Harvard Book Store Virtual Event: Adrian Tomine

presenting The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist
in conversation with LEANNE SHAPTON

Harvard Book Store’s virtual event series welcomes ADRIAN TOMINE—acclaimed cartoonist and author of the award-winning graphic novel Killing and Dying—for a discussion of his graphic memoir The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist. He will be joined in conversation by author and artist LEANNE SHAPTON, author of the National Book Critics Circle Award–winning graphic memoir Swimming Studies.

Contribute to Support Harvard Book Store

While payment is not required, we are suggesting a $3 contribution to support this author series, our staff, and the future of Harvard Book Store—a locally owned, independently run Cambridge institution. In addition, by purchasing a copy of The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist on harvard.com, you support indie bookselling and the writing community during this difficult time.

About The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist

What happens when a childhood hobby grows into a lifelong career? The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist, Adrian Tomine’s funniest and most revealing foray into autobiography, offers an array of unexpected answers. When a sudden medical incident lands Tomine in the emergency room, he begins to question if it was really all worthwhile: despite the accolades and opportunities of a seemingly charmed career, it’s the gaffes, humiliations, slights, and insults he’s experienced (or caused) within the industry that loom largest in his memory.

Tomine illustrates the amusing absurdities of how we choose to spend our time, all the while mining his conflicted relationship with comics and comics culture. But in between chaotic book tours, disastrous interviews, and cringe-inducing interactions with other artists, life happens: he fumbles his way into marriage, parenthood, and an indisputably fulfilling existence. A richer emotional story emerges as his memories are delineated in excruciatingly hilarious detail.

In a bold stylistic departure from his award-winning Killing and Dying, he distills his art to the loose, lively essentials of cartooning, each pen stroke economically imbued with human depth. Designed as a sketchbook complete with placeholder ribbon and an elastic band, The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist shows an acclaimed artist at the peak of his career.

Praise for The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist

“In this heartfelt and beautifully crafted work, Adrian Tomine presents the most honest and insightful portrait you will ever see of an industry that I can no longer bear to be associated with.” —Alan Moore, author of Jerusalem

“A wonderful book about feeling morbidly self-conscious while also longing to connect with other people, even though it doesn’t always—i.e. usually doesn’t—work out the way one wants it to. It perfectly captures what it’s like to be a cartoonist, and also what it’s like to be a person.” —Roz Chast, author of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

“I couldn’t put this book down. Tomine’s vulnerability and willingness to share the cringiest moments of his life (ranging from juicy to uproarious to deeply healing) are a reminder to be braver, because what have you got to lose?” —Lisa Hanawalt, author of Coyote Doggirl