I’ve humbly ran into your book at the local Borders next to the college campus where I’m currently studying to be a graphic designer; but I’m hoping that it’ll take me even further into the world of graphic novels and illustration. I was so eager to rush over to the bookstore after class in order to finish one of the most thought-provoking reads ever. It was amazing to see that there is an artist out there who has gone through similar lived experiences while growing up in the church. As much as I felt dedicated to attending church and being social among my Christian peers, it was somewhat hard for me to “fit in”, for lack of better words.
Just when I felt so distant from my own church home I read your book and it just reassured me that it’s just natural to question faith and to not be afraid of sharing your talents. I sincerely believe that they are gifts we choose to accept; and art is what helps us understand the human condition.
All in all I want to thank you for sharing your book with the rest of us who have been going through difficult struggles with our own spirituality. And to remind us that we are not all perfect, but it should not hinder us from doing great feats.
Gracias y God bless.
]]>I’ve tried in the past to come up with a succinct message conveying all the emotion and gratitude I feel for you having brought this book into the world. But it seems that anything I see as adequate in that respect is not succinct, and anything of reasonable length couldn’t possibly express everything I had to say about your beautiful work. I just hope you know how many lives you have touched – and that the impact has not merely been quantitative, but that the people who have been moved by this book have been moved deeply and abidingly. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for sharing it bravely and honestly. That’s what makes it resonate. ]]>
I have never read anything that so closely parallels my experience with American Christianity, and then deeper with a sincere personal experience of the Bible and whatever god is, which then results in sincerely moving beyond all of that.
The disillusionment with group experience (yes!), the horrid hypocrisy of many Christian teen-agers, the constant push to sacrifice, endless self-questioning, praying, praying, praying, Ecclesiastes, being spotted by pastors who encourage you to go into the ministry, the refuge from family life in spirituality…
I was so upset with the way the relationship with Raina ended, and then I remembered how I dropped all my classes the night before beginning college, because “God” didn’t want me to pursue worldly knowledge. Hey, I’ve even been to a personal book-burning that my dad did.
My mother got a sudden conviction about “images” (2nd commandment) when I was 9 and made me stop drawing…
It’s been 9 or 10 years since I’ve been “in church”… and dealt with my community completely cutting me off. This book brought up a lot for me that I really have succeeded in forgetting but maybe still need to deal with.
One thing: I would love to hear more about your journey (to enlightenment? out of Bibilical brainwashing?) I was disappointed with how quickly that happened in the book. I’m sure there was a longer process for you, which perhaps wouldn’t appeal to a larger audience.
It’s just so encouraging to know that there are other people out there with a similar experience to mine: I have yet to meet one. My dear partner and son, who I love so much and am so happy to raise without any religion, have absolutely no idea what it’s been like.
Once again: thank-you so much. I’m sure it took a lot of courage to tell your story, especially knowing your parents and family would read it.
Louise ]]>
, it kind of looks as if it could be the super cool, ultra-muscley big brother of the normal version 
.
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