Following along in the path of such graphic novel greats as Maus and Persepolis comes another superior entry into the graphic novel canon – My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris. Winner of three Eisner awards, including Best Graphic Album, My Favorite Thing is Monsters is the story of a young misfit named Karen who investigates the murder of a neighbor in her apartment building. The entire book is styled to look like Karen’s personal diary in a spiral notebook, complete with red and blue lined pages.
From the start, the art of My Favorite Thing is Monsters grabs your attention and doesn’t let go – it is gorgeous and ranges from simple line drawings to caricature to full-color reproductions of famous works of art. Not to be outdone, the story is multi-layered, and although Karen remains the focus of the book, you also get to know her family. The love between them shines through the book, elevating what in other hands would be a depressing story into one touching and real. Karen herself of course is the standout character, and I really connected with the idea of a young misfit latching on werewolves and monsters as a way to cope with being an outsider. All in all, this may be one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. My Favorite Thing is Monsters is a heavy book, and a lot of terrible things happen, but the love of Karen and her family shines through. Even if you have never read a graphic novel before, this is an excellent entry point to the format – the book is visceral, gripping, and I couldn’t put it down.
Review by Shannon Wood
Adult Services Librarian
Nordonia Hills Branch Library
