Fixing Flamingos: And Other Solutions to the World's Least Pressing Problems

by Lucienne Brown, Brian Rea

Giant fluffy honeybees, dad jokes from God, and a mountain of perplexing paperwork populate this illustrated book about an intern in heaven who is determined to solve the world’s least pressing problems.

We all agree evolution is a good thing, but why does it have to take so bloody long? A few million years to go from fins to feet just isn’t quick enough in this age of immediate software updates, drone deliveries, and canned whipped cream. People want change, and they want it NOW. 
 
Enter Abby, an intern assigned to Heaven's newly formed Updates Team. While The Boss takes care of the big stuff, Abby’s tasked with reviewing hundreds of feedback forms from the recently deceased. Her to assess which suggestions should be put into production. Should humans have collapsible skeletons? How many ants does it take to carry a middle-aged woman to Costco? Are we ready to try self-generated meat? When she’s not evaluating the wild but well-intentioned suggestions of disgruntled former denizens of Earth, Abby is dodging dad jokes from The Boss, learning about the past lives of her cubicle mates, and wondering if she made a good impression on Jonty from Emotional Engineering. And although her eager attitude and proactive working style is appreciated, she may have overstepped the mark with flamingos. . .  
 
Writer Lucienne Brown and award-winning artist Brian Rea tell Abby’s story of successes, failures, and unfortunate mishaps, making Fixing Flamingos  a witty tribute to the most relatable struggles of modern-day existence.

UNIQUE This book offers an unexpected take on changing the world by imagining what happens when people play God. Fixing Flamingos is a simultaneously sweet and irreverent satire that blends the relatable humor of corporate bureaucracy and office drama with thoughtful perspectives on change, happiness, work, and growth.
 
PITCH-PERFECT Beloved artist Brian Rea is a master at wielding his restrained line art to evoke maximum expressiveness, humor, and relatability. In Fixing Flamingos , his signature drawing style perfectly captures the wacky suggestions in the story.
 
FUN FOR With its lovable narrator and amusing drawings, this book is a fun gift for lovers of indie graphic novels, speculative fiction readers, and fans of satirical send-ups like TV's The Office . Abby’s earnest ruminations and workplace antics will delight anyone who needs a break from the stresses of modern living. Whether you like to ponder big ideas or chuckle over a good fart joke, this book will surprise and satisfy you from the first page to the last.

Perfect

Genres: Humor, Graphic Novels, Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Emma Siemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hilarious. Abby, our protagonist, is tasked with reviewing feedback from those who enter heaven. “The Boss” takes care of any big issues, while Abby is responsible for seeing what smaller upgrades can be made in the world of the living. Commentary about her office mates and the other departments she has to consult results in a laugh-out-loud story. Fixing Flamingos is a quick, lighthearted read that you should pick up once it is published!
(PUB DATE: 09/19/2023)
(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

[MyTinyBookReview Deb W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me not only laugh until I cried, it made me think.
As an intern for Up There, Abby is assigned to review feedback forms. These are no ordinary forms though, they deal with evolutionary things. She must decide which ones to toss and how to go about putting others into production.
This was such a fun read that had me laughing until my eyes leaked. Not only were the ideas well thought out but can we talk about the illustrations, they added so much. I do however need an explanation on how Julio Iglesias was the cause of a death.

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a feel-good, humorous book, full of funny pictures and stories!

[Krista Kimball · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC of this book and I am glad I had an opportunity to read it.

Really this was between a 3 and a 4 star read for me. Fixing Flamingoes is such a unique concept and really a delight to read. An intern at “up there” is reading through suggestions on how to improve life on earth. It is a wonderful mix of absurdity and creative writing. There is even a fun subplot that I really enjoyed.

There were suggestions that I loved and others that I think lulled a bit. However, this book is PERFECT for anyone who likes to deep dive into random questions and ponder them.

Get ready for quirky.

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Fixing Flamingos, the main character is Abby, an intern in Heaven. It turns out that The Boss has had a number of complaints regarding the length of time it takes for evolutionary change. So, The Boss institutes a suggestion box for the newly deceased, and it is Abby’s job to evaluate these. The suggestions and Abby’s responses to them are humorous, and the book has quirky drawings. But the book is twice as long as it needs to be; halfway through I felt like the joke had been played out to its extremity, and I skimmed the last third.

Favorite Quotation: “People deserve to float once in a while.”

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is cute, creative, quirky and funny.

The illustrations were simple but added to the humorous subject.

Because I found this book entertaining I looked up the author and there are other books that have a similar vibe👍

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

Abby lives in the 'Up There' (while we,the living, live in the 'Down There") and is in charge of reviewing suggestions to make the 'down there' a better experience. While The Boss tackles the big stuff, Abby is charged with the smaller changes. Good and funny read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I edited this book, which means I read it many times and it got funnier with each read-through!! It's absurd, yet relatable; irreverent, but with a whole ton of heart. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy!

[Cclodmuffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly little book that really makes you think, what would I request to “fix”. And what would “the Boss” think about it. A nice escape.

[Margo Trogadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at a time when I needed a break from the more serious things going on in my life. A charming and delightful read. Laughter is good medicine....

[Krista Kimball · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC of this book and I am glad I had an opportunity to read it.

Really this was between a 3 and a 4 star read for me. Fixing Flamingos is such a unique concept and really a delight to read. An intern at “up there” is reading through suggestions on how to improve life on earth. It is a wonderful mix of absurdity and creative writing. There is even a fun subplot that I really enjoyed.

There were suggestions that I loved and others that I think lulled a bit. However, this book is PERFECT for anyone who likes to deep dive into random questions and ponder them.

Get ready for quirky.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Chronicle Books for choosing me!

It's funny, its quirky and a breath of fresh air. I found myself chuckling as I followed alongside Abby while she reviewed the feedback forms.

Definitely not my usual read, but glad I won the giveaway! For anyone looking for a light, fun read and a laugh, it won't disappoint. :)