Indie publisher Birdcage Bottom Books is releasing two graphic novels this fall with real life stories in the vein of Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant? and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home.

Bottoms Up! True Tales of Hitting Rock-Bottom is an anthology of real life addiction stories (alcohol, narcotics, sex, pornography and more) adapted into comics by various indie cartoonists, include Rachel Dukes, Noah Van Scriver, Kevin Budnik, Sara Lautman, and J.T. Yost.  The book will include a list of recovery organizations for people seeking help with addiction.  The 256-page 6” x 9” black and white graphic novel has an MSRP of $15.00. Release is planned for September 27.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local rehabilitation organization.

One Thing at a Time, Bud by Kevin Budnik chronicles the artist’s personal reflections on dealing with his father’s sudden cancer diagnosis. Budnik uses the comics as a diary to help him process emotions, as he copes with his father’s condition, his own inner monologue, and conversations with family members.  The 44-page 5.5” x 8.5” full color graphic novel is $8.00 and is available from the publisher.