'Solutions and Other Problems' by Allie Brosh is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's life experiences, from childhood memories to more recent tragedies and struggles. Brosh's storytelling combines humor and poignant reflections, touching on themes such as mental illness, grief, and the absurdity of modern life. Through a collection of illustrated essays, she navigates through personal anecdotes, tragic events, and observations about dogs, maintaining a unique writing style that is both funny and deeply raw.

The book showcases a blend of funny and heartbreaking stories, reflecting on the author's life with honesty and humor. Brosh's artwork and writing style capture a wide range of emotions, from hysterical laughter to deep sadness, making the reader feel connected to her personal journey. Despite the heavier themes explored in the book, Brosh's ability to mix humor with introspection creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a personal level.

Writing/Prose:

The style combines dark humor with sincere reflections, illustrated in a unique comic format.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves together humor and poignant reflections, addressing themes of loss and personal struggles.

Setting:

The setting encapsulates the author's life experiences, blending childhood memories with adult reflections.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates between humorous anecdotes and deeper, serious reflections, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

For the sake of trust building, the third chapter will follow the second. But then we will jump directly to chapter five, do you understand? No chapter four. Why? Because sometimes things don’t go lik...

Genres:

graphic memoir

autobiography

humor

Topics:

Notes:

Allie Brosh's first book, Hyperbole and a Half, was followed by a long hiatus during which she dealt with significant personal struggles.

Solutions and Other Problems was released six years after Hyperbole and a Half, in September 2020.

This second book includes a mix of comedic illustrations and deeply personal narratives, showcasing the challenges Brosh faced in her life.

The serious parts of Solutions and Other Problems address themes of depression, grief, and existential crisis, described as both impactful and profoundly sad by readers.

Readers often reported laughing out loud, but many also noted the emotional weight of the stories, particularly those involving the death of Brosh's sister.

The book's art style remains crudely drawn, consistent with Brosh's trademark aesthetic, but reflects deeper emotional contexts than in her first book.

Several readers mentioned that they cried while reading certain chapters, indicating the book's powerful emotional impact.

Compared to her first book, Solutions and Other Problems contains a higher percentage of serious material, leading to a different overall tone.

The book includes humorous anecdotes alongside heavier themes of loss, illustrating the absurdity of life in a relatable way.

Many reviews praised Brosh for her honesty and authenticity in depicting her struggles with mental illness.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of grief, death, mental health struggles, and references to suicide.

From The Publisher:

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

For the first time in seven years, Allie Brosh-beloved author and artist of the extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller Hyperbole and a Half-returns with a new collection of comedic, autobiographical, and illustrated essays.

Solutions and Other Problems includes humorous stories from Allie Brosh's childhood; the adventures of her very bad animals; merciless dissection of her own character flaws; incisive essays on grief, loneliness, and powerlessness; as well as reflections on the absurdity of modern life.

Praise for Allie Brosh's Hyperbole and a Half:

"Imagine if David Sedaris could draw….Enchanting." -People

"One of the best things I've ever read in my life." -Marc Maron

"Will make you laugh until you sob, even when Brosh describes her struggle with depression." -Entertainment Weekly

"I would gladly pay to sit in a room full of people reading this book, merely to share the laughter." -The Philadelphia Inquirer

"In a culture that encourages people to carry mental illness as a secret burden….Brosh's bracing honesty is a gift." -Chicago Tribune

Ratings (12)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (30):

Read It (10)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (14)
Not Interested (5)

2 comment(s)

loutup337

Incredible

2 months

One of the funniest books I’ve ever read. So to the point and dark at times but also a breath of fresh air at the weirdness of the author. I loved it. Great funny art style too.

dprpal062

Loved It

10 months

Serious often shied- away-from topics addressed in a very relatable way

What can you read after
Solutions and Other Problems?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Allie Brosh is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Solutions and Other Problems and Hyperbole and a Half, which was named the Goodreads Choice Award Winner for Best Humor Book of the Year. Brosh has also given herself many prestigious awards, including "fanciest horse drawing" and "most likely to succeed." Find out more at HyperboleandaHalf.blogspot.com.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Solutions and Other Problems

Allie Brosh