What my peers are saying about Snow Emergency Route - an adoptee graphic memoir :
"A gorgeous masterpiece of multi-layered grief. Sad, smart, and ultimately uplifting."
- Tom Hart, #1 New York Times bestselling graphic memoirist, author of Rosalie Lightning.
“How does the experience of relinquishment influence one’s decisions or abilities to navigate harmful family relationships? Is making the choice to stay in challenging relationships and work through conflict an act of love? Being engrossed in Snow Emergency Route felt like I was in a long conversation with a fellow adoptee that I have known for decades. Von Sien’s visual and oral precision, clarity of expression, and unabashed self reflection captivated me throughout her deeply emotional journey of familial reckoning.”
- Mike Hoyt, author of Hanabata Days
“Lynn has created a graphic memoir that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced adoption, but also with those who appreciate honest expressions of emotional truths. A wonderful example of someone working within a medium they were born to express themselves in. Moving, intelligent, and elegant.”
- Joel Orff, author of Twice Shy, Thunderhead Underground Falls, Waterwise, and Strum And Drang: Great Moments In Rock ‘N’ Roll
With so few copies out there, I'm truly amazed and heartened by positive communication I've received about Snow Emergency Route - an adoptee graphic memoir :
Lynn Von Sien's graphic memoir appeals in so many ways. Her rendering of the Minneapolis of her 1960s and 70s childhood and adolescence is electric as it brings the reader into the place and time. Minneapolis remains the backdrop of most of the story, the place that anchors a woman who, as an adoptee, sometimes desperately needs an anchor. The memoir tells the story of Lynn's relationship with her adoptive mother, explored from the vantage point of caring for her mother as she became increasing ill and ultimately passed. Both the writing and the artwork are fresh, rich, and evocative. It's an unforgettable graphic memoir, insightful with its unflinching exploration of the dislocations and complexities of adoption and family relationships. - Teresa A.
I LOVE it. It's a substantial book, but the beautifully written (and illustrated!), compelling story will pull you to read the entire thing in one sitting! 😆 It's quite emotional, but so wise, tempered with humor and hope. Even if you're not an adoptee, there are so many universal themes woven throughout that will get you thinking. It's a beautiful meditation on family, grief, and identity 💕 - I literally read it cover-to-cover in one go - It's wonderful. - Rachelle W.
Just finished reading your book this morning- beautiful, funny, sad, poignant and real - thank you - Ashley S.
Gorgeous drawings, vivid dialogue, and honest voice with a touch of nostalgia. Highly recommended! - Kathryn K.
It may sound like hyperbole, but when I got to the last page, I heard my inner voice saying, “This is the best book I’ve ever read.” I’ve been wrestling with that thought for a few weeks now, and I still can’t think of a book that hit me on so many levels. It’s good, it’s great. I loved it. - Linda A.
Wow! I love it! The story and the drawings work so well together. You and I had different life experiences but it still brought back a lot of my own memories and emotions. - Dan S.
I finished the book today. You feel so many of the same things as I do. Thank you for writing this. You gave me agency for my feelings. - Jean E.
Well, I finished the book. I laughed and cried. It’s been years since I’ve finished a book in one sitting. Great book. An honest examination of a mother-daughter relationship, adoptive mom and biological mom. - Alfredo C.
I couldn't put it down. Loved it. - Amy V.
Your story is so powerful and well-told. I've never really thought much about people who are adopted, and this really opened my eyes to the perspective of the adoptee. I can relate to a lot of what you wrote about. - Alice D.
I really admire the intimacy of the memories and experiences you're sharing. Making art of our pains and pleasures in order to connect with others is a rare talent indeed. It's truly fantastic! I just finished it and I couldn't help but cry.... It's so well done and honest and insightful! - Aaron C.