Book Review: Lynda Barry’s What it Is

The Backstory

While browsing the adult graphic novel section at my local library, I casually grabbed Lynda Barry’s book What it Is, figured it looked interesting, and tossed it into my bag.

I got home, examined it further, and stopped in my tracks. The richness of the text and imagery bowled me over. This was not a book to read, get over with, and move on from. No, this was a book that I knew, from the very start, I would want to spend time on.

The Details

Barry’s What it Is presents as a collage of illustrations, typed phrases, and handwritten text in graphic novel form. The main body of the book falls under “Essay Questions.” Through her musings and illustrations, Barry invites readers to consider big ideas: the nature of imagination, memory, images, story. And I have to say, any one of these ideas is rich with the potential for wonder and conversation. I can open up to a random page in the book and delve into any of these ideas separately and for a long time: 

Barry tells of her coming of age in a time where she didn’t have much guidance to the questions of life, much less any of the answers to them. Rather, her world view was largely shaped through self-exploration and discovery of the world all around. Play, imagination, memory: all of these played significant roles in Barry’s world view. 

As someone who spent childhood in a world of my making, I found myself resonating deeply with Barry’s reflections. It’s strange to think that the experience of growing up within one’s own mind is both isolating and universal. And when you get right down to it, so is the act of writing.

The second section of the book features writing activities led by Barry (along with a magic cephalopod as pathfinder / moral support). These mostly short, structured exercises bolster creativity, use of imagery, and self-discovery. And while there may be a range of topics and approaches to the writing, Barry insists on several key elements:

• Writing by hand
• Using loose leaf paper in a notebook
• Working with a 7-minute timer 
• Waiting a week to read work over
• Keeping the pen moving (with a journal for doodles as needed)

I tried Barry’s activities, including a reminiscence of a car from childhood. I listed cars I’ve “known,” took notes on imagery, then wrote for seven minutes. The exercise was both manageable and enjoyable – two things I need from a writing activity if I’m going to stick with it, or consider using it with my students. I’ll definitely use this structure in my own writing and teaching practice.

The Bottom Line

I’ve spent hours with this book, but I’m just scratching the surface. It’s fitting that the animal guide is a deep-sea animal: each question, each exercise is a deep dive into my own creativity and imagination. I’m discovering myself as a person and as a writer. 

What it Is holds rich potential for my students as well. While there’s a presence of adult topics and language, I could see the “essay questions” as topics for fascinating conversation, and the activity structure for writing is manageable for students.

Lynda Barry’s What it Is is a don’t-miss opportunity to wander through your own life and imagination, and it’s an accessible way to challenge yourself as a writer. Find your copy here.