Michelle Rial

Very funny visual charts using various materials appropriate to the topic, e.g. ice cream cones for "Should we get ice cream?" (p. 36-37) and criss-crossed band-aids for "How do I find a good doctor?" (p. 120). A Venn diagram of "What can I do to help?" shows overlapping circles ("a new life" and "a lost life") with "show up, bring food" in the middle (p. 126). "Is it too late to start?" shows timelines of birth to death, and when it's really "too late now" (after death)(p. 77). An show more entertaining mini coffee table book or gift book. show less

This is an amusing collection of charts that demonstrate very skilfully the many ways in which people can overthink things. As someone who is very much guilty of overthinking, I nodded in recognition throughout this book. The most impressive diagrams were the complicated Venn diagrams, such as the one on the cover of the book. I also liked the charts where physical objects were used to construct the chart or graph, such as the one about how many hairpins are available to you versus how much show more you need them at that particular moment. show less

In a collection of hand-drawn charts, often incorporating other physical items, Michelle Rial reflects on the many elements of her life where it's possible to overthink things including: how to start an email, what event can cause a relationship to go off the rails (spoilers: it's a trip to IKEA), what wine to bring to a party, and did she leave her straightening iron on? Fun and funny, this is an excellent quick read.

A quick read that I can see myself recommending to others, and flipping back through frequently. Her charts and graphs are incredibly relatable, on issues small and large. Besides laughing, groaning, and nodding my head as I read this, my most frequent reaction to each page was, "wait, it's not just me?!"
I've definitely seen Rial's work before this, but I don't follow her on Instagram, so I don't know how much the books overlaps her social media (I'd love it if she had a chart for that ;P)