Author: Steven T. Seagle
Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: July 9, 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1596432635
128 pp.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
Genius, written by Steven T. Seagle and illustrated by Teddy Kristiansen, is a quiet book.
A book, at times, of quiet desperation. Ted is a bona fide genius, the wunderkind that skipped grades and is expected to make a mark. Except now Ted is middle-aged and never really fulfilled all those high expectations.
Ted still wants to make his mark. In fact, he needs to or he'll lose his job and his insurance, right when his wife needs some serious medical treatment. So when his father-in-law, in an Alzheimer's muddle, mentions that he used to be Einstein's bodyguard and Einstein once told him a BIG SECRET, Ted thinks his luck has changed.
If only Ted can pry the secret from the lost memories of his father-in-law.
But the book isn't really about Einstein's BIG SECRET. The book is about Ted and middle-age and choices and trying to connect to the people you love.
The illustrations are sketch-like, suggestions of actions and emotions. Filling in the blanks is the reader's job.
Genius is a quiet book, but ultimately a hopeful one. While it might be a tough sell for teens, it may appeal to those who enjoy thoughtful storytelling.
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