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Graphic Novels to Expand Your Horizons

March 4th, 2024

One of the most fulfilling things about diving into a new book is that you can experience the world through someone else’s eyes. Take your literary exploration one step further by viewing the way another person depicts the world in comics and graphics, through a combination of the creator’s writing and beautiful art.

Check out these graphic novel and nonfiction recommendations guaranteed to expand your horizons.


I'm So Glad We Had This Time TogetherI’m So Glad We Had This Time Together by Maurice Vellekoop

“An incredibly moving, funny, and ultimately triumphant account (spoiler alert!) of what can only be described as a magical fairy tale (pun totally intended!).”
—Anderson Cooper

After growing up in 1970s Toronto, discovering his sexuality in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic, and untangling his heart’s true desire in therapy as an adult, artist and illustrator Maurice Vellekoop paints an enthralling portrait of self-discovery and forgiveness in this hilarious graphic memoir.

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Where Is Anne Frank by Ari Folman

“A fanciful tale that extends Anne’s legacy to the contemporary refugee crisis in Europe and is carried off with graceful drawings by Israeli artist Guberman… Lands a strong message.” —Publishers Weekly

Ari Folman brings Anne Frank’s legendary diary to a life, envisioning her imaginary friend, Kitty, coming to life today, confronting Anne’s legacy, and discovering its meaning in todays world of political strife and refugee crises.

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The Complete Persepolis: 20th Anniversary EditionThe Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

“A memoir of growing up as a girl in revolutionary Iran, Persepolis provides a unique glimpse into a nearly unknown and unreachable way of life…. That Satrapi chose to tell her remarkable story as a gorgeous comic book makes it totally unique and indispensable.” —Time

Persepolis is a classroom staple, a feminist manifesto, and one of the most beloved graphic novels of all time. This stunning edition contains a new introduction by the author in celebration of the book’s 20th anniverary.

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Shubeik LubeikShubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

“The mythic qualities of Mohamed’s world bring our own world into sharper focus . . . The effect is gritty, brazen, and full of spunk.” —The New Yorker

In this brilliant debut, discover a fantastical alternate Cairo where wishes really do come true—and are for sale for those who can afford them.

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Esther's NotebooksEsther’s Notebooks by Riad Sattouf

“Funny, well-observed…contains immense daring and depth…Sattouf has drawn a portrait of a generation.” —Observer, “Graphic Novel of the Month”

This collection of comic strips is a hilarious, heartbreaking, and painfully true life of a girl growing up in Paris, from the acclaimed comic book artist and author of The Arab of the Future.

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BreakdownsBreakdowns by Art Spiegelman

“At once an autobiography, manifesto, rant, and artistic tour de force.” —ARTnews

The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Maus gives readers a glimpse into his mind and introduction into the world of comix in this stunning collection of his early works—now with a new Afterword by the author.

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My Brother's HusbandMy Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame, translated by Anne Ishii

“[A] beautifully rendered meditation on the struggle for gay acceptance in today’s Japan” –CNN

This beautiful manga is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it’s been affected by the West, and how the next generation can change the preconceptions about it and prejudices against it.

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The Art of Charlie Chan Hock ChyeThe Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew

Drawing stylistic inspiration from a myriad of genres, Sonny Liew weaves a fascinating journey of one man, the evolution of comic books, and the political and social history of Singapore. Winner of the 2017 Eisner Award and a best book of the year from The Economist, NPR, and The Washington Post.

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ShoplifterShoplifter by Michael Cho

“This is quite an achievement. . . . Magnificent.” —Graphic Novel Reporter

In this brilliant debut graphic novel, a young woman searches for happiness and self-fulfillment in the big city, while wondering if there’s a way to get more out of life.

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UnterzakhnUnterzakhn by Leela Corman

“[A] touching look at twins who take distinctly different roads in life, but can’t prevent their paths from intersecting” —NPR.org

This mesmerizing, heartbreaking graphic novel explores immigrant life on New York’s Lower East Side at the turn of the twentieth century, as seen through the eyes of twin sisters whose lives take radically and tragically different paths.

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