Overview

Not Funny Ha-Ha is a bold, slightly wry graphic novel illustrating the lives of two young women from different cultural, family, and financial backgrounds who go through two different abortions (medical and surgical). It follows them through the process of choosing a clinic, reaching out to friends, partners, and/or family, and eventually the procedure(s) itself. It simply shows what happens when a woman goes through it, no questions asked. Despite the fact that so many women and girls have abortions every day, in every city, all around us, it can be a lonely experience. Not Funny Ha-Ha is a little bit technical, a little bit moving, and often funny, in a format uniquely suited to communicate. The book is meant to be a non-judgmental, comforting, even humorous look at what a woman can go through during an abortion. Although the subject matter is heavy, the illustrations are light. The author takes a step back from putting forth any personal opinion whatsoever, simply laying out the events and possible emotional repercussions that could, and often do occur.

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9781606998397

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Reviews

Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you re facing, and then convince you that you''re going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor. --Ellen Forney

Hayes takes care to tell the story from two points of view, highlighting different procedures in different circumstances, while paying close attention to the processes that often get left out of broader discussions.--Brian Heater Judgment-free, but still witty and brutally honest enough to demystify the topic.--Chris Huqueriza An amazingly thoughtful, empathetic guide to abortion.--Calvin Reid The book explains medical jargon and breaks down the physical process of having a termination, while still offering a very human portrayal of the experience.--Natasha Preskey Leah Hayes' book is simply astounding! This abortion handbook should be a staple in every sex ed class throughout the country. But what's most remarkable is Hayes' non-political, commonsense, and compassionate approach to abortion. ...[I]t's human, humane, and full of information that every person should have and many try to deny people from having. This is the rare book that is bigger than the sum of its parts.--Benn Ray A warm and understated book that boldly takes on the topic of abortion through the eyes of two distinct young women undergoing different procedures. It's a warm embrace of one of the last truly taboo subjects.--Brian Heater The Best Comics of 2015 Hayes takes on the subject of what to expect when you get an abortion with a clearheaded non-judgmental style...--Heidi MacDonald ...Leah Hayes's straightforward take on the issue of choice and abortion could be titled 'most sadly necessary graphic novel of 2015.' She tells the story of two women from different cultural backgrounds exercising their legal right to reproductive healthcare, with a mind toward dispelling the mystery, mythology, judgment and loneliness that accompanies the process. That task requires a touch that is simultaneously light and assured; Hayes delivers.--Rob Salkowitz Ten Best Graphic Novels of 2015 Upfront, conversational and helpful, breaking down medical terminology into easy to absorb language; the graphic novel format lends itself to the comforting tone of the book...like an open, warm conversation about something potentially hard and scary.--Rachel Kramer Bussel With clarity and compassion, she walks readers through the emotions and medical decisions involved in having an abortion. ... The drawings throughout are affecting and vulnerable... Hayes's bunched and slanted lettering is as tenderly expressive as her portraiture - every mark of her hand is set to paper with pure empathy. This book is sure to be a comfort and friend to women who need it for years to come.--Sean Rogers Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you're facing, and then convince you that you're going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor.--Ellen Forney (Marbles, I Love Led Zeppelin) Hayes' bold and even courageous book looks set to be one of the most important and practical additions to the canon so far.--Tom Murphy [Hayes] takes the reader, step by step, through different aspects of the procedure, covering everything from the confused emotional feelings that can accompany the decision to abort, to what a woman might expect at the doctor's office before, after and during an abortion. ... The book, in parts, almost feels like a personal note, from one woman to another.--Carolina A. Miranda It's easy to imagine the book becoming a kind of hand-me-down classic to teen girls; it's easy to forget that a book this seemingly simple has to be made with impeccable care and craft.--Dan Kois The 10 Best Comics of 2015 Hayes' illustrations are straightforward and witty. She defines technical terms and medical processes, while still managing to capture the deeply personal, human side of the reproductive decisions a woman makes.--Nina Friend I want everyone who is having, has had, or is considering abortion to have this book. I want everyone who is close to someone who has had, is having or is considering abortion to have this book. I want anyone who feels like they just don't or can't understand what it's like to go forward with, or even think about, abortion as an option to have this book. Really, I just want everyone to have this book, period.--Heather Corinna (Founder and Director, Scarleteen) It's hard to remain neutral when discussing abortion, but Hayes' repeated caveats (I'm just a cartoonist; talk to your doctor about anything; this is just informational) do their damnedest to situate her work outside politics and religion. That's a noble goal.--Hillary Brown

It s easy to imagine the book becoming a kind of hand-me-down classic to teen girls; it s easy to forget that a book this seemingly simple has to be made with impeccable care and craft.--Dan Kois The 10 Best Comics of 2015

Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you re facing, and then convince you that you're going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor. --Ellen Forney

I want everyone who is having, has had, or is considering abortion to have this book. I want everyone who is close to someone who has had, is having or is considering abortion to have this book. I want anyone who feels like they just don t or can t understand what it s like to go forward with, or even think about, abortion as an option to have this book. Really, I just want everyone to have this book, period. --Heather Corinna

Author Information

Leah Hayes is an illustrator, musician, graphic novelist, songwriter and producer. She has published several books with Fantagraphics, including Funeral of the Heart, Holy Moly, and her latest work, Not Funny Ha-Ha (out June 2015). She also has several albums out with her band, Scary Mansion, writes songs, and produces beats for pop and hip-hop artists.

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