Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness (Pantheon Graphic Library)

I love graphic novels; my wife is not a fan. But both of us loved this book. Part memoir, part layman’s scientific expose, this book examines loneliness in all its forms. aspects of this book that were likely written well before become poignant post pandemic, and the author examines pandemic effects as well. I’ve also read her debut graphic novel, which was good, but this book is another level entirely. I’ve read it 3x now. My only criticism, if I had one, is that the author focuses on the work of only a few scientists, though it’s probably because it helps weave a tighter narrative.

This book really opened my eyes to the issue of loneliness that is plaguing our country. From this book I used the bibliography to find more books on the subject. It is a fascinating subject. There aren't really answers as to what we can do it alleviate loneliness, but just being made aware of the challenge to modern day people is a beginning.

Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness is one of my new favorite stories. I have always been a fan of graphic novels, as I believe wholeheartedly in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." This book by Kristen Radtke is the perfect representation of that phrase. I don't want to spoil too much, as I want everyone to experience this amazing tale for themselves. The parallels between the main character and her father are truly a wondrous experience. One panel speaks of a horrific experiment done on a poor monkey, while showing the poor monkey alone, curled up in a ball at the bottom of a well-like structure. Sorry, I'm trying to be as vague as possible in regards to the plot. It truly captures the utter despair that is loneliness. The tone remains somber and grounded in realism, and I really appreciate that. The best part of the story is by far the voice. Of course I cannot get to much into it as I don't want to get spoiler heavy, but it really carries the piece. You care about the narrator, and want them to succeed and conquer their loneliness. Overall, I think this is an excellent choice for readers looking for something a bit more emotionally impactful.

Extremely informative, perceptive and moving use of graphic novel format. One of the few genuinely original treatments of solitude in humans.

It’s a picture book. Way too many pictures. I’m a grown-up who likes to read. I even hate those pictures at road crossings. Use your words!

Beautifully written and illustrated book about something we all experience. Thank you for sewing the seeds of connection with this book.

This book made me sad, especially the parts reaching deeply in the Harlow studies and the inevitability of elderly loneliness.

It was super good. Entertaining, strong narrative, relatable, you will definitely feel very normal after reading this graphic novel

Very creative approach to the topic of loneliness.

As someone living alone for years and expecting to stay that way, it has been handy to buy titles about loneliness discreetly from Amazon rather than have to walk with them to the librarian or bookstore assistant, titles like Lonely: A Memoir by Emily White. This book was written in a mix of a science way but also a poetic way, and I learned a lot from it. The graphic novel format was a really great way of explaining the topic. It can offer comfort to both those newly isolated through Covid lockdowns and to those for whom loneliness was a part of their lives long before Covid restrictions. As I have said before about a couple of books which touched my heart, at the end of reading it I both felt less lonely and less weird for being lonely.

Really don't get the hype about this one. It's a graphics novel but most of the graphics don't match the message.The messages are shit you read on Facebook etc all the time. "Carrying a gun is the loneliest thing you can do. Only of we unarm ourselves can we truly not be lonely" is probably the pinnacle of messages this book has to offer.2 stars because the irrelevant art is actually really good. And the quality of the book and cover is perfection.Shame about the contents.