I just finished this title and still putting my thoughts together. While I can’t quite put my finger on why yet, some of the artistic choices hindered the pace (it felt like 300 pages, not 200ish) of this graphic novel. But, I also appreciated the use of maps as a way of showing the role of geography on frontline communities (and as someone who studied environmental law, I appreciated how Ahn used his art to draw a direct parallel between Katrina and the disasters in CA).

Though I found the part about sudden vision loss very interesting, the rest of the story read as scattered, and self-centered without a point or plot. For a story about working for others and a life of service, it came across as whiney and dissatisfied. Trimming out some of the complaining would also bring it to a more reasonable length.

This book was really beautiful. There were so many powerful stories told throughout the novel. I love graphic novels and especially love using them in the classroom and encouraging my students to read them. I think this is a perfect example because it takes hard and sometimes boring topics and creates an engaging easier to follow story. This is something I would love to see my students study in class and would also be neat to use in collaboration with their social studies or science class as a crossover lesson!

I loved reading about eddies life work and family dynamics. He is the perfect example of giving back to the community and what it truly means to be a Good Samaritan even when it feels like your not appreciated.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of ADVOCATE by Eddie Ahn through the PW Grab A Galley giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Eddie Ahn's Advocate follows his life as he builds his career and reckons with the past that created him. Truly a remarkable graphic novel that Eddie did all by himself, and it was splendid to read. It reminds me a lot of Fun Home by Allison Bechdel, so I would only recommend this graphic novel to those who are already familiar with the genre.

I didn’t know much about Eddie Ahn before reading this graphic novel, but I learned that he is quite an impressive person. He has really been an advocate for environmental justice, and is someone we should we talking about.

The way Eddie used art to tell his story was really interesting. I especially appreciated the way he used color to indicate different periods in his life, as well as to show when his story was switching between eras. This story also felt more real than those I’ve read about other advocates; often we only see the positive impacts of the hard work people put in to the causes they care about. However, the story Ahn tells truly shines light on the difficult aspects of working as an advocate. He shows that the environmental work he did was no easy feat, leaving him tired and broke. Eddie leaves us with the question of how to balance work and time with family, as he wonders whether he should have been more available for the people in his life. This was a poignant way to end his memoir and left me reflecting on my own time spent working.

Graphic novels are at the top of my favourites genres. I was excited to get my hands on Advocate as I love the theme of family and immigration.

I enjoyed Eddie's life story. It was full of beautifully illustrated stories throughout his life. It is full of ups and downs. The illustrations were incredibly well done. Where this memoir fell short for me was the writing. I often find that with graphic memoirs there is too much being said and not enough being shown. Although the photos added to the story, they could have given more direction to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Too descriptive to my liking… it captures the author’s life from early years. and the ARC is blurry it’s really hard to read.

Advocate is a unique graphic novel that documents Eddie Ahn's childhood, education and professional growth as an environmental advocate. This book touches upon many topics including, growing up in a struggling immigrant family and the associated challenges with racism and economic inequality. Mr. Ahn works incredibly hard supporting communities at need, earning a law degree and leading a non-profit organization, Brightline Defense committed to environmental justice.

I was impressed and moved by Mr. Ahn's storry and tenacity. I would have liked more description of the specific environemntal science that Brightline worked on and how it tied to under served communities. Mr. Ahn's story is inspiring and I recommend it, especially for young adults looking for how they can make a difference in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Graphic novel, memoir of a Korean American in the nonprofit world & as an environmental justice attorney
Family history in Korea and immigration & importance documenting the journey
What it’s like working for nonprofits, with kids & through transactional relationships
Familial expectations about education, jobs and relationship with money. The value of a life of service rather than one spent only seeking monetary wealth.
Detailed drawings of San Francisco buildings & neighborhoods