Zodiac: A Graphic Memoir Paperback – January 30, 2024

I am really glad that I got this amazing graphic novel for my permanent library at an impressive discount. For now , I am hoping for an autograph, by the author, if only a miraculous event can transpire, somehow. This an amazing teaching book, graphic novel, and I have only glanced at the core of the story line, thus far.

This book is excellent. I couldn’t put it down. Many of the artworks referenced are familiar and it is nice to see a little backstory. The messages are excellent and the drawings beautiful.

This is a Biography of AI WEI WEI beautifully illustrated in a comic book style with each chapter linked to a Chinese Zodiac sign. It is thought provoking, and the drawings themselves need time to be admired and appreciated- This is a biography that has to be read one Zodiac sign at a time, reflected on, thought about of.....

Prior to exploring this book, Ai Weiwei was unfamiliar territory for me. However, his life proved to be intriguing, and I found his art and design style both appealing and captivating. The book engages in meaningful discussions about the nature and purpose of art and poetry, cleverly woven through the unique lens of each Chinese zodiac sign.This graphic novel serves as a crucial analysis of art and freedom in the contemporary world through the perspective of a Chinese activist. While it didn't resonate with me on a personal level, given my aversion to political topics, I firmly believe it's a narrative that deserves global attention. It offers insights into the profound impact governments or political parties can have on our lives, challenging the notion that such influence is confined, and delving into how it reverberates through generations.Drawing inspiration from the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei adeptly interlaces ancient Chinese folklore into tales of his life, family, and career. The narrative encourages readers to embark on a philosophical journey of self-discovery through the realms of art and freedom of expression.A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press.

I wish there were more books/memoirs like this. It is easy to read for someone like me with ADHD and is still layered with meaning and emotion. Beautifully written and illustrated.

Amazing 🤩

I love this book. I want to read it over and over.

Metaphors and corollaries work overtime in this book astrological memoir. The Zodiac here is the Chinese 12 year animal cycle. Each animal provides certain traits that imbue the human being born during that year. The first sign, the rat or mouse, begins the cycle by being competitive and alwayswanting to win. This sets into motion events and reactions positive and negative that everyone has to deal with in order to return to statics. No mention is made of western astrological signs. The author's life story is told with memories, dreams, fables, clashes with authorities and the art world, boredom, demanding dogs, an absent poet father, poverty, blindness, imprisonment, darkness, contrary family members, quarrelsome architects, and mythological creatures. The illustrations by Gianluca Constantini are amazing, amusing, confounding, startling, profuse, and bewildering. The co-writer Electra Stamboulis should be given a medal for forging all the meandering, everything in the wok, narratives into something understandable to us mere mortal and pathetic protoplasm goons. Some condemn western astrology as a violation of the biblical first commandment; "thou shall no other gods before me". Does the CCP condemn eastern astrology as a threat to the authority of the state? Or is it seen as harmless fairy tails?

This is a must-have for all graphic novel collectors. It's a treasure of great artwork, deep thoughts and the memoir of the artist Ai Wei Wei.

I was so happy with my purchase. The book was not new but was in perfect condition.

Good read