Member Reviews
Megan H, Reviewer
I've known John McNamee's work for a few years, initially reading Pie Comic on GoComics. He stopped posting over there, so I was delighted with I saw this ARC. Dry and sarcastic comics are my kind of comics. I couldn't stop laughing reading this one. Thanks to Oni Press and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. |
Jeremy C, Reviewer
A lovely book. McNamee has such a beautiful style. His drawings are so simple, and yet they capture aspects of daily life perfectly. As a cartoonist, I know that this is difficult to pull off. His comics are all wonderful, and I found myself laughing at a bunch of them. He also uses certain themes over and over again in a splendid manner. I definitely recommend this book. |
A collection of comics by John McNamee, JUST ACT NORMAL is a great pick for the cynical in your life! |
I laughed so hard at this collection and I kept wanting to show my husband the funny ones but I ended up showing him the whole book. Excellent and quick read! |
Complex messages on life and reflection mingle with humor and comic strip-like images and layouts in Just Act Normal. This was an entertaining reading experience stuffed full with visual vignettes about the world around us. Most enjoyable! |
Just Act Normal by John McNamee is definitely a relatable and very current comic strips collection about the pressure, struggles and mishaps of trying to “be normal” and fit in in today’s society. The so called “dry humor” is exactly my type of humor actually. I laughed a lot reading through these comic strips and found myself thinking out loud “yep, this is exactly how this works these days” about so many aspects portrayed in the book. I liked the simplistic art style because it was still fun to look at and it didn’t take anything away from the message of the several scenarios. Overall, an enjoyable read, with some bits that I’ll definitely go back to look at and possibly even think about in many occasions of life. I also makes you question what exactly is "being normal" in this day and age, because we're all unique and there is just no possible way to "be normal" in everyone's eyes. Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review. #JustActNormal #NetGalley |
Super funny, super odd. Has a different kind of humour. Many thanks to Oni Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this book |
I’ve not read any of the Pie Comics Collection before and Just Act Normal was a fun introduction to the series and artist. The humour for some of the panels really connected and there was more than one occasion when I laughed aloud. Not everything made me laugh but humour isn’t universal. There wasn’t anything within these comics that I disliked. Some was just more “me”. The way the collection is divided by subject is fun and I like the straightforward art. I would certainly read more. |
Kind of weird and somewhat funny. I enjoyed the childhood comics the best, but a lot were too dark for me. I’m probably not the target audience for this book, but I imagine it would appeal to a lot of 20 something readers. |
I just love this book. It talks about the reality of our life. It hurts but it is true. And the illustrations are really cute and adorable. Just to bring normalcy in our life. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to explore more of his works. I would like to thank Netgalley for providing the early arc. |
*e-Arc received from the publisher* 3.5 stars Simple, sarcastic and odd - that's how I'd describe it. The humor isn't for everyone, and was hit or miss for me, but overall I enjoyed it. Topics of coping with childhood, society, work, love, the world, yourself - anything and everything really. It definitely kept me entertained and reading. |
Beth F, Reviewer
Honestly, I didn’t finish this book. Maybe it’s not my type of humour. I hadn’t seen this author before. I am a fan of web comics, particularly Poorly Drawn Lines, Catania Comics, and War and Peas. However, this just wasn’t my kind of humour. Yes, it’s funny, but it’s not laugh out loud funny. At most it’s “hmm” funny. The book is very satirical and I love that side of it, I just don’t want to sit and read it for an extended period of time. If I followed the author on social media, I’d enjoy the odd comic popping up on my news feed. But I just don’t want to sit and read multiple comics. It’s no hate to the author, I liked the drawing style and it is funny. Just not my kind of funny |
Rebekah L, Reviewer
I enjoyed the jokes and sarcasm about the realities of life. I like Pie Comics, but they tend to be hit or miss at times. |
This is the third collection from the author but the first I have read. This book collects together short comics about what it means to be “normal”, in childhood, at work, in love and more. The artwork is simplistic (which is addressed in a strip of its own) yet effective and the humour is a great blend of sarcastic and oddball. All of them were amusing and several had me laughing out loud! The artist does a great job of mining everyday life for those relatable moments but then taking them a step further to highlight some of the absurdities of modern life. Enjoyable fun read. |
Thanks for e-arc. I read the book within a day. I am with two minds about it. yes, there were some good and funny scenes, but there were also some underwhelming, meh kind of bits. Starting was exciting but could have been better in terms of content. Overall it was okay |
Alicia B, Reviewer
Avid readers of "The Onion," a new book has arrived just for you! If you have been concerned about sibling dynamics, parenting, growing up, dealing with society, self-worth, online shopping, religion, politics, or are just bored and need someone to tell you to read a book, this is the book for you. Peppered with some advice on learning, growing, and adapting, John McNamee dishes out a serving of comedy and absurdity that is much needed in our current climate. Perhaps you have been searching for a way to achieve the "all day feel goods" that doesn't require whiskey and coffee. If so, buy a copy of "Just Act Normal" today. I promise you won't regret it! Bonus: since it takes a little over an hour to read, this is the perfect workday bathroom break companion. |
I enjoyed these little comics about life and dealing with things happening in life. I wasn't a huge fan of the art style of this, but I guess it appeals to others. Do recommend people pick this up because I am pretty sure everyone will have at least one story in here that makes them go 'same'. |
Just Act Normal is quirky, intelligent and pretty much sums up different aspects of growing up in this funny comic book. From scenarios at work to personal and social lives—John McNamee has included intrinsic thoughts, questions and answers that will make you laugh as well encourage you to nod with an agreement as they are very relatable. I could frame a few of the illustrations since I love sarcastic and humorous dialogues—so this book is an entertaining read. Would highly recommend this book to others for a hearty good laugh! Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. |
An absurd collection stuffed with sardonic, biting wit. Perfect for crumbling teens and failing adults. |
This is a fun comics collection to read. Some are really funny, but most are just okay. Though I see the appeal of this to most people. |








