Several things, among them Kochalka being named poet laureate in his native Vermont earlier this year, led me to revisit this great volume of serial quotidian serendipity. Another thing was parenthood. Kochalka's kid's-eye-view on the world may not have an inherent plot, but it does have themes (nature, music, creativity, love, food, and cats among them, often overlapping) and even a climax, when the eternal kid has a kid of his own.

What a lovely and sweet book! Kochalka keeps a diary of his life in four panels he draws in each day. Some days are funny, some days are grumpy, some days are crisp and exhilarating (he live in Vermont and spends a great deal of time outside), some days are cozy and warm. This is a man who loves his wife, enjoys what he does for a living (even though he really has to work hard for recognition) and takes joy in most every day.
I found myself turning to this book on my crappy days. Mr. Kochalka now has a webcomic (in color); americanelf.com. I will now be turning to the webcomic... ( )

Kochalka's massive labor of love (a daily four-panel comic, collected over years) is almost overwhelming in scope. I could hardly put it down, in spite of its size. Even so, I came to the end and found that I just didn't like him personally. His personality, his outlook, and his relationship with his wife made me irritated that I had spen so much time trying to like him. I'd love the concept if it were executed by a person I could listen to more comfortably. ( )

Quirky miniature musings on everyday life. Cumulatively charming, if rarely profound. ( )

I was introduced to American Elf by a friend and have kept reading the daily strips for more than a year now. I really wanted to go back and read the comic from the start, though, and this book is the best way to do it (unless you have many, many hours to spend at your computer). I read this first volume on my lunch breaks, on and off, and it was always such a pick-me-up. I also would find myself thinking about strips later in the day, reflecting on them. I don't know if this is "deep" material, but it's hard not to feel a connection to James Kochalka and his family. He doesn't shy away from certain topics, which makes it all the more fun and wonderful... though it does make for an interesting glance by coworkers in the lunch room. Reading this is a lot like talking to a friend about what's happening in your life, when maybe you think your life is strange and maybe your relationships aren't working out and you're just not getting it, and then that friend says "yeah, me too!" Okay, it's not quite like that, but that's the feeling I got. I'm happy to be catching up to present day American Elf! ( )