Herding Cats

Smiling by page 4, nodding at the relatable Truth by page 6. Legitimately laughing out loud with tears in my eyes by the middle, cheeks hurting. It is actually, physically painful how relatable Sarah Andersen's comics are. And the mini personal essay at the end is wonderfully told. 100/5 stars.

Zeus, como amo Sarah Andersen! Por motivos de identificação mesmo, nesse terceiro livro publicado no Brasil tem pouco de gatos como pode deixar enganar o título, mas tem um quê sócio-político mais incisivo, tal como a tirinha que deixa transparecer que tudo degringolou a partir de 2016 nos EUA (início do governo Trump) ou o manual de como sobreviver à toxicidade da internet.
Enfim, enquanto ela continuar publicando vou continuar acompanhando-a na internet e comprando seus livros como recordação.

This is the third collection of comics from web cartoonist Sarah Andersen, dealing with such subjects as anxiety, cats, music, the internet, and loving the autumn. And it's just as terrific as the first two. Sarah Andersen has this uncanny ability to feel like she's just tapped directly into some experience in my brain and brought it to life in the most charming, delightful, hilarious, all-too-real way with just a few short words and simple drawings. Additionally, in this one she also includes some supportive, wise, and entertainingly presented words of advice for young artists in the age of the internet.

As always, my only complaint is that it's a small book, and it left me still wanting more.

'''Go make stuff!''

I don't know what it is about Andersen's creations that make me feel so excited. Is it the cute girl with the big eyes, hungry to understand the paranoia around her? The modern, unassuming style? The honest way in which she approaches the problematizations depicted in her sketches? The sensitivity in which she describes a difficult reality? I don't know. Whatever it is, I always find myself reading her work with utter enthusiasm, eagerly waiting for the next installment.

There were so many times that I was reminded of myself when reading 'Herding Cats.'' The sketch with the brain walking down the trail of Bad Thought? That is totally me...and the feeling of Halloween approaching once August ends...and the sad, show more soul-crushing music.... and the overthinker... and the quadruple checking of the stove..

I deeply appreciated Sarah's views on the potentially disastrous effects of exposing yourself on the Internet, especially when your effort is successful and the trolls start galloping from the dark recesses of their despair. I think most of can relate to this, most of us have an experience or two to narrate...

...and this is what I consider quality escapism that provides an opportunity for some serious thinking.....

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com show less

I have read Sarah's 2 previous graphic novels and found them deceptively deep. The art is so simple, but the topics and ideas are profound, I love how she can openly discuss her own anxiety and fears in a way that is both specific and universal. Her work makes me chuckle with the self-knowledge that I, too, do some of the things that she talks about. What makes this collection stand out is the way that she introduces a section about artists. Her kindness and empathy for the feedback loop pains, self-doubt, and general anxiety make this portion really valuable for anyone who is interested in the arts and creativity. She is marvelous and this is another slam dunk of a collection!

I love this artist. Her work is so relatable. Even as she’s making me chuckle—this is more soft laugh humor than laugh-out-loud—I’m moved by the underlying pain and compassion in her work.
Although there are certainly several pages that have special meaning for the ladies, overall, her observational humor is for everyone.
Her segment at the end, Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative, is really excellent. It’s brief, but insightful, and a fine pep talk for artists of all kinds who are intimidated by the thought of sharing their work.
Great stuff, and you can read it in the time it takes to run a bath (don’t ask: just do).

Sarah Anderson once again is somehow right behind me drawing pictures of my psyche. Herding Cats is a tad more topical, with comics on the anxiety of living in a world that's on fire. There's a narrative bit at the end on how to be a creative in today's internet, which as mentioned is kind of a dumpster fire right now, but she insists you should still create, draw, etc. because it's necessary in these times (though it's also entirely okay to go outside and unplug every now and then too).