A Comic by Mark Tatulli, for Book Lovers

 

 

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Due to time constraints, I kind of slopped this comic up here without adding further comment. And I think that’s valid, you know. Let the work stand on its own, without me trying to influence how you experience it.

And also, hey, I was busy.

But I love this comic, which was originally shared by my friend (and poet), Mary Lee Hahn. I think it’s deep and poignant, chilling even. It delivers far more than a quick diversion or momentary chuckle.

Think of this world. Think of the messages children hear. Or what we all hear, every day. We are defined and judged and far too often found wanting by this anonymous media monster that surrounds us, like a many-tentacled sea monster pulling down another ship.

We’re too fat, too poor, not good enough.

And then, silence.

And books. That deep, wide-open space we give ourselves when we open a book, and another, and another. Reading is such a gift, and it’s been central to my life for many, many years. Today, I just feel grateful for the reading life.

The interior life.

Thank you, Mark Tatulli, for expressing it so simply, so eloquently.

 

 

One comment

  1. Mary Lee Hahn says:

    Yup. You totally nailed the contrast between those two panels — the noise, the awful messages from the media…and the silence, “the interior life.”

    Thanks for making sure I saw this post! Hope all is well in your world. We are on the brink of a new school year in which I can attempt to get kids to fall into your books!!

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