JABSOM Library: Library Updates

Book Buzz: Epileptic

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Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Thanksgiving

Epileptic by David B. is a graphic memoir that explores what it’s like to grow up with a family member living with severe epilepsy. The story follows David and his brother Jean-Christophe and how his brother’s illness shapes their family, relationships, and sense of identity. As the family searches for treatment -- from medical specialists to alternative therapies -- David turns to art as a way to process everything that’s happening around him. The black-and-white illustrations use bold visual metaphors to show the emotional weight of chronic illness and its impact on everyone involved.

Why You Should Read It:

• A Personal Perspective on Chronic Illness: The book captures the emotional side of illness and caregiving that isn’t always visible in clinical settings.
• Insight Into Patient and Family Experience: It highlights what it feels like to navigate medical decisions and power dynamics as a family trying to advocate for care.
• An Honest Look at Complex Emotions: The memoir doesn’t sugarcoat the frustration, fear, and hope that come with long-term illness.
• A Strong Example of Graphic Medicine: The artwork communicates experiences that are difficult to put into words, helping build empathy and understanding.

If you’re interested in stories that show the human side of medicine and health, Epileptic is a meaningful read available at the Health Sciences Library.

Explore more in our Graphic Medicine collection HERE!

Image Credit: https://theslingsandarrows.com/epileptic/