Lynda Barry takes readers on a visual exploration of insecurities and uncertainties about the world in What It Is. Barry's obsession with storytelling and authenticity shines as she reflects on incidents in her life that led her to express herself through words and drawings. She reflects on whether childhood is a place or a time in one's life, and whether the past isn't an integral part of your present experience that you can draw on to help the creative process. The book contains many ideas, questions, and exercises to assist readers in exploring their own ideas and memories, and includes samples from Barry's own daily sketch-diary. Highly recommended for teens who were fans of Barry's One! Hundred! Demons! (an Alex award winner) and those artistic teens who would appreciate the voice of experience encouraging them to embrace and hone their talent.