but it still looks like it could be an interesting quick read.
rhapsodyinbooks, 1/21/14, 7:46 AM: The artwork looks very appealing - I am checking for this one at our library!
Alice Audrey, 1/21/14, 4:07 PM: I've tried to describe what it was about the 60's that made such a difference in our culture to my kids. They don't get it.