I may not be a parent myself but I've been around them many times and seen many public meltdowns that made me glad I font have kids of my own. This book is one of those that, parent or not, wonderfully illustrates the highs and lows that come along with kids. Hilarity ensues. It's also a quick read, which is especially nice since that's all you really get time for with kids.

Absolutely hilarious and, from what I know, entirely accurate.

I love Fowl Language, so naturally, receiving an ARC e-book copy of this book from NetGalley to review was super exciting for me. I'm not a parent or parent-to-be yet, but I've visited other parents and have had the opportunity to watch their interactions with their kids, interact with others' kids myself, or talk to the parents about parenting and their kids when the kids are out of earshot. Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real captures parenting perfectly in comic form and I could not stop laughing at nearly every page. It's something I'd want to share with every one of my friends who are parents or are planning to become some soon. I will inevitably reread these again when it's my turn someday.

This was an interesting read as an ebook in that a lot of the punchlines would be on the next page-- an extra swipe and some processing time really disrupted some of the flow of the book. I would definitely get this as a paper book. Those who love Brian Gordon though will still enjoy this book.

Three stars
This book comes out October 10

Even though I'm not a parent, I love this collection of hilarious comics!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I think I already have seen some of Brian Gordon's comics on the internet, so when I spotted this book over on Netgalley I couldn't resist. Especially when it is about parenting. I just love books about that topic. I don't have kids myself, but I have babysat, and also worked at day cares, so I have seen my fair share of kids being kids. :P

So I could definitely relate to various things in this book. And so I had a lot of laughs while reading, on these moments I am happy I am currently at home, and not anywhere near anyone, or else people would wonder what the hell I am reading that makes me laugh so hard.

It was nice to see him alone, reflecting on things, or chatting with other adults/parents.

I would have liked the book to be more chronological. Now at times the ages of the kids varied from big enough to talk, back to babies. It was a bit confusing.

I like that the author decided to draw his parenting stuff in the way of ducks. It is definitely a chance from all the other comics where everyone is drawn as a human.

All in all, a hilarious comic book that I would recommend.

Fowl Language is a comic, but one that is specifically geared towards adults. The title is not just in reference to the ducks. That being said, there is not a lot of actual foul language, which I appreciate.

The comics were unexpected. The last panel always threw me off guard. You think you know what is coming, but like kids, sometimes you are just along for the ride.

When reading this book, make sure you do not skip to the actual comics. The humor begins in the introduction. While I don't have kids and I can't draw, I feel like I have now been given a gift, a way to help cope with kids doing crazy stuff without going crazy myself.

I would recommend this book to people with kids and people who want to enjoy laughing at parenting struggles. If you are planning a fantasy where you have perfect children that never do anything you believe to be inappropriate, this book is not for you. After you have had kids for a few years and your dream is in the past, then read this book and find joy in knowing that raising kids is hard and hilarious at the same time. It's all in how you look at it.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Brian Gordon
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 10 Oct 2017

Introduction:

A couple of years ago, I had read a graphic novel called “Tales from the Crib” which was written by Henrik Drescher and it detailed the struggles of parenting in a humorous way. Several years later, I came across this interesting new graphic novel that I received from NetGalley called “Fowl Language: The Struggle is Real” which is by Brian Gordon and it also details the struggles of being a parent in a humorous way and I enjoyed this graphic novel as much as I enjoyed “Tales from the Crib!”

What is this story about?

This graphic novel is basically about the main character, who is a male fowl, trying to deal with his two children and the graphic novel goes into the ups and downs of being a parent such as; trying to get some peace and quiet while the kids are gone, trying to find other adults to talk to after spending so much time with your own children and trying to get your child to go to sleep. Also, this graphic novel shows that despite all the craziness that you are put through when dealing with your children, you still love them in the end!

What I loved about this story:

Brian Gordon’s writing: Oh my gosh! I still cannot stop laughing after reading this graphic novel! Brian Gordon has done a fantastic job at writing this graphic novel as I really enjoyed the harsh trials of being a parent being shown in a humorous and satirical way! I loved seeing the scenes where the father duck is trying so hard to deal with his children, while trying to get some peace and quiet, whenever his kids are away as it does hit home for many parents who have to cope with dealing with their children’s demands. But at the same time, this graphic novel shows the struggles that parents have to go through with their children in such a hilarious way that I cannot help but laugh at the father duck’s misfortune at dealing with his kids! Probably two of my most favorite moments in this graphic novel was one where the father duck is imagining a parody for the TV series “24” by titling it “21” and the joke here is that the father duck has to find a TV program that his kids would sit down and watch so he can have time to do the chores around the house (luckily, the program that the kids are watching is ninety minutes long, giving him even more time to do his chores). The other moment I enjoyed was the one where the father duck is trying to explain to his kids about what a record player and a CD is since the kids are only familiar with YouTube and it reminded me of the few times where I try to explain to some little kids about what a CD player is since some of them grew up listening to music on an iPhone or through YouTube.

Brian Gordon’s artwork: Brian Gordon’s artwork is both cute and hilarious to look at as are all the ducks in this graphic novel are drawn in a cute squat style and I especially loved the images of the father duck having wide popped out eyes whenever he gets shocked or annoyed by his kids’ hijinks. The simplistic style of the artwork also brings out the humor in the situations that the characters get into as the highlight of the artwork is seeing the ducks’ reactions to whatever hilarious situations they all get into.

What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:

For anyone who does not like strong language, there is some usage of the “f” and “s” words respectively and some readers might be taken aback by the coarse language clashing with the cute artwork displayed in this graphic novel.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “Fowl Language: The Struggle is Real” is a hilarious read for adults who are parents or are becoming parents and want to find a book that pokes fun at the tough trials of parenting! I am definitely going to be reading the rest of this series pretty soon!

I follow Brian Gordon on Instagram so many of these I had seen before but they are still funny. Funny because his view on fatherhood is so similar to mine: the ups and downs, the best and worst moments, how challenging it is and then that one shining moment that makes all the sleepless nights totally worth it. Every dad (and even mom!) with more than 1 child really needs to read this. You're not alone!

A funny collection of comics describing the trials and tribulations of parenthood. A great collection, I only wish it had been longer!

I started seeing this Fowly cartoons on the internet and Facebook and found them hilarious. All the situations that mommy Fowl has to deal with, I have experienced sometime in my own life with my own son. Very funny and relevant! Worth your time.

There are moments of amusement here and I appreciate that most of the strips appear to be originals, not things I have previously seen online. The drawings are cute and I like the idea of using ducks for children. Sadly my market is as far away from nappy valley as possible in London, so this isn't quite right for us, and it's not quite dark enough for the tongue in cheek gift from aunts or uncles.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this. - I laughed my tail feathers off! "FOWL LANGUAGE" is an echo of my life! This book needs to be included in every Welcome Baby Basket, with a bottle of JACK or Cap'n M. Every parent has lived these scenes but author Brian Gordon presents it perfectly! My favorite; Zombie reference.

I laughed out loud when I read this book, and that's something I rarely do. It is so funny and at the same time, so true. I'm not sure that it would be a good first baby present, but for a second or third baby, it would be wonderful. At the very least, it would remind the parents that they aren't alone.

Brian Gordon captures many moments where parents are their wits' end, trying desperately to remember that they still love their children. In several of the comics, he even talks about that parental feeling of thinking you know what love is, only to have it completely redefined when you have children. This book is great for parents battling between the two ends of the spectrum...

I love that he opened the book with a reminder that the reason airplane flight warning instructions start with "Put your mask on first, then on the faces of those around you who need help" because he's right...if a parents don't take the time to give themselves a little release, how can they be expected to take care of anyone else?

As I was always do, I highlighted my favorite of the comics to return to after: "Parenting is mostly just trying to explain in gentle, age-appropriate terms why being a dumbass and doing dumb shit will fuck your shit up."

Another great collection from Brian Gordon of the strip that seems to constantly pop up everywhere. There's a lot more here that the usual fare that gets shared, and it highlights Gordon's ability with pathos and dry wit a lot more than what we quickly swipe through on facebook or instagram.
You don't need to be a parent to appreciate this collection, but it definitely helps with some of the strips. While not 'laugh-out-loud' funny, there's plenty that this mum related too.

A quick and fun read!

As a parent, I found truth in all of these. I laughed out loud at a few of these, especially at the baby monitor, the cussing one, and the mess and sneaking a snack.

I felt a lot of these could have just ended at just the one slide- as they were funny enough-then the second or third slide would show up and kind of put a damper on the whole joke.
I had kept seeing his work on 9gag, and wanted to check out more of his stuff. This book for sure put a smile on my face, and can't wait to check out even more of his artwork and silliness.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley for an honest opinion. I would like to thank Brian Gordon and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this Arc.

Fowl Language comics always hit the mark and this collection is no exception! From prenatal plans to picky eaters and even an episode of CSI: My Living Room, laugh along with Brian as he relates the everyday trials and tribulations of modern parenting in a consistently funny way.

I loved the few comics from Fowl Language that I had seen come across on meme pages and on Facebook. I thought I would give the book a shot.

I laughed out loud pretty constantly. I annoyed my friends to read the comics and kept shoving my phone in their faces. They either love the series or hate it now, hard to tell since I was bouncing around too caught up in the comic to really pay attention.

The basic premise is there is a duck family. The father duck interacts with his two ducklings as they act like typical children. I don’t have children, but I have two very needy dogs so I feel like I understand the mild version of what the artist and author was going for.

The art is consistent, easy to read, and fits the story wonderfully. I doubt the comic would be as funny if the characters were anything but animals. It makes things seem a but more ridiculous which is fitting for the subject matter.

I am a big fan and I will be tracking down the other books!

This was a quick hilarious read! This is the first book I've read by Brian Gordon and I loved it! I'm going to look for his other books.

If you have kids this is totally relatable!