Cover Image: Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!

Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!

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Member Reviews

It's been some years since I read the first few in this series, but there seems little change. The comics are pretty much exclusively one-page only, sometimes one-shots and sometimes up to eight panels, and while not exactly funny do show a knowing, arch look at how the body works, with the well-intentioned but seemingly too-gloomy-for-its-own-good Brain in something of a combat with Heart, the more goofy, easily distracted, rapid response kind of thing. I can't remember so much Tongue and Stomach before here, but they also go to show how destructive our urges can be, in a gentle reminder to get us to look after ourselves. It's not exactly the type of book I'd ever buy, but the simplicity and range of subjects means that people in search of the right image/lesson will at least have fun trying to find it.

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I have been reading Heart and Brain for a while now so seeing a book about it is wonderful. I am still so amazed as to how much it makes me laugh but how much it might educate!

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Yet again the author and artist has succeeded in conveying important messages through, what look like amusing comics on the surface, but signify much more. I feel remarkably seen and it's almost comforting to see how even successful adults (oops, I'm an adult too) deal with such indecision and anxiety. It's healing and like a warm hug to see these fluffy looking organs talking about what goes on in our heads all the time. Don't get me wrong it's not self help doom and gloom at all, there is resolution and like the title suggests, we do move on to good things! It's hilarious and will make you spit out your drink even at times, but seeing just how ridiculous all of us feel at times is lovely by itself

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A delightful collection of both humorous and heartwarming comics. I have been a fan of Heart & Brain for years and was super excited to see a new collection from Nick Seluk.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the digital ARC!

I have followed Nick Seluk's Awkward Yeti comics online for a few years and have been a big fan of them. So I was very excited to get an ARC of his latest book, Onward to Good Things. This book is a fun read, with lots of comics about Heart and Brain and various other organs that the Awkward Yeti had to deal with.

I have always loved how relatable the comics are because they talk humorously about issues like anxiety, depression, work and life stresses, and different health issues. What really stood out to me in this comic collection, though, was the way the comics were organized. The comics become progressively more hopeful as you get towards the end of the book and I enjoyed how uplifting that was to read the comics in this way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this comic collection and will most likely buy it when it is published. Onward to Good Things will be a great reading choice to those who enjoy funny and relatable comics about life and the stresses that come with it.

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Book Summary:

It's the return of Heart and Brain! Okay, not really a return, as they haven't gone anywhere. But it is the latest installment of their graphic novel collection. Onward to Good Things! Contains three different sections, all with a different focus/prompt.

Heart and Brain is a webcomic series, and you've likely seen their comics wandering the web. They're cute, charming, and highly inspirational at times. More importantly, they often help people feel seen, as they portray similar experiences to what we've all been through.

My Review:

As always, I love Heart and Brain. So obviously, I knew I would adore Onward to Good Things! And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Honestly, in many ways, I feel like this was exactly what I needed to read right now.

Nick Seluk, the mind behind Heart and Brain, does such an excellent job capturing these little moments. They're not quite slice-of-life, but they certainly are relatable. I love that the series has been branching out and including other organs, such as the stomach. So funny!

This comic series is perfect if you need little reminders about the importance of self-care and work-life balance. Or even if you just need a laugh or two. Whatever the reason, please consider picking up Onward to Good Things!

Highlights:
Webcomic
Humor
Oddly Inspirational

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I love Heart and Brain, but unfortunately this book didn't work for me. It felt like I had seen a lot of the content already on Instagram. If the comics weren't direct repeats, they were definitely very similar. It was a quick read, which is nice, but I came out of it feeling let disappointed..

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I'm glad there are more books on mental illness though they usually work better for certain types of people and certain types of illnesses. These books are now popular especially among authors of graphic novels and even comics. I am glad these people can admit to having these struggles but I dislike the feelngs these books have though it's probably just me. These books give me the feeling that the authors are telling you that they got better doing this and so if you do it you'll get better too. The usual self-help gunk except it has less pages and a lot more illustrations.

As for the comics there were many that was relatable like in many of the other Yeti books. But, since many represent anxiety and depression they are not as funny as they usually are. After awhile they did start to feel repetitive so it was one that was easy to keep putting down and doing something else. Not my favorite Heart and Brain but still worth a read.

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I love the heart and brain comics. I see myself in them especially heart. He is me and we are a hot mess lol

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I’m feel like the pandemic started this massive nostalgia flood for a lot of people when it comes to media. Like, online I was seeing so many people talk about rereading and rewatching the books and movies they loved in middle and high school while I was sitting there reading Percy Jackson and and watching the twilight movies.

And then Stephanie Meyer released a new Twilight book and Rick Riordan announced a new Percy Jackson tv series.

How is all this relevant?

I used to share these comics on Facebook when I was high school. One friend and I shared them back and forth with each other constantly we just thought they were the most relatable comics and I think we thought of ourselves as heart and brain but I don’t even remember who we thought was who.

I totally forgot about these comics and honestly probably never would have looked at these characters again but it feels so fitting that this book is coming out of the pandemic and it fits so perfectly into that pandemic fueled nostalgia kick.

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I've been a big fan of Nick Seluk's Heart and Brain comics for a while now and this book fully delivered his usual wit, wisdom, and charm. I found myself laughing out loud because of how relatable his comics are. He captures the awkward, authentic, and endearing qualities of being human so well. I also love the personal notes he shares at the beginning of each chapter, connecting even deeper and more vulnerably with the audience.

This book is the perfect balance of sad reality, hilarious relatability, and inspirational hope.

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I've been following Heart and Brain for awhile now on Instagram and love them! I was so excited to see this book become available on Netgalley. I loved this comic! I enjoyed the level of comedy it brought and find the content highly relatable. Would highly recommend!

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I have been an Awkward Yeti fan for years. These Heart & Brain comics connected together with some letters from the author were great to read. Nick Seluk really sends to capture the workings of the mind and heart, taking a full story in sometimes just one panel.
I found myself constantly chuckling or saying "awwww..." and asking my wife to look at what I'd just read.
If you are an Awkward Yeti fan, you are probably already sold (and have you played his card game?). If you aren't, would be a great gift to give to someone who is struggling or moving into a new phase in their life (graduation season is coming up!).

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. #HeartandBrainOnwardtoGoodThings #NetGalley #AwkwardYeti

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Thank you, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley, for the copy of Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!

I'm always obsessed with this type of illustration. I first stumbled upon this illustration on Instagram, and always like the storyline. It's short but has a punch to it. Lots of time, it's related to what I have been struggling with, and it feels nice to feel seen. It's fun and hilarious but also touches on mental health, how we need help following the logic or our feeling, a kind of everyday struggle. These simple yet valuable illustrations make me feel understood, seen and encouraged.

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Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

I have been following Heart and Brain on Facebook for a long while. I think their page is my most shared one. So I was very excited to be able to review this book. It didn't disappoint, that's a lie.... the lack of gallbladder and it's stones made me sad.

Funny and positive comics that both your brain and heart will love.

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I follow the artist on social media and I always find their comic panels hilarious, while being charming. The dynamic between heart and brain is adorable

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Heart and Brain is so funny, I was so excited to read this comic and was not disappointed!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

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I love heart and brain. They, along with the other organs, never let me down. They’re always a good laugh and they’re relatable. I love it.

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I had followed the comics of this author for some years on Instagram, although I had never read one of his books.
I don't know if this is his current writing style, but I didn't love it as much as I did with his Instagram posts. Some of the comics made me smile, but I feel like they were shallower or less funny than what I remember (this can also be something related to my own personal development).
I had never seen any of his comics related to the digestive system and I found that part interesting - some relatives have digestive problems and the books that focus on that can be funny for them, I will check them out!
I found some of the food comics potentially triggering for people with eating disorders, but anyway, this is basically a book about mental health, so the reader should be prepared/expecting some hard topics.

Overall this was entertaining but I don't think I would recommend this book beyond the Instagram account - but maybe I would recommend some of the more specific books. There are a lot of comics about mental health nowadays but not that many about digestive problems.

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There are three sections in this title; Anxiety Machine, Growing Pains, and Onward to Good Things. In them, the author/cartoonist shares his view of the world and some of his struggles. Heart and Brain may sometimes be in conflict but they both are needed.

Those who like comics with a somewhat existential bent may want to give this book a look. It did not fully gel with my sense of humor but that certainly doesn’t mean that it might not be perfect for others. Many readers have given this title five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All opinions are my own.

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