I admit, I was a bit of a snob when it came to Allie Brosh and their book Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened. Um…. That cover? It really looked like there was nothing I would relate to. It would be abstract humor that I could not enjoy. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
As most people will agree, Brosh created something that is funny and good. I appreciated every part of it, yet still there were places I wanted more and other places that I wanted less of. I would give this collection of thoughts and adventures a 4, only because no matter how much I enjoyed the text, I still cannot bring myself to be a fan of the illustrations. No matter how much they fit the theme. And they do so perfectly fit. To the point that I cannot imagine anything other than them being the art that helps us along our reading journey.
Brosh is relatable even if they are not something you have personal dealt with. Some areas talked about hit home very hard for me. Such as their dealing with her depression. With things like getting lost in the woods coming home, too. But not because I did, it’s just that I can just imagine what my mom would have done. And some not at all will be your cup of tea (sorry, not a fan of dogs, so your two and I not going to get along. But I am soooo very very glad you found them and are giving them so much love!)
There is something for everyone and everyone for something in here. I think teens at least 14 to adult would be the main audience, but with parental okay, younger could handle.