Temper, Temper by Sonja Ahlers

At first glance this book reminded me of Frida Kahlo's Diary, except in black and white. I snapped it up at a trade show, practically out of the author's hands, who seemed to be using it as a folder. All kinds of folded bits of paper that I had thought were part of the edition were removed before the sale. Who knows what original Sonja Ahlers I missed out on. Never mind, Temper, Temper is worth the price of admission all by itself.

It is more of a book than a diary even though it is organized with entry-like pieces and the writing and artwork is immediate and loose, like scribbles in a private notebook. Temper, Temper pulls together like a visual novel, with running themes that wind up in resolution, just like an old-fashioned story. Typewritten texts are edited by handwriting; notes to self mix with notes from friends. There are poems and puns and she spins off found text and image. Ahler's got this great bunny alter-ego who appears throughout the book. I say the world would be a better place if we all let our bunnies do the talking for us:

"get out of my room" or

"I didn't want you to go so I tied myself to you with a magic chord I tied myself to you then you just dragged me around"

It's smart, funny, ballsy work that comes in a very girl package. I love the running concern with hair dye and the mascara wand prints. I also have to mention this lovely page featuring styles of eyelashes, each with its own Maybelline-esque description such as Super-Sweeper, Starry-Fill and Raggedy-Plus; wonderful stuff if, like me, you enjoy the name on the end to your lipstick as much as its colour.

Generally this book is excellent fun and I insist everyone buy it. Maybe it was just the result of getting acquainted with Ahlers' style, but it seems to grow funnier and more profound as you get further along: "I'm taking the blame for a walk. Don't worry - I'm using a leash." As we read towards the end there is a palpable lightening, and as "fierce bunny...twirls and spins" it is indeed a happy ending.

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