Graphic Novel: Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

I always get excited when I see the familiar black and white sketches and artwork that signify a creation by Sarah Andersen. Usually I am on Facebook when a new comic comes across my news feed, but thankfully, Andersen also publishes her work in collections. Herding Cats is the third publication in Andersen's "Sarah Scribbles" series, and I knew I was in for hilarious insights into the mind of an anxious artist.

Genre, Themes, History: I always put Andersen's collections under the graphic novel heading even though, for the most part, there is not one continuous story to follow. Like her previous collections, Andersen explores what it is like to be an introverted artist, as well as a cat lover, dog lover, procrastinator, night owl, chronic over thinker, and much much more. Once again she is joined by her practical rabbit friend, as well as her adorable black cat. Also, much like Andersen's second collection, Big Mushy Happy Lump, the last 20% or so of the book actually follows one theme and includes narration from Andersen herself. This time, she decided to give advice to other young creatives regarding making art in modern society, and more specifically, posting it online for what can feel like the entire world to see. While Andersen points out that the Internet has made it easier than ever before for creative types to share their work and how awesome that is, she also concedes that it has made it easier than ever before for people to criticize said artists beyond helpful feedback. While some will offer thoughtful critique that will help make the artists better, many will simply harass and demean with no helpful insight. Andersen's advice: Share your work anyway, even if you are scared, and I could not agree more.

My Verdict: Once again, Andersen delights readers with her often painfully true observations about life as we know it today. With wit and good humor, Andersen addresses the beauty and pain of being a modern woman; the truth behind retail therapy; the differences for actors and musicians before and after fame as opposed to an artist; what our cats are really thinking; and even just how effective a self-deprecating sense of humor can be in defending against life in general. What makes Andersen so effective is her comedic timing, which I imagine can be pretty hard to pull off in comic format, but she manages it every time. Her reveals are always on point, with a few causing me to laugh out loud. I hope she continues with this collection.

Favorite Comics: Two comics in particular resonated with me. The first was a brief explanation on how being introverted can have little to do with how people handle actual social interaction, and more about what they do after said interaction (answer: curl up under a blanket and stare into space for hours). The second one deals with overthinkers and our inability to often ignore the simplest solution to a problem due to, well, over thinking. I'm working on it, I promise.

Recommended Reading: All three "Sarah Scribbles" collection books have been delightful, and don't have to be read in order, so I recommend both Adulthood Is a Myth and Big Mushy Happy Lump.