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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Hey, Kiddo summary
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Brief summary
Hey, Kiddo is a graphic memoir by Jarrett J. Krosoczka that tells the story of his unconventional upbringing and how art helped him cope with the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family.
Table of Contents
Hey, Kiddo
Summary of key ideas
A Coming-of-Age Story Framed with Distinction
In Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett J. Krosoczka offers us a sincere look into his distinctive childhood marked by familial addiction. He opens the narrative with his early life; a life clouded by the absence of his father and the fight of his mother, a gifted artist, against drug addiction. Jarrett’s saving grace comes in the unlikely form of his rough-around-the-edges but loving grandparents who stepped in to raise him.
The author crafts a heartrending image of his longing for a normal family dynamic, underscored by the constant uncertainty about his mother’s presence in his life. Despite fulfilling his basic needs, his grandparents could not protect him completely from the consequences of his mother’s choices. They, too, had their own set of issues due to which Jarrett often felt torn and different from his peers.
Expression Through Art
Amid the tumultuous surroundings, Jarrett discovered sanctuary in his love for art which became an outlet for his feelings and his escape from harsh reality. He paints his journey with art from a young age, documenting the development of his artistic skills through the years. From sketching Star Wars characters to dabbling in graffiti and eventually enrolling in the Rhode Island School of Design, he reveals how art became his healing element.
Interestingly, Jarrett’s narrative reveals how his grandparents' endearing yet complicated characters spilled into his art. His grandfather, a gruff yet strangely nurturing figure, and his grandmother, a chain-smoking gossip lover, leap from the pages as memorable and influential subjects of his art.
Struggling With Identity
As Hey, Kiddo flows into Jarrett's high school years, his struggles with his family's imperfect picture become more profound. He shares the emotional turmoil he experienced when he learned about the identity of his biological father and found rejection when trying to establish a connection. The pain of this rejection resonated deeply with Jarrett, prompting him to reimagine his identity and the concept of family through the lens of truth and forgiveness.
Towards the latter part, the narrative sharpens its focus on Jarrett's mother. He unravels the trajectory of her life marked by multiple rehab stints and periods of sobriety, followed by relapses. It becomes a visceral reminder of the far-reaching consequences of addiction and how it shapes the lives of those embroiled in its clutches.
The Power of Acceptance and Forgiveness
The concluding segment of Hey, Kiddo is a testament to Jarrett's resilience and his ability to channel the chaos of his life into building a successful career. Krosoczka addresses the struggle of reconciling with his mother's addiction and her inability to play the traditional parental role and the impact it had on their relationship. Despite the hurt and absence, he learns to forgive and accepts her as she is.
Concluding on an inspiring note, Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Hey, Kiddo is a tribute to the power of art as a means of self-expression and the healing that acceptance and forgiveness bring. It paints a potent picture of how a non-traditional upbringing, filled with love and support, can pave the way for resilience and success.
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What is Hey, Kiddo about?
Hey, Kiddo is a graphic memoir that tells the story of the author's unconventional upbringing and his journey to find his place in the world. Through heartfelt illustrations and raw honesty, Krosoczka explores themes of family, addiction, and resilience, offering a powerful and inspiring account of his own life. It's a compelling and deeply personal book that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Hey, Kiddo Review
Hey, Kiddo (2018) is a heartfelt graphic novel that explores the author's journey growing up with an absent father and a drug-addicted mother. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Through its stunning illustrations and honest storytelling, it offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the author's turbulent childhood.
- The book beautifully captures the emotions and complexities of familial relationships, leaving readers with a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
- With its powerful message of resilience and strength, it inspires readers to confront their past and find healing in their own stories.
Who should read Hey, Kiddo?
- Individuals who enjoy memoirs that explore themes of family and resilience
- People who have experienced challenging or unconventional childhoods
- Readers who appreciate art and graphic novels
Categories with Hey, Kiddo
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Hey, Kiddo FAQs
What is the main message of Hey, Kiddo?
The main message of Hey, Kiddo is that art can heal and provide hope even in difficult circumstances.
How long does it take to read Hey, Kiddo?
The reading time for Hey, Kiddo varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Hey, Kiddo a good book? Is it worth reading?
Hey, Kiddo is a powerful and moving memoir that is definitely worth reading. It offers a raw and honest look into the author's life and the impact of art in overcoming adversity.
Who is the author of Hey, Kiddo?
The author of Hey, Kiddo is Jarrett J. Krosoczka.
How many chapters are in Hey, Kiddo?
Hey, Kiddo has 35 chapters.
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
How many pages are in Hey, Kiddo?
Hey, Kiddo contains 320 pages.
When was Hey, Kiddo published?
Hey, Kiddo was published in 2018.
What to read after Hey, Kiddo?
If you're wondering what to read next after Hey, Kiddo, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh