Theme
The theme for the 2023-24 Common Experience is “Neurodiversity: A Celebration of How Our Brains Work and Play"
Sensory: Life on the Spectrum: An Autistic Comics Anthology
by Bex Ollerton
Overview of Text:
Courtesy of Amazon
Sensory: Life on the Spectrum contains illustrated explorations of everything from life pre-diagnosis to tips on how to explain autism to someone who isn't autistic, to suggestions for how to soothe yourself when you’re feeling overstimulated. With unique, vibrant comic-style illustrations and the emotional depth and vulnerability of memoir, this book depicts these varied experiences with the kind of insight that only those who have lived them can have.
Bird Brain: Comics About Mental Health, Starring Pigeons
by Chuck Mullin
Overview of Text:
Courtesy of Amazon
When Chuck Mullin began experiencing anxiety and depression as a teenager, she started drawing comics to help her make sense of the rollercoaster. Eventually, she found that pigeons—lovably quirky, yet universally reviled creatures—were the ideal subjects of a comic about mental illness. Organized in three sections—'Bad Times,' 'Relationships,' and 'Positivity'—and featuring several short essays about the author's experiences, Bird Brain is a highly relatable, chuckle-inducing, and ultimately uplifting collection of comics for anyone who has struggled to maintain their mental health.
My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorder
by Monzusu
Overview of Text:
Courtesy of Amazon
This intimate manga collection follows nine adults with developmental disorders as they outline their struggles and triumphs. Experience the stories of a high school dropout’s new path to education; a person seeing the world through new eyes thanks to their medication; a father and daughter learning to thrive together, and more. This manga illustrates diverse anxieties but also self-empowerment in learning to navigate a world not built with everyone in mind.