Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Dancing at the Pity Party

by Tyler Feder

Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.

From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing--but also often funny--details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.

Reviewed by mrs_mander_reads on

5 of 5 stars

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Super poignant and important book about grief. I love how Feder talks about how her grief felt and how certain situations felt both before and after her mother's death. I think it gives great insight on how to approach people dealing with the death of a loved one.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 January, 2021: Finished reading
  • 8 January, 2021: Reviewed