Page by Paige

Page by Paige

YA graphic novel
There are some stories that are meant to be told as graphic
novels. The nuanced belnd of narrative and image would be far more
clunky if words had to do all the work. The haunting (and sometimes
halting) process of identity formation is a perfect context for this
genre. Laura Lee Gulledge's Page by Paige is a marvelous example.
Paige and her parents (and cat, Harley) have moved to New York
from Virginia, leaving behind all her friends. City life feels
strange. She misses wildlife, mountains, and a house with a porch.
Her mother's nonstop upbeat excitement leaves her tired and grouchy.
Paige is an artist at a crucial juncture in her life. Other
people including her parents see her as a quiet girl who draws. She
senses another self hidden away.
"I want to get to know this other me, but I don't know her well enough
yet to be her all the time. Living quietly feels safer. But artists
draw inspiration from challenges, right?"
This quirky coming of age novel will appeal to anyone who has
had to move and start over in a new place or has wondered if there is
more to her/himself than the persona the world perceives--anyone who
must find the courage to take a leap of faith.
On a personal note, the weather was perfect for the UMaine Healthy
High. That's a 5 and 10K race with a 1 mile run walk. Real Food
Challenge had a team with runners and cheerers. (Since I'd donated
blood I was one of the cheerers. Red Cross nurses had been very clear
on that score.) We had really cool purple RFC shirts with running
carrots. There was great music that gave me an adrenalin rush that
let me cut the rug, or actually pavement. (Red Cross nurses
fortunately hadn't said anything about dancing. Back in my child
bearing days I'd done the macarana the morning after a C section.) An
ice cream truck was on the scene with refreshing summery goodies.
A great big shout out goes out to Male Arhletes Against Violence.
They frequently table in the Union to remind people that preventing
rape and sexual violence is not just a women's issue. They did the
miler taking turns with gosh awful tall red high heels as a "Man
Enough to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" statement. Gotta respect that.
As a woman who is one of the rape statistics and desperately wants
that to never happen to my daughters I deeply appreciate what they are
crusading for.
jules hathaway





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