Going Somewhere Soon: Collected Stories & Drawings

by Brian Andreas

This is the third book, completed on Valentine's Day, 1995. While the first two books were done in Berkeley, this book was done in Iowa, where the artist moved with his family after 16 years in Los Angeles and San Francisco. One of his collectors has said that his stories make perfect sense for someone who's lived in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Iowa, so maybe this third book is about coming home. This book carries some of the most resonant stories including 'Chihuahua' and 'Butterflies' ("He told me that the night his mother died, there were storms & far away he saw purple lightning & someone left the window open & the room filled with a swirl of butterflies & she slipped out quietly without anyone noticing & I'm sure the grief was softer because of that".

Genres: Poetry, Art, Fiction, Short Stories

72 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are times I think I'm doing things on principle, but mostly I just do what feels good. But that's a principle, too."

[Cate Tedford]

Stumbled upon this at Downtown Books & News in Asheville yesterday, and it felt cosmically meant to be--I could've cried! So of course I immersed my entire being into this book over coffee this morning.

Brian Andreas is probably my favorite contemporary visual artist. His work is whimsical and profound and connects me to both my inner child and the parts of myself that feel older and wiser, having learned resilience through hardship--but perhaps those two things aren't really all that different; it's all perspective, isn't it?

Only wish I could include pictures in these reviews!!
"I asked her why she never told us about the Ten Commandments & she said she wasn't ever that good with numbers so she loved everything as best she could & I remember thinking who needs all those rules anyway with a mother like her around."

"The elephant head was the most unusual piece in her wardrobe & even though she never wore it in public, it gave her great comfort to know she could if she wanted to."

[Elliot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was short and fast and was short abstract poetry by a Midwestern man as a gift to his children. It was a wonderful addition to my life and provided me with a few moments of childhood whimsy, wonder and joy. I, as a lifetime Iowan, enjoyed my connection to the author and really enjoyed the vulnerability and authenticity with which he shared his work and stories with his children. If you enjoy poetry with a point then I truly suggest that you take a few moments and try this book! It is absolutely worth the read!

[shamsa ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“he told me that once he forgot himself & his heart opened up like a door with a loose latch & everything fell out & he tried for days to put it all back in proper order, but finally he gave up & left it there in a pile & loved everything equally.”

“i used to eat popcorn for every meal, she told me once. it made me feel like i was in the movies & my life would turn out happy in the end. did it work? i said. i don’t know, she said, but i like to think the roughage counts for something.”

his books make me giggle then nostalgic then also go hmmmmmm

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this world of not-as-simple-as-things-appear. I probably read it too fast to really let these lovely moments and drawings fully sink in, but even so, time with them helps me focus in on the world around me just a little bit more closely.

[Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just found this at a farmer’s market by chance! All flash stories- half presented in Americana type face, half hand-written and accompanied by childlike sketches. Some are silly and whimsical, while others melt your heart open.

[Carson Meloche · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of those thrift books that speaks to you at the store and takes months/ years to finally pick up and read. right book right time. very cozy book with short stories that left an impression on me :)

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leaning toward 4 stars.

[Rye · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Older doesn't always mean wiser, my grandfather once said. Sometimes it just means older."

[Reagan Formea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed a few of the little poems/stories/whatever you wanna call them. The others were so so.

[Maria Bischel · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but rly cute I enjoyed this more than I thought I would

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read (like 20 mins), but full of heart, wisdom, wit, and humor. I’d never heard of the author before, but I’m a fan.

[maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wholesome simple life

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry. Short pieces with some drawings. Enjoyable.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorites:

"these are little packets of light & you need to plant them early in the year & remember to mark where they were because lots of times they look like weeds in the beginning & it's not until later that you see how beautiful they really are."

"If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you."

"she always camouflaged herself as a crowd. I've never been lonely, she said, but sometimes it's hard to think above the noise."

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in order: Mostly True, then Still Mostly True, then this one (Going Somewhere Soon). I think this is the weakest of the three. None of the stories particularly stood out to me in the way that some remarkable ones from Mostly True and Still Mostly True did. Maybe I've just read too much Brian Andreas over the weekend and I've become desensitized to his style, but I think the other books are stronger.

[Susan Fetterer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming poetic anecdotes and magical illustrations---this quick read lingers in your head for some time. It has child like qualities and panders to the short attention span we all enjoy at times. There's a universal, appealing aspect to the thoughts reminding the reader that we each have much in common with others.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been in love with Story People since I was in high school, when I first saw some of Andreas' sculptures and drawings at an art store in Newport. Andrea gave me this book as a college graduation/moving away to Colorado present. It's among my prized possessions.

[Woodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this slim volume as a gift this past Christmas. It contains some very short pieces and doodles which are sort of like thoughtful little musings and mini-stories. Reminded me a little of Barry Yourgrau but more grounded in reality. It was cute.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second book of this set I read and really enjoyed them. Mostly True was the best so far but this one had some great one page stories as well. I borrowed these books and glad I found them.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it, read it, read it!

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique, inspiring, and humorous collection of brief (one page or less) prose observations or memories.

[Jacqueline Cocklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandma gave me this book many years ago and she said she thought I’d enjoy it. It has sat in a pile to be read since. I brought it to read while waiting with my sister in law while her husband was having surgery. I read parts aloud and we both laughed or connected with the tales. I wish my grandma was still around to let her know I did enjoy it.