Book Review: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

I happened upon this book in a used book store. I had previously read the (now award-winning) blog of the same name and was excited to see there was now a book. It was there in the illustrated humor section, right next to The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes.

The book is a quick read, as it’s mostly illustrated. The author uses a highly stylized hand to create entertaining drawings meant to look like a kindergartener drew them, and I mean that as a compliment. You can check out what I mean at http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/.

Since I am a dog person, I only ever checked out the blog’s dog-related post in which the author humorously chronicles the life of her “challenged” dog and her “helper” dog. The book has several chapters about these dogs (which are just as funny as the blog) and also chapters about the author, including her childhood, a goose on the loose, and depression. I preferred the chapters about the dogs, though her childhood chapters were funny as well.

The book does have adult language, so even though it looks like a “comic book,” beware of allowing young’uns to read it. If you’re not sure, check out the blog first. If you enjoy the blog, you’ll like the book.