Thanks a lot for the e arc.

A collection of cute and colorful stories about a little chicken nuggie as it navigates adult life.
It was super relatable specially if you're an introvert and and anxious person yourself.

Sad Nuggie has been a favorite of mine on social media for a while. I’m so happy to see a book born of these nuggets!

The art style of this comics collection is so cute! This book is a lot of fun and very, very relatable.

I hope there are more Sad Nuggie publications in the future! Thank you for providing me this eARC!

Sad Nuggie is a cute comic that hits really deep at times. I did not expect to relate to a nugget but here we are. The way this book talks about Anxiety, self doubt or even trying to just get through the day really resonated with me. The art is so cute and it's so sweet but also sad at times. it's comforting and honestly, it made me feel a little less alone.

A Cute and Relatable Read, Though Light on Depth

Sad Nuggie: Life Is Sweet and Sour offers an endearing glimpse into the life of an anxious chicken nugget navigating the challenges of a new city. The comic's strength lies in its charming illustrations and the relatable portrayal of everyday struggles, such as forming friendships and seeking therapy.

The artwork by Anastasia Sevastyanova is delightful, capturing Sad Nuggie's emotions with expressive detail. The narrative touches on themes of self-love and perseverance, providing gentle reminders that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times.

However, while the comic is undeniably cute, it may leave readers desiring more depth. The vignettes, though heartwarming, sometimes feel repetitive, and the storyline lacks significant progression. For those seeking a light, comforting read, Sad Nuggie fits the bill, but readers looking for a more substantial exploration of mental health themes might find it lacking.

In summary, Sad Nuggie: Life Is Sweet and Sour is a sweet and relatable comic that offers comfort and smiles, even if it doesn't delve deeply into its themes.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and decided to dive into it right away—I was in the mood for something short, sweet, and funny to start my day with a smile. Sad Nuggie definitely met those criteria on paper: it’s a quirky, bite-sized (pun intended) comic collection centered around an abandoned chicken nugget navigating life with mental health challenges. While the concept is charming and original, I have to admit it didn’t hit me the way I hoped it would.

I gave this book 3 stars. There’s no doubt that the mental health representation was thoughtfully done—some of the strips genuinely made me laugh, and others made me pause and say, “Wow, I really feel seen.” Sad Nuggie’s struggles, whether with anxiety, insecurity, or just trying to make it through the day, are painfully relatable and delivered with humor and heart. The art style is cute, simple, and effective, and I can definitely see how this character has resonated with so many online.

That said, not every comic landed for me. While a few strips felt poignant or laugh-out-loud funny, others didn’t evoke much of a reaction. It felt a little uneven—some moments were powerful, others felt more like filler. I liked it overall, and it took me less than an hour to read, which made it a fun little break from heavier books. But I don’t think it’s something that will stick with me long term or that I’d revisit.

In short, Sad Nuggie is a cute, well-meaning, and honest comic that may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a lovely dose of relatable humor for anyone who’s ever felt a little crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I’d recommend it for readers looking for something light but emotionally aware. Just don’t expect it to change your life—and that’s okay.

i really loved this book, i have never heard of sad nuggie before but i am so glad that i have, i will follow on instagram now! this story will brighten up everyonea days and i find this book relatable.

This book was such a special surprise!! I didn’t realize this character has been around for such a long time. I’m really happy to have found and read this little comic. The main character, sad nuggy, was really funny and made you root for him especially on his bad days. I wanted to give him all of the nice things and was happy in the wholesome moments. The illustrations were done fantastically and the author created such a great character to follow alongside. Will definitely purchase this book upon its publication

I'll be honest: I wanted to like this one a lot more than I did. 🫤

Sad Nuggie memes are commonly shared within my group chat, but having them in book form just didn't hit the same sense of "omg how cute, look at this!" for me. Many of the pages felt like filler, and some of the humor just fell flat for me.

If you're someone who is absolutely obsessed with Sad Nuggie, you'll probably get and enjoy this book. But for the average comic/internet reader, it didn't really hit the mark.

A story about a small, sad chicken nugget moving to a new city (Toronto!).

Following everyday life with nuggie, it delves into the concept of adulting in the real world, and how anxiety and depression can be overcome. Slowly but surely.

I enjoyed reading through this simple but effective graphic novel. The artwork is adorable, with the crying little nugget. And there are many relatable moments which, as an adult, resonate with our daily lives.

I don’t think I can classify this as something for children, because it does touch on topics of anxiety as an adult, eating healthy, working, and dating. But for many older crowds from young adults and up, this is perfect.

You really can’t go wrong with this as a gift, in combination with a plushie of course!

★★★★★ | 5 / 5

Who knew out of everyone, in both reality and fiction, I'd find a relatable companion, and that in a chicken nugget? Sad Nuggie: Life is Sweet and Sour follows Sad Nuggie, who just moved to another city. Moving is scary, because you need to meet new people, make friends, and most important of all, socialize—which, let's be honest, is the scariest thing according to me. So seeing myself reflect on the pages through Sad Nuggie, I felt exposed, like I had been stripped of everything, but at the same time, I felt relieved to see myself.
The author, through the cute, funny manga, expressed how we all feel, trying our very best in this scary world.
If you want a real quick read, something that you can read in less than, say, 15 minutes, then Sad Nuggie: Life is Sweet and Sour is for you.

Honestly? Adorable. Relatable. Hilarious. We are all sad nuggie. This makes me want to read more of this series.

This was a cute short read! Poor Sad Nuggie, he just wants to be happy! I read this between some beefier books, and it was the perfect "palate cleanser". The art style is simple but so cute, I was rooting for Sad Nuggie from the beginning!

5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-Arc.

You guys might be asking me, "Mae, why are you reading a book about a sad chicken nugget?" and the answer is very simple. It's because, I too, am a sad nuggie. This book cheered me up, and it featured many relatable scenes that depict common inconveniences that occur in our daily lives. Any of these inconveniences will immediately ruin my day, and while we laugh through some of our tears, some of these events still suck.

The drawings were gorgeous and I loved how detailed they were. When Sad Nuggie wanted to rejoin dating, he joined "Tender" and ngl, I lost it lmfaooooooo! And when the therapist asked if he was okay and he gave two thumbs up through tears? Yeah. Absolutely relatable.

Thank you Sad Nuggie for cheering me up.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Sad Nuggie.

I wasn't familiar with Sad Nuggie but the adorable illustrations caught my eye and the premise.

Sad Nuggie is just like us; anxious, tense, depressed, yet hopeful, optimistic, and determined.

Sad Nuggie's sweet, lovable face made me both smile and cry as I read about his adventures, facing challenges, and dealing with life's anxieties.

I can relate to so many of his thoughts and worries; his desires and fears, his needs and yearning for more and yet not.

He's so relatable, empathetic, and self aware, realizing he needs help and seeking a therapist to discuss his mental health issues.

He's just trying to live his life and doing his best.

We're all Sad Nuggie and we're not alone.

Review to come to blog/other places closer to the release day.

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

Before I begin, sorry Sad Nuggie, but despite having had lunch just now, I was definitely getting hungry seeing you all your friends. I just love chicken nuggets. 

In this adorable, and sometimes a bit too sad for me but that is due to my mental health at the moment not being the best, comic we learn about a nugget named Sad Nuggie. Sad Nuggie is starting a new life at a new city and well, Sad Nuggie always had problems with their mental health as we can see throughout the book but things are getting more and more with all the new stuff and new things he is trying out. I loved that despite SN feeling so anxious, sad, depressed at times he did went out to do new things, get groceries, meet up with friends, and other things. There are days that he just cannot do anything (and I can relate) but I love that it isn't always. I was definitely rooting for this little guy and hoping that his mental health would have more and more happy days. Make Sad Nuggie Happy Nuggie! I am also happy that Sad Nuggie has a therapist who is there for him. 

I loved how each chapter is about different things. From settling in his new place to finding a job to the weekend and others. 

I want to go to that wax museum as well and get those souvenirs, they were so cute! 

The art was fun, however I am not sure if I liked that Sad Nuggie always had tears in their eyes. It made it really hard for me to see if he was happy or sad. Some moments were obvious but others I was like is he crying again? Is he sad? I guess it is part of the brand/character but for me it would just have worked better if when he smiled he would lose those tears. 

All in all, I did like this one. It may not always have been the easiest read because it hit close home, but I am happy I got the chance to try it!

This adorable and funny comic collection follows Nuggie, a little chicken nugget navigating anxiety and everyday struggles. From moving to a new city to dating, career stress and going to therapy, Nuggie’s journey is really relatable and heartwarming. The illustrations are so cute and this is a perfect short read for anyone dealing with anxiety or loneliness - it's comforting and it will definitely make you smile!

My goodness, this was adorable. Sad Nuggie is so relatable and funny, and beautifully illustrated. He is all of us, I fear, and this book was surprisingly comforting to read. Very enjoyable and I hope there will be more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

Sad Nuggie: Life is Sweet and Sour might just be the cutest self help book I have ever seen, with the eponymous character moving to a new city and trying to take steps to improve his quality of life. The adorable illustrations convey so much emotion wordlessly , and the depiction of anxiety was spot on. This book will be very relatable to a lot of people and I am already making a list of the people I know who need Sad Nuggie in their life.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Aw, Sad Nuggie is just doing his best! This book is adorable, and you root for Nuggie as he tries to find his people. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Nuggie is just like me for real 😭 Adorable comics about living life with anxiety and all the fun that comes with moving to a new city and trying new things - my heart broke for nuggie when they dropped their icecream!