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A review by thebooknerdscorner
Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh
5.0
This graphic novel is so funny and entertaining, yet also raw and real. Brosh does a great job of providing the reader with humorous stories from her life that also shed light on the human condition and some of life's greatest mysteries.
I love the opening of this one. The prologue about the balloon is a great opening that then rolls into the tale of her three year old self and the bucket. This was such a humorous way to start out this quirky graphic memoir that got me hooked on both the narrative and the illustrations. The images are so goofy, but they complement Brosh's voice so well.
Despite the humor in this, it does go to some pretty dark places at times and takes a gander at some very deep questions. Many of these topics are still addressed in a lighthearted way, but I feel including the dark times as well as the light really balances this book out and make it both an entertaining read as well as an insightful one. The vulnerability it takes to share much of what Brosh did isn't easy, but I appreciate how real she got despite the light nature of the book.
The scene with her neighbor and the stick will forever be implemented in my mind. It is so funny, but also a bit mysterious and kinda creepy. It really cracked me up; I'd have to say it was my favorite story of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this laugh out loud memoir that dabbles on some topics that need to be talked about more. Between themes of self-image, mortality, and the search for more, "Solutions and Other Problems" is a great look into the human condition that blends reality and humor perfectly. I am very interested in reading more work by Brosh and will seek out her debut novel sooner rather than later. I'd recommend checking this memorable graphic memoir out, even if that doesn't sound like your go to book; it really has so many insights to offer the reader.
I love the opening of this one. The prologue about the balloon is a great opening that then rolls into the tale of her three year old self and the bucket. This was such a humorous way to start out this quirky graphic memoir that got me hooked on both the narrative and the illustrations. The images are so goofy, but they complement Brosh's voice so well.
Despite the humor in this, it does go to some pretty dark places at times and takes a gander at some very deep questions. Many of these topics are still addressed in a lighthearted way, but I feel including the dark times as well as the light really balances this book out and make it both an entertaining read as well as an insightful one. The vulnerability it takes to share much of what Brosh did isn't easy, but I appreciate how real she got despite the light nature of the book.
The scene with her neighbor and the stick will forever be implemented in my mind. It is so funny, but also a bit mysterious and kinda creepy. It really cracked me up; I'd have to say it was my favorite story of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this laugh out loud memoir that dabbles on some topics that need to be talked about more. Between themes of self-image, mortality, and the search for more, "Solutions and Other Problems" is a great look into the human condition that blends reality and humor perfectly. I am very interested in reading more work by Brosh and will seek out her debut novel sooner rather than later. I'd recommend checking this memorable graphic memoir out, even if that doesn't sound like your go to book; it really has so many insights to offer the reader.