Hyperbole and a Half: Funny Autobiographical Graphic Novel
Hi Readers! I recently read Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. It was a short book, so here’s another short review!
This amazing book is 75% text and 25% graphic. 75% funny and 25% serious. 75% about dogs and 25% about real life. And of course, 100% relatable. I started reading this because I was intrigued. Usually when I read graphic novels, it’s because of the story or the drawings. But in this one, the drawings seemed like they were amateurish on purpose. I loved that the author had the courage to put it out there and knew I had to read it.
There is a lot covered in it. I loved how it talked about something as serious as depression but in a way that anyone would be able to understand it. I’ve read books like Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb and I’ve Never Been (Un) Happier by Shaheen Bhatt. But the way it is written in this book really helps understand what a person with depression goes through.
Later in the book, there’s a chapter titled Thoughts and Feelings. This was the most raw unfiltered piece of literature I’ve ever read. At the heart of it, it’s just so vulnerable but also at a humane level, these are the thoughts and feelings we all go through! And then the last two chapters about Identity struck home as well.
Then there’s adulting. So many people have already written and talked about adulting, but I still loved the way Allie has written about it.
The other part of the book is about animals, mainly dogs. This is where I have actually laughed till I had tears in my eyes! Be it the simple dog or the helper dog. Be it the murderous goose. Be it the bees that the dogs want to eat. All the instances are just so hilarious.
There are four chapters which are just really really funny: The Hot Sauce Debacle, The Parrot, Lost in the Woods, The God of Cake. If you are in a really bad mood and decide to read it, it will surely cheer you up.
When I started reading the book, I hadn’t expected it to enjoy it so much. It works on so many levels.
Feeling bad? Read it.
Feeling sad? Read it.
Feeling happy? Read it.
Feeling angry? Read it.
I have rated Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh at 5/5 stars!
Until next time,
About The Author
Aishwarya Shenolikar
Hello! I'm Aishwarya, an Introverted bookworm & writer. I have been reviewing books since 6 years on my blog - Mindscape in Words. My favourite genres are Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers, Magical Realism, Poetry, Fantasy & Memoirs. I like the kind of books which evoke emotions on several levels leaving me wrecked, but also incredibly content. I'm dreaming for the world to paint a landscape full of words, more like Mindscape in Words. Hope you enjoy the view.