#40 [2024/CBR16] Impossible People: A Complete Average Recovery Story by Julia Wertz

I like to read at least one graphic novel a year, just for something a little different. This year I found Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story (2023) by Julia Wertz on NPR's Favorite Books List. I have not read anything by Julia Wertz before, so I came into this story knowing almost nothing about her. She is a cartoonist and writer who has written a number of comic books, graphic novels and created comics for The New Yorker. She was based in New York City for many years (and where this book takes place), but has since relocated to California.

I am lucky enough to not struggle with any kind of major addictions in my life. I sometimes see judgment passed on addicts from people who do not understand the demons they are facing. It is easy for me not to drink because I do not like it. I'm also not facing any emotional struggles where drinking would be a release. So, even though it is difficult to see people making decisions that can literally ruin their lives and deeply impact friends and family, I don't really understand what they're going through. It's easy to say, "just stop drinking," but it's usually more complicated than that.

In Impossible People Wertz describes her relationship with alcohol, how she slowly realized it was a problem, and how she took steps to work on it. There was growth and setbacks, but there was also a slow trajectory towards more healthy behavior. Wertz went to a number of AA meetings, which gave her support, and helped her from being so isolated.

In between Wertz's struggle with alcohol was her living her usual life in New York City. Wertz lived in an illegal basement apartment, she was an accomplished cartoonist who shared an office with other successful women, and she liked to go exploring in abandoned buildings throughout the city. Wertz also discusses a little of her dating life: the wrong man, as well as the one who got away.

I always like seeing a glimpse into a unique person's life, and this book was no different. I enjoyed Wertz's drawings and storytelling. I felt like I got to understand her, and her story felt like a real person trying to figure herself out. Nothing monumental is happening here, and there isn't much of a grand story arc, but I thought it was well done.