Heartfelt graphic memoir shares interesting insights about the trauma of having a sick child.
Spot 12 shares the author’s story of a child, Asa, who is born with trachea issues. It especially addresses the parents’ conflicting feelings when surgery may cause immediate pain to their child while only possibly providing long-term benefits. In the neonatal intensive care unit, no decisions are easily made. The struggle to protect a child that is fighting for its life so soon after birth is difficult for the strongest person. The author shares some of her own mental health issues resulting from the stress of the NICU. Included within this graphic memoir are illustrations that clearly show the feelings of the author. There is a comprehensive epilogue that continues the family’s story after its time in the neonatal unit.
Spot 12 makes the reader feel a part of the action rather than just an observer. It is a real page-turner as the reader rushes to discover the result of Asa’s stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Spot 12 is a great gift for any parent of a child going through health difficulties. It is also good for those readers who want to share someone else’s difficult life experiences. 3 stars.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.