A review by erine
Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

5.0

I don’t remember Hyperbole and a Half. I read it and enjoyed it, but long enough ago that I had no expectations of this based on her previous work.

There’s no question it’s weird — the memories range from a toddler trapping herself in a bucket to a grown woman being accosted by a five-year-old neighbor desperate for friendship. The ponderings of life swing from “what must our pets think of us?” to how to become your own best friend. Each episode is its own capsule of strange, except when it has a companion capsule tucked elsewhere in the book.

The take on The Ugly Duckling is SPOT ON, her memories of her sister are heart-squeezing, and the bit on loneliness is a bit too on point for 2020. Her utterly useless vengeance on the man-who-kept-hammering-before-8AM was incredibly satisfying, and I laughed out loud at her exercise regime for becoming emotionally strong.

Disjointed but there were many stories in this book that made me glad that Allie Brosh is sharing them. Things that made me feel more seen, and less alone.