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We Come Here to Starve
In the Midnight Café, everyone is starving for something.
The animals who find this place have nowhere else to go. They cannot find their place in society, in their relationships, or even before God. This decrepit café has become a refuge. A place to hide from a world that has no place for them.
The Fly, the café’s quiet owner, serves every animal that wanders into his café. He listens as they each search for belonging, only to arrive at the same painful survival and true belonging cannot coexist.
Come, sit. The Fly has been waiting for you.
We Come Here to Starve is a hand-illustrated philosophical graphic novel about the tension between survival and belonging. A beautiful yet haunting allegory about the collapse of sanctuary, the moral compromises survival demands, and the dangerous hunger to be loved without having to change.
PLEASE
This book explores themes of self-destruction, trauma, and faith. It includes discussions of suicide, abuse, and strong language. If those subjects may be triggering or upsetting for you, please reconsider whether this book is the right fit.
If you’d like to read Paige Parker’s work but prefer gentler themes, consider her hand-illustrated book Observations on the Human Condition. A poetic, thought-provoking read that many find beautiful without being intense.
The animals who find this place have nowhere else to go. They cannot find their place in society, in their relationships, or even before God. This decrepit café has become a refuge. A place to hide from a world that has no place for them.
The Fly, the café’s quiet owner, serves every animal that wanders into his café. He listens as they each search for belonging, only to arrive at the same painful survival and true belonging cannot coexist.
Come, sit. The Fly has been waiting for you.
We Come Here to Starve is a hand-illustrated philosophical graphic novel about the tension between survival and belonging. A beautiful yet haunting allegory about the collapse of sanctuary, the moral compromises survival demands, and the dangerous hunger to be loved without having to change.
PLEASE
This book explores themes of self-destruction, trauma, and faith. It includes discussions of suicide, abuse, and strong language. If those subjects may be triggering or upsetting for you, please reconsider whether this book is the right fit.
If you’d like to read Paige Parker’s work but prefer gentler themes, consider her hand-illustrated book Observations on the Human Condition. A poetic, thought-provoking read that many find beautiful without being intense.
- GenresPhilosophy
270 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 28, 2025
i'll have to reread this again to let it truly sink in. from the characters, to the dialogue and writing over to the art. insaneeeeely good, huge huge recommendation <3 also the note from the author just proving what a kind soul they are makes everything ten times better.
May 22, 2026
The best thing I read this year
November 28, 2025
Read this in one sitting, and will likely read it again & again & again & again & again. The art style, the philosophy, the characters… absolute perfection.
May 28, 2026
This was a somewhat different book from what I expected, but in what it was trying to be i think it did a good job. The message at the end was poignant, and also illuminating in a way which I suppose was needed given the format of the book.
I wish it would have introduced one or two characters earlier, but all the characters are real people in the sense the author wanted them to be, which is well done.
I wish it would have introduced one or two characters earlier, but all the characters are real people in the sense the author wanted them to be, which is well done.
April 19, 2026
She has done it again, amazing with some amazing lines such as
*if you want your death to be honoured you must fight for your life*
*To have others expect greatness from you. That is an honour*
Very good
*if you want your death to be honoured you must fight for your life*
*To have others expect greatness from you. That is an honour*
Very good
May 12, 2026
this book hits like an arrow to through the heart. incredibly dark, profound and philosophical - no corny anecdotes or filler. for anyone who has ever struggled finding a sense of belonging in this world, this one is truly for you.
December 26, 2025
We came here to starve because we can not survive while hunting something that does not exist
December 13, 2025
Deeply moving
This book is one of the most deep thinking, dark, profound, and beautiful windows onto human struggle, suffering, and commonality that I have had the gift of reading. I read it in one sitting because every page had something raw and hypnotising to offer. The artwork is beautiful in its deliberate simplicity, which illustrates and holds up the profundity of what is being said without needlessly detracting any focus. This book is something truly special, and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in human nature, psychology, or philosophy to discover it's worth for themselves. This book is an easy read that is by no means easy 'to' read, and nor should it ever be or humanity will have lost something vital and irreplaceable.
This book is one of the most deep thinking, dark, profound, and beautiful windows onto human struggle, suffering, and commonality that I have had the gift of reading. I read it in one sitting because every page had something raw and hypnotising to offer. The artwork is beautiful in its deliberate simplicity, which illustrates and holds up the profundity of what is being said without needlessly detracting any focus. This book is something truly special, and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in human nature, psychology, or philosophy to discover it's worth for themselves. This book is an easy read that is by no means easy 'to' read, and nor should it ever be or humanity will have lost something vital and irreplaceable.
December 14, 2025
Each character brings a different moral paradox that makes you want to reach it again and again, just to catch every single shade and hidden meaning. It's a beautiful book, comforting in a way
December 11, 2025
This book is philosophical art and nothing less. Every page held a feeling and a moral paradox that leaves your heart in your throat. In this book you find what it means to be understood, and that there is no true understanding. Would definitely recommend it’s a very easy read, but very emotionally deep.
May 31, 2026
TL;DR: I found Paige Parker through Instagram where I decided to buy her most recent book. The story did not resonate with me personally for a few reasons. In my opinion, the story feels a little flat and repetitive with not much substance/development throughout the entire read.
Disclaimer: This is my first written review here on GoodReads. Also, I wish GoodReads would allow for half star ratings/reviews, because honestly this feels like a 2.5 star rated story in my opinion. I will round up to 3 here though, mainly because I like Paige Parker's unique art style.
History/Context Prior to Reading: I first found the author and illustrator of "We Come Here to Starve" through Instagram with a comic she posted online between two characters that really struck home to me. I enjoyed the open dialogue between her characters, the Doberman and the Fox, but especially the Fox for his brutal honesty and sharp tongue. I was intrigued by both her art style and the conversation between the characters in the specific post she made. The comic itself was rather deep, thought-provoking, and felt relatable to me as someone who has had mental health struggles for nearly their entire life. After perusing more posts of hers, I decided to buy this specific book as it piqued my interest with the pyschological and philosopical viewpoints, and I also wanted to try reading more graphic novels and comics lately.
The Story Itself: Originally, I was very excited for the arrival of this book. I was expecting it to be a deep, emotional, and tearjerking page-turner. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. I had already read some of the chapters within the book that she had posted on her Instagram account, which was a little disappointing to me. I understand wanting to tease content and make people excited for it, but it felt like I had almost missed out on the initial experience of reading through a book blind because to me it felt like too much content was shared online prematurely in this case.
Additionally, some of the chapters felt disjointed with the story telling. Maybe this is because this is her second book and it might be connected to her first book? I did not read her first book prior to "We Come Here to Starve". As a reader, it felt like we were thrust head long into something with little to no context about the world itself, the characters, or this specific setting. I felt like for the first few chapters (which the chapters do go by rather quickly) there was a lot of mental cobbling of stuff together to try to understand things more clearly.
After some initial confusion, I continued reading through the chapters and began to lose interest with the characters and the dialogue itself. I was definitely not expecting to happen at all given it was primarily why I wanted to read in the first place. The goal of the book, ultimately, is to prove the author's thesis that survival and a true sense of belonging cannot coexist together. It felt very one note after a certain point; the different animals within the story all have something weighing heavily on their minds that they cannot cope with in a healthy way. I knew this would be psychological and philosophical commentary, but to me it felt nihilistic at points with an overarching feeling that death is being romanticized as an escape. Granted, the author is not condoning the actions of her characters, but it became repetitive after a certain point. It's like if the animated show Bojack Horseman (one of my favorite shows of all time by the way), only had near constant, heavy, negative moments and emotionally charged episodes with no positive, impactful moments or silver linings that allow the characters to grow. I assumed that the characters within "We Come Here to Starve" would have some quiet moments of reflection or could learn from conversations held in earlier chapters. This was not the case, unfortunately. I do understand that this is moreso a visually artistic experience given the genre and media, but it felt like there was a lack of plot and development overall. If development is desired with a specific takeaway, it would have been more desireable to have a smaller more focused cast of main characters with moments/chapters dedicated to characters that are by themselves rather than constantly interacting with others.
Lastly, I did not realize going into this book, that one of the biggest points of the story itself is about faith and God. I felt blindsided during my reading when these anthropomorphic animals were discussing God, why they had been created, if living was some type of divine punishment, if God was an all loving creator, etc. To be fair though, I am not a religious person so maybe I am not the target audience here. To others, who maybe are struggling with their own faith or have gone through any similar trauma or thoughts like some of these characters, it may be a better fit or make it more easily digestible for them. To me though, it further disconnected me from the story and characters as a whole.
Ultimately, I did finish "We Come Here to Starve". Although it may not have been my cup of tea overall, there were still some moments and quotes that I do appreciate. I think the book has given me a different perspective, but not in a way that I was expecting. I was less moved by the work itself and moreso able to understand why this would speak to others given the high ratings. I think Paige Parker is a very talented artist/illustrator with incredible promise when it comes to storytelling. It is very impressive to be able to confidently say she has been able to not only write stories, but also get those published and then sold. I am curious about what the future could hold with other stories she may be considering telling or is already in the process of creating, and I hope she continues with her success.
Disclaimer: This is my first written review here on GoodReads. Also, I wish GoodReads would allow for half star ratings/reviews, because honestly this feels like a 2.5 star rated story in my opinion. I will round up to 3 here though, mainly because I like Paige Parker's unique art style.
History/Context Prior to Reading: I first found the author and illustrator of "We Come Here to Starve" through Instagram with a comic she posted online between two characters that really struck home to me. I enjoyed the open dialogue between her characters, the Doberman and the Fox, but especially the Fox for his brutal honesty and sharp tongue. I was intrigued by both her art style and the conversation between the characters in the specific post she made. The comic itself was rather deep, thought-provoking, and felt relatable to me as someone who has had mental health struggles for nearly their entire life. After perusing more posts of hers, I decided to buy this specific book as it piqued my interest with the pyschological and philosopical viewpoints, and I also wanted to try reading more graphic novels and comics lately.
The Story Itself: Originally, I was very excited for the arrival of this book. I was expecting it to be a deep, emotional, and tearjerking page-turner. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. I had already read some of the chapters within the book that she had posted on her Instagram account, which was a little disappointing to me. I understand wanting to tease content and make people excited for it, but it felt like I had almost missed out on the initial experience of reading through a book blind because to me it felt like too much content was shared online prematurely in this case.
Additionally, some of the chapters felt disjointed with the story telling. Maybe this is because this is her second book and it might be connected to her first book? I did not read her first book prior to "We Come Here to Starve". As a reader, it felt like we were thrust head long into something with little to no context about the world itself, the characters, or this specific setting. I felt like for the first few chapters (which the chapters do go by rather quickly) there was a lot of mental cobbling of stuff together to try to understand things more clearly.
After some initial confusion, I continued reading through the chapters and began to lose interest with the characters and the dialogue itself. I was definitely not expecting to happen at all given it was primarily why I wanted to read in the first place. The goal of the book, ultimately, is to prove the author's thesis that survival and a true sense of belonging cannot coexist together. It felt very one note after a certain point; the different animals within the story all have something weighing heavily on their minds that they cannot cope with in a healthy way. I knew this would be psychological and philosophical commentary, but to me it felt nihilistic at points with an overarching feeling that death is being romanticized as an escape. Granted, the author is not condoning the actions of her characters, but it became repetitive after a certain point. It's like if the animated show Bojack Horseman (one of my favorite shows of all time by the way), only had near constant, heavy, negative moments and emotionally charged episodes with no positive, impactful moments or silver linings that allow the characters to grow. I assumed that the characters within "We Come Here to Starve" would have some quiet moments of reflection or could learn from conversations held in earlier chapters. This was not the case, unfortunately. I do understand that this is moreso a visually artistic experience given the genre and media, but it felt like there was a lack of plot and development overall. If development is desired with a specific takeaway, it would have been more desireable to have a smaller more focused cast of main characters with moments/chapters dedicated to characters that are by themselves rather than constantly interacting with others.
Lastly, I did not realize going into this book, that one of the biggest points of the story itself is about faith and God. I felt blindsided during my reading when these anthropomorphic animals were discussing God, why they had been created, if living was some type of divine punishment, if God was an all loving creator, etc. To be fair though, I am not a religious person so maybe I am not the target audience here. To others, who maybe are struggling with their own faith or have gone through any similar trauma or thoughts like some of these characters, it may be a better fit or make it more easily digestible for them. To me though, it further disconnected me from the story and characters as a whole.
Ultimately, I did finish "We Come Here to Starve". Although it may not have been my cup of tea overall, there were still some moments and quotes that I do appreciate. I think the book has given me a different perspective, but not in a way that I was expecting. I was less moved by the work itself and moreso able to understand why this would speak to others given the high ratings. I think Paige Parker is a very talented artist/illustrator with incredible promise when it comes to storytelling. It is very impressive to be able to confidently say she has been able to not only write stories, but also get those published and then sold. I am curious about what the future could hold with other stories she may be considering telling or is already in the process of creating, and I hope she continues with her success.
May 15, 2026
Great book, but I would only encourage it for mature readers so that they don't mistake the animals actions as solutions for their problems.
This is a well put together and thoughtful book which can help you understand that you are not along in your thoughts. I do like that the animals have a space and partner to share their deep struggles with, though it is not the place that thought it was or sometimes the partner they should be sharing with.
This is a well put together and thoughtful book which can help you understand that you are not along in your thoughts. I do like that the animals have a space and partner to share their deep struggles with, though it is not the place that thought it was or sometimes the partner they should be sharing with.
May 22, 2026
This book is so beautiful yet devastating. To be able to see yourself in some of the characters statements is a bit heavy at times but to have something to relate to is comforting. The authors note “none of us are unique in our struggles to belong” as one of her final phrases was the cherry on top and is going to stick with me for a long while
February 2, 2026
Not what I expected ...
But so much more.
I see myself in many of the characters - butterfly, fox, raven, et al.
We all want to be seen and known to someone.
But we also feel that we aren't worth knowing.
But so much more.
I see myself in many of the characters - butterfly, fox, raven, et al.
We all want to be seen and known to someone.
But we also feel that we aren't worth knowing.
December 31, 2025
“the pain is not proof you are broken, it is proof you are human”
my god did i love this book.
∞/5
everyone should read this at least once.
my god did i love this book.
∞/5
everyone should read this at least once.
January 13, 2026
I felt an overwhelming kinship with the Fox.
January 14, 2026
Read this in one sitting and will definitely will be reading again.
January 16, 2026
A short read with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and characters that I found small bits of comforting familiarity in. The authors note at the end was a nice wrap-up to the story.
February 14, 2026
real good, fav picture book in a while
April 6, 2026
Awesome read. Like if Animal Farm was instead set in a diner.
April 13, 2026
Soul Touching
This book truly resonated with me. It is a beautifully tragic story. I felt so many different emotions while I read.
This book truly resonated with me. It is a beautifully tragic story. I felt so many different emotions while I read.
May 7, 2026
A book that makes you fall in love with the author's imagination and train of thought
May 10, 2026
Hauntingly beautiful artwork and philosophy
May 26, 2026
What a wild ride this was- quite profound! I loved the ending (if I can even call it that).
May 30, 2026
Beautiful. Poetic. Makes you think. Could not put it down. Simple yet lovely and powerful illustrations.
January 2, 2026
Dark and beautiful, a quick read that pulls at the threads of belonging and purpose.
May 3, 2026
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews