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Heart and Brain #4
Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!
New York Times bestselling author Nick Seluk returns with a charming, hilarious, and inspirational book of comics in which his popular Heart and Brain characters fight through the world's gloom and uncertainty and march toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
This book of inspirational and hilarious comics directly addresses the mental health challenges we’ve been through collectively as a species, with specific illustrations and new content that help people feel understood, seen, and encouraged.
Delivered with a humorous but sensitive touch, Onward to Good Things contains short graphic novel elements in three sections to tie together the themes and comics in one continuing short story that will help propel the author's millions of fans—and brand-new readers—toward a brighter and more laugh-filled future.
This book of inspirational and hilarious comics directly addresses the mental health challenges we’ve been through collectively as a species, with specific illustrations and new content that help people feel understood, seen, and encouraged.
Delivered with a humorous but sensitive touch, Onward to Good Things contains short graphic novel elements in three sections to tie together the themes and comics in one continuing short story that will help propel the author's millions of fans—and brand-new readers—toward a brighter and more laugh-filled future.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
33 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Nick Seluk
27 books352 followersCreator of The Awkward Yeti and its New York Times Bestselling Heart and Brain series, the "Kind of a Big Deal" series for Scholastic, the card game OrganATTACK and many others. Nick resides in Michigan with his overly affectionate cat, Taz, and has three amazing kids. He enjoys thinking about wanting to run, playing guitar okayly, and being generally childlike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 15, 2023
This series never fails to make me smile. It was so much fun meeting Heart , Brain and the rest of the gang again!
I love how important topics such as mental health, anxiety, work-life balance, and self-acceptance, among others, have been addressed with sensitivity and humor.
Divided into three segments, each of which begins with a heartfelt message from the author, this installment of the exceptional Heart and Brain series is, in turn, thought-provoking, laugh-out- loud funny and inspiring! It's definitely one of the best in the series!
I love how important topics such as mental health, anxiety, work-life balance, and self-acceptance, among others, have been addressed with sensitivity and humor.
Divided into three segments, each of which begins with a heartfelt message from the author, this installment of the exceptional Heart and Brain series is, in turn, thought-provoking, laugh-out- loud funny and inspiring! It's definitely one of the best in the series!
May 9, 2023
It's been a minute since I spent some time with The Awkward Yeti, and I didn't realize how much I missed these adorable, wholesome little comics. This collection was absolutely wonderful! There is so much in this book relating to anxiety, self-doubt, depression, mental health woes in general, as well as trying to find the balance between bettering ourselves and being happy with who we are right now. I laughed out loud, I found myself nodding and "aww"ing, and I generally loved everything about this book.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: discussions of anxiety, depression
✨ Content warnings for: anxiety, depression, insecurity, discussions of food and exercise (never presented in a body-shaming way)
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February 16, 2023
I follow the Awkward Yeti and was really happy to get an ARC of this book.
If you also follow them on social media, you'll realize that you've seen many of these before too. It was nice, however to get a chuckle from them again. If you have depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem, you'll find many of these relatable. Many of these are laugh-out-loud funny, others are more heart wrenching, and some will make you think. The author also has a one-page introduction for each part, as well as a short intro to the book which were also relatable. I would recommend this to anyone, really. Whether you're a fan or are just discovering heart, brain, and the rest.
My appreciation to Andrews McMeel, author Nick Seluk, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
If you also follow them on social media, you'll realize that you've seen many of these before too. It was nice, however to get a chuckle from them again. If you have depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem, you'll find many of these relatable. Many of these are laugh-out-loud funny, others are more heart wrenching, and some will make you think. The author also has a one-page introduction for each part, as well as a short intro to the book which were also relatable. I would recommend this to anyone, really. Whether you're a fan or are just discovering heart, brain, and the rest.
My appreciation to Andrews McMeel, author Nick Seluk, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
July 17, 2024
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
This heart and brain series is so relatable. Loved it.
This heart and brain series is so relatable. Loved it.
January 24, 2023
Although this is not my first exposure to Nick Seluk's humor and heart/brain comics, it is my first set that is together in one book. AND IT'S GREAT! I love this compilation just as much as his funny updates and little strips I see on-line. I always love his humor between the heart and brain! Nick Seluck is the perfect perspective and voice to help me find the humor in myself and the little quirks of my heart wanting one thing and my brain knowing better. I love that he touched on topics like anxiety, work life/balance, self care and even forgiving yourself (and finding the homor in your own flaws). It's a great mix of funny but also loving and I must admit I'd missed this little heart and brain and loved spending the evening enjoying their little world.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 20, 2025
Loved every page and every cartoon, so heartwarming and earthy. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.
February 13, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I am a HUGE Awkward Yeti fan, so was super excited to see these to request! I've introduced many others to it along the way. So.... I've seen nearly all of these comics before, although not recently. It's less funny and more self-help lite than I anticipated. But, the heart, the brain, the anxiety, and the coping skills are all there. There are a very few cameos from other organs, and the ones that appear don't always seem to fit (spleen, why are you here?). So, maybe a good intro specifically for someone struggling with anxiety or someone young learning about big feelings, but otherwise, keep looking for what's on the horizon.
I am a HUGE Awkward Yeti fan, so was super excited to see these to request! I've introduced many others to it along the way. So.... I've seen nearly all of these comics before, although not recently. It's less funny and more self-help lite than I anticipated. But, the heart, the brain, the anxiety, and the coping skills are all there. There are a very few cameos from other organs, and the ones that appear don't always seem to fit (spleen, why are you here?). So, maybe a good intro specifically for someone struggling with anxiety or someone young learning about big feelings, but otherwise, keep looking for what's on the horizon.
April 19, 2023
I love this series on Instagram and this collection didn't disappoint either. I like how relatable the four panel strips are and enjoy the little puns (on book covers etc.). It is a fun, wholesome read , which though can be finished quickly in one-sitting, is best consumed slowly and periodically.
November 26, 2024
Heart and Brain continue to be great for my mental health. Nick Seluk is extremely talented, go buy his books.
May 28, 2023
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Things I will never not love:
1. The Awkward Yeti
2. Heart and Brain
Yes, I know Heart and Brain are part of the Awkward Yeti, and yes, I know that was a double negative. I don't care. I can't think of anyone that would not enjoy this collection of comics, and as someone with mental health issues, I find myself deeply relating to it sometimes.
Author: Nick Seluk
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 2 May 2023
Things I will never not love:
1. The Awkward Yeti
2. Heart and Brain
Yes, I know Heart and Brain are part of the Awkward Yeti, and yes, I know that was a double negative. I don't care. I can't think of anyone that would not enjoy this collection of comics, and as someone with mental health issues, I find myself deeply relating to it sometimes.
Author: Nick Seluk
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 2 May 2023
April 29, 2023
I actually chose this book because I'm already a fan of the author's comics. I love the antics of Brain and Heart (and all their fellows). Seeing them typically brings a bit of joy to my day, and I figured that a whole book would be even better. This specific collection was wonderful in regards to the comics. Heart continuing to always inconvenience Brain, Brain always trying to anchor Heart. I quite enjoyed the comic content of this collection and would happily revisit it. I may even enjoy Brain and Heart more now.
Sadly, I cannot say as much in regards to the writing. My copy had missing letters all through the written parts and, while it was still legible, it was very distracting and made for a less enjoyable reading experience. Hopefully that was addressed prior to full publication. If so, that would make for a much smoother reading experience.
My rating, however, would stay the same, as -- while I love the struggle between the characters in the comics -- some of the author's takes come across as ableist and classist. (Sometimes things, whether they be health things or situation things, cannot be changed, regardless of a person's mindset). I do not believe the author is aware of this nor do I believe that it is intended. I believe it is intended to be an uplifting and inspiring bit of writing, but intended or not, harm is still harm.
I'll be honest, if I had known that there was a self-help aspect to this book, I likely wouldn't have read it as it's really not my genre. If that's your jam, you'll probably enjoy it.
All of that said, I still enjoy Brain and Heart a great deal. They are a classic sort of comedy duo, and the gags nearly always pay out. If the comics were all I was rating, this would be a five star review. I highly recommend the comic content to anyone who already enjoys them. However, due to the issues in the written content and questionable opinions, I have to give three out of five, and recommend anyone who might find these views problematic (as I do) to just read the comic portion and skip the rest.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the early copy. This has been my honest review.
Sadly, I cannot say as much in regards to the writing. My copy had missing letters all through the written parts and, while it was still legible, it was very distracting and made for a less enjoyable reading experience. Hopefully that was addressed prior to full publication. If so, that would make for a much smoother reading experience.
My rating, however, would stay the same, as -- while I love the struggle between the characters in the comics -- some of the author's takes come across as ableist and classist. (Sometimes things, whether they be health things or situation things, cannot be changed, regardless of a person's mindset). I do not believe the author is aware of this nor do I believe that it is intended. I believe it is intended to be an uplifting and inspiring bit of writing, but intended or not, harm is still harm.
I'll be honest, if I had known that there was a self-help aspect to this book, I likely wouldn't have read it as it's really not my genre. If that's your jam, you'll probably enjoy it.
All of that said, I still enjoy Brain and Heart a great deal. They are a classic sort of comedy duo, and the gags nearly always pay out. If the comics were all I was rating, this would be a five star review. I highly recommend the comic content to anyone who already enjoys them. However, due to the issues in the written content and questionable opinions, I have to give three out of five, and recommend anyone who might find these views problematic (as I do) to just read the comic portion and skip the rest.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the early copy. This has been my honest review.
February 25, 2023
Pub date: 5/2/23
Heart and Brain are a classic duo, and I was glad to see them back in action in this new comic series! Author Nick Seluk chose to focus on mental health for this collection, with the comics divided into three themed sections.
Some of the comics made me laugh, while others were more thoughtful. Although I enjoyed the book, I felt like the comics were a little repetitive, and I would have liked to see longer-panel comics rather than multiple similar short comics.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Heart and Brain are a classic duo, and I was glad to see them back in action in this new comic series! Author Nick Seluk chose to focus on mental health for this collection, with the comics divided into three themed sections.
Some of the comics made me laugh, while others were more thoughtful. Although I enjoyed the book, I felt like the comics were a little repetitive, and I would have liked to see longer-panel comics rather than multiple similar short comics.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2023
I adore the Heart and Brain comics, with their eminently relatable mix of overthinking Brain and carefree Heart providing a balance of eternal optimism and down to earth pragmatism. Are they conflicting? Yes! Are they adorable and filled with truisms and reality checks? Absolutely!
In "Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!" The lovable Heart and Brain are accompanied by the supporting characters of the Awkward Yeti, Tongue, Bowels, Stomach and other body parts, who become the unwitting victims (or perhaps enablers) of the self-sabotaging impulses of Heart and Brain. Heart, as always, is accompanied by the nameless butterfly in the more impulsive moments.
The comics are one-page, predominantly 4-panel self-contained strips, in simple, mostly bright colours.
Heart and Brain touch gently on the mental health issues surrounding ADHD, depression and anxiety without becoming too dark. The author mentions that he had been going through some challenging times during the creation of the comic, and at times the comics do reflect this, acknowledging both the emotions and the natural reactions to them (avoidance, comfort food, the eternal search for dopamine and, occasionally, acceptance). The comic also takes an absurdist look at the extremes of these (in Heart's impulses or Tongue's excesses) to shine a light on these less-than-healthy coping mechanisms.
The relationship between Heart and Brain is heartwarming and genuine, and even these comical disembodied organs go through significant change and growth throughout the book.
Overall, this is a funny, wholesome comic, and I give it 5 stars.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and of course the Awkward Yeti himself Nick Seluk for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
In "Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!" The lovable Heart and Brain are accompanied by the supporting characters of the Awkward Yeti, Tongue, Bowels, Stomach and other body parts, who become the unwitting victims (or perhaps enablers) of the self-sabotaging impulses of Heart and Brain. Heart, as always, is accompanied by the nameless butterfly in the more impulsive moments.
The comics are one-page, predominantly 4-panel self-contained strips, in simple, mostly bright colours.
Heart and Brain touch gently on the mental health issues surrounding ADHD, depression and anxiety without becoming too dark. The author mentions that he had been going through some challenging times during the creation of the comic, and at times the comics do reflect this, acknowledging both the emotions and the natural reactions to them (avoidance, comfort food, the eternal search for dopamine and, occasionally, acceptance). The comic also takes an absurdist look at the extremes of these (in Heart's impulses or Tongue's excesses) to shine a light on these less-than-healthy coping mechanisms.
The relationship between Heart and Brain is heartwarming and genuine, and even these comical disembodied organs go through significant change and growth throughout the book.
Overall, this is a funny, wholesome comic, and I give it 5 stars.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and of course the Awkward Yeti himself Nick Seluk for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
January 29, 2023
"What if it's all going to be okay?"
This was a wonderful read. I know the author's works and comics from different social media sites and enjoy them and I enjoyed this collection just as much.
The comics were heartwarming and hopefully yet felt funny and relatable at the same time, and I'm sure many will feel the same. I especially liked the structure of the three part act and the author's comments and personal feelings added along the way. You can tell he poured a lot of himself into this. It touched many topics of mental health and well-being.
The art style is the same one as in previous books, but it still works very well. It's difficult to pick a favourite disjointed organ, but the spleen cameo was hilarious.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a wonderful read. I know the author's works and comics from different social media sites and enjoy them and I enjoyed this collection just as much.
The comics were heartwarming and hopefully yet felt funny and relatable at the same time, and I'm sure many will feel the same. I especially liked the structure of the three part act and the author's comments and personal feelings added along the way. You can tell he poured a lot of himself into this. It touched many topics of mental health and well-being.
The art style is the same one as in previous books, but it still works very well. It's difficult to pick a favourite disjointed organ, but the spleen cameo was hilarious.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2023
I have been a fan of Nick's Awkward Yeti persona for years, especially the Heart and Brain comics. My husband is 100% Brain, so it's a good thing he has me 100% Heart to balance him out and keep him fun! Heart and Brain are probably the cutest most accurate anthropomorphized organs ever, I also get a real kick out of gallbladder he's just doing his best and no one appreciates it!
But seriously Nick has an amazing ability to tap into our more complex emotions; depression, anxiety, worthlessness, and making you feel less alone and validated for feeling that way. This new collection of comics does just that once again and it is truly some of my favorite reading I've done this year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for a review.
But seriously Nick has an amazing ability to tap into our more complex emotions; depression, anxiety, worthlessness, and making you feel less alone and validated for feeling that way. This new collection of comics does just that once again and it is truly some of my favorite reading I've done this year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for a review.
March 13, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley, Nick Seluk, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this Advanced Reading Copy.
Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things has, as it says on the cover, heart. The short comics are all funny and relatable while also being sweet and heartfelt. While I am someone who has not followed the Awkward Yeti, I have been aware of the Heart and Brain comics for a few years now and have always enjoyed the comics that I’ve seen in the past. I would recommend this to anyone; if you’re someone who follows the Awkward Yeti, someone who’s never heard of the Heart and Brain comics, or somewhere in the middle like me.
Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things has, as it says on the cover, heart. The short comics are all funny and relatable while also being sweet and heartfelt. While I am someone who has not followed the Awkward Yeti, I have been aware of the Heart and Brain comics for a few years now and have always enjoyed the comics that I’ve seen in the past. I would recommend this to anyone; if you’re someone who follows the Awkward Yeti, someone who’s never heard of the Heart and Brain comics, or somewhere in the middle like me.
May 4, 2023
I received this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As someone with anxiety, this was a very relatable selection of comics, often diving into little moments of life that feel unique to us, but everyone experiences to some degree.
This is broken up into sections about anxiety, struggles with day to day life, and changing your mindset about these things to improve your life going forward.
I related to Brain in some comics, and Heart in others. It’s a fantastic representation of those emotional conflicts of what we want to do vs. what we should do.
I think everyone will find a bit of themselves in these comics, and I appreciate the message toward the end. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re all doing the best we can, and how important it is that we keep going. Definitely recommend for those like me who struggle with this.
As someone with anxiety, this was a very relatable selection of comics, often diving into little moments of life that feel unique to us, but everyone experiences to some degree.
This is broken up into sections about anxiety, struggles with day to day life, and changing your mindset about these things to improve your life going forward.
I related to Brain in some comics, and Heart in others. It’s a fantastic representation of those emotional conflicts of what we want to do vs. what we should do.
I think everyone will find a bit of themselves in these comics, and I appreciate the message toward the end. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re all doing the best we can, and how important it is that we keep going. Definitely recommend for those like me who struggle with this.
January 25, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
I have been following Heart and Brain’s adventures for years and they never fail to entertain me. This book is a collection of quirky, funny and relatable real-life situations that will make you smile, giggle and shake your head at your own silliness.
Anyone can recognize themselves in these, and our own quirks are turned into hilarious comic strips. What makes it so fun to read even though it touches on some very serious subjects such as depression and anxiety, is the fact that the organs being the characters makes it possible to break down the situations and get some perspective.
This book gives us fun AND the very important message that as long as you’re kind and patient with yourself, it’s okay to struggle to find balance between your heart and your brain.
I have been following Heart and Brain’s adventures for years and they never fail to entertain me. This book is a collection of quirky, funny and relatable real-life situations that will make you smile, giggle and shake your head at your own silliness.
Anyone can recognize themselves in these, and our own quirks are turned into hilarious comic strips. What makes it so fun to read even though it touches on some very serious subjects such as depression and anxiety, is the fact that the organs being the characters makes it possible to break down the situations and get some perspective.
This book gives us fun AND the very important message that as long as you’re kind and patient with yourself, it’s okay to struggle to find balance between your heart and your brain.
January 30, 2023
The Heart and Brain comics are so important! This collection of The Awkward Yeti's drawings are as heartwarming as they are heartbreaking. So many of us have seen ourselves in Seluk's art and I'm so glad that he was willing to open up and share his hardships with anxiety and ADHD with readers. This latest installment of his comics is great! I truly enjoyed every page and felt so seen. I highly recommend this to everyone who has ever felt that their own heart and brain are at odds.
January 25, 2023
I have always found Nick Seluk's comics to be funny and relatable, which they continue to be, but what makes this particular collection stand out is that it also feels very personal. Seluk is honest about the hard times he had due to COVID lockdowns and his personal life and it reflects the themes and message of the comics. There are a couple of dark ones in there, but the vast majority is all about being kinder to yourself and looking at things in a more positive light. I loved that about it.
The art is a bit wobbly at times, not as clear lined and detailed as it sometimes looks online, but you can feel the emotions in the strips and that's the main point.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the shot of happy endorphins this book gave me!
The art is a bit wobbly at times, not as clear lined and detailed as it sometimes looks online, but you can feel the emotions in the strips and that's the main point.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the shot of happy endorphins this book gave me!
January 25, 2023
Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things is a collection of comics from the popular creator of The Awkward Yeti series and the Heart and Brain series. A majority of the book focuses on mental health in a relatable but lighthearted way. The book is broken down into 3 sections but the comics can be read individually.
I have followed Nick Seluk’s work for some time. I enjoy the balance of humor he brings to more serious topics. The style of his illustrations is simple but effective. I own several of his books, including the children’s ones, and look forward to adding this one to my collection once it is released.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing!
I have followed Nick Seluk’s work for some time. I enjoy the balance of humor he brings to more serious topics. The style of his illustrations is simple but effective. I own several of his books, including the children’s ones, and look forward to adding this one to my collection once it is released.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing!
January 28, 2023
I follow @theAwkwardYeti on Instagram and knew I had to read this collection of Heart and Brain comics. There was so much relatable content in a humorous way.
Thank you NetGalley, Nick Seluk, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC of this book! All opinions were my own.
Thank you NetGalley, Nick Seluk, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC of this book! All opinions were my own.
January 29, 2023
This was a fun and relatable set of comics about the interaction of our rational and emotional side. It was great.
March 12, 2023
It was a funny and tender book. The characters and the significance of the brain and heart make a wonderful dynamic pair.
100% recommended for a sweet, cute and funny time.
100% recommended for a sweet, cute and funny time.
May 15, 2023
Cute, but not super-engaging. I personally preferred Seluk's Awkward Yeti Comics when they focused on the Awkward Yeti more.
May 24, 2023
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, so a new Heart and Brain collection is just what the doctor ordered. Cute, funny and relatable as usual, it was good for both my heart and my brain.
June 24, 2023
I love this artist’s work - follow him on IG and Tik Tok. I won this book in a tik tok giveaway had, so thank you Nick! Love the messages in the book.
June 24, 2024
Cute! I love the tongue character especially. What does the butterfly represent?
January 27, 2023
If you have seen the Heart and Brain comics on social media, then this cute little comic will make your day. Join Heart and Brain as they move side by side onward to good things. It’s sure to make you smile and laugh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews