Storytelling is the oldest form of bringing us closer to the things that inspire us – whether it is a fresh perspective, a shared laugh, or even pulling the curtain back and revealing the author behind the magic. For Mae, one such moment came this year when she had the opportunity to meet Lucy Knisley, beloved creator of graphic memoirs like Relish and Stepping Stones.

Mae’s pick for her favorite moment of 2024? Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair. Mae shared:

“Knisley’s work often combines two great literature loves of mine – memoir and graphic novel. She writes about the honest troubles she has endured – heartbreak and grief, to name two major themes. I adore her. Meeting her at a local bookstore was a highlight of my 2024! (I also highly recommend attending a book signing for your favorite author if you ever get the chance!)”

Mae’s excitement is a reminder of how stories connect us – not just to the words on the page but the people who penned them and the communities built around them. Think of the thrill of yapping to an old friend about your favorite book, and you find that it is a tale they cherish, too. Recall that warm, fuzzy feeling when you feel seen in the pages of a book. Maybe you, too, have met one of your heroes and told them just how much the stories they share mean to you. These connections are gifts worth cherishing.

Lucy Knisley’s graphic memoirs resonate with so many of us because they capture life’s highs and lows with humor, honesty, and heart. From the quiet joy of sharing a meal to the hilarity of a housecat’s dramatic inner world, her stories remind us how a good story connects us to the beauty of the everyday. They challenge us to look at our own lives with curiosity and gratitude, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

What stories shaped your year? Share a story in the comments that shaped you in 2024, or stop by the O’Fallon Public Library to chat with us about them – we would love to hear how a good story brightened your year!