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It's All Absolutely Fine
It’s All Absolutely Fine is an honest and unapologetic account of day-to-day life as a groaning, crying, laughing sentient potato being for whom things are often absolutely not fine. Through simple, humorous drawings and a few short narratives, the book encompasses everything from mood disorders, anxiety, and issues with body image through to existential conversations with dogs and some unusually articulate birds. Building on author Rubyetc's huge online presence, It's All Absolutely Fine includes mostly new material, both written and illustrated, and is inspirational, empowering, and entertaining.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2016
69 people are currently reading
3,338 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Elliot
7books139followersHello I'm Ruby, a person and artist(ish) from London drawing sad things in a funny way and vice versa.
I like dogs, jam and shouting.
I am still learning how to write author bios
I like dogs, jam and shouting.
I am still learning how to write author bios
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
February 7, 2017
I received an ARC of "It's All Absolutely Fine" via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This graphic novel is funny and painfully sad at the same time. The cartoonist Ruby Elliot illustrated the frustration and pain of an intovert and bipolar who also suffers from bullima, all in an easy-to-grasp and a funny way.
Although I enjoyed reading her comic and loved it but I felt sorry for the pain and frustration she goes through. And I admire her courage that she has chosen a constructive way to channel her frustration and pain.
I would recommend this comic to all those who suffer from mental issues like anxiety and depression and get frustrated because no one understands them. There is a courageous lady by the name of Ruby Elliot who suffers from the same issues but she can help you lift your spirit and bring smile to your lips.
This graphic novel is funny and painfully sad at the same time. The cartoonist Ruby Elliot illustrated the frustration and pain of an intovert and bipolar who also suffers from bullima, all in an easy-to-grasp and a funny way.
Although I enjoyed reading her comic and loved it but I felt sorry for the pain and frustration she goes through. And I admire her courage that she has chosen a constructive way to channel her frustration and pain.
I would recommend this comic to all those who suffer from mental issues like anxiety and depression and get frustrated because no one understands them. There is a courageous lady by the name of Ruby Elliot who suffers from the same issues but she can help you lift your spirit and bring smile to your lips.
September 24, 2018
This was too real!! Ruby sections this book off by talking about the different mental health issues she's encountered--deperession, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, body image issues, and more. Although I haven't had same extent of experiences, I still think Ruby's art perfectly captured ironic and satirical stress of the everyday situations that arrive with mental illness.
Sometimes the art could be a bit too scribbly and hard to read, but that was my only real complaint. I screenshotted sooo many pages to send to my friends, and I think this book has a meaningful message next to some hilarious comics and images.
Sometimes the art could be a bit too scribbly and hard to read, but that was my only real complaint. I screenshotted sooo many pages to send to my friends, and I think this book has a meaningful message next to some hilarious comics and images.
November 7, 2017
I've been following Ruby on for a little while. I love her hilarious yet totally relatable illustrations about mental health and the struggle of everyday life. As soon as I saw It's All Absolutely Fine, I knew I had to have it. For many of us, it's not absolutely fine and so yeah, it can be really comforting when someone else says "this is bullshit" about something others would not blink an eye at.
Ruby's illustrations depict what it's like to suffer from all kinds of mental health issues: anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, and depression. Her drawings accompany her thoughts on mental illness and stories about what she's gone through herself.
We all know that mental health needs to be talked about more, and I really do think that humour � visual humour especially � can be a great way to do it. A funny image that someone wants to share can reach more people than other kinds of media. Ruby herself has nearly 100,000 followers looking out for something that they'll be able to see themselves in. It's All Absolutely Fine is ideal for fansHyberbole and a Half and illustrators like .
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
Ruby's illustrations depict what it's like to suffer from all kinds of mental health issues: anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, and depression. Her drawings accompany her thoughts on mental illness and stories about what she's gone through herself.
We all know that mental health needs to be talked about more, and I really do think that humour � visual humour especially � can be a great way to do it. A funny image that someone wants to share can reach more people than other kinds of media. Ruby herself has nearly 100,000 followers looking out for something that they'll be able to see themselves in. It's All Absolutely Fine is ideal for fansHyberbole and a Half and illustrators like .
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
January 12, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I'm just so thankful that this book exists, thank you Ruby Elliot!
The drawings were so funny and so relatable! I think I've come across a few bits of Ruby's art on Tumblr but I never really knew who she was until I read this. She gives such an accurate representation of what's it like to live with a mental illness, bad self-esteem, bad body image issues, a bad relationship with food (she had bulimia, I do not but still could relate to what she said) and she also explains how she overcame her issues. When I read books, I highlight things that resonate with me in some way and I pretty much highlighted the entirety of this book! Plus she's absolutely hilarious, she puts things in hilarious terms, this book is laugh-out-loud funny!
I would 100% recommend this. It's brilliant. I would read more by Ruby Elliot in a heartbeat!
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If I don't feel real then why would I bother feeding myself as if I were?"
"But this was different; this was as if an actual steamroller driven by a crazy grinning idiot had trundled through the door and flattened my entire life into a sad pancake of nothingness."
"No one wants to be permanently on the edge of bawling because their reality is one of life being utterly futile and pointless."
"Then there's neglecting to shower or eat or go to bed before 5 a.m. because you can't quite bring yourself to look after you properly even though you know it's what is good for you."
"So actually, scraping yourself up off the floor and asking for some assistance even when every inch of your brain is screaming at you to lie there alone in your pile of brain melt is BLOODY HARD and the acts of someone who is brave."
"My brain is wired to run on tangents and "what if's," and has a horrible habit of taking something small and snowballing it around the insides of my skull until it's twelve times its original size."
"Whenever I meet someone with a strong personality I balk, because working out what I am is hard. A combination of shit self-esteem and adolescence entirely subsumed by illness left me spat out feeling like an unfathomable question mark of a person in a world full of self-assured humans who appeared to know exactly what they were doing. It's been painstaking trying to slowly escape enough bits of me back together and build new ones that I can use to anchor and contextualize myself and present to the outside world as being Mine. I've got a few, and relatively speaking I feel more of a Person than I used to, but that doesn't stop the emptiness from lingering like a clingy unwanted bastard that it is, poking holes in my certainty from time to time with its jabby little fingers and making me feel like a sad nubbin of Swiss cheese."
"What happened to me from quite a young age, and certainly as I got older is that my brain decided to use my body as the focal point from which all my value as a person had to be measured."
"...my procrastination and avoidance is not often borne out of laziness or being a useless bastard; it's the result of over-whelming fear and very low self-esteem."
The drawings were so funny and so relatable! I think I've come across a few bits of Ruby's art on Tumblr but I never really knew who she was until I read this. She gives such an accurate representation of what's it like to live with a mental illness, bad self-esteem, bad body image issues, a bad relationship with food (she had bulimia, I do not but still could relate to what she said) and she also explains how she overcame her issues. When I read books, I highlight things that resonate with me in some way and I pretty much highlighted the entirety of this book! Plus she's absolutely hilarious, she puts things in hilarious terms, this book is laugh-out-loud funny!
I would 100% recommend this. It's brilliant. I would read more by Ruby Elliot in a heartbeat!
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If I don't feel real then why would I bother feeding myself as if I were?"
"But this was different; this was as if an actual steamroller driven by a crazy grinning idiot had trundled through the door and flattened my entire life into a sad pancake of nothingness."
"No one wants to be permanently on the edge of bawling because their reality is one of life being utterly futile and pointless."
"Then there's neglecting to shower or eat or go to bed before 5 a.m. because you can't quite bring yourself to look after you properly even though you know it's what is good for you."
"So actually, scraping yourself up off the floor and asking for some assistance even when every inch of your brain is screaming at you to lie there alone in your pile of brain melt is BLOODY HARD and the acts of someone who is brave."
"My brain is wired to run on tangents and "what if's," and has a horrible habit of taking something small and snowballing it around the insides of my skull until it's twelve times its original size."
"Whenever I meet someone with a strong personality I balk, because working out what I am is hard. A combination of shit self-esteem and adolescence entirely subsumed by illness left me spat out feeling like an unfathomable question mark of a person in a world full of self-assured humans who appeared to know exactly what they were doing. It's been painstaking trying to slowly escape enough bits of me back together and build new ones that I can use to anchor and contextualize myself and present to the outside world as being Mine. I've got a few, and relatively speaking I feel more of a Person than I used to, but that doesn't stop the emptiness from lingering like a clingy unwanted bastard that it is, poking holes in my certainty from time to time with its jabby little fingers and making me feel like a sad nubbin of Swiss cheese."
"What happened to me from quite a young age, and certainly as I got older is that my brain decided to use my body as the focal point from which all my value as a person had to be measured."
"...my procrastination and avoidance is not often borne out of laziness or being a useless bastard; it's the result of over-whelming fear and very low self-esteem."
December 23, 2018
NOTE: I'm really close to a milestone on my Instagram (3,000 followers!) and would love to reach it:
I had a signed copy of this sat on my shelf and just waiting to be read. So, today was the day that I picked it up and devoured it in just an hour. This is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Ruby herself as she opens up about her struggles with mental health. Although it was hard-hitting and a little triggering at times, it was a quick and creative read that I'm happy I got round to reading. I liked the illustrations and will be following Ruby's work online!
I had a signed copy of this sat on my shelf and just waiting to be read. So, today was the day that I picked it up and devoured it in just an hour. This is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Ruby herself as she opens up about her struggles with mental health. Although it was hard-hitting and a little triggering at times, it was a quick and creative read that I'm happy I got round to reading. I liked the illustrations and will be following Ruby's work online!
December 23, 2016
|| || || ||
I might be the first person that applied for this book who had never heard of the author before. I inhabit a very small corner of the internet these days, and haven't had time to creep on Twitter or lurk on Tumblr. Funny story: initially, I thought that this was Allie Brosh's newest book, and just about fell over myself trying to get a copy. It wasn't, though, which is why you should read the titles of books (and actually look at the cover) before greedily clicking through.
Mistaken identity aside, it's worth mentioning that IT'S ALL ABSOLUTELY FINE is more than just passingly similar HYPERBOLE AND A HALF, and I think readers and fans of the latter will probably like the former as well. Their drawing styles, language, and sense of humor are very similar, as is the content. (I looked through the reviews, and I'm honestly surprised more people didn't mention this.) Both comic book artists use comic strips to tell slice-of-life stories that range from silly idiosyncratic tales to serious battles with mental illness.
They have their differences, too, though. I think Allie is more realistic and quirky, whereas Ruby takes the reductio ad absurdum approach, taking her points and exaggerating them to the point where they seem ridiculous, even though you get what she's saying. Such is comedy. Allie also writes mostly about depression and anxiety, whereas Ruby writes about bipolar disorder and eating disorders. Ruby also has random little sketches interspersed throughout her book that range from puns to witty observations about life. They lighten the mood and provide a nice break from the deeper stuff, like Ruby's essays. Allie is also more well known, but that could easily change once more people get wind of this book.
I really enjoyed reading about Ruby Elliot's story. After reading Roxane Gay's depressing but important feminist anthology, DIFFICULT WOMEN, I was hoping for a more uplifting read. "A comic book will cheer me up!" I thought - incorrectly. As funny as it could be, IT'S ALL ABSOLUTELY FINE got a little too *real*. Ruby is good at diffusing serious topics with humor while still being able to make her point without watering down the message in the slightest, but it's still a very serious message and should be taken seriously. (LOL so redundant.)
If it were me, I'd sell IT'S ALL ABSOLUTELY FINE and HYPERBOLE AND A HALF in a bundle, because I think they compliment each other well and would make a great gift set (and get Ruby more attention, too). Honestly, it's so wonderful to see so many people writing about mental health in such an accessible and engaging way. It allows more people to join the dialogue, and makes those who need to talk feel like they're in a better position to do so. For that reason, I think that IT'S ALL ABSOLUTELY FINE would be an excellent classroom or counseling resource.
Thanks to the publisher/Netgalley for the free copy!
4 stars!
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 28, 2017ARC provided by Netgalley
DNF @ ~50%
I can't do this anymore. I tried taking it slowly, reading only a couple of pages at the time but honestly this is just not working for me.
I think this is a serious case of "it's not you, it's me", because I feel like it's my own mental state that prevented me to enjoy this.
I essentially had two moods while reading this:
-"I don't care about this";
-"I relate to this too much but I don't feel like it's helping me".
I feel slightly bad about the first point and I take full responsibility for the fact that I'm probably too deep into my own shit to be able to shoulder someone else's problems right now, though it might very well be that the author didn't do a good job at making me care about them. I just don't have the means to judge this right now.
Without rating because of all the reasons above.
DNF @ ~50%
I can't do this anymore. I tried taking it slowly, reading only a couple of pages at the time but honestly this is just not working for me.
I think this is a serious case of "it's not you, it's me", because I feel like it's my own mental state that prevented me to enjoy this.
I essentially had two moods while reading this:
-"I don't care about this";
-"I relate to this too much but I don't feel like it's helping me".
I feel slightly bad about the first point and I take full responsibility for the fact that I'm probably too deep into my own shit to be able to shoulder someone else's problems right now, though it might very well be that the author didn't do a good job at making me care about them. I just don't have the means to judge this right now.
Without rating because of all the reasons above.
October 11, 2017
It failed to be funny. Maybe it wasn't ment to be? I dont know.. But in ether case, I didn't gain anything from reading it.
February 4, 2017
Ruby Elliot (or Ruby Etc as she's more commonly known) is a legend on tumblr. She makes the most interesting humorous mental-health related comics, I've been following her for years because they hit close to home.
This book is exactly that, her typical style or mental-health related comics, interlaced with her typical wittiness and relatability. She also has written a few passages that talk about her mental-health, and again they're witty and relatable. But best of all, the art is amazing.
It took me one sitting to finish this one, I really wanted to see what was next.
If you have the chance to read this book - do it. I promise you won't regret it.
This book is exactly that, her typical style or mental-health related comics, interlaced with her typical wittiness and relatability. She also has written a few passages that talk about her mental-health, and again they're witty and relatable. But best of all, the art is amazing.
It took me one sitting to finish this one, I really wanted to see what was next.
If you have the chance to read this book - do it. I promise you won't regret it.
July 17, 2018
This was a quick read that was on parts very relatable and on others enlightening on things I haven#t experienced myself.
June 5, 2018
I’ve enjoyed Ruby’s art on rubyetc.tumblr.com so had to borrow this when I spotted it in the library. ‘It’s All Absolutely Fine� is a collection of her drawings and reflections on mental illness. Although I read it quickly, I found it moving and thoughtful. I particularly liked her comments on therapy:
This was accompanied by a sketch of a therapist wearing a ‘Freud Says Relax� t-shirt, because the book is also very funny. Ruby's comic about trying on bras is especially brilliant and accurate. And the drawings of creatures are all completely delightful. Also the comparison between penguins huddling for warmth and Londoners huddling under a bus stop in the rain: 'much like penguins except we are all angry and hate each other'. All in all, a very nice book with wise insights into mental health, dogs, and chickens.
What I’ve got a shot at controlling is the way I manage what’s happening. And that’s what I was in therapy for, not to be fixed, but to facilitate and support me finding some sort of way through my difficulties. Cos you know, I can sit there in the chair for fifty minutes, but I will always have to go away and deal with the other 10,030. Those minutes are mine. And I have the capacity, if not to be shiny happy people, to cut myself some slack when I’m suffering. And to allow the help and support in, rather than just dismiss it because I want evaporation of the ocean, not what feels like drops.
This was accompanied by a sketch of a therapist wearing a ‘Freud Says Relax� t-shirt, because the book is also very funny. Ruby's comic about trying on bras is especially brilliant and accurate. And the drawings of creatures are all completely delightful. Also the comparison between penguins huddling for warmth and Londoners huddling under a bus stop in the rain: 'much like penguins except we are all angry and hate each other'. All in all, a very nice book with wise insights into mental health, dogs, and chickens.
December 23, 2016
fuck, this really hit me like a ton of bricks. I already knew Ruby's artwork so I wasn't surprised to like that. but those little notes on herself were way too relatable to me. although it made me realise that I'm probably not doing so well mentally, again, since I recognised myself in a lot in this book, it also gave me hope that I can indeed manage it.
full review here:
full review here:
October 10, 2018
This was brill. Super funny and the illustrations were the best. Great book!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
Synopsis
In this nonfiction, memoir-esque graphic novel Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting what it’s like to live with mental illness–specifically depression and anxiety. This memoir is touching, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, sometimes incredibly funny, and one of those books that seems to say everything that you can’t express. The best part, though, is the message buried in this book that overreaches through each comic, and that’s one that mental illness is hard, and it’s okay to not be okay, and that there is a difference between healing and managing, since most-often with mental illness it is all about managing it.
It’s All Absolutely Fine: Life is Complicated, so I’ve Drawn it Instead by Ruby Elliot
★★★★�
Genre: Humor/Memoir/Nonfiction/Graphic Novel
Release Date: November 2016 (Re-Released 31 January 2017)
Source: Free Copy via Netgalley
On My Shelf: It Will Be! (I need a copy ASAP)
This. Book. Was. Incredible.
I’m so thankful to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book via Netgalley because I needed this in my life. I was already familiar with some of Elliot’s work via social media and had sort of heard of this book, but once I saw it on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it.
Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting mental illness through comics. I have OCD, so my anxiety and depression is a bit different than hers, but this comic was still so relatable. I found myself nodding on so many pages because Elliot found a way to illustrate (literally) what it’s like to live with unstable mental health. This is a very raw book, and I’m thankful Elliot was brave enough to bare her soul in such a way to share her experiences with others.
Not only is this an excellent read that is often times hilarious (I’m talking laugh out loud funny)–even if it is often a dark sense of humor, this book is also incredibly educational/helpful. Elliot takes time to write out and explain her mental illness, how she sought help, and what she does to manage her issues. This book is a great resource on so many levels, even if it’s just needing a laugh or to know that you’re not alone.
What else can I say about this book? Literally so many things. But, I guess I’ll talk about Elliot’s drawing style. I adore Elliot’s work. Her art is simplistic and choppy around the edges yet somehow so beautiful. There’s not a panel that I didn’t enjoy looking at. There’s something about her style that just fits so well with the topics in this book. I can’t really explain it, but there’s a connection there that I, as the reader, could sense.
I’ve always been a fan of Elliot’s work, but I’m so incredibly invested after reading this. There’s no going back now. I hope she continues to create graphic novels (or any sort of art), because I will buy anything with her name on it. This book has convinced me whole-heartedly, and I feel sort of bonded with her in a way now (not in a creepy way, though, I swear!), to the point that I will be eagerly looking forward to her future work.
There are so many wonderful things I could say about this book, but I’ll wrap things up and simply say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS! Yes, the caps and exclamation point were absolutely necessary! Even if you do not have a mental illness, this book is still a great read and is a great resource to learn a bit more about how mental illness works and what some of the effects of it may be.
I just…you need to read this.
I recommend this book to everyone!
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my rating. All thoughts are and remain my own.*
In this nonfiction, memoir-esque graphic novel Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting what it’s like to live with mental illness–specifically depression and anxiety. This memoir is touching, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, sometimes incredibly funny, and one of those books that seems to say everything that you can’t express. The best part, though, is the message buried in this book that overreaches through each comic, and that’s one that mental illness is hard, and it’s okay to not be okay, and that there is a difference between healing and managing, since most-often with mental illness it is all about managing it.
It’s All Absolutely Fine: Life is Complicated, so I’ve Drawn it Instead by Ruby Elliot
★★★★�
Genre: Humor/Memoir/Nonfiction/Graphic Novel
Release Date: November 2016 (Re-Released 31 January 2017)
Source: Free Copy via Netgalley
On My Shelf: It Will Be! (I need a copy ASAP)
This. Book. Was. Incredible.
I’m so thankful to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book via Netgalley because I needed this in my life. I was already familiar with some of Elliot’s work via social media and had sort of heard of this book, but once I saw it on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it.
Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting mental illness through comics. I have OCD, so my anxiety and depression is a bit different than hers, but this comic was still so relatable. I found myself nodding on so many pages because Elliot found a way to illustrate (literally) what it’s like to live with unstable mental health. This is a very raw book, and I’m thankful Elliot was brave enough to bare her soul in such a way to share her experiences with others.
Not only is this an excellent read that is often times hilarious (I’m talking laugh out loud funny)–even if it is often a dark sense of humor, this book is also incredibly educational/helpful. Elliot takes time to write out and explain her mental illness, how she sought help, and what she does to manage her issues. This book is a great resource on so many levels, even if it’s just needing a laugh or to know that you’re not alone.
What else can I say about this book? Literally so many things. But, I guess I’ll talk about Elliot’s drawing style. I adore Elliot’s work. Her art is simplistic and choppy around the edges yet somehow so beautiful. There’s not a panel that I didn’t enjoy looking at. There’s something about her style that just fits so well with the topics in this book. I can’t really explain it, but there’s a connection there that I, as the reader, could sense.
I’ve always been a fan of Elliot’s work, but I’m so incredibly invested after reading this. There’s no going back now. I hope she continues to create graphic novels (or any sort of art), because I will buy anything with her name on it. This book has convinced me whole-heartedly, and I feel sort of bonded with her in a way now (
There are so many wonderful things I could say about this book, but I’ll wrap things up and simply say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS! Yes, the caps and exclamation point were absolutely necessary! Even if you do not have a mental illness, this book is still a great read and is a great resource to learn a bit more about how mental illness works and what some of the effects of it may be.
I just…you need to read this.
I recommend this book to everyone!
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my rating. All thoughts are and remain my own.*
May 18, 2017
I've been following Ruby Elliot on social media for quite some time now and I've anxiously awaited this book. As a person who is struggling with mental illness herself, I always enjoyed her drawings and the very insightful blog posts she made from time to time.
I'm not even sure how to really describe it, but her work just means so much to me. Because it feels like she "gets it". In a way that is honest and unique and sometimes really sad, but also funny at the same time.
I have never in my life felt so terribly lonely as when I was so deeply depressed that I stopped functioning altogether. People no longer know how to talk to you and you are just ashamed and desperate and confused about what the fuck is happening to you. And then there are these brilliant people who talk about it, or draw about it, and they do it loudly and clearly, without apologizing for it. And these people mean the world to me. Because in a way, they give me back my own voice so I can start to explain what is hurting inside of me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. If you've been following Ruby's art, you will find quite a few drawings that are familiar to you, but there's also enough new stuff to discover. I really liked that there are different themes throughout the book, so her drawings tell a different story from chapter to chapter. There were a lot of moments where I recognized myself and my struggles and some of the drawings were able to explain my feelings better than I could have done it myself. I also admire the honesty with which Ruby talks about the many faces of mental illnesses and the impact that they can have on your life. I feel like this is a discussion that has to happen a lot more in our society and I'm grateful that Ruby decided to add her experiences, thoughts and opinions to this.
I'm not even sure how to really describe it, but her work just means so much to me. Because it feels like she "gets it". In a way that is honest and unique and sometimes really sad, but also funny at the same time.
I have never in my life felt so terribly lonely as when I was so deeply depressed that I stopped functioning altogether. People no longer know how to talk to you and you are just ashamed and desperate and confused about what the fuck is happening to you. And then there are these brilliant people who talk about it, or draw about it, and they do it loudly and clearly, without apologizing for it. And these people mean the world to me. Because in a way, they give me back my own voice so I can start to explain what is hurting inside of me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. If you've been following Ruby's art, you will find quite a few drawings that are familiar to you, but there's also enough new stuff to discover. I really liked that there are different themes throughout the book, so her drawings tell a different story from chapter to chapter. There were a lot of moments where I recognized myself and my struggles and some of the drawings were able to explain my feelings better than I could have done it myself. I also admire the honesty with which Ruby talks about the many faces of mental illnesses and the impact that they can have on your life. I feel like this is a discussion that has to happen a lot more in our society and I'm grateful that Ruby decided to add her experiences, thoughts and opinions to this.
February 7, 2017
I really love Ruby's illustrations and think they are entirely relatable, even if you don't struggle with depression/anxiety/other disorders, which I never really have (well maybe the anxiety bit). I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about what it's like having depression/anxiety/other disorders, or anyone who does have them and would like to see how someone else manages it, or anyone else who loves her stuff online. In each chapter there's a page or two of writing to accompany several pages of her recognizable drawings. There are some of the classics in here, but I didn't recognize everything so it's definitely worth a read even if you've followed her on social media for a long time.
Read
May 15, 2019Eh, this was just okay and I actually didn't even finish it. I like the author's candid nature regarding her mental illnesses, but the drawings aren't fun for me, and the handwriting in the drawings is literally illegible at times, and I don't think I found anything genuinely amusing in the 50-ish pages I got through before putting it down. I guess it just wasn't for me. 🤷♀�
January 24, 2022
There’s a total of eight chapters to the book. In each one, Ruby shares about dealing with a different life experience. The stories are recounted mostly through drawings - which sometimes comes off as absurd but nevertheless charming. I enjoyed it!
February 7, 2017
I received this book through NetGalley. Because it was under the "comics and graphic novels" category, and because of the description, I thought this was going to be a humor book. Instead, it is about the author's mental illness. I felt like I left this book with a better understanding of what it feels like to live with mental illness. I was a little disappointed with the cartoons. I was hoping they would be more funny than they were. A few were good, the rest were kind of meh to me.
I understand Ruby Elliot has an online following. So read if you are a fan. If you haven't heard of her, then read at your own risk.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I understand Ruby Elliot has an online following. So read if you are a fan. If you haven't heard of her, then read at your own risk.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Much darker than I expected, but still infused with Ruby's charm and wonderfully wonky art.
Much darker than I expected, but still infused with Ruby's charm and wonderfully wonky art.
September 24, 2024
I love how messy and chaotic this book is. I laughed so much, I could relate to so much of this.. unfortunately. But now I know for a fact I'm not alone in feeling this way.
May 27, 2018
I had trouble connecting with this material, except for some of the bits about food and overeating. I was put off by the scribbly and only occasionally humorous cartoons and the generally depressing text pieces.
I feel the creator is trying to achieve the humor/serious balance exhibited in and and not quite getting there.
I feel the creator is trying to achieve the humor/serious balance exhibited in and and not quite getting there.
February 8, 2018
Oh my God, I love Ruby.
I have adored Ruby's illustrations for years, her wit and PAINFULLY funny observations make my eyes water with laughter I LOVE HER
I wasn't expecting her discussion about her experiences with mental health to get as dark as it got, but I found it to be a really pleasant surprise. It was an insight into how truly terrifying and hopeless depression can be, without any sugar coating. Go Ruby.
The balance between this and her brilliant/light-hearted illustrations made for a wonderful reading experience. 4/5
I have adored Ruby's illustrations for years, her wit and PAINFULLY funny observations make my eyes water with laughter I LOVE HER
I wasn't expecting her discussion about her experiences with mental health to get as dark as it got, but I found it to be a really pleasant surprise. It was an insight into how truly terrifying and hopeless depression can be, without any sugar coating. Go Ruby.
The balance between this and her brilliant/light-hearted illustrations made for a wonderful reading experience. 4/5
December 21, 2016
You might think that based on the comics that this would be a light hearted and fun read. It is actually quite dark at times, dealing with dark thoughts, depression, self doubt and mental illness. I think fans of the hyperbole and a half series would enjoy this. There were some really touching and heart felt moments that I could relate to. I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
Full review to come!
February 10, 2023
Me in the form of a deluxe rectangular coaster.
December 17, 2018
These days my Instagram following list is 10% people I know IRL, 10% dogs, 10% food, and 70% artists/cartoonists. Of that 70%, I'd wager that at least half of those accounts are using art as a vehicle to express/work through depression, anxiety, grief, loss, adulthood, and all the other super fun stuff that comes with it. And IMHO, few do it better than Ruby Elliot (i.e. @rubyetc). I'd already been obsessively following/saving her social media posts for months and months - and once I realized I had taken snaps of almost every comic in her book, I figured this was one worth buying and revisiting anytime I need some real talk about some real shit (served up with exactly my brand of morbid humor and the kind of hard-won wisdom and perspective that can only be gleaned after one has been in "the sunken place"). It's somehow both comforting and unsettling when an artist or a writer so accurately untangles so many of your own emotional knots, and I'm forever indebted to Ruby Elliot for sharing her experiences on the interwebs and beyond.
October 16, 2018
*3.5 stars*
I'm at those graphic novels again ya'll since ya girl still doesn't have time to read a full text book for fun. But this was a really good read! I think that all of the mental health aspects can be super helpful and comforting to so many people and I'm glad this is out in the world for people to see.
Even though I really liked all the little comics, I often felt like they were very random and didn't always necessarily correspond to the text sections (though, maybe they weren't really supposed to). But the art style was cute and I laughed at a lot of the drawings.
I really liked this, but I think that a lot of other people who struggle with mental health a lot more than I do might find it much more hard-hitting than I did.
I'm at those graphic novels again ya'll since ya girl still doesn't have time to read a full text book for fun. But this was a really good read! I think that all of the mental health aspects can be super helpful and comforting to so many people and I'm glad this is out in the world for people to see.
Even though I really liked all the little comics, I often felt like they were very random and didn't always necessarily correspond to the text sections (though, maybe they weren't really supposed to). But the art style was cute and I laughed at a lot of the drawings.
I really liked this, but I think that a lot of other people who struggle with mental health a lot more than I do might find it much more hard-hitting than I did.
April 4, 2018
Safe to say, I will not be using this book as a coaster 😉
This book articulated and brought to life the emotions that were previously indescribable to me. I related so much to this book, and my heart broke for the tribulations the author faced, particularly because I went through, or am currently facing, similar trials.
And also, the author has such a beautiful writing style, her sentences are worded so nicely and honestly, that’s the kind of writing I aspire to have. I highlighted so many of her sentences so that I could reread them again later. The artwork is lovely, and I loved how minimal her drawing is.
This book is going to stay close to my heart for a very long time. ❤️
This book articulated and brought to life the emotions that were previously indescribable to me. I related so much to this book, and my heart broke for the tribulations the author faced, particularly because I went through, or am currently facing, similar trials.
And also, the author has such a beautiful writing style, her sentences are worded so nicely and honestly, that’s the kind of writing I aspire to have. I highlighted so many of her sentences so that I could reread them again later. The artwork is lovely, and I loved how minimal her drawing is.
This book is going to stay close to my heart for a very long time. ❤️
December 3, 2017
Wow.
What a tough book to read. I could only take it in small bites (so to speak), especially when reading about Ruby's extreme self-loathing and years of torment from eating disorders. It's hard knowing that people can suffer this much.
I hope that the book brought a bit of catharsis to her. And I am confident that others who may have similar mental health illnesses will find solace in knowing that they are not alone; there is help available. It's not easy or quick, but a person can find ways to channel their pain and perhaps alleviate it to some extent.
This book combines short narratives with lots of black and white illustrations to create an engaging autobiographical story that is at times very humorous and very heartbreaking.
I love that she mentions how important having a pet can be to lessen a person's anxiety and provide comfort and company in the darkest of times. I also appreciate that she confesses that by having a dog, she was forced to actually get up and walk the dog, feed the dog, and care for the dog, and thereby helping her in a small way get up and face the world for a short time.
The fact that she is English comes through in many ways, primarily in her use of idiomatic language as well as some of her illustrations. I had to chuckle at some of her descriptions of life in London.
Ruby's drawings are often quite rudimentary, yet they have a great deal of expression and appeal, conveying her thoughts and emotions very effectively. I love how she is able to draw something that is completely absurd and yet completely understandable at the same time.
interesting quotes:
"I mean, there are only about two things in the world that can make me go outside when I am at my most dysfunctional - the first of which came to light when I was living alone and had run out of toilet paper (doesn't matter how low I felt, at some point I was going to have to pee) and the second was my woofular unit needing a walk." (p. 12)
"She was like a mobile security blanket except better and funnier, with barking, and a brilliant reminder that it is possible to just 'be.'" (p. 12)
"...having mental illness is like being buried deep underground. I have to tunnel upward in the dark just to reach everyone's normal baseline of functionality. It's so frustrating, having to lie there wiped out and coughing up soil while everyone else dances off into the world." (pp. 34-35)
"There is very little in life that is All or Nothing, and I'll learn to tolerate grey areas; it's possible but it just takes bloody ages (I've made it through this whole piece without using the word bloody for obvious reasons but I've caved here because it's a good word and I like it." (p. 71)
"It can be the end of the world, sure, but it won't be this way forever." (p. 71)
"And I have the capacity, if not to be a shiny happy people, to cut myself some slack when I'm suffering. And to allow the help and support in, rather than just dismiss it because I want evaporation of the ocean, not what feels like drops." (p. 96)
"As scary as it feels, I can only go from where I am today, right now, holding on to what I have so far and remembering that, just like everyone else, I am on my own trajectory which is okay! And besides, I don't think anyone knows what the fuck's going on all the time; some people are just better at pretending." (p. 136)
"Recovery is a word I handle with care, particularly when it comes to this stuff. For me it creates an unnecessary polarization of 'illness' and 'wellness,' when really the task of managing an eating disorder and reclaiming life back from it is a very nonlinear and messy process with lots of intermediary and convalescence stages." (p. 158)
"Rather frustratingly, the physical, behavioral, and mental progressions don't happen in synchronization, so for lengthy periods of time I might have got myself physically 'well,' but the behaviors and amount of space eating disordered thoughts took up in my mind were still extensive and profoundly distressing. Other times I'd develop really healthy and important insights into what was going on for me, but still be unable to utilize those in the face of entrenched and compulsive behaviors. And when I DID start making real headway, I was left with this huge nothingness in my mind where the eating disorder used to be, a daunting cavity I didn't know how the hell I would fill when the other stuff had been squashed out of existence for so long.
Basically what I'm saying is that this shit is complicated and takes ages." (p. 158)
"Basically, I am able to prioritize my life over strange feelings toward a sandwich, and for today that feels really good. That feels like enough." (p. 159)
"...it's taken a long time to believe and reinforce the idea that my procrastination and avoidance is not often borne out of laziness or being a useless bastard; it's the result of overwhelming fear and very low self-esteem. And those things can't be ignored or denied; they exist and need to be given space before you can learn to override them. And once those layers start being separated and rationalized, it becomes a lot easier for me to maybe put my phone down, close the five wikipedia tabs about the history of zinc I have open on my laptop, and just Get The Stuff Done." (p. 201)
What a tough book to read. I could only take it in small bites (so to speak), especially when reading about Ruby's extreme self-loathing and years of torment from eating disorders. It's hard knowing that people can suffer this much.
I hope that the book brought a bit of catharsis to her. And I am confident that others who may have similar mental health illnesses will find solace in knowing that they are not alone; there is help available. It's not easy or quick, but a person can find ways to channel their pain and perhaps alleviate it to some extent.
This book combines short narratives with lots of black and white illustrations to create an engaging autobiographical story that is at times very humorous and very heartbreaking.
I love that she mentions how important having a pet can be to lessen a person's anxiety and provide comfort and company in the darkest of times. I also appreciate that she confesses that by having a dog, she was forced to actually get up and walk the dog, feed the dog, and care for the dog, and thereby helping her in a small way get up and face the world for a short time.
The fact that she is English comes through in many ways, primarily in her use of idiomatic language as well as some of her illustrations. I had to chuckle at some of her descriptions of life in London.
Ruby's drawings are often quite rudimentary, yet they have a great deal of expression and appeal, conveying her thoughts and emotions very effectively. I love how she is able to draw something that is completely absurd and yet completely understandable at the same time.
interesting quotes:
"I mean, there are only about two things in the world that can make me go outside when I am at my most dysfunctional - the first of which came to light when I was living alone and had run out of toilet paper (doesn't matter how low I felt, at some point I was going to have to pee) and the second was my woofular unit needing a walk." (p. 12)
"She was like a mobile security blanket except better and funnier, with barking, and a brilliant reminder that it is possible to just 'be.'" (p. 12)
"...having mental illness is like being buried deep underground. I have to tunnel upward in the dark just to reach everyone's normal baseline of functionality. It's so frustrating, having to lie there wiped out and coughing up soil while everyone else dances off into the world." (pp. 34-35)
"There is very little in life that is All or Nothing, and I'll learn to tolerate grey areas; it's possible but it just takes bloody ages (I've made it through this whole piece without using the word bloody for obvious reasons but I've caved here because it's a good word and I like it." (p. 71)
"It can be the end of the world, sure, but it won't be this way forever." (p. 71)
"And I have the capacity, if not to be a shiny happy people, to cut myself some slack when I'm suffering. And to allow the help and support in, rather than just dismiss it because I want evaporation of the ocean, not what feels like drops." (p. 96)
"As scary as it feels, I can only go from where I am today, right now, holding on to what I have so far and remembering that, just like everyone else, I am on my own trajectory which is okay! And besides, I don't think anyone knows what the fuck's going on all the time; some people are just better at pretending." (p. 136)
"Recovery is a word I handle with care, particularly when it comes to this stuff. For me it creates an unnecessary polarization of 'illness' and 'wellness,' when really the task of managing an eating disorder and reclaiming life back from it is a very nonlinear and messy process with lots of intermediary and convalescence stages." (p. 158)
"Rather frustratingly, the physical, behavioral, and mental progressions don't happen in synchronization, so for lengthy periods of time I might have got myself physically 'well,' but the behaviors and amount of space eating disordered thoughts took up in my mind were still extensive and profoundly distressing. Other times I'd develop really healthy and important insights into what was going on for me, but still be unable to utilize those in the face of entrenched and compulsive behaviors. And when I DID start making real headway, I was left with this huge nothingness in my mind where the eating disorder used to be, a daunting cavity I didn't know how the hell I would fill when the other stuff had been squashed out of existence for so long.
Basically what I'm saying is that this shit is complicated and takes ages." (p. 158)
"Basically, I am able to prioritize my life over strange feelings toward a sandwich, and for today that feels really good. That feels like enough." (p. 159)
"...it's taken a long time to believe and reinforce the idea that my procrastination and avoidance is not often borne out of laziness or being a useless bastard; it's the result of overwhelming fear and very low self-esteem. And those things can't be ignored or denied; they exist and need to be given space before you can learn to override them. And once those layers start being separated and rationalized, it becomes a lot easier for me to maybe put my phone down, close the five wikipedia tabs about the history of zinc I have open on my laptop, and just Get The Stuff Done." (p. 201)
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