I’ve read this book before — probably back in the 90s? I have another edition:
But I bought this new edition, because it looked really handsome. But I didn’t re-read it when I got the new edition back in 2017. Now’s the time.
And it’s as fantastic as I remembered. It’s brimming over with emotion — it’s impossible to read these stories/vignettes/scenes without being affected. So it’s very much akin to her comics work — distilled, vulnerable little scenes that feel like they’re the most important thing in the world.
The new edition has an overview of various musical styles… and while I like the artwork, this feels pretty random, and doesn’t add anything to the book. It’s like wat.
But there’s also an afterword that clarifies that the book is pretty much autobiographical, which makes a lot of sense. It certainly feels that way when reading it.
If you’re into her comics, you should read this book, too. (But if you’re buying it used, I’d recommend the original edition, really. It feels less random.)
The Good Times Are Killing Me (1988) by Lynda Barry (buy new, buy used, 4.2 on Goodreads)