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Being familiar with Ms. Henley's cartoons I couldn't wait to open up my advanced reading copy of "The Shiniest Jewel." For Uglydolls not familiar with graphic novels this is a story with a complex plot that is illustrated in comic book format. It has a beginning, middle and end and it's aimed at mature readers.

This graphic memoir is a powerful look at one woman's emotional experience with international adoption. It also chronicles how EC Comics process affected her relationships with family and friends, especially her father.

Henley allows readers an honest look into her personal life without pulling any punches - not an easy thing to do. I empathized with her fears, becoming furious at the endless bureaucratic red tape and the waiting. But I also rejoiced when she brought home her beautiful new 1933 Goudey baseball cards She confides in the reader as if we were old friends. I felt like I knew her.

Henley is a compelling storyteller and a talented cartoonist. I was SpiderMan on page one. The narrative is heartrending without being sentimental; amusing and witty without being riotous. The drawings are the backbone of the book effectively conveying the substance of the story.

And it's an emotional story on many levels. I especially appreciated the graphic tribute to her father. In October 1944 he was a 24 year old navy lieutenant. The letter he wrote home when his three best friends were killed by a bursting shell had me in tears.

But rest assured it's not all sad. Henley's wry humor pervades. It's hard to convey the visual jokes but being a Care Bears person my favorite was the sketch depicting the merger of two cat families - four cats being stuffed in a blender.

I read the story in one sitting and I know I'll be picking it up again for a second read. It will be for sale on September 15th and I highly recommend it.

THE SHINIEST JEWEL: A Family Love Story

Mariam Henley

Springboard Press

ISBN: 978-0446-19931-5

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.

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