Book · 2021 · nyt:graphic-books-and-manga=2021-06-13
The Secret to Superhuman Strength
- mentions
- 2
- people
- 2
- podcast
- 1
- episodes
- 2
- recommendation
- 1
John heroically edited my review of Alison beckel's new book The Secret to superhuman strength.
The best things said about it
You started in black and white and then now when you did Funhome, are you my mother? And then the secret to superhuman strength that started to change.
Why people recommend it
The Secret to Superhuman Strength is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel that explores the author's lifelong obsession with fitness trends, exercise culture, and her personal journey through aging and artistic creation. The book was featured on The Book Review in two episodes. In the 2024 episode Michael Lewis on 'The Premonition', guest Parul Sehgal discussed her professional relationship with the publication, noting how John heroically edited her review of Bechdel's new book. Later, in the 2025 episode 'Fun Home' Author Alison Bechdel on Her New Graphic Novel, host Gilbert Cruz spoke directly with the author about her artistic evolution. Cruz mentioned The Secret to Superhuman Strength while tracing the visual progression of her work, noting how her style transitioned from stark black and white panels in her earlier memoirs like Fun Home and Are You My Mother? to the evolving aesthetic found in her latest graphic novel. Both appearances celebrated Bechdel's ongoing contributions to graphic literature, emphasizing how her deeply personal explorations of exercise, mental health, and physical vitality continue to resonate with critics and interviewers alike.
Every mention
Parul Sehgal John heroically edited my review of Alison beckel's new book The Secret to superhuman strength 1
“John heroically edited my review of Alison beckel's new book The Secret to superhuman strength”
Gilbert Cruz You started in black and white and then now when you did Funhome, are you my mother? And then the secret to… 1
“You started in black and white and then now when you did Funhome, are you my mother? And then the secret to superhuman strength that started to change”
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“even though she has written another sort of graphic novel Memoir in between a book called the secret to superhuman strength this it feels like is grappling with sort of the after effects of fun home”