Herding Cats
A Sarah's Scribbles Collection
by Sarah Andersen
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Mar 27 2018 | Archive Date Mar 27 2018
Talking about this book? Use #HerdingCats #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
". . . author Sarah Andersen uses hilarious (and adorable) comics to illustrate the very specific growing pains that occur on your way to becoming a mature, put-together grownup. Andersen’s spot-on illustrations also show how to navigate this newfound adulthood once you arrive, since maturity is equally as hard to maintain as it is to find … "
--The Huffington Post
Sarah valiantly struggles with waking up in the morning, being productive, and dealing with social situations. Sarah's Scribbles is the comic strip that follows her life, finding humor in living as an adulting introvert that is at times weird, awkward, and embarrassing. The third collection of Sarah's Scribbles comics includes never-before-published comics and an illustrated essay about struggles with sexism, personal growth, and the rewards and challenges of sharing your creative work with millions of readers online.
A Note From the Publisher
We regret that this electronic galley is not available for Kindle viewing. The finished book will be available in print and ebook formats.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781449489786 |
PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 112 |
Featured Reviews
I enjoyed the other two books in this series and was thrilled to see Sarah's latest up on Netgalley. The first half was more enjoyable for me as it had her trademark relatable, quirky, life happenings depicted in humorous comics. The latter half was more Sarah giving advice to aspiring artists. Overall, another fun installment in this series, and I am grateful I was able to spend some time with Sarah and her drawings.
Thank you to Sarah Andersen, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to review an early copy.
I already read some Sarah Andersen's comics on various internet sites and always found the very good and funny.
This book is a good way to discover new comics and a different side to MS Andersen.
Very Interesting and very funny. A good read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing
I judge a book by it's cover first. If I like that, I pick it up. In this case, it happened to be a book by Sarah Andersen so I couldn't ignore that, now could I?
This book is just what you'd expect from Sarah Andersen. The simple, but very effective, cartoon placed in very very relatable scenes almost made me think this book was about me. It's full with everyday scenes from life and the struggles that you can encounter. It deals with some serious issues like anxiety but also a lot of fun stuff like fluffy animals.
In the second part of the book Sarah Andersen gives you some tips on 'how to be an artist'. This might not be something everybody will relate to. On the other hand, these tips could also function as 'how to just be a decent f*cking human' and therefore I believe everyone should read this.
This is a perfect book to crawl under a blanket with and it contains artwork you should show all your friends. And if you just can't get enough of these funny comics, Sarah Andersen's Instagram (sarahandersencomics) is regularly update with some new fun stuff!
In the light of the concluding illustrated essay here - all tortured souls need creativity, and we should all be creative online despite the trolls, and the world just needs more art and opinion, etc - the contents here can seem quite flippant and disposable. Cats are cute. Anxieties can grow behind our backs. Oh, and periods aren't nice. But once again the core of the book is actually fun, sincere, and well created, even if the artist's new blurry-cam digital FX box is used a little too often. You do certainly feel a kinship with the artist, and the snap with which she makes her point does go to prove some relevance to the content, however seemingly lightweight. Recommended.
I absolutely loved this and it immediately cheered me up, as Sarah Andersen always manages to do. I discounted a star because her previous books were funnier and more unique. I will definitely be buying this book as soon as it comes out!
I nearly screamed for joy when I saw a Sarah's Scribbles collection for review. This obviously grabbed me with the title, as well as the author. Her work is perfect for anyone, but especially a book lover, as she does a lot of comics involving books.
Sarah's Scribbles are an online comic created by Sarah Andersen. Her comics are semi-autobiographical and follow her life experiences, friends, pets, etc. The comics she posts are in a funky simple art style, but you can check out her installations that are beautiful in their self here.
The first section of this book is a series of comics that involve different subjects, but mostly about the struggles of adulting. Because let's be honest - it's a struggle. A few of the subjects that she touches on are being an introvert, dealing with responsibilities, time management, reading, retail therapy, and obviously cats.
The last section is kind of like a shout out to the aspiring artists of the world, and how the internet is a dark and scary place because people are just extremely mean and horrible; but things will get better. So if you create, just put yourself out there. It's really nice to see a message like that from someone you admire.
I don't want to go too far into detail because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen her comics. You can check her out on the web though, she posts her comics on a few different sites, but facebook is the most universal social media and you can find her at: https://www.facebook.com/DoodleTimeSarah/
This is the 3rd book she's released, so be sure to check out the others, Adulthood Is a Myth: A Sarah's Scribbles Collection and Big Mushy Happy Lump !
If you don't pick up her book, please at least give her a follow. It's totally worth it, and it's awesome to support artists. :)
I've never actually picked up any of the book versions of these webcomics, but I'm sure everyone has seen them floating around being reblogged on some kind of social media site. There were quite a few panels I recognized in here as well as several I'd never seen before, and they're all just so relatable. Definitely a fun, quick read. There's also a prose bit at the end that is specifically giving advice to web-artists which isn't necessarily something that was helpful to me personally, but it also comes with some cute comic strips so it was still pretty interesting.
Sarah Andersen has the ability to transform the daily life of introverts into something hilarious. How she treats the anxiety, the fears, the self-doubts... we all have been there sometimes, and I haven't met anyone who hasn't recognized themselves in some of her vignettes. This is the third book of hers I've read and it's as funny and wonderful as the first one.
Sarah Andersen is a brilliant and hilarious artist who is always so relatable. She had me grinning and smiling at every page. I know so many people who would love this and her collection too!
Adulting is hard and Sarah Andersen illustrates this in a quirky way using a girl whose forays into trying to be grown up I don’t always understand, but can definitely appreciate. Nonetheless, her illustrations are so relatable, so down-to-earth and they always catch me by surprise. Long live the scribbles!
This is my first read from Sarah Anderson's graphic novels, and I enjoyed it. Although through her clearly illustrated and written thoughts, Sarah is a millennial, I believe she grasped everyday life for me where I’m not a millennial. She speaks of the internet, social media, and how we need to move past the negativity to become better artists. We can become better people. Sarah uses her illustrations and humor to capture situations in life so we can reflect and laugh at ourselves. I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading others because sometimes I just need a good belly laugh.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this novel.
Yet another funny and enjoyable book from Sarah's Scribbles. Loved it loved it LOVED IT!
I chanced upon this book at the start of my day in the NetGalley catalog and was very happy about this discovery. I proceeded to download and read it almost immediately.
This book is a collection of her individual comics ( on instagram/facebook and elsewhere), a few I personally had not seen before. The beauty of the panels are that most of them are instinctively relatable with subtle humour. For those who have seen or been in some of those situations, the punch line is apparent. This book comes in two parts though, with one part being the panels. The second part is encouragement to deal with trying to do something in this interconnected world where everyone has an opinion, some of which you want and others not. This section is also accompanied by associated comics which help drive the point in the usual laid back style.
This book is definitely for the die-hard fans of the author. For those who are new, it can still be a great experience.
I received a copy of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Herding Cats is a collection of cartoons that make me laugh and make me wonder how did she get inside my head? I think her cartoons are important because as well as being entertaining they make you think and they also tell you that you are not the only one who feels that way. Sarah Anderson’s ability to distill big ideas into four little squares and still make you laugh about it leaves me awestruck. I highly recommend this book.
Herding Cats by Sarah Anderson is a wonderful collection of relatable and hilarious comics. Each page is filled with adorable truths about life and is perfect for young people today.
I really loved this one. I've been a big fan of Sarah Anderson for a while and I absolutely love her work. This new collection is especially wonderful because of the advise and guidance that Anderson gives in the book. The wonder of Anderson's work lies in the perfectly accurate metaphors for the wonders and struggles of daily life that Anderson is known for. I can't recommend this enough.
I just really love this artist, all her comics are very very relatable to me. And pretty much relatable to everyone I know
When I saw this was available as 'Read now' on Netgalley, I was so happy! (Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley, obvs) Then I realized I didn't have adobe digital edition...then I needed an account....then it failed to set me up an account...and FINALLY I worked it all out and read this. I adore Sarah's work, and I own physical copies of her other two books. I'm definitely still going to buy this one even after reading it, because her art is just so darn cute and looks good on my shelves.
As always, a funny and relatable look at life as we know it these days. Read her stuff and see if you don't agree! Five stars.
Another delightful installment by Sarah Andersen. So much goodness here. I found myself laughing out loud many times.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found Sarah Andersen's new book on NetGalley! She has definitely never failed to crack me up and I sped through the book in about an hour because I just couldn't put it down. Every single strip is so relatable and I couldn't help but chuckle through the entire book. The guide at the end for aspiring artists was pretty well written and entertaining.
Another great collection from Sarah Andersen. Always so relatable and funny. The end of this collection gives advice for inspiring artists and touches on the online world we now live in.
Another delightful and funny offering from Sarah Anderson.
I always enjoy Sarah’s collections. Much of what her strips cover are thoughts and feelings I relate to very much. Funny, relatable, and a great reminder that we are not alone in what is sometimes a lonely world.
How does she do it? She just distills everything down to the perfect snort worthy joke while simultaneously totally understanding what it is to be a woman and an artist and a cat addict. The later half of the book is a soapbox moment about ignoring the trolls and making art that is so sincere it makes me want to hug everyone trying to create and make in the dumpster fire of a world we're currently living in. Everyone needs Sarah Scribbles in their lives!!!
I love Sarah Andersen's work! The comics were relatable, funny, and unique. The artwork is quirky and amazing as usual too. I also really liked the inspirational part near the end to those who wish to become artists. Can't wait for more books like these in the future from Sarah because I'll definitely read them. :)
I personally adore Sarah Andersen's comics. I think her art is really fun and playful, but most importantly so relatable. I find myself in most of her work and I can always relate to the stuff she puts out. She is really good at capturing.... well, life in general, especially of a 20-something year old. And most of her work is really good-natured and hopeful and I really enjoy that. This is all true for this collection. It made me laugh out loud and I really appreciate that, because not a lot of stuff does. It's a really unique quality of her work. Most of it is due to the fact that it's so true, that you can't help but laugh. While I've seen most of these comics online, some stuff is new to me and I loved when it's all wrapped up nicely in one collection! Oh and the second part of the collection, where she gives advice to people looking to post their art online can be really helpful, especially for some younger people that are just starting out. I found it to be really insightful, plus I think it works for any sort of content online, not just comics themselves. Really enjoyed it as always.
This is the third book I have read by Sarah Anderson and I think this one may be my favorite so far. I enjoyed it so much more than her second one. I love that she uses her art to let others who are introverted, into fandom, love reading that they are not alone out there. Her slight obsession with cute animals hits a little too close to home though.
3.5 stars
I love Sarah Andersen's comics. So I was super excited when I heard about the third comic in this series. Even though I enjoyed Herding Cats a lot, I didn't love it as much as the last two. There were a handful of scribbles that were super relatable and had me laughing out loud. I feel like there is enough material in this comic that any person could relate too. The illustration is simple, short and funny. I am not a huge comic/graphic novel reader, but I would devour Sarah's Scribbles type of comics. You can read them whenever and I am sure that you will want to share the comics with your friends, family and on social media to express yourself. There are like 10+ scribbles I want to post on Instagram right away.
Hilarious yet hits so close to home. This was the first Sarah's Scribbles I have read, even though I have seen many a post on Facebook/Twitter including some of her previous comics, and I look forward to more of her quirkiness and humor.
If you've read Sarah Andersen's other books or seen her comics online, you know more or less what to expect from this book. It's not groundbreaking, it's not a story, it's just a bunch of cute strips by someone who is having a lot of fun and has some things to say -- and that's great. This book did change things up a bit by including a section on art and being online in this day and age; not bad or untrue, but I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't more strips speaking for themselves (although the section is illustrated).
It's a fun collection, and I still find myself saying "it me!" when I read Andersen's strips about anxiety, introversion, etc. Not sure how much of this will be new if you've read the strips online, though -- I read them only sporadically, and still recognised quite a few.
I have yet to find a more relatable comic writer than Sarah Andersen.
A very funny compilation. I've seen some of these panels floating around tumblr before, but they are just as funny a second time. Some of the comics were painfully true, and I recognize myself in the murderous mess of the woman who has long, painful periods. My cat also doesn't know her name for all the nicknames and nonsense I call her. This book probably will appeal to millennials most of all, but some of the truths will make women of any age chuckle. Very cute!
I had to laugh at so many of the illustrations because it was as if Ms. Andersen knew me inside and out! Some reminded me of my daughters and some reminded me of a friend. This is just a fun book to look through and laugh and then share it with a friend and laugh again. Just keep showing it to friends and family and you are pretty much guaranteed to say "that is so me" or "that is so you." Put in on your self and then get it out when you need a good laugh. When you need to be reminded that you are not the only person who does something or thinks a certain way. I definitely need to get the two previous Sarah's Scribbles!
I relate this book to an almost disturbing agree; over and over, I looked at the comics here and thought, "That's me... that's me... that's definitely me...". I'd seen some of these online before, but others were new to me. Besides identifying with it personally, I think some of the pieces dealing with anxiety would be really helpful for my students, as would the guide to being creative in the back. Great collection.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Sarah’s Scribbles is one of my favourite web comics and I was so happy to see a new book! I laughed loudly all the way through the book, stopping to show my kid funny pages. My only complaint is that it isn’t 500 pages long. Oh well, can’t have it all!
I will not lie. I am not the biggest fan of this artist/author usually. I like bits here and there and then the rest isn’t for me. I thought that when I first picked up this galley, and now at the end I have had a change of heart. This book is full of the usual comic strips. The ones about books are my favorite, but then I hit this strip about the Nerd being bullied in public, to go home and become the online bully themselves, and it just hit me with all the feels. The author goes further, and towards the end of the book, calls out our lives as lived on screen, and that everyone who wants to create should. That there will be trolls and bullies, but also helpful criticism both good and bad. Never stop creating. Never let the trolls take over your life. I love the message at the conclusion of this book so much, it shot my review up to the best I give. We need more authors and illustrators making comments like this. Good job.!
Liked this one better than the previous one. The last chapter especially, sound advice on how to survive as a creative person on the internet... Good advice for anyone on the internet, really.
Sarah Andersen did it again! She keeps slaying with her funny comic strips. Now with more cats and social criticism.
Oh, wow, another Sarah Scribbles. I am well pleased. :)
If you have been following Sarah's cartoons, you know what you are in for, and you should buy this book to have them all collected in one place. If you are not aware of her cartoons, here are my favorite ones in this volume:
<img src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Screen-Shot-2017-12-05-at-12.03.39-AM.png">
<img src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Screen-Shot-2017-12-05-at-12.04.34-AM.png">
<img src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Screen-Shot-2017-12-05-at-12.02.44-AM.png">
<img src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Screen-Shot-2017-12-05-at-12.01.54-AM.png">
And, even if you have been reading her online, she has bonus material in this book, about creativity, and not giving up, and enjoying your art, and good pep talk for future or current artists.
And her final words? "Go Make Stuff".
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Sarah Andersen's comics about cats, introversion, and the life of an artist are always adorable and easy to relate to. In this collection, it's more of the same (which is good!), plus a helpful, brief guideline at the book's end for creative folks who sometimes struggle. If you haven't been reading Sarah Andersen, you are missing out on great stuff.
I love Sarah's scribbles, and Herding Cats was no exception. In addition to the usual funny-usually-light hearted comics, Herding Cats came with a powerful message: CREATE. This struck home for me, because it IS easy to get caught up in the criticism and fear of messing up. It's harder to push past those feels and just keep creating for no other purpose than your own enjoyment. Because of the simplistic style of these comics, it risks becoming repetitive, but I always find each new batch just as entertaining as the last.
This was the post-Trump comic I needed so I could be sweetly and hilariously reminded that a lot of us are in the same space right now and that, no matter what, pets and Fall are still great.
Sarah’s stories are still incredibly relatable, adorable and funny.
As always, I’m looking forward to reading more!
Six word summary: My life displayed in comic format.
What I Love: Everything. These are so hilarious because they are absolutely relatable. I feel like every page I am nodding my head thinking "I thought I was the only one!"
Who should read it: People who also find life ridiculous at times, but enjoy fun as well!
I love Sarah Andersen's work. As an book-loving, cat person introvert it speaks to me on a personal level. While reading I kept interrupting my boyfriend to show him comics that I felt explained myself to him better than any words ever could!
Ms. Andersen's honesty about herself is refreshing as well. She addresses her anxiety and shortcomings in a humorous manner that helped this reader feel less alone and thus less self-critical. I would definitely recommend Herding Cats to my friends and to any patrons (most likely millennial and younger) who need a good laugh and a light read to lift their spirits. I'm eagerly awaiting Sarah Andersen's next comic collection!
It’s likely that fans of Sarah Anderson will have seen all the comics collected in this book, but don’t let that stop you from picking up a copy. Not only are the comics funny (as always) but many of them have more impacted than anticipated. And as a bonus, supporting an artist you love is always a wonderful thing to do.
I’m a fan of Sarah Anderson; I’m not going to deny it. So much of what she draws just really resonates with me. As a creative who struggles with anxiety myself, I feel like she can put those feelings into words (or images, in her case) better than I could ever hope. Seeing the struggles occurring in somebody I respect…it’s a helpful reminder that we’re all human and we all have our own battles to fight. To see her winning those battles (posting artwork and doing what she loves, despite the anxiety and all the other roadblocks) is inspiring.
I love how despite the silly nature of it all, Sarah still takes a moment to be serious and talk to her fans. I’m sure she’s aware (as indicated by her directness in conversation here) that many of her fans look up to her, and would love to do what she does. Instead of seeing them as a threat or potential competition, she encourages them to keep at it; to continue producing artwork and ignore all the critics out there (and let’s be honest here, we’re all our own worst critics). I have so much respect for her for taking this stance.
I can’t wait to see what volume four will contain (I know I can check out her website as well, but I do enjoy supporting the books when they release). Maybe I’ll luck out and it’ll be another cat themed title!
Amazing, as always.
Sarah Andersen is my favorite, and HERDING CATS – the third in her Sarah’s Scribbles series – does not disappoint. Her trademark adorable line drawings, self-deprecating humor, and wry wit are all present and accounted for. While Sarah’s observations run the gamut, from popular trends to personal apocalypses, HERDING CATS is all about the three As: anxiety, animals, and art. Err, make that four: can’t forget about adulting, filed under “things that are impossible and threaten to break me on the daily.” (I feel you, girl. I’ve cried three times and counting, just today.)
The last section includes advice to aspiring artists, punctuated by pithy comic strips for the rest of us. I was not bored.
Some of the comics I remembered from her twitter feed, but many were new, or at least new-to-me. Nearly are all instant classics.
In sum: Buy this book. Buy it meow.
This made me smile and I had to show a few panels to friends because they were extremely relatable - what more could you want from a Sarah Andersen comic? I also really enjoyed the second half, which was Andersen's advice to artists and really just everyone on the internet. There was a lot of care put into it and I really appreciated it. It made me feel hopeful, which is sometimes rare in the current days, especially when discussing the internet. I enjoyed the previous two installments and if you did too, I think you'll also enjoy this one.
I loved Sarah's previous work and loved this latest edition as well. I was so excited to get an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review since I love her comics. All of the comics included in this edition were really relatable to me and I liked that in this version she has a few pages of copy talking about being an artist. She captures reality really well in her comics.
If you're friends with me on any sort of personal social media account, you probably already know that I have an unhealthy obsession with Sarah's Scribbles. While I adore webcomics from all sorts of artists and sources, Sarah's are some of the few comics that can, without fail, always make me laugh out loud, smile, or even just go, "Yep, been there." This collection is probably my favorite so far. I just about died laughing over some of the comics, while others had me nodding vigorously and biting my tongue to keep from waking up the house with my cries of, "PREACH, GIRL!"
One of the best things about this collection is, at the end, there's a section of 20-ish pages where Sarah offers some advice for aspiring artists. She delves into a bit of how toxic the internet culture has become, especially for content creators, many of whom live in constant fear of criticism, unkindness, and downright harassment. Her words are inspirational, smarmy, and fun, and totally reinforced why I love Sarah Andersen so damn much.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I LOVE Sarah's drawings. They're always SO relatable and often make me laugh out loud. This instalment was a little different to the first of Sarah's books that I've read, because it includes a little self-help guide for artists towards the end of the book. There's more text than usual, accompanied by her illustrations, but this section only takes up 20 pages or so.
If you haven't picked up Sarah's books or haven't checked out her drawings online, YOU HAVE TO. THEY'RE SO GREAT! Especially for introverts, anxious people and cat and dog lovers!
Sarah Andersen is the most relatable ever. Chances are if you're picking up a collection called 'Herding Cats' there will be at least one comic in there you will absolutely relate to on the most basic level. Reading Andersen is always like finding a kindred spirit, and Herding Cats is no exception. Full of comics about cats (obv), Halloween, and being an introvert, this collection was made for people like me.
I learned about this talented comic writer from my daughter. The cat cartoons have been especially enjoyed in our household but there is more. Sara Anderson humorously and effectively shows us our anxieties and issues. Try this book. Being able to laugh breaks the hard things down into manageable bites. It will help you to process and digest your experiences!
Overall I really enjoyed this third collection of comics by Andersen. For aspiring artists, or any creative who wants to know how it is for a professional who publishes across multiple different online mediums, the last third of the book is very useful in talking about her experiences, pitfalls and things that have worked well for her.
Definitely a fun book that will brighten someone's day and who will say "omg ITS NOT JUST ME?"
I'm following Sarah Andersen's drawings via Facebook and usually I find myself giggling while reading them, because a lot of it represents me I guess. I saw this ARC in Netgalley and downloaded quickly so I can read it. I really have fun reading, and I want to share some of my favorites.
As the third book in the "Sarah's Scribbles Book Series", HERDING CATS is as entertaining as the previous two have been, though they are definitely all stand alone books. Sarah Anderson manages to capture the world of the introverted and anxiety ridden perfectly in her comics, which is part of what I love about her work.
What I liked most about this book, though, was that at the end, Anderson offers advice to others who are trying to start in her field. Much of the feedback is reminding yourself not to have too much doubt in yourself, and I liked that.
I have to say I overall enjoyed these comics. It's nice seeing it updated and have it relate to what is going on currently in the world. I find these comics very fun and relatable. It's a nice quick read. I can see myself buying this as a gift for someone whose going through tough times so they know they are not alone.
I’m super stoked to review Herding Cats. If you’re on the internet chances are you’ve seen some of Sarah Andersen’s work. She creates really short, but funny and meaningful, comic strips that show up everywhere as memes. She has two short collections, Adulthood is a Myth, and Big Mushy Happy Lump. I’ve read both of them and my main criticism would be that they’re just too short! I understand why they’re this length, Sarah mostly creates one page comics and with every page covering a different topic, they’re not going to be that long. And then there’s the whole thing where she actually has to draw all the artwork.
I always enjoy these. My favourite is still her first collection because I think it really showcases some of her best work and most popular comics. She’s tried a new type of storytelling in the last two books though where she has added some text followed by comics to tell and bit more of a story and address larger issues. Sadly I’m not really into this format as much, I like her stories, I’d just be more interested to see them told solely through comics, but I think Sarah might struggle a little bit with longer story telling through comics and I prefer her shorter comics. I think her shorter comics provide a really good social commentary on a huge variety of issues and how we interact in the world in the internet age.
So I didn’t love this book as much as the first, but there was still a few really great comics in here. She had two comics in this one that were directly about feminism and I really enjoyed them both, so I’d love to see more comics on social issues as I think this is a really good medium to share ideas and highlight how ridiculous some social norms really are. I will still continue to read whatever Sarah puts out, because they’re such a quick read and they always give me a laugh.
I highly reccomden this book. Sarah is such an amazing artist. Every time i "read" her comics is like : Ok, this is about me. My life is just "written" in this comis book. These comic books are too short, but so entertaining. With one word: LOL. Sarah's Scribbles always magically appear in my life just in time to cheer me up and I'm so grateful for them.
I love Sarah Andersen! Her books always make me smile. This one in particular is one of my favorites. I can relate to so many pages!
Reading comics by Sarah Andersen always make me feel better. She manage to take everyday thoughts and make them accessible. The drawings make me realize that my feelings and thoughts are more normal than I originally thought. I feel better because I feel less alone.
The drawings are "simple", but it is why I love this comic so much. The windows are very relatable, and I love that!
This one was just as good as the other two. These explain a lot of what adults go through and feel on any given day. Keep them coming I could read these books all day long.
This is the second Sarah's Scribbles book that I have read and loved. Her drawings are incredibly relatable for anyone who is an introvert, has anxiety, and loves cats and dogs. They, differently from many books, make me laugh out loud. This one, unlike her other books, has a self-help guide for artists, also accompanied by some her illustrations. If you haven't checked out her drawings and or books, I really recommend, they're so great!
I adore Sarah and her work. I love that she is very honest about anxiety and depression and so many other things. Most of all, I love that she chooses to express the humor in it. In many ways she reminds me of myself but I think we're both too introverted to reach out and try anyway. It's a nice thought. Back to the book, this is not exactly what I've seen from her before. I love her series, Sarah's Scribbles and follow it. The first half of this is what we've all come to expect and love. The last little bit is even better. Sarah has become a motivational writer (we all know motivational speaking would never be her goal). I'll let you read it since she says it best but that part of the book made me love and respect her even more. There is a bit of swearing but not too much or too serious (I notate this for my readers who follow me for such info). Basically if you need some comedy and motivation, get this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
It takes real talent to pull off a comic strip that is only 1 to 7 panels, and have it be consistently funny. There is truly humor accessible to everyone in this book, and many could be clipped from the "newspaper" and taped to an office door. I have only been occasionally exposed to Sarah Andersen through the book I purchased for my spouse and Facebook shares from my spouse. Now I have to go back and read the previous two books as soon as possible.
Herding Cats is an incredibly fast read! I read it twice in the space of time it took to drink a cup of tea. While every illustration didn't make me laugh, enough did that I would definitely consider this book significantly more hit than miss.
I particularly liked Sarah Andersen's advice to up-and-coming artists. It was both inspiring and ground in reality.
Herding Cats is definitely worth a read, or two.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I have always heard about Sarah's Scribbles but had never managed to get my hands on one until now. At first, I wasn't sure what to think. The art was simple (which isn't a bad thing at all) and the little comics were a hit and miss for me. But, I slowly started to relate to them more and more and found them rather endearing.
This really let me know that I wasn't alone in some of the things that I feel. There was one comic that I didn't even realize I felt until I saw it and I was like "YES! That is me."
It was a quick read, that I could relate too and I know that many others will be able to relate to it as well and it could help encourage them and let them know that they aren't alone in how they are feeling.
I don't typically laugh out loud when reading, but this collection had me LOLing several times. I've seen some of Sarah Andersen's comics around the internet before, but hadn't read any of her books until this collection. As always, her take on anxiety and being an introvert really resonated with me.
Because this was my first time reading one of Sarah's books, I wasn't expecting the section at the end where she talks about being a creator in today's internet age. At first I found this confusing, but as I read it I came to appreciate what she has to say.
As a whole, this collection left me feeling encouraged and uplifted. I'll definitely be recommending this and other Sarah's Scribbles volumes to friends and library patrons!
The third book by Sarah Andersen, collecting all her newest works + more! I was delighted when I spotted this book over on Netgalley. The covers and titles are getting better (and sillier) with each and every book. I can't wait to see what the next title/cover will be.:P
Like with each book so far I haven't found a comic I haven't read, well, maybe one or two, as I sometimes don't see her new comic on my timeline on Twitter. But do I mind? Nah, I don't. I just adore that I can re-read them without having to go through her Twitter.
This time not so much menstrual cycles and more anxiety and sadness. They all hit quite close home for me. :( One that also stood out was the stove comic. When I saw it on her Twitter, I had the same reaction. I was both sad and happy. Sad, because it sucks that there are more people who have this problem and it is not a fun one. Happy, because I know now that there are more people like me. That I am not alone with this behaviour.
After the normal comics we get an extra part. She tells us with text and comics about art, about drawing, about criticism on the internet, anxiety over drawing/posting something, and more. I definitely love that this was added. I am not adding art to the internet, but some of the parts (internet and harassment/criticism) hit quite close to me.
All in all, definitely recommended. Be warned this may hit close home. You may experience a ton of feelings and nod along with the comics. Of course you will also laugh as there are enough moments were the comics are more comedy (like the ones with her cat).
---Review to be posted on my blog (and all other places) 2 weeks before the book comes out.----
As always, Sarah Anderson does not disappoint with her collections. Herding Cats is the newest complication of Sarah's Scribbles a phenomena that has taken over women everywhere. Sarah always manages to hit the nail on the head especially when describing those who are introverts or basically just like animals more than people.
Funny, witty, and own right truthful, Herding Cats is like looking into my own mind. This book is s little light n the cat jokes in my opinion but never the less is funny and brilliant.
4,5 stars actually (^.^)
It's my 3rd review of Sarah Andersen's books. I didn't expect her to publish a new book and when I coincidentally see her new book on netgalley I got so excited. I finished it within an hour or so.
I adore how she hilariously illustrates such small things in her comics. Once again, I loved it ! :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the cartoons were pretty funny, but what I liked the most is that it gives you some tips on how to deal with some issues that are pretty real and it made me think about some stuff that it did not cross my mind before.I will be picking up her other 2 books before this one.
As a long-time fan of Andersen's comics, this was a joy to read. The art is adorable and amazingly expressive, the comics are hilarious and relatable and got many chuckles out of me. I really liked the last part where she offers encouragements to artists during these exhausting times, because it's exactly what's needed.
The only reason I took one star away is that there isn't much new in this book, there isn't anything original about it. Still a wonderful read, but maybe something new would be nice for the next one.
Sarah Anderson is always a delight, and this newest collection was no exception. She has a way of bringing some of my (and hers) most personal insecurities to life in a light and funny manner. She's relatable, and smart, and witty. Those who loved her first two collections will love this one.
Quite simply the best work that has come so far from this iconic cartoonist and memoirist. I am floored by the honesty and humor that she infused on every page.
When I discovered Adulthood Is A Myth early this year, I was enamored with author Sarah Andersen’s humor and her trademark artistic style. Despite her city living vs my small town setting and the age difference between us, there were many parallels between her thoughts and mine. I read her second book, Big Mushy Happy Lump, soon afterwards and then was doubly pleased when I was able to read her third book through NetGalley that will be out in March 2018.
What stood out in this third volume was her honesty about the creative process and how self doubt and self sabotage come into play even as she has now gained mainstream success. There is a section in the back in which Andersen gives advice to new illustrators and shares how the internet has corrupted much of her former joy in sharing her work. Her guide for the “young creative” is actually appropriate for all ages as her practical advice about artist survival is from her own hard won experience. While this book is as funny as her previous two, there is definitely a maturing in her work that was welcome.
I look forward to future Sarah’s Scribbles book, as the talented author and illustrator has created a very relatable set of books. Bravo!
I love Sarah's Scribbles! They're funny and really relatable. The first part is filled with short comic strips, like in the two previous books, while the second part is advice for aspiring artist.
Recommended!
This book is a collection of relatable comics that portray daily life. What I liked about it is the "Making stuff in the modern era" section where the author shares her experience as an artist on the internet. She tells us what to expect if we become an artist, offers 5 tips on surviving the internet as a creative individual and wraps up the book by nudging the reader to voice their thoughts by making stuff.
I didn't quite enjoy the first part of the book as much as I adored her earlier books. I reckon it is because I've already been following her webtoon and there weren't many new comics. Since I've read some of the comics very recently on Line Webtoons and they are fresh on my mind, reading them again in the book did not appeal much to me. Perhaps if there was a gap in time of publishing a comic online and in a book, it would serve as nostalgia rather than appear as repetition. Would still recommend this book.
I think the main reason for the success of Sarah's Scribbles - beside being utterly hilarious - is that it's so easy to recognize yourself in her strips.
I mean, nearly each page I turned, I couldn't help but think <i>'But this is me!'</i>.
Thank so much to Sarah Andersen, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to review an ARC of this collection.
I love Sarah Andersen's particular brand of self-deprecating humor, and I think it's the thing that resonates most with a lot of us. Her third installment comes with a bunch of comics about making art, dealing with anxiety, the garbage fire that has been post-2016, life on the internet, reading, and of course, herding cats. She's also included a really cool self-help guide at the end for artists, with a lot some cool advice and much-needed reality check about what it's like to live in the era of the interwebz.
As always Sarah Andersen's comics are so relatable and hilarious! I really enjoyed the end section where she includes more writings and advice on what it's actually like to be an artist in today's age of social media and Internet trolls. Highly recommended for fans of her comics and previous books as well as for any aspiring artist out there.
Love reading her cartoons on FaceBook. Great to see it compiled into a book. Looking forward to more.
I absolutely loved this collection. All the comics are hilariously relatable, as if she’s seen into my own thoughts, but I also really appreciated the advice contained in the book for artists. Even though I’m not an artist I found it helpful, and hopeful, and can’t imagine it’ll be a great read for a lot of people.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love this artist and these comics. I laugh at almost all of the comics. I relate to sooo many of the comics also. They are so funny, they touch on real life, the artist just gets it. I cannot wait until the next book and this one isn't even published yet. If you haven't read any of these books/comics yet, what is wrong with you? Run, don't walk to you local books store or computer and start. You will not regret it!
Sarah Andersen is back with another book for anyone who enjoys webcomics! If you aren't familiar with her comics, they depict scenes that are relatable to animal lovers, students, creatives, and basically anyone who experiences emotions.
As with most famous internet cartoonists, I expected Andersen's book to simply be a collection of the short comics I see on Facebook or Twitter and some that I'd never come across. While it definitely has a bunch of the quick, hilarious, and relatable comics Andersen posts on her social media pages, I was surprised at the section that came last.
In the end, Andersen adds a chapter titled "Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative". There are a few sections to this, each highlighting a different part of the life of posting your art, writing, music, or any other project on the Internet for all to see.
It's no secret that this place has become an integral part of life for most people. Unfortunately, for every problem the Internet fixes, it also creates several new ones. That's why Andersen is here to tell her readers that it's okay to be scared to share your work so publically. People can be harsh, but they can also be incredibly kind. Andersen offers advice from her experiences on how to handle this anxiety, pick yourself up after you fall, and continue to grow through the best and the worst.
I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
I love Sarah's art! I follow her on instagram, so when I give given the chance to review her upcoming comic (book) I was so stoked!
This is a collection of her comic strips, many of which have already been posted to her instagram, so you pretty much know what to expect. I will say, I thought there would be more cat content but I still loved this book.
The way Sarah draws and deals with topics like anxiety brings them to such a relatable point of view, I often find myself giggling and then screaming EXACTLY!
Thank you to Netgally for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sarah's Scribbles are highly relatable for all those daily moments that have you thinking "Am I the only one?" Herding Cats keeps up with this tradition and then some. Perhaps my favorite part of this volume is her short essay at the end of the book addressing the difficulties of being an artist (but it really applies to anyone who creates original works) in today's world where the "real world" and the internet are so thoroughly intertwined. It's upfront about the emotional turmoil but reminds us that we must go out and make things anyway. I will definitely be re-reading this multiple times!
I love Sarah Andersen works, I read the two previous books, and really liked them.
This book is similiar to the previous and I think it is really cute, and catch the modern life's problems.
I recommend it to the fans and you creatives ;)
Another funny and touching scribble from Sarah. I think I will be buying copies as graduation gifts to my daughter and her friends, Good advice for artists
Funny and informative. Love the characters. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.
I have never sat down and read a full book by Sarah Andersen. I have read comics here and there as they pop up online, but never sought them out. When I saw that she had won a GoodReads award for one of her books, I wasn't surprised. Her work is generally really funny and feels so familiar.
This book had a few comics that I have seen online, but a great deal of them were new to me. Pretty sure my coworkers thought I was nuts when I kept laughing and by the end I had snorted at least three times. Very funny. Andersen understands my love of animals and my inability to handle my own anxiety. A wonderful addition to the world of comics for people with anxiety and who are introverted.
What I really appreciated was the last bit of the book was dedicated to building up other artists. Anderson goes into how it can be hard to show your work online and that even she still has issues with it. It was wonderful.
Wonderful, funny, honest, quirky, authentic, neurotic, introverted portraits of what goes on in women's heads. Did I say hilarious? Now of I have to read the rest of her books.
Great stuff, but was hoping for more cats. Actual rating 4.9/5
I've truly enjoyed both of Sarah Andersen's previous books and was excited to read this one as well. I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as the previous two. The second part, although not necessarily as humorous, is full of great reminders for everyone trying to make their way in the world by being creative, as well as just being a polite human.
As an introvert and cat lover prone to anxiety, Sarah’s work is like someone created a comic of my life! I adore Sarah’s art and am grateful she has persevered over the doubt and negativity of others to share this important and entertaining work with the world!
If you've been on the internet than you've probably already seen some of Sarah's little comic strips. I love them! They always cheer me up and they are highly relatable most of the time.
Sarah draws in her comic series about real life situations and how introverted people and/or people with depression and anxiety deal (or not) with them.
They are quite humorous and again, I love them.
What makes this book different from the two she published before is the second part of the book.
There she talks about becoming (and being) and artist on the internet and gives some tips and insight. this part has a lot more text. It was very interesting and I loved that it was included. Though maybe it would've been better at the beginning of the book because it contrasted quite a lot with the funny and quick read before.
Overall, if you need a book to make you feel understood, not alone and something to cheer you up, this is perfect for you. But again, you probably already know what you're getting into since her comics are huge on Tumblr and co.
P.S. I was over the moon when I saw this on NetGalley!
This third installment of Sarah's semi-autobiographical scribbles once again resonate with the artist, the introvert, the cat/pet lover, etc. If you identify with any of these, it would likely thrill and excite you (as it did me) that each trait / personality type is so accurately and succinctly portrayed in just a handful of panels. Even if you are not any one of these types, the illustrations would help you better understand someone else who is, from seeing things from their perspective.
I particularly enjoyed the second part of the book, which is interspersed with words of encouragement to budding artists. As someone who has run the gauntlet of an emerging artist in a world where social media (and the accompanying negativity) is rive, Sarah dishes out words of wisdom for those who aspire to venture forth in the creative space.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2229273345
Herding Cats: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection can be enjoyed whether or not you’ve read the previous books. The topics are similar — including feelings of inferiority, how much she loves her cat, engaging in the wrong choice even though she knows better (particularly when it comes to spending time), dealing with anxiety, being an introvert, concerns over the state of the world, and enjoying Halloween — but her content is always fresh and approachable, and she finds new things to say about the topics.
The art is deceptively simple, easy to read but still expressive, which adds to how much most readers can relate to her feelings. She’s excellent at evoking an action or setting with just a few lines or items. Her honesty makes it less scary for readers to think about their own similar fears, or the ways they short-circuit themselves by getting distracted by the internet, or how everyone gets caught up in a cycle of focusing on the wrong things at times.
The final section, “Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative”, combines text with a few cartoons as Andersen talks about how she came to be a professional artist. I found her comments on how different it is now to use the internet particularly insightful… and sad, as she points out that today’s young creators are afraid of what might happen to them there. She also has advice, from experience, on creativity cycles, coping with criticism, and staying encouraged. It's a nice bonus to set this third collection apart.
I recieved a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is my first time reading any of the Sarah Scribbles books, and I have to say that the book made me legit cackle!
Each of the comics were completely relatable. Throughout the book I kept saying to myself "That's so me!" One of my favorites was the one about the shaved legs ! 😂
I definitely have to check out the other Sarah Scribbles collections!
A nice quick read for those who love art and those who simply enjoy laughing. Full of comics about art, it was funny while also being completely truthful in the irony of it all. Being someone who has spent so much time drawing, it hit a little close to home. It was really lovely to read and funny, an artist or not. It also gives advice to anyone who wants to draw and those who have been doing it for ages in a way that was funny. I recommend this for a quick read that'll make you laugh.
This gets a high rating from me. It is so me. I related to almost every single panel in this little graphic. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. The book is funny, laugh out loud. Even when you have an illness or mental health problem, sometimes you just have to find ways to bring out the humor, poke fun at yourself. I guess some people might call that morbid humor?
It got one less star than the first two volumes, but I can't quite pinpoint why. I still related to 90% of it, but there was something off during reading this volume.
I love her art and the comic strips. I see people giving this mixed ratings, but for me, I think I am on the higher rating/liking side because I really do see myself in these books.
Sarah Andersen helps us all realize we’re not quite as weird as we think we are. Or maybe that we’re ALL doing the same weird things. Her work is so relatable and refreshing. I was banned from reading this in bed while my husband tried to sleep because I my attempts to contain my laughter we’re too disruptive. Herding Cats is laugh out loud funny and a great example of Andersen’s signature humor.
I absolutely love Sarah's Scribbles. I do follow a bit on FB so some of these were repeats. And, while I hat to know that another person fights anxiety, it's good to know you're not alone and get a small giggle out of it every now and then.
The little inspirational part toward the end for other artists is a nice addition.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Though this is a collection of brief comics, I fell in love with the characters from the beginning. I love Sarah Andersen's comics and artwork. It always brightens my mood as well as my day. To have read so many fun and humorous comics, I know what to pick up when I'm feeling down.
I really don't know if I can say anything other than "Sarah Scribbles". Seriously, she hits the nail on the head SO MANY TIMES. Some of the comics she does are like she is peering into my head and copying things down. She is nothing short of amazing, and the end was very serious, but not in a bad way. Definitely worth getting and reading, especially if you are a budding artist and need some advice. The end of this was written for you.
5, as if there could ever be any other rating, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I love Sarah Andersen. She depicts an introvert's life perfectly.
I've read the previous two comics in this series, and I hope she keeps them coming in the years to come.
In the meantime, I'll settle for her facebook page.
Sarah is always a lot of fun.
And dang it, she is relatable. If you can’t find several cartoons here to laugh out loud at because you completely understand where she’s coming from, you may not be human.
And there’s some great advice for artists in the back of this - in trying to navigate the online world, and the world in general. I think it may be geared mostly toward younger artists, but I’m approaching a ½-century, and thought it applied to me, too.
"Go make stuff."
*Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.*
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I absolutely love Sarah's comics and art style as in, but putting it in a book? Yes, please.
I love how relatable her content is to day to day life, especially being an introvert and having anxiety.
Another hilarious collection of comics about dealing with anxiety, being introverted, loving life, and staying creative! I just adore Sarah Andersen's work. She has such a unique way of cutting to the heart of what brings delight or disaster into our everyday lives. She actually makes me laugh out loud, crazy giggle, and chuckle to myself when I read her work.
The only reason I took off one star is because I'm not a pet person, and several of the comic panels are about loving dogs and cats. I'm just 'meh' about pets, so those didn't interest me. However, pet owners would probably love those.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc copy of Herding Cats! This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2018 and I am so happy to have had to chance to read it in advance!
The first thing you need to know about this review is the fact that I'm a huge "Sarah Scribbles" fan! I have read and loved her two previous volumes and Herding Cats is no exception!
Why do I like Sarah Scribbles?
I can recognize myself in quite a lot of her drawings, especially those about reading and buying books, being an introvert and having menstrual cramps. Sarah Andersen's work can be brutally honest but will make you laugh at the same time. It's by far my favourite comic collection and I will continue to read every single one she publishes!
Herding Cats focusses a bit more on Sarah's life and struggles as an artist. She is honest about how the internet affected her and her work but also knows that the internet has changed. The internet can be a wonderful place but it can also be cruel. As I am not an artist myself, I didn't relate to that part as much, but as a blogger, I could relate in a sense. It took a huge step to start this blog and even though I never had negative remarks, it can sometimes be challenging to put your thoughts out there. (Recent events in the book blogging world have sadly made this abundantly clear).
I obviously had to give Herding Cats 5 out of 5 stars! The collection feels very relatable to me and that's one of its biggest strengths in combination with the fact that it's absolutely hilarious! I will read anything Sarah Andersen publishes in the future and I can't wait to read the next volume. I will also be buying Herding Cats to add to my collection!
Another great comic collection by the amazing Sarah Andersen, who perfectly describes every-day struggles of introverts, artists, women and cat owners.
Sarah's Scribbles is the comic strip that follows her life, finding humor in living as an adulting introvert that is at times weird, awkward, and embarrassing.
So what did I think?
+2 | Entertainment value. As usual Sarah captures bits of life that we can all relate to and forms it into such clever and hilarious comic book scenes
+1 | Drawings. The style used matches the tone perfectly and captures the words perfectly
+1 | Not just humor. This particular Sarah's Scribbles had a section for advice for artists. Though I'm not one, I could relate and I loved how it was incorporated into the story
+/-0.5 | More. I just simply want more.
I've been following this comic artist for a while and W aas SO EXCITED when she came out with this book. It is funny and so relatable!
A wonderful compilation of Sarah Andersen's art, including a wonderfully illustrated motivational, inspirational piece at the end.
I don't really read a lot of graphic novels, but I like both the style of the illustrations and the topics the author talks about. Daily life mixed with anxiety topics and all in all things that I personally can easily relate to. And while I had fun reading Herding Cats, I felt some of the spark of her previous graphic novel was missing... I especially loved the cat and reading related graphics, which I obviously could really relate to, but other pages didn't manage to speak to me in a way I was expecting when I started reading it. Herding Cats is still a fun read though and perfect to take a little break, get yourself a cuppa and just absorb those pages. Coming out in March!
I love Sarah’s Scribbles! Herding Cats is another fine volume by Sarah Anderson. She really shines the spotlight on what every day is like being an introvert and having anxiety. Sometimes getting through even the simple things seems as tough as, well, herding cats. Excellent!
Although cartoons and graphics novels aren’t something I usually gravitate toward, this title intrigued me. So glad it did! Loved the humor, especially the ones involving animals. They were very relateable.
I also loved the little life lessons and pep talks.
I hope the author keeps on with her work, Very enjoyable piece of work!
Herding Cats illustrates obstacles on the road to maturity in funny, yet truthful, graphics. Whether it's trusting yourself or being productive her graphics distill the feelings of angst and fear with truth saying and humor. Highly recommended.
I've read Sarah Andersen's first book and was familiar with her work online, so I was definitely excited to give this one a try. As expected, it was very funny and it made me laugh out loud a few times. Her comics are extremely relatable, I think all of us have experienced at least some of the situations described by her. It's nice to know that there's someone going through the same daily life struggles as us, and because this is a short, feel-good book, it's perfect to read when you're in the middle of a reading slump or simply not having the best of days.
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed her comics, but I was disappointed that there wasn't a lot of new content, because I had already stumbled across most of them at one point or another while scrolling through social media. I'd love to see more of her work.
The last part of the book was very uplifting and encouraging, and it hit all the right notes regarding how people interact online nowadays. It's very easy to be mean, while standing behind a computer screen and, like the author, I also believe that we've become desensitized to all the hate that's going around the internet. It was a good note to end the book on.
Overall, I thought it was a good book, and I'd definitely recommend it!
I love these books! So relatable and funny! I really enjoyed the last section about art in the modern age as well as how the internet can bring out the worst in people.
I so enjoy these books - this is installment 3 in the Sarah Scribbles and it's just as enjoyable.
All of her comics, delivered with humor and satire, are extremely relatable and relevant to current events.
Reading these is always nice as, at least for me, you can read and say 'Oh Hey~ I'm not the only one. haha" :)
I'm not the only one that procrastinates, that gets anxiety, that bumbles through life, and so much more.
It's a comfort and entertaining. The best combo. <3
~~~Thank you to Sarah Andersen, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.~~~
Wonderfully funny with heart. I love the included encouragement for aspiring artists.
I thought the "Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative" was a great addition to this book and made it my favorite in the series.
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars!
I came across this comic by accident and decided to give it a try. It's been like ages since I read a comic but I think that Sarah's Scribbles are going to get me back to this genre.
Herding Cats deals with so many obstacles that face people throughout their life in a funny comical way.
The advices around the end of the book were so inspiring and great.
This was, yet again, an amazing collection of scribbles.
I am not entirely convinced that this book was NOT about me...?
One thing that I really appreciated was the section, or chapter, Sarah added about Making Stuff in the Modern Era. It was so beautiful and encouraging. I really love that since gaining all of this attention, she has used her platform for good.
In Big Mushy Happy Lump she really promoted conversations about mental illness, while in Herding Cats she starts meaningful conversations about the importance of creativity and not allowing the dumpster fire that the internet can be to impede your creativity. While she uses the example of a visual artist - her advice and wisdom can be doled out to anyone whose worked could be viewed with a creative lens (writers, musicians, poets, etc.)
Herding Cats was beautifully done and quite hilarious; I highly recommend it to old fans and new!
My final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
**Shout out to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Really funny and relatable, as usual Sarah Andersen never disappoints.
Everyday life, with humor and lovely drawings that give another life to the writing.
I absolutely LOVE IT!!
Sarah Andersen never fails! It's hilarious and full of positive energy and actually made me laugh out loud many times (it has been a while since a book made me do that). I was afraid that it won't be as good as her first two books, but I might actually like this one even more.
It simply made my day :)
I highly recommend reading this from Netgalley <3
Every thought I've ever had as an artist, an introvert, a cat lover, a HUMAN... has been illustrated by Sarah Andersen in this book. Love it so much. I laughed and cried the whole way through.
*I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
another hilarious collection. i especially liked the section where she gave advice to young artists.
**I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.**
I love this artist! I had no idea this was even coming out. Not until March 27, 2018, though.
These go quick, but she is so funny and she really captures what it's like to struggle with anxiety and depression.
It might seem all sunshine and roses to the outside world, but sometimes you are just stuck with your face on your cat, unable to move.
Keep it up, Sarah! I've loved every one. And oddly enough, my 9 year old zips through them, too and laughs.
I was scrolling through Netgalley and this book was available for free, so I immediately jumped on the opportunity to review this. I've seen her comics around the internet and they are always so relatable. This book also included many situations I can identify with.
She truly knows how to portray being introvert and anxious. The comic about the neuro-oncologist who is asked 'how does it feel to be a woman in your field?' made me snort too.
There is a short help guide for artists at the end. While I'm not an artist, I liked the tips she gave and the tiny comics she used to show her point.
Definitely worth a read!
I missed reading the second collection and I’ll have to go back to fix that but the comics in here are as good as the first book. These are one-page comics that are from her online strip. Lots of cats, dogs, and self-depreciation humor about her introversion and anxiety. But I think the best part was the advice to artists at the end of the book. It works for any creative type that is sharing their work to the public. Overall a fun book to read and I’ll make sure not to miss the next one when it comes out.
Relatable as usual, but I especially loved that Andersen included (actually good!) advice to new artists.
Sarah does it again! This book is so hilarious ,relatable, and crazy and there's even an inspirational comic message for artists and creators in the end. My only complaint is that in one comic there was profanity and I really didn't appreciate it. I recommend this book for everyone ages 18 & up. 4.5 Stars
I love these compilations, and always look forward to the next.
Sarah Andersen is back with another collection of Sarah's Scribbles, and like the first two, this one doesn't disappoint. This collection provides cover of the usual topics readers have come to expect from Andersen, including being an adult(ish), dealing with whatever life had to throw your way, other people, and the importance of being yourself, even when it's not the easiest option. Although most of these comics are available online, it is fun reading them within a collected work.
Like the second collection, this book also delves into personal topics with essays. This book has an essay on being creative in a connected world, and it provides good advice to artists (and creatives in any medium) that struggle to share their work and deal with the inevitable heckler in the audience. Funny and inspiring collection for anyone who loves Andersen's work.
I found this collection of comics, drawn by the author, to be quite funny! And there were many that I completely understood from personal experience, and related to on multiple levels. I’ll definitely be reading her other books as this just left me feeling happy and satisfied!
Received via Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
As always, Sarah Anderson presents a little book full of funny and relatable comic sequences. I laughed out loud in just about all of them, and enjoyed going through this book. Her comics are extremely relatable and it's just a lot of fun. I especially appreciate the final message and encouragement. Sarah Anderson is using her platform to help encourage the next generation of creatives, and I fully support that.
One of my favorite comic artists is back with a third collection in her Sarah's Scribbles series.
Sarah's slice of life comics continue to be amazing, ranging from chuckling to gut busting hilarity. Each page has it's own merits. Some are light, some are cute, and more have deeper meaning beneath the surface, such as bad thoughts being seeds and buried only to reach out their roots and cause more chaos. There are also some that, while seemingly lackadaisical, comment on important issues. One comic in particular has off-page characters mocking Sarah for wearing a choker or drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte and you realize that you can just let people enjoy the things they like without tearing them down.
A wide readership will find relatable content in Herding Cats, from your legs sticking to a chair in the heat of summer to leaving your headphones at home before your commute. Speaking to the creative among us, there is a chapter about half way through that speaks directly to creative endeavors in the modern age. What it means to have access to the Internet, the sharing platforms, etc. The comics in this portion, as well as the prose, is serious. Sarah's take on what people are finding online, the difficulty facing diverse people (their work, being believed, etc.) is upfront.
Never give up on your art. There will be tough times, anxious times, but you're always moving forward and that's the important thing. Sarah has a talent for communicating this and more "lessons" through her art and I look forward to the next collection.
My kids love slice of life comics, so I am definitely going to buy all of her comics for my library.
These are always wonderful and I love the little introspective sections of each book. It's interesting to see the artists vulnerability in word form and comic.
I adore Sarah's sense of humor and simple art style. I've been familiar with her work online, and I enjoy being able to see a collection in print.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2252713248?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
I enjoy Sarah's Scribbles, which are usually short comics on a pretty simple topic, like liking cats or dogs or hating the weather. They never really feel like anything terribly new or original, though, although that could have just as much to do with the artist posting strips online before publication and the sharing-without-credit nature of the internet. This volume had a nice comic essay at the end encouraging young artists to create even when online criticism gets you down.
Herding cat is @SarahCAndersen upcoming book, you should buy it for new year present
Especially for young creative who losing hope after 2017 full of anxiety,@SarahCAndersen it's obvious about how to deal with internet society, our anxiety and how to focus with yourself
Just as fresh and funny as her previous title. I loved it.
Is it unfair to review this book when I absolutely adore Sarah Anderson and her lovely scribbles?
Herding Cats is just more brilliant awesomeness! Get it. Connect. Love.
I love Sarah Andersen and all her work. I think she and I would be very good friends since we are so similar (or we could possibly hate each other but I doubt that). I have purchased her two previous books and I intend to purchase this one as well.
I think her style is fun, and her comics never fail to make me laugh, or at least make me feel a little better. Towards the end, in a part 2, she breaks up the book with some commentary about being an artist in today's climate, and in general. If you enjoy her strips online, I think you should definitely get her book to support her work and just to have in case of telling people about her work, gifting to someone, or just flipping to a random page for a laugh.
I had fun with the book. My favorite part was the narrative at the end about criticism--this hit hard for me, and I was able to relate even though i am not an artist. I would highly recommend this book to those who want a quick jaunt into the comic world.
I was given this ARC by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I love <i>Sarah’s Scribbles</i>. They show what I feel, think, waste my time fretting about and do all that with a sense of humour that has me laughing out loud every time I read her comics.
As soon as I finished her newest installment I wanted to go back and read the entire series from the beginning. It lightens one’s mood when they are feeling down (trust me on this one) and keep the reader feeling happy when they are already in a good place that day.
Overall, I would most definitely recommend this third installment.
Another amazing collection of funny and relatable comics. This collection is slightly different as it features an “essay”, rally call at the end for all those young artists to follow their hearts and MAKE STUFF.
* I received an eARC of Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen from Netgalley, so a huge thank you to them and to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this collection of Sarah's web comic *
CUUUUUUUUUUUTE!! (... that is an appropriately professional review - right?)
I have been following Sarah’s Scribbles on Tumblr since I ... made a Tumblr? Like 2011? Maybe? Either way, I adore everything that she draws! Her comics are cute and highly relatable and while being quirky, often deal with grown-up themes. I already own her other two books in the Sarah’s Scribbles series, and I love them! And so when I saw the arc of her next instalment I, OF COURSE, needed to read it. Herding Cats definitely DID NOT disappoint and while it’s publication date isn’t set until March, I wanted to take this opportunity to ✨ FLAIL AWKWARDLY IN YOUR FACE AND TELL YOU TO READ HER FIRST TWO GRAPHIC NOVELS SO THAT YOU CAN READ THIS ONE IN MARCH WHEN IT IS OUT CUZ CUTE ✨
again … professionalism …. what is it? …. *shrug
I went for too long in my life without knowing Andersen's work; I make up for that now by greedily consuming everything she does. Andrews McMeel gave me the opportunity to read this before the publication (March 27th), I happily accepted despite that I've been vastly cutting back on my ARCs recently.
As evidenced below, Herding Cats certainly lives up to Andersen's legacy of awesome work and hitting close to home. My primary caveat about this collection is that probably more than a third of it is entitled "Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide For the Young Creative". This may sound strange, but I didn't expect it to actually be a practical guide per say (I expected more humor), but that's what it is.
I don't begrudge this, because Andersen has dealt with some really terrible stuff online. If you're not familiar with what some of that truly shitty stuff may be, I beg of you not to go googling it as I did because now that awful stuff is associated in my head, and I would do just about anything to return to my pre-googling-innocence and be able to love Andersen's work without all of that. In any case, I definitely understand her desire to put out there a manifesto of sorts about things other creatives can do to enjoy working online and how to survive. It just isn't what I wanted or needed from the collection. It just, unfortunately, reminded me of the the terrible google results. The guide didn't ruin my experience of the collection, to be certain, but it didn't enhance it, either.
In any case, examples of the magnificence of her work:
I just absolutely love her.
5 stars!
*
Herding Cats is another 100% relatable and incredibly funny comic collection. Sarah Andersen is an expert at putting the most confusing and messed up feelings into drawings, and doing so in a way that always gets a laugh out of people. There is nothing quite like seeing your deepest thoughts reflected back to you in the form of bunnies, cute brains, and the most accurate charts.
Andersen provides readers with insightful and witty comic strips, but she also opens room for a discussion about the relationship between artists, their art, and the internet. The advices she gives to aspiring artists is both inspirational and funny, but still maintain the realistic aspect her work always carries. She encourages people to create and put their work out there, addressing how difficult it can be to navigate all the negativity that can, and often does, come with being online.
In the end, Herding Cats delivers a pretty lovely message: don’t give up, keep making stuff, and have fun with it. <3
Thank NetGalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
This comic book was one of my most anticipated release of 2018 and I'm so happy I was able to read it before March! As always with Sarah Andersen, I can relate to nearly every single drawing and that's hilarious. I loved this third Sarah’s Scribble, as much as I loved the other ones.
I really recommend this book at 100% to everyone.
Je vois souvent des strips de cette autrice sur ma TL twitter, alors la retrouver dans un comic a été génial ! Je suis concernée par l'anxiété, je suis artiste également (mais encore aux études) et je me suis énormément reconnue dans presque chaque strip.
Ca se lit très vite, et c'est très agréable à lire : je ne peux que le conseiller !
This book was one of most anticipated release of 2018, and like Sarah's previous books, it didn't disappoint. What I love the most about her comic strips is that no matter my current state of mind when I read them, whether I am happy or sad, I always have a good time and enjoy my reading from the first page to the very last.
As always, Sarah draws and talks about every day life things, never forgetting a small touch of humour, and it feels good. It's a very fast read, yes, and when you close the book you can only ask for more, but that's one of the things I love the most about Sarah's books: you can never get enough of them.
Sarah also took the time to talk about the Internet and its relationship with art nowadays, and even though I am not an artist, I could only agree with everything she said. In a way, I could even relate to it, since a lot of things she mentions also apply on many other subjects.
It's the third book I read by Sarah, and I will definitely keep reading her next ones, and I would recommend her work to anyone.
I've read all the books by this author and this new addition didn't disappoint. As a matter of fact, it may be my new favorite. It was funny as always, but the best part was the end where the author tells new creators to keep creating and not to be afraid of the internet. It was very uplifting and sweet and left me with a smile. I would definitely recommend this to all my friends.
This is a very relatable and charming book. The art is really simple but the humor takes center stage this way. I
This book is AMAZING. Sarah Anderson uses her art to beautifully illustrate life's anxieties as well as pleasures. I found this book to be relatable and adorable. I think the thing that most sets Anderson apart from other comic artists/writers is her ability to embrace the uncomfortable. She is not afraid to show vulnerability through her work. As I read Herding Cats I found myself realizing that the author is a person I would love to know in real life. I have followed Sarah Anderson's art on facebook for years and am thrilled to see that she has a book coming out this year. I will be buying a copy for my personal collection.
This collection of comics is adorable, entertaining and extremely timely; as I would expect from Sarah Andersen. The first half makes you think "oh, hey, that's my life she is drawing about," while the second half is fantastic advice to artist (young and old) and anyone with a creative bone in their body.
I absolutely delighted in reading Herding Cats. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Loved it! Just the perfect dose of sarcasm and self mockery but also real questions and desire to find answers. Much more than funny drawings and punch lines. Love!
How Sarah Anderson manages to always make hilarious comics is beyond me. She never fails to make me laugh. She always seems to make something that not only I can relate to, but everyone else as well. In this book, she takes it one step further, she shows that anyone can do what they want. Artist, author, musician, whoever you may be. You can be who you want to be, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. She's a motivational artist, who only wants the world to succeed, and honestly? What's better than that?
I've recently read the other two Sarah Scribbles books and thoroughly enjoyed them, and this one I enjoyed just as much. Her drawings are cute and I love her little words of wisdom.
This book is so much more than I thought it would be. I've always loved her work when I've stumbled across it online; as a fellow cat-loving, anxiety-riddled artist, I feel she gets me. The final chapters of advice to artists is superb. It is truly wonderful, to where I'm buying copies for friends and their kids and even one for a library volunteer off to art school. Thoughtful and true, about art and pets and the internet, and thoroughly delightful.
Sarah’s Scribbles is a comic about one artist’s every day struggles as an awkward and introverted millennial. I’ve always found the comics to be cute and extremely relatable so I’m usually quite happy to read them when I run into them on my various social media feeds.
Now, I will say that as a collection, Herding Cats was not the best. The comics were less ha-ha funny and more just constant reminders that Sarah loves cats, her boyfriend, and Halloween as well as anxiety over deadlines and adult responsibilities. All things that had me nodding my head saying, “Hey me too,” but it got very repetitive. Not to say there weren’t still the occasional gem mixed in there, because there definitely were, it just felt more bland overall.
Now the one spectacular thing about this book isn’t so much the comics, but the personal essays at the back of the book. Sarah talks about how the internet has changed for her from a place of happiness to one full of anxiety and harassment. She talks about her growth as an artist and gives advice to fellow creators out there about the importance of creating art and to keep their chin up. The essays are heartfelt and relevant to our times, and I really enjoyed reading them.
Overall not the best collection of comics, but worth the price of admission for the essays.
This book was funny, not as much as the author's other books but I found it a light and enjoyable read.
I was crazy blessed with an ARC of this and I read it immediately!!! I love Sarah's scribbles and I even use the 2018 journal they put out. I thougth I had got all my giggles out but Sarah came out with even more comics. most of these photos will have you saying "same" and screeenshoting them or dog earing the pages. this is a fun quick read!
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 have truly enjoyed Sarah Andersen Scribbles for a while now. They are so much fun and such a quick read. This one was not my favorite, but it still had some really fun and cute scribbles. I thought her other two were better than this one, but I still recommend it to you guys. It literally takes a couple minutes to get through. I always find at least one comic that I really connect with. I also always tend to find some that crack me up and I find myself thinking about that later in the day. So much fun!
Once again this author left me rolling on the floor laughing. I love all of her panels throughout this graphic novel and especially love the hostile uterus. Cannot wait to add this book to my collection when it comes out.
I would like to thank Netgalley for this copy of Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen which is her third collection of her popular comics.
I absolutely adore these comics. I have read her first collection and I loved this collection just as much. I just love what she contributes with all of us. It makes me happy to know that there are small commonalities in our personalities or in how we think, react, or think about ourselves that unite us all. Everyone can find something to relate to in this collection and they will laugh at least once if not more. I especially liked her thoughts on the internet and how it has changed as a place and platform. I found that incredibly insightful. I would highly recommend this collection! I found it has the same level of quality as her other comics! :)
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, you probably have already seen Sarah Andersen's artwork on the internet, like I previously saw. She's a cartoonist and illustrator. who takes the most normal and awkward everyday situations and creates this hilarious, short and witty comics about it.
After I was sent 'Herding Cats' for review, I decided to marathon the entire series, and oh my god! It was hilarious and so relatable. Sarah has the talent to turn any awkward situation that all humans (and non-humans) go through, and make the best of it in her comics.
Because I read the entire 'Sarah's Scribbles' series in a short period of time, I definitely saw the author's improvement in her artwork and in the situations she illustrated in her comics. In the end of this third installment she discussed about how it feels to have an online presence, that sometimes can be great but it can also be full of negative and non-criticism comments. I enjoyed that the author focused not only on her comic scribbles, but also to take the time and to talk to her readers about subjects that mattered, like anxiety, being an introvert, being an artist, and so forth.
To conclude, it's a series that will definitely cheer you up, and probably make you laugh out loud at times, because that's how much you'll relate to the truthfulness and the funny situations illustrated in this series, situations that happen to everyone at some point in their lives. Enjoy!
*Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance!
4 stars
This isn’t the first I’ve heard of Sarah Andersen, but this is the first collection of hers that I’ve read. I must say, I really enjoy her work, in particular the way she illustrates anxiety, self consciousness, and the comforts/pitfalls of isolation - all in a humorous, minimalist, cat-happy medium.
In this collection she includes a very insightful “Guide for the Young Creative,” which is an illustrated essay about the dangers of creating and sharing art in the age of the Internet. Andersen offers a number of suggestions for how emerging artists can put their work out into a world that may fire back negativity and harsh criticism. I’m not an artist myself, but I think that Andersons’s advice is applicable to anyone who shares things that are personally significant to them online.
I love Sarah Andersen, so when I saw that her new title was available on netgalley, needless to say that I jumped on the opportunity,
I love how relatable and realistic her comic strips are. There's always a bunch that make me laugh or nod in agreement. What I love the most is how humourous her books are. I particularly loved the message that was present in the end of the book.
So yes, if you like quick and fun reads, then I wholly recommend you to give this one a try, it's totally worth it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely ADORE this book! I believe I have heard of Sarah's Scribbles before, but never really got into it until now. I know there are two others previous to this one, and I plan on reading those as well.
Sarah hit the nail on the head about living life with anxiety.
I would completely recommend this graphic novel to everyone!
Sarah's work is always so down to earth and relatable and this volume does not fail to deliver. I often find myself thinking "oh, it's not just me" when I read Sarah's comics and the advice she gives at the end of the book for budding artists is just as relevent for people just trying to human in this internet age. The comics are short but impactful and the quirky sense of humour leaves me smiling much broader than before I read them.
Sarah Andersen is one of the very first webcomic artists I started to follow. The comics were funny, relatable, and always a new way to look at different aspects of life. I am so happy to say that, of all the artists I follow now, Sarah is still the top and probably still the one who posts things I can easily identify with - and that makes the ending, inspiration section on being a creator all the better. Yes, some of the comics might be familiar if you view her work online, but for that little end alone, this book is very, very worth reading.
I am a fan of Sarah Andersen. I follow her in all of her social media. I like finding her comics randomly, laughing, saying "that's so me" and sharing/re-tweeting them.
They say humour helps memory, so most of the comics in this book were no surprise for me. That's not an issue though. The first book was also a compilation of her public comics and I still loved it.
The one issue I do have with this installment is the theme. Or the lack of it.
I think Sarah has grown and expanded the subjects she approaches through her art. Nowadays, she not only speaks of her awkwardness and fluffy things, but also of politics and modern society issues.
I think that having a wider range of topics covered in her comics actually makes a little classification a necessity. This third edition started feeling a little all over the place. That "young creative guide" at the end maybe could have worked better on its own. Sadly, I'm no artist so I couldn't relate much to it and it actually ended the book on a low note for me.
At first, I really wasn't sold on it. I hate it when people suffering anxiety use this excuse to mistreat themselves. I know it's not easy and you have to understand their struggle, but making a joke about it makes it look banal and it can be hurtful in my opinion. Even though this bugged me I still got to enjoy a few of the jokes, I particularly liked to ones about actuality or the boyfriend-girlfriend dynamic. But then. The whole ending about art and "making stuff" is really what redeemed the book for me. It was very very simple and yet well made. I don't think I'll be reading the other books, but I ended up enjoying it still.
This was an interesting combination of Sarah's one page comics and then a how-to guide on surviving the Internet. Basically, it took an abrupt turn from trying not to disturb everyone with my laughter to thoughtful ideas on how we can walk away from the computer or phone or tablet and find a place to still make art. Both sections were great, but oddly put together into one book.
So many relatable comics, I cannot get enough of Sarah's Scribbles and I can't wait to read more from Sarah Andersen!
**I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have read the previous editions of Sarah Andersens comics, and as always they are funny, witty, relatable, and enjoyable. You can definitely see yourself in these comics.
I enjoyed the first half of the book (scribbles, same as the previous editions) more so than the second half (advice to aspiring artists about how to breakthrough), but it was a good read none-the-less.
I recommend this book for fans and new readers alike.
#HerdingCats #NetGalley
Contrary to popular belief, being introverted is not about your ability to socialize...it is about what you do after. Sarah is back with her third book,
I have been a big fan of Sarah scribbles, and read through both Adulthood is a Myth and Big Mushy Happy lump. I've said it of her books before: they are simple and endearing...I always have a gala time. But unlike the first two books that revolved around an overarching theme, this one was a bit generic in terms of content.
The best part of the collection, to me, was the truth bombs she has dropped throughout.
Consider this as a very simple example of the same:
So subtle yet so incontrovertibly true, you laugh your guts out without really even creating an arch on your lips. My point is, she makes smiling possible in ways we did not know of.
This one hurt me a bit too much too.
The one thing that doesn't change, no matter which Sarah Scribble you pick up: you embrace the fallibility of being a human.
And here, for instance: do you know how retail therapy works? Yeah, you guessed it, it doesn't!
Another thumbs up to the book for covering almost everything you can think of: from reading books, binge-watching to headphones and listening to music.
And then, she took a serious, an innocuously sarcastic turn. This is when I knew:
And, oops...
Parting words? Chaos, I am your mistress!
This book was cute, funny, and I can totally relate to the main character. There were plenty of moments where I chuckled out loud. I really enjoyed this book and cats!
Sarah Andersen continues to please! This is the third book in a series of comic collections based on Andersen's highly popular webcomic series, Sarah's Scribbles. In each, Andersen tackles the struggles of being an adult, being an introvert, and being an artist, all in a highly humorous way. Her observations about life will appeal to many young men and women (20s and 30s), but older and younger (teen) readers will also find something to enjoy.
Whether you've read Andersen's other books, or are picking up this title as your introduction, a lack of actual plot makes it easy for anyone to read.
Would highly recommend.
Do you enjoy Sarah's Scribbles? If you've been to the internet, chances are you have! Sarah Andersen's comics are brilliant, hilarious screen-captures of every day life (like walking down the street and seeing a dog and it making your day, or cleaning your room one day and then watching it descend into chaos the next). If you enjoy hilarity, honesty, and comics, then, well, read this. Why haven't you seen Sarah's Scribbles yet? Have you not been to the internet? You need to start hanging around the better parts of the internet, people...
Sarah Andersen always gets me - and a whole lot of other people, judging by her well-deserved popularity. This collection is no exception to the rule, and I like that she's dedicated the second half-ish of the book to a quick guide on helping young or aspiring creatives. The internet really is a very different place than it started out, and it's easy to be intimidated. Encouragement from someone making a living in that industry can only help others.
Another great book and one I'm eagerly waiting to buy when it comes out.
Sarah Andersen has been on my radar for a number of years, even though this is the first of her traditionally published collections that I have read.
The ideas about internet culture and creating art presented in this collection are spot on. While the current iteration of internet interactions can be exceedingly toxic, that doesn't mean you should stop creating as Andersen so eloquently states. She understands what it is like to get malicious criticism masked as constructive. She sees personal attacks regarding her creations when they are unnecessary. This collection is especially poignant for those who are just starting into the realm of sharing their work on this global platform.
Andersen is both relatable and knowledgeable making her a perfect candidate for sharing a positive message with up and coming creators.
This is the third book from Sarah Andersen and is equally amazing as the other two. The first half of the book was full of her designs and the second half had very interesting advise for aspiring artists. I like Sarah's comics because they are a very accurate representation of many aspects of life, especially the life of a young woman.
Sarah is very talented and her designs are very funny and I can relate to most of them.
#HerdingCats #NetGalley
I’m so happy this was on Netgalley. I love this artist and her work always makes me smile. It’s very relatable and, in my opinion, important. I smiled while reading this whole this. In like ten or so minutes. I’m gonna go read it again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review.
I simply ADORE Sarah Andersen's drawings. It's at the same time simple but so relatable.
She manages to tell the truth about daily activities, feelings or anything TBH, and put it in a funny and entertaining way. I've been following her work through social media and this is the first book I've had the opportunity to take a look, and it's no different.
Loved it!
I absolutely love Sarah's Scribbles. These comics are so achingly relatable. As silly as they may be, they make me feel less alone when it comes to my weirdness, my anxiety, and my introvertedness. She adds humor into each comic strip that will amuse those that deal with the same issues she does, as well as those that have never felt that sort of anxiety (I'm always so jealous of those people).
Also, I have to say note how inspirational this author is for me. In one of her previous books, she made sure to talk about mental illness, and her own dealings with it. In this book, she talks about making stuff in today's world - for example, the judgy, judgy internet world. I love the internet, but it's still a scary place full of anonymous trolls - but her words about creativity and not letting anyone snuff that creativity is truly inspiring.
I think most of us (at least of a certain age) have seen Andersen's comics online. We relate to her anxiety, her love of fall/Halloween, her (rightful) obsession with cats. Though I had seen some of the comics within this volume, I still enjoyed them and those that were new to me. Most refreshing was the chapter at the end when she discussed the pressures of being an artist in the digital age.
I love Sarah's comics, especially the ones about anxiety because they are so relatable to me. The first half of the book was great. The second half wasn't really for me since I'm not an aspiring artist. I found the book overall a fun and entertaining read.
I have always enjoyed Sarah’s Scribbles on-line. Herding Cats was my first opportunity to experience Sarah Andersen’s art and quirky take on life in book form. The first part of the book is drawings, much like I’ve seen on-line, in a Then vs. Now format. The second part of the book is a more serious dialogue of encouragement to young creative artists with a few drawings thrown in along with excellent advice about the dangers and rewards of putting your art “out there” on-line. Well written and insightful.
Another fantastic collection of Sarah's work and i loved every page of it. I follow Sarah's work online and this collection is the perfect collection. I'll always pick up her books and its fun to get another book that made me laugh, cry, and say "relate af" so many times.
I read the first book in this series (Adulthood is a myth) and I loved it, maybe because I related to it more, than I related to this one.
Nonetheless, Sarah is amazing, and I still enjoyed Herding cats and I highly recommend it! It is funny, quirky and a lot of people can relate to her art and the messages that she wants to deliver.
Extremely funny and quick to read. I truly liked the way the author explains anxiety.
i really like this book! the stories and situations are relateable, the art is simplistic yet eye catching, and i love the small advice the author gives to young and budding artist regarding current situation of the internet, feedbacks, and facing creative blocks. totally going to read her other books!
3.5 stars
I didn’t relate to as many of the comics in this collection quite as much as I have others by Anderson, but it was still a comically fun read. I particularly liked her panels on cleaning, shaving, procrastination, and emotional bonds. Funny funny stuff!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me this review opportunity.
#HerdingCats
I love Andersen's work. It resonates with me, as an introvert and an animal lover. This book is charming and funny. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoy Sarah Anderson's comics. They are always fun, entertaining, funny and they just make you happy!Herding cats did not disappoint. It was funny, fun and so relatable. I can't wait to read more of her comics! I received an ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE THE BOOK! The comics are super relatable and so fun! I love reading her work and knowing that someone else feels his way.
You must read her work and get her book. it's such a wonderful reminder to have on your real or virtual bookshelf.
I read this while sitting next to my husband on the couch and kept interrupting his reading to show him another page. He'd oblige, then I'd read a few more pages and find something else to show him. There are so many pages I want to share with friends. I identify so well with what Andersen writes about. I'm not an artist, but I appreciated her comments on the dumpster fire that is the Internet. That made the book a 5 star read.
I love Sarah Andersen's work, and this book is no different. It's so relatable that it's sometimes painful, but it still manages to make me laugh on almost every page. I plan to start collecting this series because I've fallen in love with them all.
Her comics are very relatable. She makes fun of daily struggles and her humor is always on point. I don't read comics but I have screenshots of her work, I collect them when I see them on my news feed. Her cartoons may be available for free online but having a published copy is always a plus especially for those who collect comic books. I can't say much, only that I enjoyed reading the book.
I wasn’t sure that I should request Sarah Andersen’s third collection for review since I read Adulthood is a Myth and didn’t feel that it merited all of the attention and praise it received. It was cute, but the observations felt pretty commonplace to me.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Herding Cats. I truly enjoyed Andersen’s depictions of introversion, insecurity, coping with anxiety and procrastination. I also enjoyed the final essay, in which Andersen offers tips to artists and anyone engaged in creative work about how to survive criticism and trolling when sharing work online. Andersen also tackles issues like cycles of creativity with humour and great sensitivity. It really is a great book for anyone suffering from any kind of creative mental block and would make a great gift as well.
I really like all of Sarah Anderson's work. I could see some people making the argument that this is more of the same, and that it's similar to her other books/comics, but I think she's really good in the niche she's found. Her comics are always about the mundane parts of life, but the somewhat rough drawing style and the sparseness make it so incredibly relatable that I'm usually willing to read comics about the same subjects because they're always just different enough to add a new twist that keeps me interested. Overall, her work is always really fun, and I'll probably always pick it up, and this book is no exception.
LOVED this - especially the bit at the end.
Impressively relatable comics!
Read for Netgalley, in exchange for a review. As always, thank you Netgalley!
I haven't read Sarah's other two books, though I do follow her website some, especially when I feel low. This book discusses internet feedback especially, something that is becoming more and more anxiety filling every year. As someone who would love to write books and does have podcasts, online commentary terrifies me.
Did this book pacify that? No.
But it did remind me of the important spaces we have and are necessary for mental health and stability.
Never truer words have been spoken. Or rather, drawn. Sarah Andersen't comics are so relatable to the introvert nerdy animal lover. She has a talent to nail the complexity of life in a very simple way, and her advices to the artists out there afraid to get their work in the fire party that is Internet may not be entirely new, but they are truth worth sharing again.
Also, I'm happy to know I'm not the only one you bury her head in her cat's fur for comfort.
I have always enjoyed Sarah’s comics and was thrilled to read her latest collection. Filled with heart, humour, and plenty of relatable moments on anxiety, pet obessions, and escaping with a good book, Sarah once again creates something that is bound to connect with someone. I particularly loved the inclusion of an illustrated personal essay and I continue to look forward to what else she comes up with.
This one is definitely a page-turner. Funny, engaging and wonderfully illustrated. This book is perfect to sit down with when you just want to have a good time,
**Thank you NetGalley for giving me a free e-copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
As I've mentioned in my review of Big Mushy Happy Lump, I really like Andersen's illustrated essays. In this volume there was one essay divided in parts instead of several short ones like in volume #2. Instead of anecdotes, this one had a powerful message to young artists encouraging them not to give up even when it seems like the most sensible choice. I appreciate that.
I also liked the one-page comics as always, and Andersen's humour never fails to make me laugh, but I would love volume #4, if there is one, to be completely made up of illustrated essays. They are just better.
When I first saw some of Sarah Anderson’s work online, I was surprised (and relieved) at how much I related to what she was saying/feeling. Her depictions of being an introvert with anxiety are both honest and hilarious, and her art manages to capture her tone perfectly. Also animals!
My favorite part of the book was actually her addition at the end, where she talks about what the internet has come to and gives advice to aspiring artists. I am not an artist, but I appreciate what she said. It does seem hopeless with endless internet trolls and bullies, but it is possible for it to change.
Last year I got the first book by Sarah Andersen, and while I haven’t gotten the second one just yet, when I saw this on Netgalley I could not resist to get it. And I am glad I did. I’ve followed Sarah on Facebook from before even the first book was announced.
Herding Cats is yet another laugh out loud collection of one page comics that I have come to know and love from Sarah. They are great ones to grab of the shelf on a bad day and just read a few. They can really lighten your mood.
But next to being funny a lot of them are also very relatable. As the synopsis says, Sarah herself sees herself as an adulating introvert. That is what I am too. In that I find a lot of things in her that I feel similar or that I do too. In this case of course for the comics it is exaggerated with a wink but it is great to see someone else have these things. Like the one about shaving legs and showcasing it to your partner.
Having said that, there were also a few comics that were really actual and in ways confronting. There were some that clearly referenced towards the Trump presidency. Without being too political she did show how she felt about it. There is also one about a woman giving a talk and being interrupted with a completely irrelevant question that wouldn’t be asked of a man. Things like that. I also could appreciate her guide to young creatives. It can be hard these days to share something that you created for it only to get burned down by the hellfire that is the internet. She was realistic of this but also supportive in a way to still share your things.
This collection did not seem quite as cohesive or as close to the actual title as the first one did. With a title and cover like that I was expecting a lot more cats. All the cats. And there were cats. But not that many. However a few days after finishing I realized that the title could possibly also be taken metaphorically.
A cute installment in Sarah's Scribbles, but not my favorite. Some of the inclusions felt repetitive from other books, some even felt nearly identical. Overall, I think this series is adorable and worth the read, especially if you are an introvert. I look forward to the next one.
Sarah Andersen is fast becoming one of my favorite comic artists. She has a rich perspective and it comes across fantastically in her drawings. I especially love the advice she provides near the end about the reality of the internet we live with today. I can connect with so many of the strips in this book and many of them were laugh out loud funny. I find myself opening up one of her books frequently when I need a laugh and this one will most definitely make the cut. If you want a hysterical pick me up this book is for you! Thanks to Netgalley for supplying the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. "Herding Cats" is set to be released March 27, 2018.
Fantastic. Hilarious. Just what a creative person (and everyone) needs to hear. "Herding Cats" by Sarah Andersen is an art and narrative to be experienced.
The first half of the book contains a series of hilariously quirky, meme-worthy comics that perfectly illustrate the day to day happenings of an artist and introvert. Some jokes flew over my head but I found myself nodding my head in agreement with several panels.
The second half is when this get serious. Still funny. But serious. During which Andersen provides an honest look at the internet of today and how it effects artists (and people in general). It is a narrative whose sole purpose is to encourage those to not give up on their passions in this sometimes scary world.
I think no matter what stage in your creative endeavors you're at, you'll learn a thing or too from "Herding Cats" and be reminded that art is fun.
I received this book from NetGalley but almost didn't read it because I couldn't figure out how to read the file on my phone, even though it said there wasn't a kindle file available, I figured there must be some sort of app I could read it on. I finally decided to try from my computer and after failing with the first program I chose to open the file I actually read the tips/help section. Where it very clearly told me what program I needed to read the non-Kindle files! If only I had started there weeks ago!
The first half of this collection is just comic strips, all mostly true and relatable as well as adorable. When I first started reading these I was sending a picture to my sister every few pages saying "this is me! this is me!" until I had sent half a dozen and realized I just need to buy her a copy because I can't take pictures of every single comic in the book haha!
A little over halfway the author switched formats, and instead of just provided a one page set of comics she created a series of tips and advise on navigating the artist's life, almost in an essay form but not quite, and used comics to illustrate each of her points/suggestions. But many of her suggestions could apply to just life in general: bullying, criticism, giving up are all issues that many people deal with and the advice is 100% relevant probably to anybody who picks the book up.
If any of has seen my social feed you will know that I have an unhealthy obsession (for an adult) over cartoons and comic strips. So when I saw that the Sarah Andersen publication was offering Herding Cats for review at Netgalley I downloaded it before I could even read the blurb. Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen was the last book I read in 2017, and to be precise on 31 December 2017 after 10 PM. Yes it was worth staying in cuddled with my e-reader instead of partying on the New Year’s Eve.
Herding Cats is a very short (100+ pages) collection of Sarah’s depiction of her love for cats and other pets, autumn as well as her trying to adult. It is the third part of the Sarah Scribbles series. Every one I know will be able to relate to her cartoons and it will sure leave a grin on their faces. It is one of those books that will make you feel ‘Glad I am not the only weird one’ and wish it was longer.
But if you are looking for a common thread of cartoons (like the others in the series), you won’t find any. It is seemingly a bunch of random cartoons (that we love and are fabulous) by Sarah strewn together.
Final thought: Loved it.
Recommended to: All book lovers, millennials and cartoon lovers.
I love this book. It was so funny and real. I felt connected with some drawings and the author.
Unable to open file to read book. I have sent opinions to publisher requesting help as I cannot find a place to submit a question or request for assistance. Leaving a 5-star review because I am required to leave something and this is not the author's fault that I could not get the file to download.
This is funny and very relatable, especially for artists.
I enjoyed the thoughts on what's happening on the internet today because I have thought about that lately often enough, and I agree that sometimes you need to back away so that you get a pause of the firestorm of opinions. Therefore, the "Guide For The Young Creative." with its "Part One: What's Happening?" and "Part Two: Artist Survival" made a lot of sense to me.
In an undeniably stressful time where a cloud of anxiety hangs over us all, another Sarah's Scribbles book is the absolute perfect antidote, and not in the least because Sarah Anderson makes so many comics about dealing with her own anxieties. "Herding Cats" is an absolutely delightful blend of recent greatest hits, brand new comics, plus an open letter at the end that anyone who likes to create will be able to take to heart. Fans of her popular webcomic will be absolutely justified in their ecstatic scramble to get their own copy of this latest collection (speaking as one of said fans, I know that I won't be wasting any time time when this finally hits the shelves).
I always enjoy Sarah's art and I loved the tips section in the back. I wish there was more of a theme though.
Reading this book I spent the whole process having to resist the urge to hit 'share' on this darkly humorous and well-observed HIGHLY RELATABLE CONTENT.
As a long time follower of 'Sarah's Scribbles' on Facebook, this collection was a real treat for me. The simple little drawings have an oft-underestimated and surprising knack for hitting you right in the laughs and/or feels. It's really great to see them all pulled together in one place - and only after I read this one did I realise there are another two prior to this *adds to wishlist*.
The section at the end with advice for budding artists is absolutely brilliant - I wasn't expecting to find it there and - just like the comics - I was desperate to share. I'm a creative writing tutor and the lack of confidence a lot of young people have in their wonderful creative work is heartbreaking - I ant them ALL to read the inspirational advice at the back of this book.
I love Sarah’s scribbles so much! I read her previous collection when it first came out and also really enjoyed it. I often find myself smiling or actually laughing out loud (which never happens). I loved the different thing that she did in this where she wrote a little how to for artists who are new and might need advice/help. I think Sarah’s work is so relatable and hilarious. I highly recommend for anyone who has pets and deals with anxiety also!
I love Sarah's Scribbles. She brings such a unique perspective to daily life, and this book focused primarily on the struggle of young artists, which I think will speak to a lot of people. I'm not artistic in any way, but I have a lot of students who are and always talk about how they hit creative walls, deal with naysayers, and wrestle with self-doubt. From my perspective, her love of cats and extreme anxiety issues have always spoken to me and make me feel like I'm not alone in the world.
I've always loved Sarah's work, and this book is no different. Her art is absolutely delightful and I identify deeply with everything she makes. I really enjoyed the last bit of the book, which was actually a series of short essays directed at young creators to help them deal with criticism and encouraging them to go out out there and make things.
I adore Sarah's Scribbles! Funny enough, they remind me of my own life and anxieties. I first discovered Sarah's Scribbles online, and I couldn't help but think, "this is exactly how I react... to everything." It was eerily scary how I was able to relate to nearly every comic I came across of Sarah's. Now, Sarah's Scribbles is back with a third book, Herding Cats. This is the book that I needed that I never thought that I needed in my life. Herding Cats is full of laugh-out-loud fun in short comic strips. It is the mouthpiece for a generation of introverted millennials and their every day problems.
I'm already familiar with Sarah's work so I knew exactly what I was gonna get: fun. And I got exactly what I came for.
In this collection, Sarah keeps debunking myths about "artist life" and expressing her love for pets. Bunny is there too, as is her boyfriend and her brain. I did miss her cute but evil uterus (I know that sounds weird but it's a character, I swear!) but we basically laugh for 80 pages so I can't complain.
If there's one word I'd pick to describe Sarah's work, it's "relatable". It's a breath of fresh air in an age where we're almost assaulted by other people's seemingly perfect and glamourous lives on social media. These simple looking comic strips send a "girl next door" vibe, especially since they mirror our own habits and insecurities. You can feel a connection to them and every time you laugh, you end up by saying "OMG that's so true!"
But it's not all funny comic strips. The last 30 pages of the book focus on new artists, whom Sarah urges not to give up on their art for fear of mean critiques. It's really inspiring to read, and I've already recommended it to a couple of friends who I think need to read this. I'm very glad she thought about this and put it in the book.
Of course I strongly recommend this book. I's cute, it's funny, it's relatable and there are cats in it, what more could I possibly ask?
Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
I feel like Sarah Sanderson is the Jerry Seinfeld of graphic novels. She finds the little things in life that most people just accept as is and finds the humor in them. I also enjoyed the last section where Anderson speaks about being a creator in the current age being dependent on the internet and all that that entails. But her message is to all the young people and all the creators out there - create.
I loved this graphic novel. I will be rereading it and sharing it for many years to come. Thank you for the advance copy.
Flat-our hilarious, and a necessary voice these days. Make stuff!
This is such a fun book! As a cat lover, I loved all the references to animals. There is also a wide variety of subjects in this comic book, so I’m pretty sure that everyone would enjoy at least a few pages. I’ve always thought that Sarah Andersen’s drawings were funny and this book proved it once again! If you’re looking for a short and funny comic novel, this is the one for you!
I received this as an advanced copy from Netgalley.com for an honest review.
I swear, Sarah Anderson's strips are pixelated joy. Each one speaks to me in a different way, and I found myself nodding enthusiastically as I read them and/or laughing my ass off. She speaks to my inner animal lover and my inner anxiety and angst fueled woman. I liked this so much, I want to get some of strips printed out and hang them on the wall so moments when I am losing my mind, or having crazy anxiety due to my period and I can look up at the picture and go "ahhhh. Yes. I am not alone in this insanity." I haven't read the first two books in the series which is so very exciting because that means I get to experience them for the first time and look forward to all the joy. I would definitely recommend this book to any adult reader. I find some of her strips speak specifically to being a woman, but even then male readers will get a chuckle. Readdddd itttt.
Herding Cats is the third little collection of cartoons from Sarah Anderson's Sarah's Scribbles - really, it's just the delightful little cartoons we're all well and truly used to by now, nothing particularly new and exciting about it. Some of them are incredibly relatable to me personally, while others completely over my head, which is one of the things I adore the most about these; they depict different "levels" of introvertion, not just the general "base"-level. And they do it in a kind, realistic way, sprinkled with a bit of humour and sass - honestly, what's not to love?
I was initially a bit worried that it would be too much of a good thing, what with Herding Cats being the third book of scribbles, but they're still as wonderful as always, and the content still feels fresh, despite depicting situations of similar nature.
Also there's a neat little essay-type thing at the end with advice to young artists, which, while not necessarily relevant to me, is super lovely to see. Artists supporting artists, no matter how, makes me a happy little camper. That part is just A+.
'"With characteristic wit and charm, Sarah Andersen's third collection of comics and illustrated personal assays offers a survival guide for frantic modern life: from the importance of avoiding morning people, to internet troll defence 101, to the not-so-life-changing futility of tidying up. But when all else fails and the world around you is collapsing, make a hot chocolate, count the days until Halloween, and snuggle up next to your furry beacon of hope"
I'm a huge Sarah Andersen fan, so I was beyond excited to get an ARC of her new collection of comics. Herding cats is every bit as funny and real as her previous books, and although the themes are the same in all three books (friends, pets, the fear induced by deadlines of doom) they never feel repetitive to me. I think the "one more page" story, the one with Sarah's day ruined because she forgot her headphones at home (I feel your pain!) and the one in which Sarah's brain refuses to separate real and fictional people when creating emotional bonds are my favourites from this third book. I also roared with laughter many times with her stories about procrastinating because I so recognise myself in those right now. The book also includes an assay on how to deal with the internet when you're a young artist trying to get recognition and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this part, not only because I wholeheartedly agree with the author about the state of the Internet these days, but because it's written with charming simplicity and the self-deprecating humour that I love in her comics.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good laugh at their own expense. Actually, I recommend this book to just everyone :P
An excellent collection of comics. Autobiographical comics that depict the author's struggles with anxiety and the everyday foibles of human life with a big dose of self-deprecation and humor. Includes a little advice for young people interested in creative fields at the end.
Once again, Sarah Andersen delivers a highly-relatable (too relatable) book for those with anxiety, those that like to create art, and those that just...ya know...are trying to navigate life. I would love to keep this book right next to Neil Gaiman's "Make Good Art" for routine reading. THANK YOU FOR THIS, SARAH.
I love Sarah Anderson's little scribbles. Many of them are so applicable to the life of a bookworm that I wonder if she's wandered into my own brain.
This time she added a section to the back all about the dangers of the internet and whether or not to post your stuff. This was a slight deviation but she handled the subject matter with humor and quite sage advice for young aspiring artists.
I would highly recommend any of her books.
I have wanted to read the Sarah Scribbles collection for a while now, but it was the title Herding Cats that finally got me to pounce. Jokes are funnier when they involve cats. This is an indisputable fact of the universe. I very much enjoyed the strips where Sarah pokes fun of her irrational devotion to her feline friend but was disappointed they were so few in number. Despite the title and cover picture, most of these comics are not animal related. That doesn't mean I didn't find humor in them-- I did-- but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. The last 20% of the book lost me completely, because it switched to a PSA about how the internet is a dumpster fire and tips for how sensitive artists can navigate it. I must not be a sensitive artist, because I had no idea what she was talking about. I can't say I'm now convinced to run out and purchase the other Sarah Scribbles books, but I did enjoy this, and it made the half hour or so it took me to read it a happier place.
Sarah did it again. Her ability to create funny, adorable, and most importantly, relatable comics is what makes this book great. Something everyone can enjoy!
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced egalley copy of this book!
I always love Sarah Andersen's comics! This book is split in two halves. The first contains humorous one-shot strips, focused on a specific incident. I've gone scrounging on the Internet a few times .to find these: the "IT IS ANXIETY" comic and "2016 election" comic are two of my favorites. The second half is a meditation on creativity and creation that was both funny and inspiring. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed Herding Cats just as much as Sarah Andersen’s first 2 books. The end of this book contained some pages of texts (but still some pictures) that was geared more toward aspiring artists. If you like Sarah’s other work be sure to check out this book!
(This review will post on or near publication date.)
Title: Herding Cats - A Sarah's Scribbles Collection (3)
Author: Sarah Andersen
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, March 27, 2018
ISBN: 978-1449489786
Price: $14.99
-----------
Summary and Thoughts: Sarah's Scribbles is a mostly weekly web comic by artist Sarah Andersen. In her work she generally talks about anxiety, animals, periods, and life. Her comics, I'm certain, are widely shared. Basically, for an intro, just read my review of Big Mushy Happy Lump. The mostly widely shared comic since the 2016 election that I can think of is the one where Sarah runs going "Everything is awful" while the black cat watches and the comic ends with her saying "Not you."
Herding Cats is another collection of her web comics and it basically picks up chronologically where the second collection left off. What's important about this collection and why I'm highly recommending is is that it's talking about our collective emotions after the 2016 elections. I mean, look at her New Year's comic (not in this work). She's pretty on the nose about how a lot of us are feeling. Between the comics on anxiety, animals, and periods, there are the comics about how 2016 and 2017 are a mess.
Most of the comics aren't new to me. Since reading the second collection I now follow her and see everything. What makes this a stand out collection is that she talks about whether or not someone should post their art online or even create it. She ruminates on how the Internet used to feel like one big party (truth) but now is basically on fire (I've cut my social media back quite a bit in 2018). Yet, when new artists post and grow, they are like a spot of something nice in the fire. She's very honest and I really, really like that.
Overall, these comics are great to hold in a book form and the bonus pep talk at the end was super helpful. She's right, the Internet has changed, but it's also really good for people. This time, I can definitely say this is a comic teens will enjoy, but the main audience will be the adults (the Millenials, aka the 20-30 year olds). Get it and read it. You'll laugh and you'll also be like "that is too true." Maybe the comics will even be the light in the dark times. They have been for me.
---------
Recommended Audience: Older Teens, Adults
--------
Things to be aware of: NOTHING, unless you hate talking about periods but they're a fact of life and these are comics people can sooooooooo relate to.
--------
Source: Netgalley
I often see these comics appear anywhere on the internet, and they’re always so relatable; this book was amazing and incredibly relatable and I loved seeing all these simple but cute drawings!
As a fan of Sara's Scribbles online work ,the chance to view a collection is not something I could pass up, every page strikes a perfect blend of humor and social commentary, while her advice on creating in the last section of the book is something I would recommend to any artist or writer, especially those reluctant to put themselves out there.
I got a copy of this book from Netgalley.
This was a fun little book of illustrations. I've seen the author's work online and I follow her on Instagram. Her work is very amusing but also poignant. She illustrates people's issues with anxiety, creative struggles, dealing with negativity and doubt. All through the lens of a humorous artist.
In the book, the author also includes a section on motivation and dealing with online harassment and bullying. This is particularly important for young creatives, but even adults can take solace in her words.
I enjoyed flipping through this book and would like to have a printed version to keep around the house. Hope to see more from the author.
I've seen these comics a lot and always love them. This collection was super cute and as always, way relatable. It's the kind of depressive/anxiety driven humor that has massively taken over in the last few years again, but told in a sort of uplifting way. Like, Hey it's okay, we're all thinking like this! But I was surprised by the essay at the end and found it really impactful, and as an artist, emotional. It is well written and encouraging and I'm just so happy to see an author and artist succeed like she has.
I love Sarah’s work, her comics always speak to me and are something I can both sob over while screaming “Someone understands!” and laugh over because “Someone understands!”
“Herding Cats” by Sarah Anderson is a collection of the popular “Sarah’s Scribbles” comic strips. I enjoy Sarah’s Scribbles as part of my daily “comic fix” on Go Comics, so when I saw this new collection, I knew I just had to have it. As I expected, it was a “laugh a minute.”
I love following Sarah as she traverses the daily trauma of just being Sarah. The graphics are basic, uncluttered, to the point, and hilarious, just as life should be. Laughing along with her trials and tribulations makes my sometimes mind-numbing day bearable.
I love “connecting” with Sarah, and I recommend that everyone celebrate life with a little humor. “Herding Cats” with Sarah is a great place to start.
A big Thank you to Sarah Anderson, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of “Herding Cats” in exchange for my review. I am still laughing as I type.
I love Sarah Andersen's work. I relate strongly to her comics and enjoy every one of them.
Love it! So funny and great illustrations. I want to give this to all of my friends. Amazing.
I was so excited for the next installment in the Adulthood is a Myth series. In reading Herding Cats, I still find myself enjoying the artistic style of the illustration and the humor. I was able to connect to the subject matter. Whereas book 1 appeared more internal, this book has more commentary about the world. During my laughter, I also was given a lot to think about (creativity, criticism, dealing with the internet). I will recommend this to others. This would be a great gift for one of my artist friends.
When it comes to rating collections of comics it seems like there are only three choices for me: 1, 3, or 5 stars. I either really understand and appreciate them, I could take them or leave them, or I didn't connect with them. Herding Cats from Sarah Andersen is a 5 star for me. And yes, I considered rating this a 4 just to make anyone reading this crazy.
While I am well past the age where I should still be figuring my way through this world (theoretically anyway) I am still able to connect with both the warm fuzzies (usually involving pets) and the frustration at society's seemingly contradictory norms. Sarah brings these into focus so we can both laugh at/with them and know we are not alone in the world in trying to understand these things.
I would highly recommend this to anyone familiar with her work in print or online, as well as anyone who enjoys comics that poke fun at the sometimes insane things we all deal with on a daily basis.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a graphic novel about Sarah (the author) who struggles with anxiety and social situations (among other things).
The stories within reflect her experiences and are completely relatable, insightful, and funny. It was a very quick read and I loved it.
This is the second book I've read from this author, the first one was Adulthood is a Myth which was also excellent.
If you love cats and have a quirky, introverted personality then you will find a kindred soul on Sarah's novels.
Received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley
An adorably entertaining comic strip about cats, artists, awkwardness, internet trolls, anxiety, and more cats! Although not entirely original, these comics are entirely delightful and relatable. A quick, enjoyable read!
I was able to read this through NetGalley : thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read it.
I have Sarah Andersen's two previous books and this one will join them on the shelf on release day. I connect with Andersen as a woman, a creative, and an introvert. Her comic strips are a lesson in the effective punchline that make you laugh and nod in agreement.
A main theme is procrastination and the danger of letting big tasks fall to the wayside. This I picked up on because I was reading it instead of completing an assignment for class.
I also enjoyed the section at the end meant to inspire readers into putting their stuff out on the Internet regardless if the Internet is a party on fire.
Overall, this slim volume is full of wonderful content and I'll be pre-ordering it soon.
Paseaba por la selección de libros de Netgalley cuando encontré Herding Cats. Creo que son pocas las personas que no han visto una de las tiras cómicas de Sarah Anderson. Esa pequeña monita que la representa sale seguido en los timeline en Facebook y admito que siermpre me hace reír a causa de lo identificada que me siento con ella.
Las primeras 80 páginas del libro son tiras cómicas. Algunas de ellas ya las había visto pero varias fueron nuevas para mí y algunas realmente te hacen reflexionar y pensar.
Después de esas 80 páginas vienen unas cuantas de recomendaciones para artistas en esta época de internet y medios sociales. Yo no soy una artista pero aún así disfruté de esas últimas páginas y recomendaciones.
Al final disfruté bastante esta novela y aunque me duró escasos minutos, quedé satisfecha con ella.
Another funny collection from Sarah Anderson - fans of her first two books will be pleased. This comics look at introverted people and how they choose to interact with the world, in an honest, funny and not mean manner, The second half contains tips for artists, which I believe people looking to become artists or have their comics or books published will find useful. I think her books are great anytime someone needs a good laugh. This book still gets five stars but the tips and everything at the end I did not enjoy that bit as much as the rest of the book. They will be useful and informative for others though I am sure.
This is up to the author/illustrator’s usual high standards – the drawings always make me smile as Andersen takes 4 or fewer panels to show you universal truths about being an adult. Her work is always funny and creative, and something I love to share with my husband when he’s trying to go to sleep.
The little surprise bonus in this book was a chapter at the end, encouraging artists to ‘make stuff’ and try to ignore the world of negativity hiding out there in the internet, waiting to piss on your parade. It’s especially great to see this from an artist whose work I’ve mostly read online, she’s well versed with the casual ‘I hate everything you’ve ever drawn’ hate that people like to share when they can’t look you in the eye so the advice is very genuine.
I enjoyed these page-long cartoons. Many of them were very funny and relatable, but I wish they were in an order that makes sense. Some of them jumped to such different topics that it was confusing to read in sequence. However, the repeated themes and facial expressions gave a sense of cohesion anyway. The author/artist has a wonderful sense of humor as she often puts herself down and puts her life in perspective.
Got a solid number of laughs from the collection of comics from Sarah Andersen . She has a few gems, but you can definitely see the same old gimmicks used over and over again, and some of them fall stale.
The last bit of the collection, which I believe was about not letting other people and their opinions/comments affect your art, was maybe helpful to aspiring artists, but it didn't do much for me. Kinda the same old advice all artists of any kind give to any aspiring artist of any kind.
Thank you to NetGalley and artist Sarah Andersen for providing me with an ARC of Sarah's Scribbles.
This is another wonderful addition to Sarah's previous collections of comic strips. Sarah has a knack for capturing everyday anxiety in a humorous and non threatening manner. Her drawings are honest and relatable even for those who may be shy or slightly uncomfortable in crowds and feel most comfortable in a bookstore or home with a furry pal.
What I enjoyed most about her latest offering, is Sarah's heartfelt advice to budding artists or humans just wanting to survive and create in an often hostile world. Definitely a collection to check out and add to your library!
3.5 out of 5 stars
This wasn't my favorite collection but it was certainly enjoyable because I also have pets. I really liked the stuff about the animals and things but I felt that some of the other stuff just didn't seem to fit into the overall theme. One thing I did glean from this is to say just because you CAN be mean on the internet doesn't mean you SHOULD. But constructive criticism is necessary for growth so if you must criticize be kind. I really enjoyed a lot of the writing and it was a quick and fun read. I would recommend this book.
4 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages
(www.vellumvoyages.com)
I always find Sarah Anderson’s comics very cute, entertaining, funny and totally relatable! These comic strips are always a welcome break from my current reading challenges and novels and I’m usually left with a smile on my face. I read this last year to take a break from my books so this is a delayed review :D
A view of this new age world from an introverted creative with the comics featuring an emphasis on creativity within the internet age, internet trolling and of course animals is what Herding Cats is all about! I didn’t rate this as high as the others but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless!
*Thank-you Sarah Anderson, Netgalley & Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC.
This book was similar to Andersen's other books. Hilarious and light-hearted, while covering some heavy issues that many millennials face. She gives advice to aspiring artists and has relatable and inspirational input on the internet.
I've been a big fan of Sarah's Scribbles. This book was no different. It had the humor and it was very relateable.
We get to see 'Sarah'- the girl with messy hair and big eyes in situations we have found ourselves in more than we would like to admit.
Andersen's art is just adorable. the comic panels are clean and to the point, and it is a quick read while still being entertaining.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars (I expected more cat-related comics)
I want to be Sarah Anderson's best friend.
Her 3rd instalment in the Sarah's Scribbles series is replete with laugh-out-loud worthy comics. I mean, you won't laugh at each comic, but maybe at every 3rd one you will let out a guilty giggle, and every 5th one will make you lol. At the end, there is a very valuable essay for artists and creative people (like me, ahem).
I have the physical copy of the first book, a digital copy of the second and now this review e-copy of the third. I would definitely one day like to own the physical copies of all the instalments, maybe once the boxset is out
As always, Sarah Andersen's cartoons are hilariously relatable. There were at least half a dozen that I wanted to show to a friend and say "This is so me/us!" I do wish that it was longer, and I am not the target audience for the section at the end directed towards other aspiring artists, but overall this is a solid addition to any contemporary collection of cartoons and should be popular with the underserved 30-something set at libraries.
Herding Cat was provided for me to review by NetGalley. I LOVE this book. I've been reading this comics online for a while and I was so delighted to find out they were made into a book. As always, the strips are hilarious and I enjoyed every second of reading it. It always feels like the author got inside my head and printed out whatever she saw there. The comics strips are super likable and relatable. I would really recommend this book to anyone, it's just amazingly awesome!!!
So funny! I've read many of her comics on the internet and I just loved to have a bunch of them in a book. Sarah is so relatable. I found myself laughing out loud many times.
Herding Cats was the third graphic novel Sarah Anderson has released and it was honestly my favorite. I laughed out loud at almost every page and found it to be all too relatable. Her simplistic style is so captivating and I can't help but adore it.
This book specifically celebrated what it's like to be an artistic introvert in a world full of deadlines and social environments. I especially appreciated the "Guide for the Young Creative" section at the end. It gave me hope that things will get better, it's normal to feel this way, and that I'm not alone.
I can't praise this book enough; I will absolutely be purchasing a finished copy for myself and several friends!
I follow Sarah Andersen on Instagram and I always find her comics to be hilariously relatable. Since I own two cats of my own, I found myself wanting to show my boyfriend them constantly because they were so alike instances that we experience daily.
Sarah Andersen does it again!!!
I love Andersen's comics. They're short, they're funny and above all else, they are completely relatable! Maybe it's cause I am also an introvert, socially awkward, prefer the company of animals in comparison to strange people I don't know, think one thing and say another outloud, and have the best time when it's just me and myself. Whatever it is, I simply love Sarah Andersen because she speaks to my soul.
Love it! Just delightful. I know a lot of people who'd really enjoy these cute cartoons.
Sarah Andersen’s Herding Cats is a hilarious, endearing and extremely relatable collection of simple but effectively drawn comics.
I absolutely love this witty and fun collection! The cute comics depict Sarah’s life as she attempts to adult while being a socially awkward introvert. The situations are relatable, honest and so applicable to life today. I constantly found myself laughing out loud and nodding in agreement as adorably scruffy little cartoon Sarah bumbles through the dark, light, and in-between moments of everyday life. She intersperses strips of self-loathing and crushing anxiety with the all-too familiar curse of procrastination, the undying love for the furry animal friends in our lives as well as the absolutely relatable desire to show off your freshly shaved leg by sticking it in someone’s face.
The book also includes a really sweet and helpful guide for the young artist. Sarah’s advice is brief but sufficient, well-written and extremely applicable to all creative people whether you’re a graphic artist or a writer. I also like that she includes some adorable comic strips with her advice.
I would absolutely recommend Herding Cats to everyone! It’s funny, poignant, and extremely relatable. It’s also a super quick read and I guarantee you’ll be returning to it again and again. Sarah Andersen so pitch perfectly captures the little moments that it feels like she’s gotten into your head. I’ve always been a fan of her work and she’s never disappointed me. I can’t wait to see what else she puts out in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review.
This collection of comics is insightful, hilarious, and provides really useful tools for aspiring creatives. Even if drawing isn't your thing, the advice contained in these pages can be applied to any and all facets of your life. Really solid book, as I've come to expect from Sarah Andersen.
I adore the Sarah Scribbles books! For someone who isn't an artist, but who has anxiety, it's nice to have her illustrations and comics to give a visual to what I feel - and let me know that I'm not alone. This is definitely another great instalment to the Sarah Scribbles series and one that many people will enjoy.
I also really loved the last part of the book, where Sarah talks about creativity and how to create when you're not only an introvert, but also how to create in today's world. Her cartoons might be about being an artist, but they will still connect with people who aren't artists, maybe who are introverts, and even just people who might just need to be reassured that they're not alone.
Sarah Andersen's art from Sarah Scribbles is all over the internet, and for good reason. Her art tends to focus on the struggle of being an introvert in an extrovert world and the difficulties of living with anxiety. If you haven't seen her work, be prepared for a serious treat.
Herding Cats, her new collection, features some of her more popular strips, newer work, and an entire section on how to just keep going when you want to make your art. If you read quickly, this is something you can finish quickly if you're a fast reader, or just something wonderful where you show your friends different pages and go "yup, that's totally me."
Herding Cats comes out March 27, 2018 and is available for preorder for both print and ebook from Andrews McMeel.
The world is absolutely @%#$&% and sometimes it might feel like there’s no saving it.
For me personally it was such a rough year that I had to stop blogging about books and I slowly stopped reading the further we got into the year. It wasn’t because I didn’t love the books or that I didn’t want to do these things, but the outside world was so overwhelming that it felt flat out impossible to focus on my creative endeavours.
That is what Herding Cats of graphic novels is about and that’s the overall theme. When it feels like the entire world has gone mad, how do you function as a person? How do you give the time to your creativity that you want to when you want to take care of yourself? And how do you talk yourself into stepping inside these public spaces when the discourse has become so toxic that you can get death threats simply for putting yourself and your art out there?
Herding Cats doesn’t have any easy answers to these issues, but that’s not what it’s trying to do.
Instead, it’s a support. The further I read into Herding Cats, the more I felt I was looking into a mirror and my reflection was telling me that it was okay, that there were other people going through the same thing as me, and who had the same or similar idiosyncrasies. (Actually forget the reflection talking to me thing, that’s terrifying.)
I’m getting lost in my own analogies, so let me break this down very simply. You can read Herding Cats as a disconnected collection of cartoons that are relatable and humorous, or you can (over) read a bit deeper and take away a few things from it.
It’s not a neutral book in the least, but there’s an irreverance and a relatability to the comics in Herding Cats that will resonate with a large amount of people.
I have been a huge fan of Sarah Scribbles for years now and following my feelings about her previous works, I cannot recommend Herding Cats enough.
It’s Sarah and what more do I say? :) It’s encouraging to see that last quarter talking to the aspiring artists! That made me love her more! Way to go Sarah! :)
Sarah's comic strips take a uniquely charming perspective in acknowledging the episodes of self-doubt, anxiety, and flat out panic we all go through at times. Her art makes us laugh but also feel that reassurance that someone else knows what this feels like. Would recommend this for any friend who needs a hug in the form of a book!
What I Liked
Sarah Andersen is one of the most funny human beings. Each comic I read in this book I laughed, smiles, and chuckled. This collection of comics lives up the hype of her previous two. Andersen has the ability to create simple comics that are highly relatable. By doing this she allows us to see the funny side of knowing we tell ourselves we are going to wake up and not hit snooze, but in truth we know we are going to hit to 1000 times. It also gives me and I would think others the comfort of knowing they are not alone in doing those types of thing.
One thing I really like about this collection is that each page is its separate comic. You can literally put it down on any page....if you end up putting it down. One thing that truly annoys me about some books is the lack of a natural stopping point while I am reading.
Lastly, I really enjoyed her style of drawing. It is simple, but has everything you need. It is adorable and creative. There is no fluff, apart for the kitties. Sometimes artists add to much and it can be distracting, Andersen has found a great balance.
At the end of the book the final sections are a message from the author that is geared for young artists. While I myself am not an artist her message is still relevant. Try, put yourself out there and keep at it.
What I Didn't Like
Nothing, I loved everything. All bow down to Sarah Andersen! Eh hem... I mean go and get the book.
Overall Thoughts
If you couldn't tell already, I loved this book. It is very relatable, humorous, and allows us to poke fun at ourselves. I have already texted and messaged a few of my friends they need to check out this collection. I know in the future if someone comes to me wanting a recommendation for something funny there is a very high chance that I will be recommending this. I ended up giving this 5 stars.
I want to note that I received this book from Netgalley for this review. My review is honest and all thoughts are my own.
The third compilation of Sarah Andersen's work does not disappoint and it even improves from the second one. Always real, honest and funny, Sarah's work is refreshing and a joy to read. The final part -essays- was personal, touching and very relatable. I love Sarah's work and I will always recommend her! 5 stars!
I follow Sarah Andersen on a couple of her social media accounts, and I live for new art from her. That being said, there were quite a few comics in here I'd never seen before. It doesn't matter, I would've been thrilled seeing ones I've already fallen in love with. But it was super fun to see new ones.
Her comics never stop being relatable. All of them are funny, but some hit some spots that would prefer to stay hidden, thankyouverymuch.
The final part of her book is an illustrated account of what it's like to put your artistic work out into the universe. And by universe, I mean internet. And by internet, I mean those evil bullies who will complain about literally everything in this world because they're unhappy with themselves and also because they suck.
The story is inspiring, to say the least. The message is, JUST KEEP MAKING STUFF. And I think that's more important than any other thing she included in this book.
If Sarah Andersen ever stops being funny, we'll know the apocalypse is nigh! Another amazingly wonderful entry about what it feels like to just be a young adult in today's world. Andersen's drawings suck you in and her content keeps you laughing on every single page. 5/5 stars. No, 500 stars.
This is a simple but extremely expressive set of comics. Almost anyone could find a panel to relate to. I love that Sarah's brand of humour is so all-encompassing - a lot of people could relate to it.
This is for pet lovers and people who feel overwhelmed by the polarised politics of today. This is a comic for the socially anxious or the person overwhelmed by news; the book lover, the music lover and the person with unpopular taste in both.
This is a comic that celebrates the little things in a way that isn't in-your-face or pseudo-philosophical. It's lovely and would put a smile on anyone's face.
The author and artist also talks about her disappointment in the current state of the internet. I think her optimism in hoping that the internet will become more tolerant of aspiring artists and all people in general, is refreshing. Her artist survival guide is very sweet and is a must for all 21st century artists who post online.
If you need a pick-me-up, let go of what you're doing and start reading Sarah Scribbles.
Thank you to Net Galley for a free copy of this book in trade for an honest review.
This review is also posted in my blog : https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/herding-cats-sarahs-scribbles-3/
It’s a simple story about day to day life of the author. It’s funny, cute, depressing and sometimes sad. What I like about this story is the blatant truth about things that you can’t really talk or embarrassed to admit to the society. Sarah approached it in a funny way, making things light. Love the way she could illustrate herself like being an introvert, animal lover (quite a bunch of cats and dogs) and some of her inner thoughts. It took enough bravery to illustrate your live like that.
Her comic is something that I could relate too. It’s not easy being an introvert and wants to hide from people. Also at the same time wants to adopt cute kitten I met on the street.
The artwork is in doodle style, so the lines are a bit in scribble style. There are times I don’t quite understand her story, but still it’s easy to read and enjoy. I love when she finished the book with the phrase “Go make stuff”. It gives me encouragement to draw the next day.
Recommend for those who like humor, cat lover and not afraid that it might be your story she’s telling.
Sarah Andersen did it again! She made me laugh out loud with every single comic on every single page. She is just amazing as an artist and as a comic maker overall. Plus, what I really really liked about this book is that there’s a part in the end where she explains life as an artist, not only via comics but also through a bit of text which gives the explanation a lot more seriousness, inside of what’s capable. Overall, this book is just amazing and I can’t wait for it to come out!
I got a copy of this through Netgalley.
I like Sarah Andersen and I find her doodles delightful. If you like these sorts of things you will definitely like this book.
Another stunning collection from one of my absolute favorite authors. As always the comics are completely relatable, and beautifully illustrated. This will be my new go to book for gifting to anyone whos having a bad day. Pure cat-loving, anxiety-fighting, too real to be anything but funny gold. Please keep writing more. Please never stop writing more.
This is the kind of book everyone pursuing a career in creative arts should read--whether you're studying writing, drawing, filmmaking, anything! This is the bok for you. From start to finish, you feel comfortable with Andersen, and once the illustrations become intertwined with text and advice, you're left in good hands. I absolutely enjoyed this one!
Another fantastic volume from one of the best cartoonists around. Sarah Andersen really understands what it is like to be me (and apparently a lot of other people)!
You know Sarah Andersen right? That weird looking black n’ white one page comics that somehow know how we live? Yeah, those are created by Sarah Andersen and this is her third book.
Sarah’s Scribbles is a comic strip that takes us on a trip of her life and finds humor in daily observations. Observational comedy is always very subtle that points at our surroundings in a third party manner. We don’t see it because we are in it. And it frames a more authentic stage when the comedy is about us and our own life.
Sarah Anderson is one of us – that might be the most fitting thing I can say. Her life, anxiety, laziness, friends and all else are so much like us that one feels asking her, “How did you know?” again and again.
The last part of the book is a collection of short-notes, open letters and relevant comics for struggling artists, writers and any kind of creative developers. It feels like a friend’s pat on the back to those who are facing self-doubt and other problems.
A must-read if you love cats, dogs, food, yourself and life.
Disclaimer: I love Sarah’s Scribbles and it was a delight to get ARC of it. I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another home run by Sarah Andersen! I found myself relating to so much in this book just like I have since I first discovered Sarah Andersen.
Sarah Andersen is one of my favourite comic artists out there. Her comics are so quirky, funny and so relatable that I caught myself laughing out loud several times. As an introvert myself, so many of the comics made me think, "I have been in this situation before too" and it felt comforting to think that I am not alone with all these thoughts.
Thank you NetGalley for the preview.
This is a wonderful book full of fun, quirky drawings and some really good advice to young and old alike. If you are a creative person or know someone who is, this is a great read. Anderson distills truths about every day life into simple yet evocative line art that speaks to all generations.
Sarah Andersen is back with the same trademark humor that I love about the previous volumes. The comics about anxiety/depression and creativity are super relatable, and the guide to surviving as an artist in a digital world was encouraging for me as a budding creative.
I loved this instalment of Sarah Scribbles comic strip collection and gave it five stars. All of her comics are extremely relatable, and that may just be because I am an introverted 22 year old who loves books and animals but I feel like most people can also relate to so many of her comics. This one was particularly relatable for me since in the last 2 years I have found an absolute love of cats that came from my family getting our cat Lilly who is just the light of my life! So now I understand the absolute devotion that comes from cats so much more than dogs, they honestly one day will rule the world.
I have read Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen which I also had a great affinity with since it is so true! Being an adult is the worst so I just enjoy reading about other peoples suffering in comic form.
I really enjoy her art style, it is really quirky and fun. I also really enjoy how simplistic she makes it through using minimal characters so that we have familiarity with them, using only black and white, and making the dialogue and expressions the main aspect of the comics. I also love how in this form of art using comic strips you really have to exaggerate what you are trying to convey which I think goes really well with the ‘problems’ that she is trying to portray since most of them wouldn’t be considered issues to people other than the introverted individuals who relate to them :)
I love how she can take ordinary every day things and make them so funny and relatable. I also really enjoyed the section that she wrote for writers, I loved how she shared her story and gave some really great advice to aspiring writers and artists. It will really encourage the next generation of artists which I am so happy about, there really has to be something positive out there to let people know that it is possible to put your art out there and it really be appreciated by others, especially with how the internet is today.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who really just wants something light and fun to read and relate to as well as aspiring artists who just want to see how it is possible to achieve your goals and get some motivation to follow them :)
I LOVE Sarah's Scribbles. From her introvert struggles and ability to find the funny moments in life, I would implore anyone who needs a smile to pick this up.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me free copy to review.
This was such a funny and relatable read! I'm a big fan of Sarah Andersen and I have enjoyed her last two books so it's safe to say this one was as great and adorable.
I laughed at loud at some of illustrations and 90% of the time I was: OMG that's so me.
The second half about Making Stuff in the Modern Era was a pretty nice addition to this graphic novel and author really hit the nail about feeling nervous when posting your work for everyone to see and criticize.
I can't wait to see her future work! Stay great Sarah!
This series has won me over ever since I learned of its existence and actively decided to read it. The first half reads like comic strips. Most hit close to home and become even more entertaining and existential life crisis inducing the more time you take to think about them.
The second half was my favorite because it melds the comics and drawings to a full dissertation/text/story (?). I loved the message the author presented in that part of the book. The internet can be a negative place and that may provoke anxiety when it comes to sharing your passion with complete strangers online. All you can do is take a chance and try to work with it. When things become too much, take a much-needed break and de-stress. Everyone has been through things that they thought they'd never get through, but you're still here so you can also get through this obstacle too.
I have loved each and every Sarah Scribble's collection made and this one was no different. I always find her content to be funny, relatable, and relevant. I know when I pick up a book by Sarah Andersen that I will come out of reading it in a better mood and with sore sides from laughing. I'd recommend these comic based on their hilarity alone.
This collection also included an essay portion about Making Stuff in our Modern Era that I found to be an interesting read and super relatable. We've all come across trolls on the internet but it was interesting to see the creator side of things as the author talked about her anxiety and exposing one's self on the internet when everyone is a critic. It made for a thoughtful read.
I received an advanced ecopy of this book from NetGalley, so thank you to them. This has no bearing on my review as my opinions are my own.
Sarah Scribbles is one of my absolute favorite web comics. I really love coming across new ones from time to time and these collections have never really disappointed. I do think this one was missing something. Maybe it's just my mood today. I'm not really sure, but as long as Sarah puts out her comics and art, I will continue to read them.
The best Sarah Scribbles collection yet-- consistent comics with bonus content for advice creating art in the modern age (which is actually just applicable to being a person on the internet, too). These comics are so relatable and shareable that you might need to buy two copies. I'm actually thinking of getting one as a gift for the budding artist I know. Besides being funny, the advice at the back is just good. Highly recommended!
Similar to other books by Sarah Andersen, this comedic take on life is relate-able in many ways. Although the title implies it's for people who love cats, it's really for anyone looking to find an outlet of life's problems through humor. Cats, dogs, and sometimes neither are the center of the issues drawn. It's a really fast read, but one a reader will likely find worth sharing with a friend. There's someone for everyone.
Perfect! Funny, witty and as always comically accurate.
This is my first Sarah Anderson book and the hilarious title caught my attention. I must admit, I haven't giggled this much while reading in some time.
Sometimes it is nice to have a quick read that doesn't involve overthinking. This is a perfect choice for that type of situation. Sarah artistically expresses what many of us are thinking or feeling in an amusing way! I found myself laughing and nodding my head "yes!" to many of the illustrated situations. I was a bit thrown off towards the end with the section on staying inspired and involved in the arts, but once I understood the purpose, I enjoyed this section, as well. Overall, this is a fun read that gives the reader a warm and fuzzy feeling.
I give this 5 stars. Sarah's comics are so me it's scary sometimes. Guaranteed to have you laughing.
If you're a fan of Sarah Andersen's previous comics, you will most definitely enjoy these too! Cute, quirky, and funny - just as I expected them to be.
But maybe the best part of this book is when Sarah honestly speaks about being an artist in this day and age. I think it'll resonate with a lot of people, and I appreciated the way Andersen's addressed it here, with just the right amount of humour and seriousness.
Herding Cats: A Sarah's Scribbles Collection is the third volume of collected comics from Sarah Andersen. Her distinctive style and humor do a painfully on point job of illustrating the very specific growing pains that occur on the way to becoming a mature, put-together grownup. The illustrations also show how to behave as an adult, even though keeping up that behavior is just as hard as getting there to begin with. At the end there is also encouragement and support for readers trying to keep their head above water when dealing with creativity, art, anxiety, and life in general.
Sarah valiantly struggles with waking up in the morning, being productive, and dealing with social situations. Sarah's Scribbles is the comic strip that follows her life, finding humor in living as an adulting introvert that is at times weird, awkward, and embarrassing. While we might not all have the same levels on anxiety or the same creative outlets as this author and artist- we have all had the moments when we felt so very different, anxious, or other as the drawn version of Sarah. I could relate to so many of her strips. Even in the strips I could not relate personally I could see the reality of the day to day struggles that so many face. I loved the relateable feel, and the perseverance and humor that underlies her actions. Some of the strips were ones I have seen before, since I follow Sarah's Scribbles, however I felt like there were a significant number of fresh, new strips. I also found the other text from Anderson at the end of the book to be uplifting and supportive to artists and others dealing with anxiety or having trouble adulting to be a great way to connect with and support her readers. All most of us want is to know we are not alone, and seeing someone that you might look up to commiserating with the same troubles could be just the encouragement readers need.
Hilarious and adorable little strips that perfectly depict event that frequently occur in our everyday life. She knows how to make me laugh and cheer me up even in the worst day ever. In the second part of the book she gives great advices to new artists or artists wannabe. GUYS, JUST MAKE STUFF!
Herding Cats: a "Sarah Scribbles" collection by Sarah Andersen earned a 4 star review from me. It's an interesting collection of comic strips. You might like it even more if you happen to be an introvert, an artist, or a pet lover.
In Big Mushy Happy Lump Sarah discovered her love for cats. This continues into Herding Cats. There are many strips showing her interacting with a cute black cat (like on the cover).
Also, there are several strips showing her attitudes towards being an artist and an introvert. I am somewhat of an introvert and found myself nodding along with some of the strips, including one where she avoids conflict by saying yes when someone asked her for a favor when she really wanted to say no. Of course you don't have to be an introvert to have that happen, which makes it even better.
The latter part of the book is dedicated to giving advice to artists online, especially younger artists. I thought this was a valuable, interesting read. It includes advice on how to take criticism and suggestions for how to handle trolls among other things.
All in all, it's a good read. Mostly humorous, it generated lots of smiles, laughs, and some nods. It's worth a read. If you enjoyed either of her previous collections, you will like this one as well.
Herding Cats is due to be released March 27, 2018 from Andrews McMeel Publishing.
You can check out more of Sarah's work online on Facebook, Twitter, and at GoComics.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
*I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely love Sarah Anderson's comics. She also posts them on Webtoon and I read them whenever I can.
The strips are small, sometimes only 2 frames, but they are just as long as they need to be.
The thing is, this comic is one I completely relate to. Almost every single strip had me going "YES!" or "OMG that is so me!!" It is self-depreciating humor at times, but I feel so many people can relate and it just makes it sooooo funny.
The art style isn't the prettiest either, but I feel it adds to the humor and the feel of it.
I recommend and even link friends to this author's comics ALL the time, so I definitely recommend it to everyone -- especially new adults.
This was a collection of sweet anecdotes we all can relate to. I wish only there were more of them - as it was, I perused it in less than half an hour. I recommend it for artists (some handy encouragement there for you!) and those who already like her work.
A super funny collection of comics. Sarah is endearingly awkward and any teen/millennial will empathize with her various comic scenarios.
This collection of comic strips by Sarah Anderson is more in the same line of her previous collections -- highly relatable contact packaged in incredibly adorable characters. I think the thing that makes these collections so wonderful is that even if there are strips that don't have you laughing out loud, which I think is expected by many, the content taps into things that are very relatable such as social anxiety, depression, or being generally okay with being a bit of a hot mess according to previous generation's standards of being an adult.
Sarah, get out of my head.
Seriously though, this is a great book.
Herding Cats is the third collection of comic strips from artist Sarah Andersen and just as quirky and relatable as ever. This book seemed to go by even faster than the last one but it seemed like it will resonate more personally with budding artists or people following hardworking dreams. Sarah conveys her own experiences perfectly while also being humorous and has some great advice for her readers in the paragraphs based on being an artist. Being of zero talent in the art department I can't even imagine how much of a struggle it must be to put your talent into action and then have it seen and appreciated but I'm sure artists reading this book will feel a lot in common with her!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Probably one of the most humorous and relatable comics out there. I enjoyed every minute of reading this! Being able to relate to the emotions and humor Sarah provides is refreshing. The artist portion in the back didn’t really impact me, but I love the message of making stuff despite what everyone says, make cool shit kids. I’ll definitely be picking up Sarah’s other books!
This book was brain candy: easy to read, fun, relaxing. Cat lovers and those who like to make fun of cat lovers will like as well as those who like real life based comics and irony. Classic Sarah’s Scribbles work for fans of her work will love too.
I've loved every one of Sarah Andersen's comic collections and Herding Cats is no exception. They are always laugh-out-loud hilarious and relatable. Her art style is adorable and I always read these books in one sitting because I get addicted to the laughs.
Highly recommend to anyone looking to get into graphic novels. You can start with any one of Sarah Andersen's collections!
Another wonderful collection of inspirational comics from Sarah Scribbles! I love it! These cute drawings are so easy to relate to, and Sarah takes the time to reach out to her fans to encourage them to do what they enjoy.
Hilarious and easy to relate to. There's a part in the back with advice for artists, which I found interesting (and comical) even though I am not an artist. Andersen's words are mixed with panels that illustrate her point.
So, apparently Sarah Andersen is me, or I am her...I don't know, but we share a name, a sense of humor, love of pets, and just general life every day...life. Really enjoyed this GN, and hope to continue seeing more from her.
Sarah Andersen was one of the first artists I discovered online and then followed into print. Now that I have a black cat myself as well her art continues to be both uproariously funny as well as surprisingly relevant. I am now used to realising that I am describing one of her comics to a friend, desperately trying to explain why the picture of her in the fur coat throwing money around in a bookstore is, like, me. So of course I had to pick up Andersen's newest book as well! I need new material, my friends are getting bored! Thanks to Andrew McMeel's Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I rewrote this initial paragraph about 5 times just to stop myself from doing what I threatened above: describing funny comics and thereby stopping them from being funny. So rather I'd just like to summarise all the different things Andersen still manages to encapsulate in her art:
Milenial existential dread
The importance of love and support between friends
Cat shapes
The pleasure of being comfortable with yourself
That sad music is the best music
The horror that are periods
AND SO MUCH MORE!!
I literally love Sarah Andersen's art, there is not a single comic in this book I somehow couldn't relate to or didn't find funny.
Something I really enjoyed about Herding Cats were the last 30 or so pages on Andersen's creative process, called 'Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative and 'Part Two: Artist Survival''. In it Andersen talks about the double-edged sword that is the Internet for an artist, but also for everyone else if we're being honest. Anyone who puts their own content online has to prepare themselves for being shut down at best and straight up harassed at worst. One of the reasons why I love the book blogging community so much is because I feel like we're all quite chill and supportive, but it's rough out there on the Internet sometimes. So how do you cope with that as a budding artist? Andersen talks about how to deal with art blocks, criticism, and the importance of taking a break and then getting right back to work.
What can I say, I love myself some good art. Just like the previous instalments of Sarah's Scribbles, Herding Cats is full of great comics and good advice to any aspiring artists. Now all I need is a house with a coffee table so I can proudly display Herding Cats there.
As usual, Sarah Anderson is completely charming. I am already familiar with her comics and was a little wary this would just be a compilation of the best, but she uses the second half of the book to narrate a tale of creativity. I was glad for the change of pace, it put it just above a normal coffee table book.
If you were a young person who was interested in making your way in the illustration or comic world, I think this book would be a great asset. There is a section at the end of the book which will give you handy heads-ups and ideas to make your quest become easier.
Sarah Anderson’s cartoons are gentle, sweet and self-depreciating. The cutsie style belies the depth of the cartoons, they are utterly sweet and at the same time often utterly disarming and poignant. I’ve been following her work on Facebook for some time and have thoroughly enjoyed reading her work. To have this lovely book full of them is great.
I love the way she ties the love of animals with loneliness and often, wouldn’t we just want the uncomplicated company of a furry being for all the things we need, this is what she does, she harnesses this feeling and draws it perfectly in simple but sharp squares. Sarah describes the feelings of growing older in a world with expectations perfectly, she could be one of my kids! It is tough out there in the world, having all those grown up expectations, of yourself but also other people expecting certain behaviours from you. I love that Sarah’s musings are in comic form, so accessible and so perfect for how we all feel some of the time. A lovely treasure of a book.
I’ve always loved these comics, and have now read all 3 of the collections. They’re always so relatable and cute, quick reads. My only complaint is that they do seem to be getting repetitive which is why I only gave this collection 4 stars. I don’t recognize any major differences between them.
I love the Sarah Scribbles books. They are a lot of fun to read, and this one is no different. I love it! It was an easy and fast read. Of course it was quite enjoyable and some were very relatable. I recommend it!
It's hard to be on social media these days and not know who Sarah Anderson is. Even if you don't recognize her name, you'll know her art. Her Sarah's Scribbles are all over the internet, and with good reason. Sarah has a way of expressing herself with a sly self-deprecation and wry wit mixed with a brutal honesty.
Herding Cats is her third collection of comics, and it's a smart compendium of her love of cats and dogs and books along with the subtleties of her relationships and the challenges of staying physically and mentally healthy. With cartoons about PMS, time management, social media, introversion, venting, insomnia, and that dreaded pinky toe smack (I cringe just typing that one in), Herding Cats is a delightful escape from reality while being so poignant, it draws you back into life's realest moments.
And as if that's not enough (which it totally is, all by itself), the end of the book morphs into something different altogether. Based on questions Sarah is asked all the time, she takes the time to talk seriously (and humorously) about art. What is art, and how is making art different now that social media is such a prominent part of it? Which critics do you listen to and how do you let that change your work? And how do you survive as an artist, despite being broke, despite being broken, despite being bullied? She shares the answers that have kept her making her art, and I couldn't help but be so incredibly moved by her encouraging words and drawings. This section could be a book in itself, a valuable book of insight and encouragement for artists everywhere. This makes Herding Cats a Must Have Book. There is just no other way to describe it. Buy this book. But it for yourself. Buy it for all the artists and aspiring artists you know. Buy it for high schoolers and college students and adults of all ages. Art is important, and Sarah Anderson helps us all find the art in our lives through her drawings, through her words, and through her book.
Seriously, buy Herding Cats now. Buy it often. Share with everyone you know.
Galleys for Herding Cats were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
I love Andersen's work and this one has the added bonus of including a section where she talks about her craft in prose form.
This is the third installment in the Sarah’s Scribbles series of graphic novels and, like the first two, it is another hilarious and adorable book. She always creates such charming and relatable comics that are bound to make you laugh, especially if you see yourself in her work. Andersen’s endearing art and witty text combine to tell a story of the daily struggle to “adult” from the point of view of an introvert. And, as I definitely fall into this category, you can understand just how much I relate to her experiences.
These are always short, fast reads that unfailingly lift my spirits and put me in a better mood. Andersen makes us look at ourselves and our various quirks by opening up about her life and who she is. Never once have I had trouble connecting the topics she focuses on to my personal life experiences and behavior. Apart from the hilarity of it all, it does serve another purpose in my opinion. While everything about this book is pretty light and fluffy, it still reminds you that you are not alone in this world—you are not alone in the way you feel. And it teaches the most important lesson of all—the best way to deal with the difficult things in our lives, and really any aspect in general, is to combat them with a great sense of humor.
This is the third of the books with Sarah Andersen's comics in them, and she most definitely still gets it right.
There are so many on point comics here, I don't know where to start, or if I can put them all here. A lot of them also had me nodding and saying 'so true, so true' to myself. Like the Time Management one, or the Pinky Toe one. And the Cat Shapes vs. Dog Shapes one cracked me the heck up so much.
And then there was the Aliens are not real comic. That one spoke to me on such a deep level.
The whole book was great, now if only I could remember to follow these comics online and not just wait until the next book!
I got this ARC through Netgalley on behalf of Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Sarah Anderson's comics have been bright spots in my day for a few years now, and reading through this collection brought that back. She has a skillful way of handling darker subject matter with humor without bringing the reader down. You'll probably think or screech "THIS IS MY LIFE" at least once reading this book.
Sara Andersen, the angsty, artsy, introverted, and hilarious cartoonist who published Adulthood is a Myth and Big, Mushy, Happy Lump has a third collection: Herding Cats. She's as funny as ever, but maybe a little more grown up than in her other collections. Andersen's fans will recognize her consistent themes: introversion, procrastination, menstruation, and bibliophilia. I can't relate to her completely, but I can enjoy the humor for sure.
Her work is self-abasing, but there's a positivity that unmistakably shines through. Even when her autobiographical cartoon character is stressed, overwhelmed, feeling inferior, or whatever, she manages to find creative strength and will power. I mean, she found enough energy and creativity to fill a whole book with funny comics!
In the last quarter of the book, she writes, "Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative." In case you wondered about her struggles, she writes (and illustrates) this essay from her own experiences as a rising artist, trying to figure out how to make a career in art.
I enjoy Andersen's work and anticipate that she'll continue to find some inspiration for future books!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
I love small, quirky books filled with self irony and truth. I also love cats. Putting the two together in a series of ironic cartoons is not a mistake. This book was a blast from the first page (I mean the cover) to the end.
Sarah's drawings are insightful and fun without becoming cliché, they make you laugh and they make you think. And to be quite honest, as an aspiring crazy cat lady, I recognized myself in a lot of the fun scenarios the book puts forward.
As much as I though enjoyed the book, I will have to point out that it did have a lack of cat related topics and the comics did not have a clear topical connection. This did though not take away from my enjoyment of the comics, but as a book it would have felt more as a "book" if there were some interconnection between the comics.
That aside, if you want to read some quirky comics about adulting or not adulting, you will certainly enjoy this book.
This is the third of Ms. Andersen’s collections, which are a combination of her web comics, new material for the book, and a short essay illustrated with comics. I’ve read, reviewed and enjoyed the previous collections (Adulthood Is a Myth and Big Mushy Happy Lump) and this is (delightfully) more of the same. You can expect lots of comics about cats, procrastination, Halloween, anxiety, and more! While many of the comics continue to be hilariously relatable, there does seem to be a higher percentage of “more serious” comics, with topics from the 2016 elections to women’s place in society. Ms. Andersen treats them with the same relatability as, oh, taking your bra off less than a minute after you get in the door.
My favorites of her comics are always the ones dealing with mental health. From the bad thoughts spiral, to randomly remembering an embarrassing moment that happened years ago, I’ve always found these particularly relatable, and I enjoy how they’re both respectful and gently humorous. A reoccurring theme is where one thing goes badly and ruins the entire day, from forgetting your headphones to not being able to refold shirts while shopping.
It also felt like there were more “warm hug”-type comics, ones that celebrate friendship and the simple things, from that awesome noise scissors make when cutting wrapping paper to venting to friends. I thought this provided a good foil to all of the “the world is ending!” and more serious comics.
There’s only one essay in this book, and it’s called “Making Stuff in the Modern Era: A Guide for the Young Creative”. As someone who’s neither young nor creative, I wasn’t expecting to get much out of this, but it is still applicable to pretty much anyone. In her typical fashion, it’s about ignoring the haters – both external and internal – and just doing your thing. Taking criticism – whether constructive or not – is something that I think many people, myself included, struggle with.
Overall, if you’ve liked the previous collections, you’re going to like this one! I can’t wait for the next one, either!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
These are always fun. Sarah Andersen is great.
It's yet another hilarious look at those life moments that we can all relate to. I also enjoyed her message to all creatives.
Sarah's books are always a joy to read, and this one is no exception. Herding Cats is funny, super relatable, and it perfectly portrays a life of an introvert. There is also a section with some lovely advice on creativity and tackling criticism, which will surely be helpful to aspiring and young artists.
I've absolutely loved every single one of Sarah's Scribbles and how more and more the things that she's drawing are hitting really close to home. It's nice to know just how easily Andersen has managed to describe all of my anxiety issues while just writing about her own. There's a certain ease and understanding in it that not many people can describe but I'm glad that finally someone understands and maybe I'm not as weird as I think I am.
I look forward to reading more of Sarah's Scribbles and I will definitely be recommending the book to my friends and maybe they'll find the same sense of being understood as I did.
If you've read one of Andersen's previous collections, you know what you're getting with this one. The "scribbles" subtitle is accurate, as each comic is only a page. The first two books were also delightful, and this one follows through on that as well. Because of the length of the pieces, there's no earth-shattering material. Instead, they're short strips that capture the reality of being an adult today.
That can be good and useful in and of itself. It's nice to know I'm not alone in struggling with adult tasks or self-worth. None of us really knows what we're doing, but hey, a lot of us take comfort in books and pets and friends and comics like these.
That's not to say there isn't depth. The comics tackle issues like anxiety, introversion, time management, sexism, politics/the social landscape, and global warming. There are lighter topics, too, like how summer is hot, being a bookworm, bonding with fictional characters, and the little joys of life, like scissors sliding across wrapping paper.
Where this collection veers away from the path of the first two is the discussion that closes out the book. In the last few pages, Andersen intersperses the comics with prose in order to advocate for creativity. She discussing the realities of being a creative person on the internet, where everyone has access to your work but not everyone has good intentions, and she calls for creative types to, simply, keep making stuff, a message that's always nice to hear.
In my opinion, collections like these are best in small doses. pick it up, read a comic or two, have a chuckle or appreciate how relatable or cute it is, and repeat the next day.
This is another great collection from Sarah Andersen. The best part about her comics is that they are so relatable.
There were a lot of pet comics in this book. One of my favourites was where a cat doesn’t know her name because she is called so many nicknames at home, such as “mush,” “kitten pie,” and “little beanie toe cutie.”
There were also a lot of comics about the struggles of being an artist. My favourite one was where artists are compared to actors and musicians. Both actors and musicians become more glamorous when they become famous, but artists are still at home, sitting at their computers.
This collection ended with some commentary about becoming an artist. Sarah talks about how the internet has changed and become more negative since she began her career, but it’s still an important tool for young artists. My favourite part was when she said that you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. If you wouldn’t say it to someone else about their work, don’t say it to yourself.
This collection was entertaining and inspiring.
Sarah Anderson never disappoints! This is another great collection of comic strips. Her drawings are so relatable, I catch myself constantly thinking, “I’m glad I’m not the only one!” while I am reading her books, and Herding Cats is no exception. She has a knack for beautifully illustrating every day thoughts in such an endearing and down-to-earth way.
Plus, the cats. All.The.Cats.
Her latest book contained a new section, about handling internet trolls and criticism, which was a lovely addition. Definitely recommend for fans of her previous books, cat lovers, introverts....well, anyone, really!
As funny as Andersen's previous works so did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved this one. It's hilarious, so relatable, and the encouragement for budding artists at the end is a lovely addition.
I like how this may be the most relatable web comic ever!
3 issues and this does not disappoint, so funny, light and once again,relatable!
If you are in a bad mood and want something to cheer you up, this is too perfect!
I am going to give this to my brother as he is an artist and he loves cats, this was made for him!
Sarah Andersen's 3rd book does not disappoint. She continues to have hilariously relate-able comics that will make you laugh out loud. I enjoyed her excerpts where you hear her voice about a specific topic along with the comic.
These cartoons made me smile and left me encouraged. The drawings are wonderful, genuine and relatable. I especially liked the second half of the book, which encourages the reader to create and to succeed despite the existence of detractors. I look forward to reading her other books.
I love Sarah Andersen's books and Herding Cats is no exception! Poignant, sweet, and absolutely hilarious. Her books make perfect gifts, too.
i love every one of Sarah's comics. She delivers fun, relatable and light stories. 1'0/10 would recommend
Herding Cats was created by Sarah Andersen, and it is a collection of her Sarah’s Scribbles comic. I was excited about the opportunity to read this book because I’ve seen some of Andersen’s comics shared on social media, and I appreciate her brand of humor.
Herding Cats is an astute look at “adulting”, and how stressful modern life can be. There is a new comic on each page, and the jokes are more observational humor rather than a cohesive storyline with characters. Some of the jokes are broad, like time management and being anxiety prone. Some of the jokes are oddly specific, like trying (and ultimately failing) to refold a shirt at a clothing store. But all of the jokes were relatable to me as a thirtysomething year old woman.
The art style is fairly simple, with black and white images against a stark white background. This places an emphasis on facial expressions and body language, which is where most of the humor is.
I would absolutely recommend Herding Cats to fans of wry humor. I especially enjoyed the section toward the end of the book featuring Andersen’s thoughts on what it’s like to be a creative artist in the modern era. All of her work is insightful, but she includes some (very) brief written thoughts on creativity and perseverance in addition to expressing herself through her comics. I’m looking forward to reading more of Sarah’s Scribbles in the future!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I am familiar with Sarah Andersen's comics so I was really excited to see this book and give it a try.
Sarah has a way of making the most mundane and relatable situations incredibly funny. I definitely sat there giggling to myself or thinking "Same!" when viewing the illustrations within this book.
The only thing that disappointed me was that I had already seen a lot of the content before and would have preferred to see some newer or exclusive content for the book.
The book is a very quick and easy light-hearted read so if you're in a reading slump or need a little pick-me-up this book is perfect for you.
Towards the end of the book there is section dedicated to new artists or aspiring artists which I thought was an awesome idea and a beautiful way to finish the book.
The book is a little riot and I would definitely recommend it!
I adore Sarah Andersen's work! I think this volume is the best of the three she's published. Her commentary on adulthood is delightful. I found myself laughing loudly multiple times. The comics with cats are the best. I can't wait to read her next book!
I really enjoy Andersen's webcomic, and this collection includes some of the best from her website along with many new comics. They're funny and relatable comics about anxiety, growing up, and being female.
I had heard so many people talk about this comic, so I was excited to finally read one. I can easily see why it has so many fans! I really enjoyed reading this comic, and am excited to read Sarah Andersen's other comics!
Anderson writes openly, honestly, and with great humor about being an introvert, a woman, and an artist. Mostly just highly entertaining. THe final portion of this book, where she explores creativity in the internet age, is a departure from her normal humor but I welcome it. It addresses issues that creators need to think about.
A cute book with a little story about going out and doing what you love and growing up, and not growing up.
This book is mostly filled with Sarah’s comics, which I adore and find infinitely relaetable.
She also has a few sections on what it was like to be an artist on the internet back in the day vs. now, and tips for aspiring artists. You can find most of her work on her Instagram, so the actual book is probably best as a gift for someone who is either a big fan of her comics or that not-very-internetty friend who you know would love them but will never get around to clicking the link you sent her.
4 STARS
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoy Sarah Anderson's work. Her cartoons are really down to earth and relatable, but super funny. I was very excited to read this one after enjoying the first two installments. I found this one to have tackled a lot more social issues than the previous two, but still in her humorous and enjoyable fashion. I especially appreciated the talk at the end about how to grow your creativity in the age of the internet when there are so many naysayers. I can't wait for the next installment!
Herding cats is one of those impossible tasks which would be idiotic to even attempt, but as a metaphor for life, Sarah Andersen graphically encourages the reader to keep moving forward and "Go make stuff" through a series of comic strips.
Sarah loves both cats and dogs who are featured throughout the book:
Cat shapes: Round, Long, Curve, Loaf
Dog shapes: Dog
Starting the day is tough for Sarah, who is far from a morning person:
"I will set my alarm for 7:30 and I will WAKE UP at 7:30! No snooze!"
Last panel: The comforter proclaims "BED OF LIES".
Sarah tries to get a handle on her life:
4 panels with a clean room reflecting "a life of simplicity and order".
Panel 5 - Later that week - "CHAOS, I AM YOUR MISTRESS."
Then there is always retail therapy:
Before: Sad
After: Sad, but in a fabulous outfit
Other issues explored include anxiety, being an introvert, and tackling work assignments. There's a tad of political commentary mainly surrounding a same sex relationship with her significant other.
The last portion of the book is a written commentary about the current state of art and the influence of the Internet, entitled Making Stuff In the Modern Era. Andersen laments that in the beginning she found the Internet a nurturing, inviting environment, but now it's a "fire pit". Part One: A Guide for the Young Creative, Being an Artist and the Internet, describes the prevailing situation facing young artists while Part Two: Artist Survival, provides advice on how to deal with the conflicts mentioned under the following five headings:
1. Growing pains are common and okay
2. Understanding criticism and harassment
3. It's okay to have feelings
4. Go outside; the option is there
5. Don't give up
The author presents comic style representations of Sarah dealing with these concerns providing the reader with some insight into her motivations for the "Sarah's Scribbles" series.
Despite the above serious narrative, Herding Cats creates amusing comedic moments which are easy for the reader to personalize, especially if they aren't a morning person, have a tendency to procrastinate, and love Autumn (like me). The illustrations, while not quite scribbles, are definitely lacking details, yet Andersen is effectively able (most of the time) to visually get her point across, hitched along with a chuckle and sometimes an outright laugh. My favorite comic strip pictures the angst of college students preparing for finals vs the calm of Sarah - "Me: No longer in school". Been there, done that, appreciate the reminder.
Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing this temporary ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read:
https://ellenk59.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/herding-cats-a-sarahs-scribbles-collection-by-sarah-andersen/
I got this one cause I've seen some of her cartoons floating around facebook and they usually make me smile! This was a fun book, it was full of cartoons (lots of cats lol) that will make you laugh and smile. and at the end she had a little segment I didn't expect encourage artists to keep creating. I definitely recommend this book and hope to read through some of the older ones.
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book was hilarious! I hadn’t read anything else by Sarah Anderson, but I will be sure to check out her other titles now!
Herding Cats is my first Sarah Scribbles comic, though I have seen a few of her strips floating around the internet.
I love webcomics especially the ones that touch on things I deal with daily...like cats, procrastination, and anxiety around pretty much anything human. I knew that Sarah's comics dealt with all of those things and I just had to finally try one of her collected volumes, and I wasn't disappointed.
I find her humor pretty on point with my own life, and so many of these comics seem like they might be pulled from my own. Not to mention her adorable style makes all of it even better.
It's definitely one of those books that you find yourself reading in solidarity with the author and muttering, 'me too'. It touches on things that are not all that funny (like the crippling social anxiety that leaves me wrecked the night after a single innocent conversation) and turns it into something that I can smile about, which to me is perfect.
Sarah also includes a short essay in the back about being creative and continuing your to follow your dreams. I thought it was a nice touch even though I'm not personally artistically inclined.
Overall I think this is a cute collection that's good for some laughs. I will say that if you follow her artwork a lot online then I'm not sure if it offers anything new here, but you can't beat the convenience of having them on hand.
This is the first work I’ve come across by Sarah but Internet has some of her scribbles widely appreciated so the name isn’t new to me. I really liked this! I think comics that cover unrelated topics that are deep-down somehow related can be done by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. And that’s the vibe I get from these scribbles.
The comics are ranging from silliest thing that can make us happy--like sliding the scissors through a silky cloth or continuously flipping pages of a book late at night, saying “this is going to be the last one”--to relatable life struggles--like meeting deadlines or picking up small tasks over large, important ones--and these different topics makes this collection wide.
In addition to this, there’s a collection of thoughts toward the end of the book where Sarah acknowledges the dark world of Internet and how difficult it can be for an artist to take up some courage and just post about their passions. It can work like aninspiation to some upcoming artists or it can open up some wounds of those who have suffered same but knowing there are others like you can help immensely; whatever be the case, you definitely take away something good from this book. So, basically, pick this up because you’ll certainly find quite a lot you can relate to.
Sarah Andersen's "Herding Cats" is seriously pee in your pants, laugh out loud funny. I would laugh so hard that my husband would give me looks and I'd have to read my favorites aloud. I absolutely love @sarahandersencomics and her sense of humor as well as her insight into issues like anxiety. Get this book so you can have a laugh readily available when you need one.
Thanks to @netgalley for the loan of this book. It's on my birthday wish list to put next to my copy of "Adulthood is a Myth." #netgalley #sarahandersencomics #herdingcats #seriouslyawesomebook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #booklove