How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone (book) by Alex Norris
Bibliographic Information
Title: How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone
Author: Alex Norris
Publisher: Walker Books; a division of Candlewick Press
Copyright Date: 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5362-1788-9
Page Count: 224
Genre/Format
Nonfiction (Emotions)/Graphic
Reading Level/Interest Level
13+ (Publisher)
Awards
None currently; it was nominated for an Eisner for Best Humor Publication in 2024, though.
Summary
The reader is introduced to a character that has questions about love, feelings, and relationships. The character then goes through the panels in the book while exploring four main topics and accompanying questions: 1) All By Myself: Questions About Being Single, 2) A Million Feelings: Questions About Falling in Love, 3) Together: Questions About Being in a Relationship, and 4) Ever After: Questions About What Comes Next. The main character of the comics learns how to love themselves before entering a relationship, how to set boundaries and respect them, how to get through awkward dating scenarios that come up in young adulthood, how to handle break-ups from either side of the relationship and more.
About the Author
Alex Norris
Alex (they/them) is an award-winning cartoonist and author. They are best known for their internet comic series “Webcomic Name.” How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone has been translated into seven languages. They studied English Literature at Bristol University. (The Bent Agency, n.d., Thought Bubble, n.d.)
Critical Evaluation
I loved this book! Readers are treated to delightful advice about love and relationships that is warm and funny. The graphics make a serious topic feel approachable. Readers are invited to think introspectively about their relationship with themselves, their friends, and potential love interests.
“A joyful, substantive look at the feelings and emotions that go along with romantic relationships”
Creative Use for a Library Program
Host a craft night for Valentine’s Day where patrons can make valentines for themselves or their friends.
Speed-Round Talk
Explore the ins and outs of love and relationships in this humorous and uplifting graphic nonfiction guide!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
The author talks about society’s heteronormative and monogamistic expectations for relationships and gives the reader information on how to be themselves. There are a few comical scenes where the characters kiss or touch each other’s butts. The main character asks questions about sexiness and intimacy. People who want to ban this book may reduce the book to these few panels, but they would be ignoring the main message of the book, which promotes healthy relationships.
Reason for Inclusion
This book is so sweet, cute, and funny and gives relevant information about love, feelings, and relationships. Teens and young adults will enjoy the colors, graphics, and information. The book is written from a queer perspective but gives sage advice for everyone.
References
Greenburg, K. (2024, January 12). How to love: A guide to feelings & relationships for everyone [Review of How to love: A guide to feelings & relationships for everyone by Norris, A.]. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/how-to-love-a-guide-to-feelings--relationships-for-everyone
Norris, A. (2023). How to love: A guide to feelings & relationships for everyone. Walker Books.
The Bent Agency. (n.d.). Alex Norris. Retrieved November 9, 2024 from https://www.thebentagency.com/alex-norris
Thought Bubble. (n.d.). Alex Norris. Retrieved November 9, 2024 from https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/alexnorris
Studios 2016 [@giphystudios2016]. (2016, November 18). I got you love GIF by Studios 2016 [GIF]. Giphy. https://giphy.com/gifs/studiosoriginals-love-hug-3o6Zth3OnNv6qDGQ9y
*Book Cover Image is property of publisher, Walker Books; taken from Amazon.