Member Reviews
This was the funniest book I've read in a long time. I spent most of the book biting my lips so I didn't burst out laughing.
Meichi Ng takes the reader through some of the most difficult moments of her life and brings an infectious humor to each of the stories. Each chapter covers a different topic about adulthood.
As someone with anxiety, I found her stories so relatable. I loved the way she managed to make her life experiences so accessible and funny. The artwork is very minimalist which adds to the charm of the book.
Great for fans of 'Hyperbole and a Half' and 'It's All Absolutely Fine'. Half comic, half essay this book is funny, thoughtful, and entirely relatable with memoir vibes. The layout was exceptional and made for an easy read.
"Barely Functional Adult" is half comic, half memoir. It has essays with comic book illustrations throughout. The artwork is juvenile, like the drawings in "Hyperbole and a Half." I did not realize this was the format of the book, or I would have probably passed. The cover art should have been a hint.
I just couldn't get into this book. I enjoy reading graphic memoirs because the artwork usually adds to the story, and I like the pacing of a graphic memoir. They are quicker to read. This was a slow read for me, and I don't share the author's sense of humor. I also hated the illustrations. Fans of this author's web series and people that like reading child-like books for adults will probably find it more enjoyable.
Meichi Ng (@barelyfunctionaladult on Instagram) is the candid mind behind BARELY FUNCTIONAL ADULT: IT’LL ALL MAKE SENSE EVENTUALLY, a relatable collection of short stories that are both humorous and heartbreaking. Spanning topics from imposter syndrome, therapy, and finding one's way in the world, this colorful blend of art and storytelling is relatable, funny, and honest.
Being in my late-twenties, I found myself relating to everything in this book. So much so that I kept thinking that it should be handed to every person beginning adulthood to give them a glimpse of what life is to become. It should also be given to people in the middle of figuring themselves out and what they want out of life. Sometimes a little validation makes everything better. And while we’re at it, this book should be given to people who might have forgotten what it’s like to be new to adulting. It’s easy to forget what we’ve been through to get where we are. So basically I'm saying every person should read this because it will either inform you, validate you, or remind you that being an adult is hard. And it does so in a way that is hilarious, sad, realistic, and hopeful. The illustrations aren't complex yet they are powerful, proving that simple is better.
If you’re looking for something that will make you think, “This is so accurate it sorta hurts,” BARELY FUNCTIONAL ADULT: IT’LL ALL MAKE SENSE EVENTUALLY is the book for you. It will teach you that adulthood is all about being barely functional and that it will all make sense...eventually.
Part comic strip, part memoir, "Barely Functional Adult" is an easy, enjoyable read with cozy illustrations. Relatable in many ways, Ng lets readers know it is perfectly okay to not always know what you're doing or where you're going. Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers, and Meichi Ng for the ARC!
This was very cute and fun with sweet messages about adulting in the accompanying stories. Love Ng's illustrations.
Relatable, funny, charming and sad, but often crosses the line and becomes too cute and “Hallmark-y”.
Ng does a great job of highlighting the difficulties of life as a 20 to 30-something-year-old, while never losing sight of the humor of it all. From getting over an ex to finding the meaning of happiness, her playful illustrations add to the richness of her storytelling and will immediately draw the reader in. Ng tackles some pretty heavy topics in a way that is both accessible and honest, so having those illustrations work to balance everything out. It's also always great to see someone speaking so openly about their fears and anxieties, which shows me I am not alone in my own life experiences.
Many readers, regardless of age, will find comfort in this book and be reassured that it's okay not to have it all figured out. Life is tough, but we will get through it together -- even if it means wandering in a field full of cows. Readers who enjoyed Allie Brosh's "Hyperbole and a Half" will enjoy this book.
At times both hilarious and sad, I found this book to be very relatable for those in their 20s and even their 30s as we go through life with our hopes and insecurities about ourselves. The combination of the stories with the graphics is wonderfully done. I had not heard of this author’s web comic series before but I am definitely interested in see what else she has done.
This was an adorable collection of humorous essays and cartoons. It reminded me of Hyperbole and a Half. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
An incredibly accurate portrayal of life as a new adult and all of the baggage and drama that comes with it, Meichi Ng's debut is superb. Well cast characters of life share exactly the feelings we all feel as we grow and change. A really great snapshot into life as a 20-something in the early 2000s I giggled and nodded my head in approval during several of the passages. Bravo on a job well done!
Funny, sometimes poignant personal memoir with simple (but surprisingly delightful) illustrations. This is very much a millennial experience book, as am I, and there were times that I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or cry in recognition that other people also wrestle with the same insecurities and experiences. Familiarity with Ng's web comic series is wholly unnecessary to enjoy this title.
A fun read about how many of us introverts struggle with adulthood. I could easily relate to the struggles of finding friends as an adult, and finding satisfaction in one's job. I enjoyed this and would recommend it to others.
So relatable. So witty. Super engaging, fast read. This was one of those books that has something relatable for everyone. I like the format of this book. This author has a great voice.
I actually hadn't heard of Meichi Ng's webcomic before I give her new book a curious go. And I quickly found myself pleasantly delighted. Her art style is adorable and charming, and while I found her stories oddly over-familiar at first, that was only because it took me too long to realize that was only because I was relating to them so heavily.
If you're a millennial like me, you'll definitely enjoy this little read.