Week 12 Prompt Response

The Readers' Advisory Matrix: Everything Is an Emergency: An OCD Story in Words & Pictures by Jason Adam Katzenstein 

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

• Highly narrative (reads like fiction)
• A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose)
• Highly fact based (has few or no narrative moments)

2. What is the subject of the book?

The book takes an intimate look at the author's struggles with OCD as a child and through adulthood. This is depicted through narrative storytelling accompanied by illustrations. 

3. What type of book is it? 

A graphic novel memoir 

4. Articulate appeal

What is the pacing of the book? 

The pacing of the book is quick because of the short text and images on almost every page. 

Describe the characters of the book. 

The main character of the book is the author himself, Jason Adam Katzenstein. Although not a character, he writes and illustrates his OCD and anxiety as if it were a person. 

How does the story feel? 

The story starts off dark and emotional but eventually presents itself to be uplifting. It also feels inspiring for those who live with the same struggles as the author. The story conveys that things can get better even when they feel incredibly hopeless. 

What is the intent of the author? 

The intent of the author is to share his personal story with OCD in hopes that it resonates with other people struggling with the same thing. 

What is the focus of the story? 

The focus of the story is how OCD and anxiety can take over your life; often you don't feel like you have control. It focuses on how the author sought help for his mental illness but even with help and medication, it is still an everyday battle. 

Does the language matter? 

Yes

Is the setting important and well described? 

There are a few instances when the setting is important and not only described but is accompanied by illustrations. 

Are there details, and, if so, of what? 

There are details of how the author's OCD manifests itself. This looks different for everyone so he must provide what that looks like for him. For example, he provides details of what his intrusive thoughts look like. These include thoughts of harming others and fear of being contaminated. 

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? 

The entire book contains illustrations to accompany the text. They are detailed and provide useful context to his stories. 

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? 

The book highlights moments where the author realizes he can not tackle this alone. He talks about how he sought out therapy to help him manage his compulsions, obsessions, and intrusive thoughts. 

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)? 

1.   learning/experience                2.  tone               3. storyline