We Saw Scenery: The Early Diaries of Merrill Markoe

Noted comedy writer Merrill Markoe makes her debut as a skilled cartoonist in this graphic portrayal illustrating her evolution from childhood through adolescence as recollected from writings in her early diaries. These drawings accompanied with gruff explanatory reminiscences, which handily, have been stored in her hippocampus, relate the story of an awkward petulant preteen who clashes with parents, squabbles with an annoying brother, is a nuisance in school, suffers the indignities of coded behavior with the girl scouts, and sorely demands the security and social acceptance of teen-age groupies. As age progresses, a boyfriend becomes an essential appendage for social recognition. But with stubborn grit and self- belief, this constantly questioning rebellious teenager finally falls in love with the radio and TV media. Like all of us, she describes the highs and lows of growing up, the pain of trying to be yourself and still be part of the crowd, rebelling against accepted conformity, and taking on the defensive skills of salving humor or wry irony when confronted with irritating social challenges. The angst endured while metamorphosing from a toddler to an adult is duly captured in these animated caricatures which so readily display the raw emotions of the participant and her associates. All readers will be able to relate to the trials and tribulations of this awkward adolescent, so vividly portrayed here, because we have all endured or witnessed its various aspects and recognize the changing moods in the eye-absorbing scenic drawings..