Invincible Days by Patrick Atangan

Invincible Days by Patrick Atangan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely collection of vignettes by the author of his memories, mostly of his childhood in the eighties. Though the author presents as a Catholic Asian immigrant, the tales can, for the most part, be nostalgic to anyone who remembers the complexities of being a child. These vignettes are often bittersweet and there is a morose air throughout the book especially when midway the topics start to focus on the stroke and eventual death of his 97 year old grandmother. In fact death is a main theme throughout as there are many episodes which involve pets and eventually each ones death and the author's response. Most of the memories come from the author, however, a number have been passed on to him by friends and family and are noted as such. The artwork is adorable and cute reminding me of Japanese children's illustration (not manga, but picture book illustration). Various animals represent the human in each tale and this cuteness balances the melancholy mood of the book's theme which presents moments in childhood which seem pivotal as an adult looking back. This would make a wonderful gift book for any adult but will be especially enjoyed by those who fit one or more of the demographics: Catholic, Asian and/or immigrant.

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