Everything Is an Emergency: An OCD Story in Words & Pictures

20.31 $

Dive into the anxiety-fueled world of New Yorker cartoonist Jason Adam Katzenstein in “Everything Is an Emergency: An OCD Story in Words & Pictures.” This compelling graphic memoir offers a darkly humorous and deeply personal look at living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Forget clinical detachment; Katzenstein’s illustrations and witty narrative draw you into the daily struggles, irrational fears, and exhausting rituals that define his experience. From navigating the social minefield of New York City to confronting his deepest anxieties through therapy and medication, he lays bare his vulnerability with unflinching honesty. More than just a confessional, this book is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of finding humor even in the face of overwhelming challenges. A recommended read for anyone touched by anxiety, mental illness, or simply seeking a relatable and insightful story about the human condition. Published by Harper Perennial.

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New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice
A brilliant, honest, necessary book that exposes the intricacies of the human brain while showing us the way creativity and friendship can anchor us. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered if they see the world a little differently. Ada Limn
A New Yorker cartoonist illustrates his lifelong struggle with OCD in cartoon vignettes frank and funny
Jason Adam Katzenstein is just trying to live his life, but he keeps getting sidetracked by his over-active, anxious brain. Mundane events like shaking hands or sharing a drink snowball into absolute catastrophes. Jason has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a mental illness that compels him to perform rituals in order to protect himself from dangers that dont really exist. He checks, washes, over-thinks, rinse, repeat.
He does his best to hide his embarrassing compulsions, and sometimes this even works. He grows up, worries about his first kiss, falls in love with making cartoons, moves to New York City which is magical and gross, etc. All the while, half his energy goes into living his life, while the other half is devoted to the increasingly ridiculous rituals hes decided to maintain to keep himself from fully short-circuiting,
Then, he fully short-circuits.
At his absolute lowest, Jason finally decides to do the things hes always been told to do to get better: exposure therapy and medication. These are the things that have always freaked him out, and they continue to freak him out. Also, they help him recover.
Everything is an Emergency is a comic about all the self-destructive stories someone tells himself, over and over, until they start to seem true. In images surreal, witty, and confessional, Jason shows us that OCD can be funny, even when it feels like its ruining your life.

**Dive into the Mind of a New Yorker Cartoonist Battling OCD in "Everything Is an Emergency: An OCD Story in Words & Pictures" by Jason Adam Katzenstein** Explore the intricate and often hilarious reality of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through the captivating lens of Jason Adam Katzenstein, a talented New Yorker cartoonist. In "Everything Is an Emergency," Katzenstein bravely lays bare his lifelong struggle with OCD, transforming deeply personal experiences into poignant and relatable comic vignettes. This isn't just a memoir; it's a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey into the heart of anxiety, compulsions, and the arduous path towards recovery. Katzenstein's story resonates with anyone who has ever felt "different" or wrestled with the relentless grip of their own mind. From seemingly insignificant encounters like shaking hands or sharing a drink to the grand adventure of moving to New York City, every moment is filtered through the lens of OCD. The reader experiences firsthand the mental gymnastics, the exhausting rituals, and the constant battle to conceal these compulsions from the outside world. He masterfully illustrates how OCD can hijack even the most ordinary situations, turning them into potential catastrophes within the sufferer's mind. What sets this graphic novel apart is Katzenstein's ability to infuse humor into even the darkest corners of his experience. He doesn't shy away from the absurdity of his compulsions, finding moments of levity amidst the overwhelming anxiety. This wit, combined with his confessional and often surreal artwork, creates a deeply engaging and accessible narrative. "Everything Is an Emergency" doesn't preach or patronize; it invites readers to empathize with the challenges of living with OCD and to understand the underlying anxieties that fuel the disorder. The book chronicles Katzenstein's eventual decision to confront his OCD head-on, embracing exposure therapy and medication treatments he had previously avoided due to intense fear. He offers a raw and honest portrayal of the ups and downs of this process, demonstrating that recovery is not a linear path but a journey filled with setbacks and triumphs. Readers witness his vulnerability and courage as he confronts his deepest fears and gradually reclaims control over his life. "Everything Is an Emergency" is more than just a personal story; it's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand OCD, whether they are sufferers themselves, loved ones of those with OCD, or mental health professionals. By sharing his experiences, Katzenstein destigmatizes mental illness and offers hope to those who may be struggling in silence. This is a moving, funny, and ultimately uplifting book that reminds us of the power of creativity, friendship, and self-acceptance. It's a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, celebrated by Ada Limn as "a brilliant, honest, necessary book that exposes the intricacies of the human brain while showing us the way creativity and friendship can anchor us". This illustrated edition, published by Harper Perennial in 2020, features 256 pages filled with Katzenstein's signature artwork and insightful storytelling. It's a powerful and unique addition to the genre of graphic memoirs and a must-read for anyone interested in mental health, humor, or the human condition. Discover why "Everything Is an Emergency" is resonating with readers around the world and order your copy today!
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

006295007X

ISBN-13

9780062950079

Language

Pages

256

Publisher

Year published

Weight

340

Edition

Illustrated

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