Quick Take

Adulting meets Hyperbole and a Half in this witty, starkly honest, and absolutely on-point book of essays and illustrations on the realities of growing up and finding yourself.Mari Andrew started doodling when she worked at a bakery--she took some license with the display case labels. When customers noticed and began telling her the drawings brightened their days, Mari realized she could use that hobby to connect with people. She hit a professional rough patch in her late 20s and began to chronicle her work on Instagram. Nearly overnight, she became a sensation. Now when Mari Andrew posts something new, the Internet rejoices. This book is organized by universal themes of becoming an adult--for example, loss, adventure, ambition. Within each chapter, Mari shares her personal experiences in never-before-seen essays, accompanied by spreads of her signature illustrations, 90 percent of which are brand new. Readers are bound to see some of themselves in this book, whether seeking advice on how to handle growing up, or just looking for a friend who can commiserate.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood

Introduction

"Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood" is a captivating book by Mari Andrew, a writer and illustrator known for her witty and honest approach to exploring the realities of growing up and finding oneself. This book of essays and illustrations delves into universal themes of becoming an adult, such as loss, adventure, and ambition. With never-before-seen essays and 90% brand new illustrations, readers are sure to find themselves relating to the author's experiences and gaining valuable insights on navigating adulthood.

About Mari Andrew

Mari Andrew, the author of "Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood," is a writer and illustrator based in New York City. Her career began as a hobby in 2015 when she started posting one doodle per day on Instagram. Her following grew, and she currently has over 750,000 followers. Andrew's first book, "Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood," debuted in March 2018. Her writing and illustrations have resonated with readers, making her a beloved figure in the world of self-help and personal growth.

Analysis of Views

Honest and relatable: Many readers found the book to be honest and relatable, as Mari Andrew shares her personal experiences in essays accompanied by her signature illustrations. Readers appreciate the authenticity of the author's journey and the way she offers insights into common challenges faced during adulthood.
Illustrations as a highlight: The illustrations in the book received positive feedback from readers. They found them to be clever, simple, and stunning, offering unique perspectives on common experiences related to growing up and finding oneself. The illustrations are considered a standout aspect of the book, adding depth and visual appeal to the narrative.
Empowering and uplifting: Many readers found the book empowering and uplifting, as Mari Andrew encourages readers to take control of their lives and embrace happiness. The book has been described as a source of inspiration and courage for readers seeking guidance on navigating adulthood or simply looking for a friend to commiserate with.
Engaging storytelling: Readers appreciated the engaging storytelling style of Mari Andrew. Her ability to weave personal experiences into relatable narratives captivated readers and made the book enjoyable to read. The mix of essays and illustrations contributed to a unique reading experience that kept readers engaged from start to finish.
Aesthetically pleasing: The overall aesthetic of the book was praised by readers. The pastel coloring, cute style, and attention to detail in the illustrations were considered visually appealing. Readers appreciated the cohesive design and found it to be a delightful combination of words and pictures that enhanced their reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Honesty and relatability: The book's honesty and relatability make it a recommended read for those seeking guidance on navigating adulthood or simply looking for a friend to commiserate with. Mari Andrew's personal experiences resonate with readers, providing valuable insights into common challenges faced during this journey.
Illustrations as a highlight: The illustrations in the book add depth and visual appeal to the narrative, making it a standout feature for readers who appreciate beautifully conceived artwork. The clever sketches offer unique perspectives on common experiences related to growing up and finding oneself.
Empowering and uplifting: "Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood" is empowering and uplifting, encouraging readers to take control of their lives and embrace happiness. It provides inspiration and courage for those seeking guidance on navigating adulthood or simply looking for a positive perspective on life.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited focus on adulthood: Some readers felt that the book's focus on personal experiences detracted from its intended focus on adulthood. While the author shares valuable insights into growing up, some felt that the travel stories and relationships explored took away from the central theme of navigating adulthood.
Inconsistent tone: A few readers noted that the tone of the book was inconsistent at times, with some sections feeling contradictory or off-putting. They felt that the author's attempt to portray confidence in her journey sometimes clashed with moments of vulnerability or uncertainty, creating a disjointed reading experience.

Conclusion

"Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood" by Mari Andrew is a captivating book that explores the realities of growing up and finding oneself through a mix of essays and illustrations. With its honest storytelling, relatable experiences, and beautifully conceived artwork, it has resonated with readers seeking guidance on navigating adulthood or simply looking for a friend to commiserate with. While some readers felt that the focus on personal experiences detracted from its intended focus on adulthood and found inconsistencies in tone, overall, the book's empowering message and engaging storytelling make it a recommended read for those seeking inspiration on their own journeys of self-discovery.