While in Berkeley for the weekend, I accompanied my dear friend Ruth to the Albany branch of the local library here. While waiting for her, I perused the graphic novel section and came across this gem by Marguerite Abouet. At first, I was simply intrigued by AYA, but about 10 minutes in and onward, I couldn’t put the book down. Completely engrossed. The work is genuinely honest and full of humor, as well as tackling some serious issues involving women’s place and issues in the contemporary Ivory Coast. Needless to say, I fell in love instantly and have already put in an online order to get this volume. I keep finding such incredible works like this one lately that I sincerely wish I had access to as a child. If I had read AYA, with all the inspiration I’ve gathered from it just from this past day, imagine an entire childhood filled with such a gift. At the very least, having it with me, I certainly would have felt less alone.
(File under: Sources to include in thesis.)
