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Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo and Me

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo and Me is Ellen Forney's candid graphic memoir recounting her diagnosis with bipolar disorder just before her thirtieth birthday. Through black-and-white illustrations and prose, Forney explores her intense experiences of mania and depression while grappling with the fear that medication might dull her creativity. Drawing inspiration from other artists and writers with mood disorders, she combines personal narrative with researched insights into the clinical challenges of bipolar disorder and the complex relationship between mental illness and artistic brilliance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This memoir will particularly appeal to readers interested in graphic novels, mental health, and the creative process, including those who appreciate authentic, personal stories on mood disorders and artistry.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Humorous, insightful and occasionally outrageous graphic memoir of an artist suffering from (but enjoying) bipolar disorder.

Humorous, insightful and occasionally outrageous graphic memoir of an artist suffering from (but enjoying) bipolar disorder.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Washington Post's Top 10 Graphic Novels 2012

'An unflinching and frequently unforgiving narrative of what it means to have bipolar disorder' - John Crace, Guardian

Marbles isn't just a great story; it's proof that artists don't have to be tortured to be brilliant.' - Entertainment Weekly

Shortly before her thirtieth birthday, Forney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Suffering from (but enjoying) extreme mania, and terrified that medication would cause her to lose creativity, she began a long struggle over many years to find mental stability while retaining her creativity.

Searching to make sense of the popular idea of the 'crazy artist', she finds inspiration from the lives and work of other artists and writers who suffered from mood disorders, including Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe, William Styron, and Sylvia Plath. She also researches the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder, including the strengths and limitations of various treatments and medications, and what studies tell us about the conundrum of attempting to "cure" an otherwise brilliant mind.

Darkly funny and intensely personal, Forney's memoir provides a humorous but authentic glimpse into the effects of a mood disorder on an artist's work, as she shares her own story through black-and-white graphic images and prose.

Written & illustrated by Ellen Forney - best known for her work on National Book Award-winning The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Forney's intimate storytelling and expressive drawings that vividly portray the highs of mania and the depths of depression. Kirkus awarded it a starred review for its resonance and artistry, while the Miami Herald highlighted its authentic emotional journey and illuminating art. Entertainment Weekly notes that the memoir demonstrates artists need not be tortured to be brilliant.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472106896

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 August 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Robinson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Ellen Forney is a graphic artist based in Seattle, USA. She is best-known for the illustrations she did for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian which won a National Book Award in the US and has sold 3.664 copies in the UK. Forney suffers from bipolar disorder.

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