Big Mushy Happy Lump

There are many fabulous and funny web-comic artists out there, but do any speak to us millennial ladies quite as perfectly as Sarah’s Scribbles? Her cartoon alter ego is the perfect blend of cute, weird, and just-this-side-of-insane that it’s impossible not to see ourselves reflected as we giggle over her self-immolizing adventures. In this second collection we see Sarah throw her money away on books (shut up, there are worse addictions to have), get caught by the latest ear-worm tune (hyperfixation - never met her), and admit that life is far more complicated on the insides of our heads than the curated versions that we parade through the world. Did I mention that she totally gets our obsession with our pets? Yeah, our furbabies show more are number one, and that’s how we like it! While her comics definitely poke fun at herself and find the humorous side of life, I heartily appreciate the depth that she also reveals. Exploring themes such as self-criticism and -doubt while still coming out the other side with a laugh definitely makes us feel like we’re not so alone in this great wide world, and keeps her work from the potential critique of being too fluffy. Though we always appreciate some moments of fluff - especially if they come in the form of amusing crushes, soft kitties, or a wild mane of hair that just can’t be tamed! If Sarah can own her true self, so can we! show less

I know now who my ever- faithful companions for life are. Meet Mister Social Anxiety and Mister Over-Thinking while Mister Crippling Lack of Self-Confidence appears in many Oscar-worthy cameos. And these gentlemen are gloriously presented by the pen of the magnificent and ridiculously talented Sarah Andersen.

I feel so connected to the wonderful character Andersen has created. The introverted, procrastinating, awkward me was constantly nodding in agreement over every sketch. It is a glorious feeling when you close a cute, little book and you discover you have a big smile on your face. And let me tell you, the world of antithesis between introverts and extroverts that Sarah has created is a very pretty, amusing, and comforting show more place...
.....and a little terrifying, but I have my shock-blanket just to be on the safe side... show less

Another great collection of comics from Sarah Andersen. This book includes some longer illustrated essays that are also worth reading. I loved the one about the kitten! Of the shorter comics, my favourites in this one dealt with the struggles of women’s fashion and the benefits of stealing boyfriends’ clothing (although I personally am more likely to get “hand-me-up” sweaters from my little brother). And I am convinced that Sarah and I have the same uterus, as evidenced by the comics about her period. A great book, very quick read.

Really enjoyable collection of comics from Sarah Andersen, whose work I'd seen before online. Her comics with cats are some of my favorites, but she touches on a lot of issues that really resonate with me. I don't have the same level of anxiety issues she illustrates, but I am an introvert and so I feel a lot of her pain with social interactions. Highly recommended.

This is the second collection of "Sarah's Scribbles" comics: simple, delightful little cartoons about dealing with everyday life, including such topics as social anxiety, female friendships, inconveniently timed periods, making future you hate present you, dressing for cold weather, and learning to love cats.

I just love these. Even though they are from the point of view of someone significantly younger and a bit girlier than I am, I still find them utterly, hilariously relatable.

I loved most pages. The strips about learning how to love cats -ex cat-hater and current cat lady here!- and dealing with anxiety, and the world and sexism. I like her voice, she is funny and her art is clear and to the point.

I *again* can't stand her fatphobic comments about gaining weight being a horribly bad thing etc. Seeing her openly talking about sexism and feminism and other social issues I hoped she would tackle the weight thing better. She does not, and it's always upsetting.

I am rarely this enthused about my ARCs.



But yes. All the yesses.

A collection of comic strips from a book-loving, anxiety-feeling, over-thinking, always-cold introvert whose uterus often just pops up and surprises her? You can bet your bippy that when it shows up on Netgalley with the Read Now button right there I'm going to stop everything I'm doing, click on it, and then devour it immediately, actual work be-damned!

It's basically me, in comic book form, and it's funny, and I laughed laughed laughed laughed laughed, which I rarely do.

Granted, if you're not exactly like me/Sarah Andersen, maybe it won't be as wonderfully awesome, but it'll still be, if not wonderfully, then at least adequately awesome. I might even buy a paper copy of show more it just to have around for smile-needing, surprise-uturus-depression emergencies.

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen went on sale March 7, 2016.

I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less