THE SHINIEST JEWEL Advance Reviews

By Kristen from Massachusetts
Word Delicacy

Marian Henley’s The Shiniest Jewel is a graphic memoir similar in style to Craig Thompson’s Blankets. Published by Springboard Press, Jewel is touching, real, sad, sweet and honest. Henley’s drawings as well as her words tell the story of an emotional journey through a time of great change in her life. The book centers around the process of adopting a child from Russia but also follows Henley as she copes with the loss of her father, the milestone of turning 50 and the marriage to her long-time partner. Henley deals with themes of death, grief, commitment, motherhood, father/daughter issues and waiting with a delicate and refined sense of humor. Reading the book in its graphic form is a bit like watching a movie. I actually had to read it through twice to fully delve into everything Henley had to say with this work. The pictures and imagery tell one story and add balance, metaphor and significance when needed. But text is also important in moving the narrative along, and the first time reading it I was enthralled with the story line and what the outcome would be. Her use of a cartoon version of the heart to represent the emotional “heart” was a very successful element running through the novel.

Henley is a cartoonist best know for her dry, comedic character Maxine! The Shiniest Jewel is a departure from her cartooning in both tone and style her fans will most likely not expect what they find when they pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised by it, however, and hope we see more in the graphic novel genre from her in the future.

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By Lynn from Pennsylvania

I’m glad this turned out to be the first graphic novel I have read. I loved the pictures that went along with the story. I planned to get the review up the day after I received the book, but took it to work to share with my co-workers in our Permanency/Adoption program. We may want to get copies for prospective adoptive parents.

Marian Henley chronicles the ups and downs of adopting a child from Russia. The paperwork and approval processes can be daunting. (I work in human services and am quite used to the lengthy paperwork and background checks required.)

She talks about the excitement when she receives the photo of little Sergey. Then the anxiety when it comes time to share with her family that she plans to adopt…a child from Russia. Intertwined with the adoption is her father’s health problems. She experiences many bouts of frustration when things aren’t going right. Surprisingly, I found her very accepting of the required bribes in Russia (a Hermes scarf, for one). She describes her feelings when she finally meets her child for the first time, and being aware of his potential health problems.

The story of her engagement was funny. It put me in mind of a cat coughing up a hairball. Where did she find this guy - he is one of a kind and sounds wonderful!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - including all of the emotional ups and downs. The title is The Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story and it is truly a love story, not only love for the child, but for her whole family.

My only question is why go to Russia when there are so many children here who need homes? Perhaps it was her age, or she that she wanted a baby. There are many kids over the age of 6 who are hoping to find loving, permanent homes.

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By Ali from Oregon
Worducopia

Readers who have been through international adoption will likely enjoy Henley’s take on it, though the details of her experience are hardly unique. But it’s on a deeper level that this book shines: reconciling society’s views of what makes a fit parent with Henley’s image of herself as a person; grappling with her fear of marital commitment to her partner, while watching her parents confront the obstacles of ill health and aging together; struggling to connect with her ailing and distant father.

He had complications after surgery. Nothing serious, but enough to keep him lingering. I felt helpless to help. All I could to was sit and be with him. We didn’t talk much, but then again … we never had. It had taken me years to understand that his silence was not condemnation, even though that’s exactly how it felt.

As the book nears its conclusion, Henley delves into a sidestory that at first seems tangential: a letter her father wrote to his parents after a terrible battle during World War II. The letter shows her father in a different light than Henley has seen (and portrayed) him, and, by showing his trust in his parents as a young man fresh from trauma, brings the story full circle. As Henley’s relationship with her aging father nears its end, her relationship with her young son is newly forming. It’s the highlight of the book; an ending that sticks.

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By Mary from Florida

To limit this book by calling it an adoption story would not do it justice. It is the heartfelt memoir of a woman nearing fifty who decides she wants a child, and how that choice affects the other aspects of her life. And, as with any children, nothing goes according to plan!

Marian Henley enjoys her single life as a successful cartoonist. She’s been dating Rick, whom she met at a concert one night, for seven years now. Marriage was never in her plans. She’s waiting now to hear about adopting Sergey, a sweet-looking little boy in a Russian orphanage. But the waiting game is not going the way she had hoped. And in the meantime her elderly father is growing ill and declining.

The story is told in the format of a comic book, and while you’ll certainly chuckle at a healthy peppering of Henley’s zingers in the text, the ups and downs of her journey towards motherhood will make you feel her disappointment and frustration, and the hurt of watching her father slowly dying before her eyes. The pace is brisk–it was so engaging I finished the book in just a few days!

As an adoptee myself, I always find I have something I can relate to in any adoption account, and this was no exception. Having found my birth mother, I have found contentment and peace that being adopted was really the best option for my life. By sharing her personal account, Henley contributes much to both the literary and adoption communities.

The author has contributed to many national magazines and newspapers, and live-action versions of her art work have aired on television. She has also published 2 other books. Readers can look for The Shiniest Jewel from Springboard Press in September 2008.

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By Marya from Iowa

I am not a graphic novel reader, but I enjoyed The Shiniest Jewel by Marian Henley maybe because it was a memoir, one of my favorite genres.

I particularly enjoyed the parts relating to her trips to Russia. I spent a lot of time in the former Soviet Union and was surprised that the post-Soviet Russia of ordinary people seems so similar to that of the Soviet era. Perhaps it’s true that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Marian Henley is to be applauded for this revealing and emotional novel. Her relationship with her parents and friends is well represented, anyone can relate to the nervousness involved in telling one’s parents about plans to do something of which they may or may not approve. No matter how old we get to be, we remain children to our parents.

Marian Henley also gently but truthfully conveyed the fears of a woman much older than her partner. It reminded me of Agatha Christie’s tale of her second marriage to a much younger Max Mallowan in her memoir, Come, and Tell Me How You Live.

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By Cynthia from Washington

The Shiniest Jewel - Gorgeous, funny and will just break your heart.

Marian Henley, the creator of the cartoon Maxine, is set to release a graphic memoir in September about her odyssey to adopt a child from Russia at the age of 50. I loved every moment of the story. I laughed, and I cried–for Henley captured the emotions of her journey so very well and conveyed them honestly to the reader. This is one of the most beautiful memoirs and effective graphic novels out there and would be great for discussions regarding the pros and cons of stepping outside of the social norms i.e., defying the culturally set age limits for certain milestones in life. Another aspect of this book is that it is a graphic novel and for readers who are not familiar with this popular outlet, The Shiniest Jewel would be an excellent starting point.

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By Gail from Pennsylvania
Notes from Campy Swampy
Ezine Articles

Being familiar with Ms. Henley’s cartoons I couldn’t wait to open up my advanced reading copy of The Shiniest Jewel. For those not familiar with graphic novels this is a story with a complex plot that is illustrated in comic book format. It has a beginning, middle and end and it’s aimed at mature readers.

This graphic memoir is a powerful look at one woman’s emotional experience with international adoption. It also chronicles how the process affected her relationships with family and friends, especially her father.

Henley allows readers an honest look into her personal life without pulling any punches - not an easy thing to do. I empathized with her fears, becoming furious at the endless bureaucratic red tape and the waiting. But I also rejoiced when she brought home her beautiful new son. She confides in the reader as if we were old friends. I felt like I knew her.

Henley is a compelling storyteller and a talented cartoonist. I was hooked on page one. The narrative is heartrending without being sentimental; amusing and witty without being riotous. The drawings are the backbone of the book effectively conveying the substance of the story.

And it’s an emotional story on many levels. I especially appreciated the graphic tribute to her father. In October 1944 he was a 24 year old navy lieutenant. The letter he wrote home when his three best friends were killed by a bursting shell had me in tears.

But rest assured it’s not all sad. Henley’s wry humor pervades. It’s hard to convey the visual jokes but being a cat person my favorite was the sketch depicting the merger of two cat families - four cats being stuffed in a blender.

I read the story in one sitting and I know I’ll be picking it up again for a second read. It will be for sale on September 15th and I highly recommend it.

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for “Romantic Times BOOKreviews” magazine and her work has been published in the “Cup of Comfort” Anthologies.

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By Kelly from Colorado

Yesterday, I received an advanced copy of The Shiniest Jewel by Marian Henley. Much to my amazement (I do not normally do this), I read the entire book in one sitting. This was a well-written, informative, and moving yet fun account (in comic strip format) of the author’s adoption of a child from outside of the United States of America. The author also has expertly woven into her primary story line the story of her father’s death the impact of her parents’ relationship during those last days on the author’s decision regarding whether or not she should marry her long-time partner. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to all of my friends.

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By Mary Beth from New York

Graphic Novels aren’t just for kids. It’s a medium that’s been around for many years, some may claim since cave paintings. Although graphics appear as comic book fodder, do not be deceived. While humor abounds, this graphic memoir is an ingenious method for delivering Marian ’s message The Shiniest Jewel; A Family Love Story.

Jewel is a memoir chronicling self-proclaimed “over-the-hill” Henley’s journey to adopt her first child from Russia at the age of 49. Simultaneously, as life seems to heap emotional experiences in the two for one category, Henley’s father undergoes surgery.

Distance separates Henley who lives in Austin, Texas from her parents in Dallas as well as her par amour Rick and her hoping-to-soon-be-adopted son in Vladivostok Russia. Nothing is close. Nor is it straightforward, including conversing with her parents about her decision to adopt late in life as a single mom, who by the way still rents.

It becomes clear the adoption agencies aren’t particularly fond of Henley’s life style and status. The Russians are not too impressed either. All take plenty of time to deliver this news, leaving Henley dangling for close to a year.

The vexing issues are palpable. What’s not so clear to Henley is the manner in which she needs to communicate with her parents. Dad in particular is a conundrum. It is essential for Henley to understand her father’s silent demeanor. She sees her potential child as a potential old man, and conversely her slowly dying father as a once vibrant youth. In unraveling Dad’s life experiences she finds the insight and subsequent strength to share the journey for which she will soon embark.

The Shiniest Jewel is not a how-to-adopt in a foreign country self-help guide. It’s the support group conversation starter found as ink on the page. It’s loving insight for family and friends who want to better understand what it must be like to go through an adoption process. It’s nuggets of information skillfully packed with illustrations that marry to get their point across. Lastly, it’s a realistic view that life delivers in layers, especially when one feels overwhelmed and severely sleep deprived. There are no one-dimensional approaches when seeking life solutions.

The design behind The Shiniest Jewel is for a quick read, without intimidation. Henley’s age should be no deterrent for those older or younger. Accept her wisdom and wit as timeless and whip through this memoir again and again.

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By Dawn from Massachusetts
She Is Too Fond of Books…

For the past few months I’ve been conducting an informal poll of my book-blogging friends; I hadn’t yet read a graphic novel, and wanted to get their recommendations of where to start. It had to be a successful trial, or I was likely to continue to shun the genre. Marian Henley’s graphic memoir, The Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story, was the perfect place to start, and I won’t hesitate to suggest it to anyone interested in trying the graphic format.

The Shiniest Jewel is indeed a love story; to Henley’s adopted son, her husband, and her father. The book begins as Henley approaches age 50, and follows her life for the next year or so. In the opening pages, Henley realizes that although she is unsure about committing to marrying her long-term love interest (geographical distance and a 13-year age difference are her concerns), she is certain that she wishes to become a mother.

In her memoir, Henley shares the joys and disappointments that she encounters along the way to the international adoption of her son, William. She meets setbacks and stonewalls, yet she perseveres. In tandem to the story of William’s adoption is the tale of the declining health of her father, Bill. Henley recalls the sacrifices her father has made throughout his life, for his friends and for his family. Bill is a man of few words, but “still waters run deep”, as deep as his love for Henley and her growing family. Sitting by his sickbed, Henley recalls “We didn’t talk much, but then again…we never had. It had taken me years to understand that his silence was not condemnation.”

Henley shares her memoir in the graphic format with narration, dialogue bubbles and clever asides. The accompanying drawings are sweet and poignant, illustrating the emotional rollercoaster Henley rode as she journeyed to complete her family. I enjoyed my first foray into reading full-length graphic works! The Shiniest Jewel is a jewel itself, and would be an appropriate and appreciated gift for an adoptive family.

Marian Henley is the creator of the Maxine! syndicated weekly comic strips. She previously published the graphic novel Maxine! and a collection of comic strips called Laughing Gas: The Best of Maxine. More information about Henley and her work can be found at her website.

Springboard Press is part of the Hachette Book Group; their mission is “to publish quality prescriptive and narrative nonfiction books for…Baby Boomers who are in search of inspiration, entertainment, and reinvention in their lives….[T]hese books…range from memoir and popular culture to beauty, well-being, inspiration, relationships, and career.” General non-fiction appeals to me, I have a strong interest in personal memoir, and who can argue with well-being, inspiration and healthy relationships?!? I’ll look forward to reading other quality books from Springboard (although I’ll stamp my feet and say I was born six months too late to be considered a baby boomer!)

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