What I Just Read

A few months back I saw the graphic novel Laika, by Nick Abadzis at a local book store. I was fascinated by the beautiful, non "traditional" look of the art and by the subject matter as well.

But I didn't buy it, because I have a hard time with books about dogs. The last dog book I read was My Life in Dog Years by Gary Paulsen and I probably cried for three weeks after finishing it.

I stumbled across Laika again last Saturday at the library and, having a couple hours to kill, I read the whole thing on the spot - despite the fact that I knew I'd be struggling with my emotions in a public place. I bit my lip, my tongue, looked away, stopped and read other books at times to maintain composure, but it's probably better I was in public. If I was in private I would have been a sobbing mess.

But that's a good thing, because Nick Abadzis, through his beautiful graphic style, was able to tell an honest, emotional story based on the life of Laika, Earth's First Astronaut.

From :01 First Second Books:

Earth's First Astronaut

Laika was the abandoned puppy who grew up to become Earth’s first space traveler. This is her story.

Nick Abadzis masterfully blends fact and fiction as he recounts Laika’s journey — from the streets of Moscow to the Soviet space program, and then to her fateful final journey on Sputnik 2. Moving words and powerful pictures relate the history of this momentous event and the political landscape surrounding it, through the life of this small, curly-tailed dog. Poignant and authentic, Laika's story speaks straight to the heart.

I recommend this book to any and every fan of the graphic storytelling medium.