C5/C6 Incomplete: The Life of William Delaroux

This graphic novel is a fictional memoir set between 1955 and 2010. It chronicles the life of William Delaroux and his continuous struggle to make the best of difficult circumstances. It begins with Bill's memories of being a latchkey kid of a dysfunctional single mother frequently moving around to avoid debt collectors. It then follows him as a U.S. Army recruit at the end of the Vietnam era, getting structure and support for the first time, only for that journey to be interrupted within a year by the onset of schizophrenic hallucinations. He ends up discharged from the army, and soon after has an accident that leaves him paralyzed with incomplete quadriplegia. After his initial hospitalization, Bill is determined to live independently and move on with his life, but as a disabled college student in the 1970s- in the days before the Americans with Disabilities Act- the cards are stacked against him. Bill tries to remain upbeat and does not give up easily, but with these and other challenges, especially with his mother back in his life, what are his chances of finding happiness? Well, the voice of "Sarge" has something to say about it!

This graphic novel is a fictional memoir set between 1955 and 2010. It chronicles the life of William Delaroux and his continuous struggle to make the best of difficult circumstances. The book starts with Bill's memories of being a latchkey kid of a dysfunctional single mother frequently moving around to avoid debt collectors. It then follows him as a fresh U.S. Army recruit at the end of the Vietnam era, getting structure and support for the first time, only for that journey to be interrupted within a year by the onset of schizophrenic hallucinations. He ends up discharged from the army, and soon after has an accident that leaves him paralyzed with incomplete quadriplegia. After his initial hospitalization, Bill is determined to live independently and move on with his life, but as a disabled college student in the 1970s- in the days before the Americans with Disabilities Act- the cards are stacked against him. Bill tries to remain upbeat and does not give up easily, but with these and other challenges, especially with his mother back in his life, what are his chances of finding happiness? Well, the voice of "Sarge" has something to say about it! This book gives a glimpse into the challenges of life with more than one disability. It is intended for adult readers and mature young adults as it does contain some mature content.

Karen Schuitema is an indie artist who has worked as a teacher in the Peace Corps, as a registered nurse, and as an animal attendant at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in New Jersey. This is her first book.