Hyperbole and a Half

I got this and Yes, Chef from my Cannonball book elf, Jeena Livance Lim. Can’t even tell you how excited I was when I opened the box. Everyone has probably read this by now, but I’ve always been really good at being late to the party. Everyone also has probably heard about Allie Brosh’s struggles with depression, a lot of which were happening when this book was in production (from what I can tell, at least).  The book is made up of material that was already on the blog of the same name, along with some new stuff as well. Kind of a greatest hits album, with a few b-sides and other stuff.

Depression is a lot more common than anyone wants to admit. I know I don’t like admitting to it, even though I’ve had my own struggles with it as well. Some of the stories hit almost too close to home, especially Identity Part One and Identity Part Two.  Part of me was very angry reading these, because part of me was thinking – I’m just like that. I have those thoughts and feelings. But she’s making money off of these horrible thoughts and feelings because she can make these funny pictures, and I’m stuck here wallowing in my bullshit with no outlet. And now if I ever say anything about this stuff, it’ll all be derivative because she got there first. Completely irrational, yes. But rationality isn’t one of my strong suits.

But even when I was raging (internally, of course), I was laughing (internally and externally). I can’t say I envy Allie Brosh, because I don’t. Ok, well, maybe a little. But it’s too late now. I will definitely be returning to this book over and over again, because it’s smart and funny and true. Waaaay too true. Oh, and the dog stuff is really great too.