The Long Chalkboard: and Other Stories

by Jenny Allen, Jules Feiffer (Illustrator)

Here are three delightful, bittersweet, especially-for-our-time adult stories of modern life as lived by men and women of a certain the baby boomer. Jenny Allen’s brilliant and witty narratives and Jules Feiffer’s playfully expressive drawings coax to the surface the hidden anxieties, familiar frustrations, and downright fury that we try to convince ourselves we don't really feel. The characters in these stories are reckoning with life’s little surprises. But what they don't expect sometimes turns out to be all right a little redemption bubbling up in the kitchen where “Judy’s Wonder Chili” is made. . . or hiding in the folds of an origami crane, waiting to be found by the children’s book writer in “Something Happened”. . . or revealing itself on the surface of the well-used chalkboard of the title tale.

In their humor, simplicity, and subtlety, these stories--brought to life perfectly through Feiffer’s drawings--speak to our deepest adult-yet-childlike selves. There’s not a grown-up among us who won’t be completely charmed.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Short Stories, Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

136 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2006

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three little fables illustrated by the incomparable Jules Feiffer. Each story also comes with a feel-good moral. Too bad it doesn’t also come with a Chili Shouldn’t Have An Agenda t-shirt bc I want one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of short stories weaves illustrations with the text so deftly that it feels like a picture book for adults. And what stories they are! Told in a minimalist style with sparse detail and simple, black-and-white illustrations, the tales read like modern-day parables. Allen weaves humor and irony into these creative episodes, and the deceptively simple stories offer keen insight into human nature and life as we know it.

[Riley Moffatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole of Jules Feiffer but I'm glad I did. It's short and cheeky and has some fun ideas. The chili one is clearly the standout but I found the Long Chalkboard rather sweet.

"Chili shouldn't have an agenda."

[Jane Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick way since it was a graphic novel. I picked it up because the stories were about baby boomers.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute and fun!

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that haunted me. Years ago when I first fell in love with Bark, George, I looked around and discovered this book by the same illustrator - Jules Feiffer. Turns out, Jenny Allen is his wife and this is a simply perfect collection. I waited and waited for my libary to track this down for me so I could read it again. It was wonderful again, and I have GOT to own it. I read so many books, I couldn't possibly buy all the ones I read. We try to live well and spend well, so I try to be choosy with which books I actually purchase. Me and books are like some women and shoes or lipsticks; you can never have too many. To help with the impending budget and space crisis, I made a rule for myself. I never buy a book I haven't read. Further, I never (OK, almost never) buy a book I haven't read more than once and totally love. Plus, I buy them in like-new used condition. Thank God for our library system. They make this bit of frugal living possible. Anyway. I said all that to tell you how wonderful this one it. It's a book worth owning. And lending.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughters have been very into cartoon collections lately - they are working their way through the collected Peanuts. While I was getting some books for them, I saw this one on the shelf. It's short - just three short stories in cartoon form - but I really enjoyed the stories and found after I finished that it was a book I could share with not only my husband, but my nine and ten year old daughters. I've found graphic novels and comics are a tough fit for young girls. The ones written for young boys are too violent, the ones written for girls are too sexual. Perhaps my solution is to seek out more books like this one that are written for an adult audience...

In any event, this book told stories that I liked. While it told the stories quickly, I call recall each one with clarity and I liked the characters, even if I was only with them for a few pages. If you're looking for a book to read in the waiting room somewhere or between shopping trips, this one is a great choice.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one would be one of those rare books that you could use for a kind of "adult storytime." It retains a lot of the feel of a traditional comic. Written as three vignettes, I think any adult can relate to the stories, and they are quite endearing.

Jules, maybe something for Sterling House???

[Sarah T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. The lesson to be learned from all of the stories is not to take the little things in life for granted. Kind of a good metaphor for the book as a whole. It contains three simple, contemporary fables (for adults), all three of which are illustrated simply--really a joy to read. This book made me happy. That is all

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

my first attempt at a graphic novel, and hey I had to start with an easy one. It reminded me of reading a picture book, but for adults. It's an enjoyable read because the stories were rather endearing.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. There are three stories- the first I found beautiful, the second was alright, and the third one was okay. But man, that first one was good enough for me to like the whole thing.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three quirky tales comprise this collection. Liberally illustrated with drawings that bring these stories to life, the book will tickle your funny bone and remind you that some of the best books are just meant to entertain.

[Neelz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, fairy-tale like stories of contemporary dilemmas.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 short stories (I mean really short) each one enjoyable

[Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely did not know much about this book before putting on my kindle or else I would not have spent the money for such a short little book - read it in under an hour. Cute though!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three wonderful, funny and bittersweet stories with pictures by Jules Feiffer, what more could you want?

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous! Witty stories with whimsical, expressive drawings by Jules Feiffer. I was sad when it ended--I want more.

[John of Canada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.Thoughtful writing,Jules Feiffer drawings,happy endings.I want more.

[Mandira Bhaduri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful book.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy clever short stories, with wonderful illustrations about ordinary people and amusing lives. Light and relaxing with a smile.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute and easy read! Perfect for a study break to help your brain smile again!

[Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little Jules Pfeiffer book - cartoons for adults kind of thing. A quick read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super quick read that is light and delightful.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun stories. Fun illustrations. Fun little book.