OK, so, this book.

Wow.

It’s called Picture This by Lynda Barry and is best described as a graphic memoir/how to book.  Confused?  I know.  This book stands all on its own.  It is odd and compelling and dark and deep and delightful.  I have never read anything like it.  Ms. Barry asked herself a simple question: what makes us stop drawing.  She explores the odd notion that so many people have; namely, that they cannot draw.   I haveto admit, she is dead on.  I cannot tell you how many times I hear people tell me they are not “artistic” and they can’t “do art”.  And yet, every child I have ever met is more than capable of picking up a crayon and making something wonderful.   So what happens?  When do we go from happy drawing to this awful self-criticism?  I know I am just as guilty as the next person of this.  But after reading this book, I found myself picking up a pencil and just drawing.  Something silly and simple and childlike and perfect.   And you know what?  I’m actually proud of what I drew.  Me!  The “un-artistic” one!  A great book in a unique form.  See if you can find a copy for yourself.