Not Funny Ha Ha

is a bold, slightly wry graphic novel illustrating the lives of two young women from different cultural, family, and financial backgrounds who go through two different abortions (medical and surgical). It follows them through the process of choosing a clinic, reaching out to friends, partners, and/or family, and eventually the procedure(s) itself. It simply shows what happens when a woman goes through it, no questions asked. Despite the fact that so many women and girls have abortions every day, in every city, all around us, it can be a lonely experience. s a little bit technical, a little bit moving, and often funny, in a format uniquely suited to communicate. The book is meant to be a non-judgmental, comforting, even humorous look at what a woman can go through during an abortion. Although the subject matter is heavy, the illustrations are light. The author takes a step back from putting forth any personal opinion whatsoever, simply laying out the events and possible emotional repercussions that could, and often do occur.

"Reading this book is like sitting down with your cool older sister and having her assuringly and frankly explain a really tough situation you're facing, and then convince you that you're going to get through it and be okay. Intimate and kind, straightforward and informative, Leah Hayes clarifies and personalizes the clinical experience a woman can expect when she decides to have an abortion. Even more impressive, the author makes the story a compelling read, with charming artwork and humor." Caroline Kee Buzzfeed

"I want everyone who is having, has had, or is considering abortion to have this book. I want everyone who is close to someone who has had, is having or is considering abortion to have this book. I want anyone who feels like they just don't or can't understand what it's like to go forward with, or even think about, abortion as an option to have this book. Really, I just want everyone to have this book, period." Ellen Forney (Marbles, I Love Led Zeppelin)

"Leah Hayes... uses drawing as a medium to express complicated concepts and understand difficult experiences. In... ,

"In a powerful new illustrated book,

"[Hayes] takes the reader, step by step, through different aspects of

"Upfront, conversational and helpful, breaking down medical terminology into easy to absorb language; the graphic novel format lends itself to the comforting tone of the book...like an open, warm conversation about something potentially hard and scary." Los Angeles Times

"With clarity and compassion, she walks readers through the emotions and medical decisions involved in having an abortion. ... The drawings throughout are affecting and vulnerable... Hayes's bunched and slanted lettering is as tenderly expressive as her portraiture - every mark of her hand is set to paper with pure empathy. This book is sure to be a comfort and friend to women who need it for years to come." Rachel Kramer Bussel Salon

"Hayes takes care to tell the story from two points of view, highlighting different procedures in different circumstances, while paying close attention to the processes that often get left out of broader discussions." Sean Rogers The Globe and Mail

"An amazingly thoughtful, empathetic guide to abortion." Brian Heater Paper

"Stories about abortions lack a calm voice that lets women know that everything is going to be okay. That's why Leah Hayes wrote , a non-fiction graphic novel that takes the unnecessary mystery and fear out of [the] procedure..." Calvin Reid Publishers Weekly

"The book explains medical jargon and breaks down the physical process of having a termination, while still offering a very human portrayal of the experience." Katherine Speller MTV News

"Hayes' illustrations are straightforward and witty. She defines technical terms and medical processes, while still managing to capture the deeply personal, human side of the reproductive decisions a woman makes." Natasha Preskey Cosmopolitan

"It's not only a beautifully-made and well-actualized book, but it's also probably the most accessible and relaxed, while still being frank, discussion about abortion that I've ever seen.... It feels like Hayes is giving you a reassuring hug and a warm cup of tea and then calmly talking you through what your next few days or weeks are going to be like... Overall, is a tender, educational and comforting look at a process that people are often afraid to talk about in such an open and non-judgmental way. It's also got just the perfect amount of irreverence and lightness, which are pretty necessary when taking on a subject that can be so heavy." Heather Corinna (Founder and Director, Scarleteen)

"Leah Hayes' book is simply astounding! This abortion handbook should be a staple in every sex ed class throughout the country. But what's most remarkable is Hayes' non-political, commonsense, and compassionate approach to abortion. ...[I]t's human, humane, and full of information that every person should have and many try to deny people from having. This is the rare book that is bigger than the sum of its parts." Mey Valdivia Rude Autostraddle

"It's hard to remain neutral when discussing abortion, but Hayes' repeated caveats (I'm just a cartoonist; talk to your doctor about anything; this is just informational) do their damnedest to situate her work outside politics and religion. That's a noble goal." Benn Ray Largehearted Boy

"Judgment-free, but still witty and brutally honest enough to demystify the topic." Hillary Brown Paste

"Hayes' bold and even courageous book looks set to be one of the most important and practical additions to the canon so far." Sarah Mirk Bitch

This nonjudgmental, even humorous, graphic work of nonfiction follows two women through the abortion process.

Leah Hayes is an illustrator, musician, songwriter, and producer who works out of New York City and Los Angeles. She is a graduate from the Art Institute of Boston as well as Parsons School of Design, where she now serves as faculty. Hayes's musical accomplishments include touring the country with her band Scary Mansion and recording with Grammy Award-nominated band TV on the Radio.