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Post-it Note Diaries: 20 Stories of Youthful Abandon, Embarrassing Mishaps, and Everyday Adventure
Personal stories from an all-star lineup-immortalized in beautiful, black Sharpie(r). When Arthur Jones cocreated a reading series centered around ubiquitous Post-Its(r), the series struck a chord. It grew in popularity and was ultimately featured on a This American Life live simulcast broadcast across the nation. Inspired by the series and spanning a wide and weird range of topics from an A-list roster of contributors, Post-It(r) Note Diaries captures everyday occurrences from a job interview gone hilariously awry and a nude run-in with a neighbor to hair-raising events like an overnight encounter at Nicholas Cage's house (it's not what you think!), and nearly drowning while trying to paddle across the East River in a homemade canoe. Post-It(r) Note Diaries is perfect for NPR addicts and fans of unique graphic favorites like Postsecret and Blankets . Diarists John Hodgman, David Rakoff, Hanna Tinti, Arthur Bradford, Chuck Klosterman, Andrew Solomon, Starlee Kine, Kristen Schaal, Mary Roach and Andrew Bird.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2011
17 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 22, 2011
These were true stories like what you might hear on the Moth, illustrated with post-it note sketches. The idea was fun and pretty interesting but I just wasn't won over. Instead of enhancing the story, as intended, the sketches seemed to draw away from true stories. This was obvious to me when I read a story I had heard told aloud on the Moth and found it bare and uninspiring, when told aloud it was heartfelt and meaningful.
July 2, 2012
Felt lukewarm about these stories. The premise is quirky and light - stories written by writers I like and illustrated by Arthur Jones on Post-it Notes. Enjoyed the stories in the moment, but the stories will stick in my mind about as long as the adhesive on the back of a post-it.
February 3, 2019
I just happened across this book in the library and it is everything I love. Graphic novel format, memoir short stories from a variety of authors, all illustrated by the same person. Some made me laugh so hard I was choking, others got me teary. A few were meh. I wish there were a hundred books in this series.
February 15, 2025
Although the concept of illustrating short stories with post-its is novel and fun (essentially, it's a graphic novel), the art was kinda ugly. As were most of the stories.
November 24, 2011
I talked about this book on my blog - http://804-notassigned.blogspot.com/2....
There is a section on Goodreads where you can enter to win books and the only thing better than a book is a FREE book, of course, so I enter often. I was lucky enough to win a copy of Post-it Note Diaries: 20 Stories of Youthful Abandon, Embarrassing Mishaps, and Everyday Adventure, edited and illustrated by Arthur Jones. The idea for the book started when Jones used drawings on post-it notes to illustrate a story he was presenting at a literary event. The event took off and became a series, and the stories in the book are from those readings.
I like graphic novels, but I’m always afraid that I’m not getting my money’s worth. I read so fast that books + illustrations usually mean that I’m done in an hour, and it’s hard to justify a $15 list price for an hour of reading. Post-It Note Diaries was a little different, though.
I found myself going back to certain stories several times. There’s a poignant story called “Big Black Bird” by Jeff Simmermon about testicular cancer that brought me close to tears, but was in no way maudlin or tear-jerky. Jones doesn’t say if the story writers have input into the illustrations, but I’m hoping that the Indian man in the story had a grin just like he’s pictured. Oh, and Mary Roach’s behind-the-celebrity-interview story How to “Not Have Sex with Nicolas Cage”? The perfect blend of funny words and funny illustrations elevate both to something much higher than thought possible. I can’t show you the illustrations, but one part of her story reads, “For the first time since we’d met, Mr. Cage seemed happy. Though without actually smiling.” I love this. I equally love her hope that she and Nicolas might stay up all night talking, illustrated by Nicolas Cage braiding her hair, cigarette hanging out of his mouth and hairy chest on full view in his undershirt, while she chatters happily.
I’ve pulled the book out three or four times to show someone a story since it arrived in the mail and I’ve talked enough about the story and the concept to know that it would be worth the cover price. Fans of This American Life will love Post-It Note Diaries.
There is a section on Goodreads where you can enter to win books and the only thing better than a book is a FREE book, of course, so I enter often. I was lucky enough to win a copy of Post-it Note Diaries: 20 Stories of Youthful Abandon, Embarrassing Mishaps, and Everyday Adventure, edited and illustrated by Arthur Jones. The idea for the book started when Jones used drawings on post-it notes to illustrate a story he was presenting at a literary event. The event took off and became a series, and the stories in the book are from those readings.
I like graphic novels, but I’m always afraid that I’m not getting my money’s worth. I read so fast that books + illustrations usually mean that I’m done in an hour, and it’s hard to justify a $15 list price for an hour of reading. Post-It Note Diaries was a little different, though.
I found myself going back to certain stories several times. There’s a poignant story called “Big Black Bird” by Jeff Simmermon about testicular cancer that brought me close to tears, but was in no way maudlin or tear-jerky. Jones doesn’t say if the story writers have input into the illustrations, but I’m hoping that the Indian man in the story had a grin just like he’s pictured. Oh, and Mary Roach’s behind-the-celebrity-interview story How to “Not Have Sex with Nicolas Cage”? The perfect blend of funny words and funny illustrations elevate both to something much higher than thought possible. I can’t show you the illustrations, but one part of her story reads, “For the first time since we’d met, Mr. Cage seemed happy. Though without actually smiling.” I love this. I equally love her hope that she and Nicolas might stay up all night talking, illustrated by Nicolas Cage braiding her hair, cigarette hanging out of his mouth and hairy chest on full view in his undershirt, while she chatters happily.
I’ve pulled the book out three or four times to show someone a story since it arrived in the mail and I’ve talked enough about the story and the concept to know that it would be worth the cover price. Fans of This American Life will love Post-It Note Diaries.
August 13, 2016
This collection of weird little stories delights in personal idiosyncrasies. It's the kind of book that reminds you of your own unusual experiences. The stories are mostly told in a detached, almost sleepy sort of way that makes them good to read before falling asleep.
The illustrations are so simple, but they manage to greatly increase the humour of the stories.
EDIT: I still think about this book quite often, four years later.
The illustrations are so simple, but they manage to greatly increase the humour of the stories.
EDIT: I still think about this book quite often, four years later.
October 3, 2011
this was written by a friend of my friend, no it wasn't it was illustrated by him. It was a super fun read I recommend it.
October 8, 2011
Pretty good. The ones by Mary Roach and Chuck Klosterman were my favorite, which was to be expected.
August 16, 2012
This was a very enjoyable read. I particularly liked Andrew Solomon's "Notes on an Exorcism" and "Burn Chuck Burn" by Chuck Klosterman.
May 12, 2018
range of stories - from laugh out loud to meh
4 stars because one story did make me really laugh
4 stars because one story did make me really laugh
May 15, 2020
I really liked this book. I liked it much more than I thought I would. Basically, it's a series of post-it note drawings, that stemmed from the author's "Post-It Note Reading Series" where both established and non-established authors would write a short story, and the illustrations would be done on Post-It Notes. I really enjoyed reading each story, and the post-its add something fun to what would otherwise be just text.
2020 Read Harder Challenge: Read a graphic memoir
2020 Read Harder Challenge: Read a graphic memoir
July 20, 2019
Cool idea...just not executed well. I read about half of it and just didn't feel like going back for more.
August 17, 2019
A nice light read, fun illustrations; various authors share a quirky story. Got some good chuckles & a couple belly laughs. Came for Beth Lisick & couldn’t ignore the rest!
March 10, 2020
It was interesting and the drawings really brought the stories to life. But I feel like most of the stories were real downers.
June 7, 2013
While working at a Chicago ad agency, Arthur Jones was asked by his friend and then - This American Life producer Starlee Kine, to perform at her going-away party.
"I was at work, and I didn’t have anything to do," says Jones. "So I wrote a story and illustrated it storyboard-style on these Post-it Notes and put them up as a slide show. And for some reason, it was a hit."
When Jones finally moved to New York, he and Kine started a reading series called Post-It Note Diaries, in which Jones story-boarded writers’ essays on those little yellow squares. The show’s audience grew, and after earning a spot on a This American Life live show, Jones found editors interested in a book. Post-It Note Diaries, the new book Jones and Kine are in town to launch, features personal essays from the likes of David Rakoff, Beth Lisick, John Hodgman, Chuck Klosterman and more.
Like most of the stories here, the story is light and funny, the same sort of ironic fare you’d expect from the NPR Sunday Players. Jones' illustrations, however, add more than novelty to the storytelling. The essays read almost as comic strips, with the words at times captioning the illustrations, and other times the drawings signalling at something happening in the background.
And, as Jones says, there’s something about the form that appeals to the everyman.
“They’re these sort of utilitarian things that I had at my disposal at work, that I could doodle on and no one would notice,” he says. “But I’ve been surprised by how much they resonate with people.”
"I was at work, and I didn’t have anything to do," says Jones. "So I wrote a story and illustrated it storyboard-style on these Post-it Notes and put them up as a slide show. And for some reason, it was a hit."
When Jones finally moved to New York, he and Kine started a reading series called Post-It Note Diaries, in which Jones story-boarded writers’ essays on those little yellow squares. The show’s audience grew, and after earning a spot on a This American Life live show, Jones found editors interested in a book. Post-It Note Diaries, the new book Jones and Kine are in town to launch, features personal essays from the likes of David Rakoff, Beth Lisick, John Hodgman, Chuck Klosterman and more.
Like most of the stories here, the story is light and funny, the same sort of ironic fare you’d expect from the NPR Sunday Players. Jones' illustrations, however, add more than novelty to the storytelling. The essays read almost as comic strips, with the words at times captioning the illustrations, and other times the drawings signalling at something happening in the background.
And, as Jones says, there’s something about the form that appeals to the everyman.
“They’re these sort of utilitarian things that I had at my disposal at work, that I could doodle on and no one would notice,” he says. “But I’ve been surprised by how much they resonate with people.”
December 12, 2011
Post-It Note Diaries: 20 Stories of Youthful Abandon, Embarrasing Mishaps, and Everyday Adventure is edited and illustrated by Arthur Jones. The stories are true and are illustrated by black marker on Post-it notes. Each story is certainly unique. The topics include John Hodgman's experience while riding the NYC subway while holding a staff topped with a green Styrofoam cobra head to Mary Roach's story of time spent in the company of Nicolas Cage. Arthur Jones' story about a previous landlord is particularly memorable.
All the stories are about what can happen in a life and some are embarrassing, some humorous and all easy to read. I tried to choose one story as my personal favorite and then I would read another one and it became my favorite. Each story has its own merits and the collection will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Arthur Jones' wonderful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to each story.
I received the book at no charge from Goodreads First Reads.
All the stories are about what can happen in a life and some are embarrassing, some humorous and all easy to read. I tried to choose one story as my personal favorite and then I would read another one and it became my favorite. Each story has its own merits and the collection will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Arthur Jones' wonderful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to each story.
I received the book at no charge from Goodreads First Reads.
April 1, 2012
I wasn't sure if I was going to review this book since it's kind of different. It's hard to review, but I decided to tell you guys about it because it was such a fun read. I don't read too many books with illustrations, but it worked really well with the stories. I thought the concept behind the book is such a great idea.
While reading some of the stories, it's hard to believe some of them are real with how random and outrageous they are. The stories jump from funny to sad and thought provoking. With how short each story is, it's easy to read this book in pieces if you're looking for a break from doing work. I think it's definitely worth checking out for how unique it is, and I look forward to reading more in the future if they come out. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me check it out!
February 22, 2014
With the exception of one of two stories that I skipped, this was a really fun read. Quirky little stories told in a quirky way. That's my kind of thing.
A few of the stories that stuck out for me was the woman who attempted her own boat ferry business in New York that ended horribly and an uncensored Ms. Peppermint trying to sell candy to kids in an expensive toy store.
randomness: The story about the woman who worked at Ms. Peppermint at FAO Schwarz toy store also appeared in another book I was reading the same week, Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped, and Canceled. Lately, I have been finding the seemingly random books I pick out from the local library keep referencing each other.
A few of the stories that stuck out for me was the woman who attempted her own boat ferry business in New York that ended horribly and an uncensored Ms. Peppermint trying to sell candy to kids in an expensive toy store.
randomness: The story about the woman who worked at Ms. Peppermint at FAO Schwarz toy store also appeared in another book I was reading the same week, Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped, and Canceled. Lately, I have been finding the seemingly random books I pick out from the local library keep referencing each other.
May 25, 2012
This is a fun collection of 20 short, candid memoirs told in comic format. Each panel is composed on a post-it note. I could easily imagine the stories appearing on an episode of "This American Life." They cover a wide range of topics (author Mary Roach interviews Nicolas Cage and gets stranded at his apartment when she misses her plane, musician Andrew Bird entertains people in line for the privy at a Renaissance Fair, comedian Kristen Schaal becomes Miss Peppermint Twist at FAO Schwarz, and astyrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson journies to Chili to watch the skies) by a wide range of people.
June 11, 2012
First, I enjoy reading short stories. Second, I enjoy a quality graphic novel. "Post-it Note Diaries" hit the note perfectly. the illustrations truly made each story come to life. My favorite stories were "Alaska Death Trip" by Arthur Bradford, "How Not to Have Sex with Nicholas Cage" by Mary Roach, "Miss Peppermint Twist" by Kristen Schaal, and "Romancing the Mountaintop" by everyone's favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. But really, each story was unique and enjoyable, with the post-it illustrations adding a particular charm to each one.
January 12, 2015
Hmm. I wanted to like this more than I actually liked it. Perhaps it was because all the illustrations were by the same person even though the stories varied greatly in their depth. Some were the typical type of american angst navel gazing while some where quite profound or funny.
My favourites were : Notes on an Exorcism by Andrew Solomon - perhaps because I'm very familiar with his story and not so familiar with others?
And Shipwrecked by Marie Lorenz because it was just so funny.
My favourites were : Notes on an Exorcism by Andrew Solomon - perhaps because I'm very familiar with his story and not so familiar with others?
And Shipwrecked by Marie Lorenz because it was just so funny.
November 4, 2012
This book is a quick read full of clever tidbit stories. I laughed and enjoyed it. I have recommended it to my children. This is one of those books that is perfect for rereading over and over, all at once or story by story. I look forward to the sequals, may there be several.
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
August 15, 2011
I like the concept, and I think the format would be great in a YA or MG book. I just found it ridiculous with adults doing the writing, for some reason. A few laughs here and there, so it wasn't too terrible. It just got old very quickly.
March 11, 2012
Seriously funny and/or awe-inspiring stories of metropolitan people doing absurd but every-day things. Lovely little illustrations, as well. I laughed sincerely at every one of the 20 stories. Absolutely worth a read.
June 1, 2014
This was a fun idea, the stories had a lot of variety as far as narratives go, some being way better and more entertaining than others. I liked the drawings that accompanied all the stories and that they gave the book consistency. Nicely done easy read.
January 19, 2012
I liked it. Kinda like reading a bunch of short comic books.
November 26, 2011
Funny and entertaining stories with great illustrations.
December 10, 2011
The stories were generally interesting, but I wasn't overly impressed by the art. A good way to kill half an hour.
December 27, 2011
Though the whole book only gets 4 stars, the Notes on an Exorcism story is by far the wisest anecdote I've ever read. Amazing. Incredible.
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April 12, 2012Clever and funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews