In a Nutshell: A purr-fect book for all cat lovers, though the ending is somewhat bittersweet. Much recommended!

I grabbed this graphic comic book for the title (Love the use of “Woe!” as a substitute meow!), the cat on the cover (I adore dogs, but cats come a close second), and the author (loved her graphic memoir: “Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos”) In other words, I didn’t read the blurb and totally judged the potential of the book based on these superficial factors. And guess what?! This time, it worked!

I have not had the pleasure of reading Knisley’s online Linney comics as I am rarely aware of web-based comics. But apparently, this is a hardcover edition containing all Linney comics, collected in a single book for the very first time.

Linney was adopted by the family at an older age, so she came preloaded with catty attitude. She knows that her requirements are foremost, and the humans exist merely to service her demands. I love how Linney is given a somewhat royal tone, so every time a speech bubble comes in her first-person perspective, she sounds just as condescending and snooty as cats would if they could talk.

You don’t need to be an ailurophile to enjoy this book, though being one would certainly help you understand Linney’s behaviour even more. The author’s fondness for Linney is very clear, as is her understanding of the cat’s personality. Be it Linney’s thoughts or emotions or actions, the author seems to have captured everything with perfection.

The author's preschooler son also makes a regular appearance in the book, raising the cuteness factor exponentially. There is also a friendly dog whose enthusiasm for Linney is as hilarious as Linney’s repugnance for him.

Most of the story is cute and funny, but the ending is somewhat bittersweet. This doesn’t reduce the impact of the book as there is a foreshadowing of what’s to come in the introductory note as well as repeated references to Linney’s being an older cat. But it is still sad to read. I can’t imagine how the author dug up the mental fortitude to pen that section; it must have been so painful. I hope she found healing by sketching it.

As the above might lead to some tears while reading, I am glad the book doesn’t end at that point, but proceeds to a finish with a happier memory.

The illustrations are quite simple, but funny and totally apt for the book. As the author rightly says, cats have no predefined shape, so you don’t draw a cat, but you draw the personality of a cat. Goes without saying that the author has nailed Linney’s royal personality in every sketch.

The only thing I am not sure about is why this is labelled a teen book. While there is nothing age-inappropriate in the story, the content is universal and will appeal to every cat lover. At the same time, the ending might be a little upsetting to some sensitive kids. I would rather label this a generic/adult graphic novel than as a children’s or teen’s title.

A teeny complaint: I wish a photo of the actual Linney had been included at the end of the book.

This book was read jointly with the two not-so-little readers at home and the three of us loved it equally. We laughed heartily at Linney’s pompous dialogues and her antics, and had a sad smile on our faces at the end.

Definitely recommended to all cat parents, pet parents, and animal lovers and to those who enjoy funny animal books.

4.5 stars, gladly rounding up.

My thanks to Random House Graphic and NetGalley for the DRC of “Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Before I get into the bulk of my review, a quick thank you to NetGalley and the publishers over at Random House Graphic for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair is a graphic novel that follows an orange cat named Linney who is just like your own cat. Linney has very specific needs and wants which gives her servants (“owners”) a lot of fun stories about her. Any cat owner will find similarities between their own cats and Linney in fun comic form. Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair comes out on July 2nd and is available for preorder now.

Linney is just hilarious. She also speaks in a very specific way that all cat owners can understand. What cat doesn’t sound like a Victorian child in desperate need of aid? I found this so relatable as someone with a 9 year old cat who is just very specific in what she likes and dislikes. I DO wish that there had been a running theme or something to tie all of these comics together throughout the graphic novel. There were some harsh breaks between different situations which I didn’t love.

Otherwise, this was so cute and so sweet (and so sad at the end) and I definitely recommend it for fans of cats, for cat servants, and people who enjoy a good graphic novel/comic.

Lucy Kinsley always delivers an amazing, funny and heartbreaking story through her illustrations. Woe is funny and heartwarming to read. Anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet will find the story relatable. Highly recommended.

Sometimes I am confused about which category books are placed in. I was poking through to see what books are coming out for the library collection, and stumbled across this little gem. And...was confused. What was this doing here? WAS it a teen book? So I decided to check it out.. I do collection development for ages 0-18, and this just didn't seem to fit from the description.

After reading it, I haven't changed my mind. Not that there is anything inappropriate in this book, and I did truly enjoy it. It's a sweet, loving, funny book that as a cat mom, definitely wrenched my heart there towards the end. I felt like the intended audience-which is why I am still confused it's in teen. If I was still a bookstore manager, I would shelve it either with humor or the little gift area near the register. As a librarian, I'd shelve it in NF graphic novels for adults. A graphic (if exaggerated for humor) cat and cat companion memoir. Would a teen who likes cats enjoy it? Yes. But to me, the primary audience is adults. That being said, if you like cats, read it. It was great.

A perfect cat book does exist! I absolutely loved getting to know Linney and laughing at her antics, her tales of woe, and her big personality. The art wonderfully captures expressions, body language, and emotions. I have never met Linney but I feel like I have. I also loved the humans in the story, and the very friendly dog, Flora. This book made me laugh AND cry. I was crying at one in the morning with my cats nestled close to me. If you've ever loved a cat, this book is for you.

I read an ARC. This book left me in tears and had me giving my cat extra snuggles. I'd seen many of these comics on social media before and knew that Linney the cat was no longer alive, but it still hit. This book will do well with animal lovers who know the joys and frustrations of living with a cat. The art is so lively and full of personality. I can't wait to share this with others!

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Graphic through NetGalley.
Linney will capture your heart. Knisley shares cartoons she has created to share their cat's life. Readers will feel they are there also as they see the world from Linney's perspective. The humor comes through clearly for readers of all ages. Sadly, Linney is an older cat so readers see the end of her life as well. I appreciate the last few pages sharing about getting her from the shelter as a cat not a kitten. There are certainly sad moments but that makes the book more real as it lets readers see all of the emotions involved when owning pets.

This was such a hysterical, touching, relatable read! Anyone who has loved a pet - and watched as they slowed down, entered their (or never left) their grumpy phase - your heart will burst and break. Long-time fans of Knisley will recognize Linney from many previous comics. She is not the first pet that I have never met and yet have shed real tears about, and she won't be my last. Even though the ending hurts, the entire story is so, well, human, you just have to read it to see. Highly recommend to all animal lovers.

Woe is the ultimate cat lovers book of comics!

Author Lucy Knisley perfectly captures the grace, aloofness, drama, and sometimes affection you receive from being a cat owner!

Hilarious and heartbreaking, these comics will remind you why cats are such a treasure! (even when they barf on the new carpet)

Absolutely adorable, I love Lucy Knisley. She describes how cats actually are perfectly and her art style is so nice to look at.

This book follows an elderly orange house cat named Linney and her family (two adult humans and a preschooler). The book has a cozy feel that any animal lover or pet owner can relate to, especially Linney's quirks (causing chaos) and "woes" (being vocal). The book feels fast-paced because each story is only a few pages long. There are no chapters, but each story has a different color scheme from the one before it.
I would recommended this book to anyone who loves cozy, slice of life cat stories, but it should be noted that this wonderfully silly elderly cat does not live forever.

Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair is absolutely hysterical and relatable to anyone who has been around cats in their life. I found myself laughing out loud at many of the scenes and constantly thinking "Your cat does that too?!" I enjoyed Woe from start to finish and hope to see future installments from Lucy Knisley.

Perfect for cat owners/lovers and fans of humorous graphic novels such as Hyperbole and a Half.

Thank you so much to Random House Children's | Random House Graphic and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Woe is an ode to Lucy Knisley's beloved cat, Linney. With humor and love, Linney tells us how terrible it is to be the greatest, most patient cat ever. Her humans were just so lucky to know her.

This was such a sweet compilation of Linney’s comics: a heartwarming compilation of a grumpy orange cat and her humans. This graphic novel would be perfect for cat lovers, adults and children alike! Definitely a must-buy for our library, as the charming art, funny scenes and bittersweet end will appeal to our varied patrons.

This is a cute, heartfelt homage to the author's *extremely* dramatic cat. Although the characters are simply drawn, they are expressive and distinct from each other. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the curmudgeonly Lemmie and an overzealous and excitable dog.

I have enjoyed Lucy Knisley's web comics in the past. I enjoy her humor and perspectives on parenting I'm not sure why this would be categorized under Teens YA. This would probably be more relatable to cat owners. It didn't bridge the gap for me though.

Join Linney, an old and sassy cat, as she takes her human on hilarious adventures around the house. Linney is convinced that her life is woeful because she can't have everything she wants. But is it true? You'll have to read "Woe" to find out and laugh along with Linney's mischievous tricks.

Are you a cat owner or, let's be honest, a cat servant? If so, you'll love these hilarious adventures that will have you laughing out loud! From the moment your feline friend demands attention to the times when they suddenly lose interest, this book captures all the relatable moments that come with being a cat's loyal servant.

I had the pleasure of getting my hands on an advanced copy, and let me tell you, it's a real page-turner! The illustrations of Linney are adorable, especially the way they capture the mischievous nature of cats.

So, if you're a cat lover like me, don't hesitate to pick up this book and join in on the laughs!

Pub Date: 02 Jul 2024

Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚 🐈 🐈‍⬛

Thank you, @netgalley @rhkidsgraphic for the complimentary ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I've been looking forward to this book since it was announced. What a glorious tribute to a beloved cat. I knew I was going to cry reading this, just as I did when the original comics of Linney's passing were posted. It brought back memories of my sweet old man who passed away a few years ago, down to the bad dental hygiene and mysterious early years. Recommended for anyone who has ever loved a cat but particularly anyone who has loved a particular and demanding feline without question.

Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair should come with a warning. It starts off with some lovely cat comics about the typical joys and irritations of living with a cat. The cat, Linney is depicted with a unique personality. Her family is the book's creator, her husband and son. Each react to Linney in their own way. Sounds perfect for animal lovers and particularly cat lovers everywhere, right? It is actually. But by the time you realize that these lovely comics are a memorial for Linney you are already hooked and can't help but read through the panels depicting her last days, shedding tears as you go., This books is wonderful read and a testament to the impression our pets can leave on our hearts, but it is not simply a collection of "funnies." My only complaint is that I did not feel ready for the more serious side of the story. It could be better represented on the jacket or in the intro,

Knisley's book is everything I hoped it would be! As a cat lady, this was delightful and felt as good as lap snuggle from your favorite feline. Fun and sweet!