A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings

By Will Betke-Brunswick,

Book cover of A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings

Book description

A Finalist for the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Comics

A Modern Mrs. Darcy's Best Book of Fall

A Shondaland Best Book of November

“Filled with moments of tenderness and humor.” ―Library Journal, Starred Review

An unexpected and poignant debut graphic memoir about a close-knit family approaching loss, and…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Will Betke-Brunswick’s book is a gem of a graphic memoir that skillfully navigates both hope and loss.

As much a story about coming of age in a queer body as an illness narrative, I was struck by the playful tone of the illustrations (Betke-Brunswick depicts themself and other human characters as penguins) juxtaposed against the serious nature of the subject matter—the slow goodbye and ongoing grief of losing a mother to cancer. It’s a combination that doesn’t seem like it should work, but the resulting story is resonant and unforgettable.

Want books like A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings.

Browse books like A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in cancer, family, and coming of age?

Cancer 125 books
Family 4,052 books
Coming Of Age 1,353 books