Demystifying aging: Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast was highly recommended to me by a colleague in a comic group, but I had no idea what to expect from it at first.

The memoir, published in 2014, is an honest account of Chast's experiences caring for her aging parents in their final years. It delves into the painful realities of witnessing their physical decline, increasing dependence, and the accompanying emotional struggles. Chast openly shares her feelings of guilt, grappling with the sense of not being present enough or doing enough for her parents. The book also sheds light on the financial and logistical challenges that come with elderly care as the parents move into a nursing home. Chast injects a dark sense of humor into the heavy subject matter, adding a unique dimension to the narrative.

While reading about someone else's elderly parents may not sound appealing at first, Chast's storytelling skills and the way she portrays her parents make you care for them. I particularly liked the illustration style, which included not only traditional comics but also plenty of text accompanied by relevant images. This combination of visuals and words is something I use in my comics. In addition, Chast's inclusion of family photographs and those depicting their cluttered apartment gave the memoir a uniquely personal touch.

The book's greatest strength, however, may have been the way it forced me to think about my own mortality as well as the difficulties and decisions I will need to face when caring for an aging parent. It served as a poignant reminder of the importance of reducing burdens for my future children by taking steps to prepare for what the future might bring or simply decluttering my own life before it’s time to say goodbye. And, perhaps most importantly, it provided me with a greater appreciation for life while it still lasts and I'm in good health.