Loved it. Not surprised but happy to have loved it. Will be sharing the good news with all my readers and friends.

4 stars.

The wonderful Bechdel (of the famous Bechdel test…in a particular work of art do two females have a conversation about something other than a man? So simple, yet perfection.) brings us a new chapter in her overall graphic autobiography with this book (at least I think, but what do I know? I don’t know her. I would love to, though.). Here we see Bechdel, life at present as a semi-famous person living in Vermont on their goat rescue(!) with her partner and their friends and neighbors. It also covers some of her struggles with writing and Hollywood (one of her earlier graphic novels was turned into a TV show.).

It’s sweet and fun, about issues large and small, and a gentle reminder we’re all struggling through on this planet together. I would love to read more about this motley crew.

"Spent" is a fictionalized graphic novel about Alison Bechdel's life in Vermont with her wife Holly. The book is focused on Alison trying to write another novel (as well as pitch a new anti-capitalist tv show) with side stories about her friends attempting a poly relationship. The humor is satirical and a bit over the top, but those who have read Bechdel's other graphic novels will enjoy it. I enjoyed the part of the book where Alison tries to reconnect with her conservative sister over her sister's unpublished book telling "the real story." Definitely for adult audiences. A must buy where Bechdel's other works are popular.

New Alison Bechdel...AND it's an anti-capitalist work of auto-fiction? For me and many others this will be an immediate read, and it is well worth it. No one escapes commentary--least of all book-Alison and book-Holly who run a pygmy goat sanctuary--not zoomers, not poly folk, not lesbians, not kindly straight neighbors, not covid-deniers, not instagram celebrities, and certainly not Hollywood. It's not cruelly done though...except where warranted.

I just did not like this one. I get its supposed to be a sort of metafiction of Bechdel's life, but I simply could not get beyond the kind of gross and oblivious privilege of pretty much everyone in the story. Yes, I get that that is the point, but for me it was just an unpleasant read that took time I could have used doing something more enjoyable. I'm sure I will be in the minority on this and most folks will love it, so this is very much an instance of YMMV.

A disappointing read, much as finding out about Bechdel's TERF friends or general transmisogynist sentiments. Would not recommend this book to others, and will not be getting it at our library.

I am a fan of Alison Bechdel, so I was excited to receive this ARC of Spent. Spent follows the "character" of cartoonist Alison Bechdel living with her partner Holly on their goat farm in the early COVID days. Alison is struggling with the success of a TV show based on her book because she has no control over it; she is struggling to meet deadlines for her new book, which she has determined will be about late-stage capitalism as she herself is struggling with living in that world. There are a band of friends whose lives we learn more about and who reflect on Alison and Holly's own, especially as Holly finds viral success. Bechdel's comics are always witty and insightful-- in this case with plays-on-words referencing Bechdel's actual successes in comics, TV, and theater.

Hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, and self-depreciating, Spent is an excellent addition to Bechdel's catalog. 
This adult graphic novel is best in hands of those  familiar with Bechdel's previous work to truly appreciate it, but it could be an intro for new fans as well. Thanks to the publishers and Net Gally for this ARC!

I wasn't a fan of Fun Home, I'm not sure why I thought this would be different. It's Bechdel in her element, using the same style and writing the same prosaic way, and just not being my kind of humor. I was hoping for something I could shelve in humor and political science, instead it'll go in graphic novels with Fun Home.