Not Funny Ha-Ha (Hardcover)
This nonjudgmental, even humorous, graphic work of nonfiction follows two women through the abortion process.
Not Funny Ha-Ha is a bold, slightly wry graphic novel illustrating the lives of two young women from different cultural, family, and financial backgrounds who go through two different abortions (medical and surgical). It follows them through the process of choosing a clinic, reaching out to friends, partners, and/or family, and eventually the procedure(s) itself. It simply shows what happens when a woman goes through it, no questions asked. Despite the fact that so many women and girls have abortions every day, in every city, all around us, it can be a lonely experience. Not Funny Ha-Ha is a little bit technical, a little bit moving, and often funny, in a format uniquely suited to communicate. The book is meant to be a non-judgmental, comforting, even humorous look at what a woman can go through during an abortion. Although the subject matter is heavy, the illustrations are light. The author takes a step back from putting forth any personal opinion whatsoever, simply laying out the events and possible emotional repercussions that could, and often do occur.
Leah Hayes is an illustrator, musician, graphic novelist, songwriter and producer. She has published several books with Fantagraphics, including Funeral of the Heart, Holy Moly, and her latest work, Not Funny Ha-Ha (out June 2015). She also has several albums out with her band, Scary Mansion, writes songs, and produces beats for pop and hip-hop artists.
[Starred Review] The sketchy, loose illustrations, lacking realism but heavy with feeling, help soften the serious topic. Lots of text, slanted and personal, provides explanation, and Hayes also offers quiet spreads with opportunity for reflection. ... As the subtitle implies, this 'handbook' could be a useful companion for women in the protagonists’ situation: it’s full of reminders to keep breathing, be calm, and call a friend, and of what to expect. ...[F]or those readers open, curious, or seeking some guidance, it’s deeply empathetic, uniquely unflinching, and unlike any book on the topic, particularly with regards to its gentle presentation.
— Annie Bostrom - Booklist
Leah Hayes... uses drawing as a medium to express complicated concepts and understand difficult experiences. In... Not Funny Ha-Ha: A Handbook for Something Hard, Hayes illustrates the realities of medical and surgical abortions. ... Hayes covers the technical and medical aspects of abortion as well as the deeply personal thoughts and steps that many people go through.
— Caroline Kee - Buzzfeed
The book explains medical jargon and breaks down the physical process of having a termination, while still offering a very human portrayal of the experience.
— Natasha Preskey - Cosmopolitan
...Leah Hayes’s straightforward take on the issue of choice and abortion could be titled 'most sadly necessary graphic novel of 2015.' She tells the story of two women from different cultural backgrounds exercising their legal right to reproductive healthcare, with a mind toward dispelling the mystery, mythology, judgment and loneliness that accompanies the process. That task requires a touch that is simultaneously light and assured; Hayes delivers.
— Rob Salkowitz - Forbes
[Hayes] takes the reader, step by step, through different aspects of the procedure, covering everything from the confused emotional feelings that can accompany the decision to abort, to what a woman might expect at the doctor's office before, after and during an abortion. ... The book, in parts, almost feels like a personal note, from one woman to another.
— Carolina A. Miranda - Los Angeles Times
Stories about abortions lack a calm voice that lets women know that everything is going to be okay. That’s why Leah Hayes wrote Not Funny Ha-Ha, a non-fiction graphic novel that takes the unnecessary mystery and fear out of [the] procedure...
— Katherine Speller - MTV News
The content is straightforward, and yet it has a forbidden, samizdat feel to it. No matter where you stand on abortion, the thought of a scared, pregnant teen getting her hands on Not Funny is bound to provoke an intense reaction — of fear, rage, empowerment or overwhelming relief. Which is, well, funny, considering Hayes' efforts to approach the subject with as little drama as possible. Her tone, like her design, is casual and friendly. ...Hayes accomplishes this radical shift by making the most of her innate warmth and humility.
— Etelka Lehoczky - NPR Books
Hayes takes care to tell the story from two points of view, highlighting different procedures in different circumstances, while paying close attention to the processes that often get left out of broader discussions.
— Brian Heater - Paper
An amazingly thoughtful, empathetic guide to abortion.
— Calvin Reid - Publishers Weekly
Hayes takes on the subject of what to expect when you get an abortion with a clearheaded non-judgmental style...
— Heidi MacDonald - Publishers Weekly
Upfront, conversational and helpful, breaking down medical terminology into easy to absorb language; the graphic novel format lends itself to the comforting tone of the book…like an open, warm conversation about something potentially hard and scary.
— Rachel Kramer Bussel - Salon
It’s easy to imagine the book becoming a kind of hand-me-down classic to teen girls; it’s easy to forget that a book this seemingly simple has to be made with impeccable care and craft.
— Dan Kois - Slate
A warm and understated book that boldly takes on the topic of abortion through the eyes of two distinct young women undergoing different procedures. It's a warm embrace of one of the last truly taboo subjects.
— Brian Heater - Tech Times
With clarity and compassion, she walks readers through the emotions and medical decisions involved in having an abortion. ... The drawings throughout are affecting and vulnerable... Hayes’s bunched and slanted lettering is as tenderly expressive as her portraiture – every mark of her hand is set to paper with pure empathy. This book is sure to be a comfort and friend to women who need it for years to come.
— Sean Rogers - The Globe and Mail
Hayes’ illustrations are straightforward and witty. She defines technical terms and medical processes, while still managing to capture the deeply personal, human side of the reproductive decisions a woman makes.
— Nina Friend - The Huffington Post
Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you’re facing, and then convince you that you're going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor.
— Ellen Forney (Marbles, I Love Led Zeppelin)
I want everyone who is having, has had, or is considering abortion to have this book. I want everyone who is close to someone who has had, is having or is considering abortion to have this book. I want anyone who feels like they just don’t or can’t understand what it’s like to go forward with, or even think about, abortion as an option to have this book. Really, I just want everyone to have this book, period.
— Heather Corinna (Founder and Director, Scarleteen)
It’s not only a beautifully-made and well-actualized book, but it’s also probably the most accessible and relaxed, while still being frank, discussion about abortion that I’ve ever seen…. It feels like Hayes is giving you a reassuring hug and a warm cup of tea and then calmly talking you through what your next few days or weeks are going to be like… Overall, Not Funny Ha-Ha is a tender, educational and comforting look at a process that people are often afraid to talk about in such an open and non-judgmental way. It’s also got just the perfect amount of irreverence and lightness, which are pretty necessary when taking on a subject that can be so heavy.
— Mey Valdivia Rude - Autostraddle
In a powerful new illustrated book, Not Funny Ha-Ha, writer and artist Leah Hayes sheds light on what it’s like to get an abortion. As the title makes clear, this comic is not funny. But it is insightful, empathetic, and educational. ...[T]his book would be a welcome addition to Planned Parenthood waiting rooms and high school sex-ed classes. I also think it could help readers of all stripes learn about abortion through a non-judgmental lens...
— Sarah Mirk - Bitch
Leah Hayes' book is simply astounding! This abortion handbook should be a staple in every sex ed class throughout the country. But what's most remarkable is Hayes' non-political, commonsense, and compassionate approach to abortion. ...[I]t's human, humane, and full of information that every person should have and many try to deny people from having. This is the rare book that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
— Benn Ray - Largehearted Boy
It’s hard to remain neutral when discussing abortion, but Hayes’ repeated caveats (I’m just a cartoonist; talk to your doctor about anything; this is just informational) do their damnedest to situate her work outside politics and religion. That’s a noble goal.
— Hillary Brown - Paste
Judgment-free, but still witty and brutally honest enough to demystify the topic.
— Chris Huqueriza - Ravishly
Hayes’ bold and even courageous book looks set to be one of the most important and practical additions to the canon so far.
— Tom Murphy - Broken Frontier
— Annie Bostrom - Booklist
Leah Hayes... uses drawing as a medium to express complicated concepts and understand difficult experiences. In... Not Funny Ha-Ha: A Handbook for Something Hard, Hayes illustrates the realities of medical and surgical abortions. ... Hayes covers the technical and medical aspects of abortion as well as the deeply personal thoughts and steps that many people go through.
— Caroline Kee - Buzzfeed
The book explains medical jargon and breaks down the physical process of having a termination, while still offering a very human portrayal of the experience.
— Natasha Preskey - Cosmopolitan
...Leah Hayes’s straightforward take on the issue of choice and abortion could be titled 'most sadly necessary graphic novel of 2015.' She tells the story of two women from different cultural backgrounds exercising their legal right to reproductive healthcare, with a mind toward dispelling the mystery, mythology, judgment and loneliness that accompanies the process. That task requires a touch that is simultaneously light and assured; Hayes delivers.
— Rob Salkowitz - Forbes
[Hayes] takes the reader, step by step, through different aspects of the procedure, covering everything from the confused emotional feelings that can accompany the decision to abort, to what a woman might expect at the doctor's office before, after and during an abortion. ... The book, in parts, almost feels like a personal note, from one woman to another.
— Carolina A. Miranda - Los Angeles Times
Stories about abortions lack a calm voice that lets women know that everything is going to be okay. That’s why Leah Hayes wrote Not Funny Ha-Ha, a non-fiction graphic novel that takes the unnecessary mystery and fear out of [the] procedure...
— Katherine Speller - MTV News
The content is straightforward, and yet it has a forbidden, samizdat feel to it. No matter where you stand on abortion, the thought of a scared, pregnant teen getting her hands on Not Funny is bound to provoke an intense reaction — of fear, rage, empowerment or overwhelming relief. Which is, well, funny, considering Hayes' efforts to approach the subject with as little drama as possible. Her tone, like her design, is casual and friendly. ...Hayes accomplishes this radical shift by making the most of her innate warmth and humility.
— Etelka Lehoczky - NPR Books
Hayes takes care to tell the story from two points of view, highlighting different procedures in different circumstances, while paying close attention to the processes that often get left out of broader discussions.
— Brian Heater - Paper
An amazingly thoughtful, empathetic guide to abortion.
— Calvin Reid - Publishers Weekly
Hayes takes on the subject of what to expect when you get an abortion with a clearheaded non-judgmental style...
— Heidi MacDonald - Publishers Weekly
Upfront, conversational and helpful, breaking down medical terminology into easy to absorb language; the graphic novel format lends itself to the comforting tone of the book…like an open, warm conversation about something potentially hard and scary.
— Rachel Kramer Bussel - Salon
It’s easy to imagine the book becoming a kind of hand-me-down classic to teen girls; it’s easy to forget that a book this seemingly simple has to be made with impeccable care and craft.
— Dan Kois - Slate
A warm and understated book that boldly takes on the topic of abortion through the eyes of two distinct young women undergoing different procedures. It's a warm embrace of one of the last truly taboo subjects.
— Brian Heater - Tech Times
With clarity and compassion, she walks readers through the emotions and medical decisions involved in having an abortion. ... The drawings throughout are affecting and vulnerable... Hayes’s bunched and slanted lettering is as tenderly expressive as her portraiture – every mark of her hand is set to paper with pure empathy. This book is sure to be a comfort and friend to women who need it for years to come.
— Sean Rogers - The Globe and Mail
Hayes’ illustrations are straightforward and witty. She defines technical terms and medical processes, while still managing to capture the deeply personal, human side of the reproductive decisions a woman makes.
— Nina Friend - The Huffington Post
Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you’re facing, and then convince you that you're going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor.
— Ellen Forney (Marbles, I Love Led Zeppelin)
I want everyone who is having, has had, or is considering abortion to have this book. I want everyone who is close to someone who has had, is having or is considering abortion to have this book. I want anyone who feels like they just don’t or can’t understand what it’s like to go forward with, or even think about, abortion as an option to have this book. Really, I just want everyone to have this book, period.
— Heather Corinna (Founder and Director, Scarleteen)
It’s not only a beautifully-made and well-actualized book, but it’s also probably the most accessible and relaxed, while still being frank, discussion about abortion that I’ve ever seen…. It feels like Hayes is giving you a reassuring hug and a warm cup of tea and then calmly talking you through what your next few days or weeks are going to be like… Overall, Not Funny Ha-Ha is a tender, educational and comforting look at a process that people are often afraid to talk about in such an open and non-judgmental way. It’s also got just the perfect amount of irreverence and lightness, which are pretty necessary when taking on a subject that can be so heavy.
— Mey Valdivia Rude - Autostraddle
In a powerful new illustrated book, Not Funny Ha-Ha, writer and artist Leah Hayes sheds light on what it’s like to get an abortion. As the title makes clear, this comic is not funny. But it is insightful, empathetic, and educational. ...[T]his book would be a welcome addition to Planned Parenthood waiting rooms and high school sex-ed classes. I also think it could help readers of all stripes learn about abortion through a non-judgmental lens...
— Sarah Mirk - Bitch
Leah Hayes' book is simply astounding! This abortion handbook should be a staple in every sex ed class throughout the country. But what's most remarkable is Hayes' non-political, commonsense, and compassionate approach to abortion. ...[I]t's human, humane, and full of information that every person should have and many try to deny people from having. This is the rare book that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
— Benn Ray - Largehearted Boy
It’s hard to remain neutral when discussing abortion, but Hayes’ repeated caveats (I’m just a cartoonist; talk to your doctor about anything; this is just informational) do their damnedest to situate her work outside politics and religion. That’s a noble goal.
— Hillary Brown - Paste
Judgment-free, but still witty and brutally honest enough to demystify the topic.
— Chris Huqueriza - Ravishly
Hayes’ bold and even courageous book looks set to be one of the most important and practical additions to the canon so far.
— Tom Murphy - Broken Frontier
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