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Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism: Comics on Relationships, Life & Food
“Prudence’s comics are highly relatable and a large portion of them highlight the issues of the modern woman (or man). A truly wonderful comic artist!” —Relatable DoodlesBad at Adulting, Good at Feminism is the debut collection from Prudence Geerts. Never-before-seen comic strips bundled with all the best Planet Prudence comics. This book will make you laugh at the awkward moments we all go through as we learn to be functioning adults in society and, hopefully, learn to make the world a better place.We all “Am I the only one who acts like this? Am I the only one who goes through this moment in life?” Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism shows you that you’re not. It laughs with you at the struggles you’re going through as women fight for equal pay, respect and realistic role models. Filled with love, laughter and food Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism helps us realize that we’re all not so different after all.Readers will strips about the hilarious reality of work, relationships, dating, exercise, and beautyInspirational illustrations about being confident and loving yourself“Planet Prudence proves that the struggle is real for millennials.” —PopSugar“A great little book for anyone who wants to laugh along with Geerts and enjoy a young woman’s artistic perspective on the world at large. If you’ve ever suffered from social anxiety, called your cat your best friend, or had a semi-love affair with pizza, this book is definitely for you . . . It’s a short, fun read, and Geerts’ comics are worth coming back to again and again.” —Philly Life & Culture
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2018
4 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Prudence Geerts
1 book2 followersMy name is Prudence and I’m a Belgian dreamer/illustrator/cat-hugger.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to make a living out of it, so I would be able to spend life doing something I love. My love for books, sketchbooks and pencils are eternal and if I had the possibility to buy all of them, I most definitely would.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to make a living out of it, so I would be able to spend life doing something I love. My love for books, sketchbooks and pencils are eternal and if I had the possibility to buy all of them, I most definitely would.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 13, 2018
Honestly, this book seemed to be very little about "adulting" and very little about feminism (there were A LOT of comics about how the author is not like other girls). Did focus a lot on self worth, which was nice, it just wasn't for me.
September 6, 2018
I’d like to crack a joke like, “I love this title because it’s basically my life” except that would be a lie, because I’m actually killing it at adulting this year … not that I want to be. Sometimes just have to. Still, Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism really does have an excellent title. Prudence Geerts has produced a cornucopia of tiny comics that illustrate, reflect upon, and poke fun at her own experiences, the way she sees the world, and the way the world might see her. As the title implies, she is, of course, discussing that millennial experience of growing up as the web came of age, of transitioning into adulthood in the age of social media, and, in her case, of being a woman all at the same time. There is a lot in here that I think would resonate with many readers, particularly people in that millennial bracket—but these experiences are by no means unique to that generation.
Geerts’ cartoon style is interesting. Her comics usually feature a version of herself, with occasional guest characters (mostly her cat). They present a story in a minimum of words and an economy of visuals. The most predominant comic form is that of a side-by-side of two situations, either two of Geerts, or Geerts and someone else (often a hyper-idealized stereotypical woman), to depict the “expectation” versus the “reality” of a situation. These ones in particular are always clever, and even when they don’t apply to me, I can still sympathize with and understand the point Geerts makes with each one.
Small content note/trigger warning for aromisic language: the section titled “Love Letters” begins with the phrase, “We all fall in love at least once in our lives…”, and the section is quite obviously about the ups and downs of romantic love. These kinds of blanket statements are dehumanizing for aromantic people; not everyone falls “in love” in the sense almost always meant by that phrase. One could simply change it to, “Many of us fall in love at least once in our lives…” and suddenly it isn’t a universal that excludes/erases aro people.
There may be other problematic aspects to these comics, but most of them are about experiences quite different from my own, so it isn’t really my lane to comment on that. I have some thoughts about the “feminism” portion of the adulting/feminist content … suffice it to say, I just think that I’m in a somewhat different place right now in terms of the type of feminist reading I’m looking for. But I really don’t want to invalidate the work that Geerts has put into these comics, because they do embody feminist ideas and messages, and for some people they might land.
Also, this is not the type of book I really enjoy reading. Novels are, of course, my primary jam. When I read comics, I tend to gravitate towards graphic novels. Collections of comics don’t do as well with me. If I had read some of Geerts’ comics individually somewhere, I would definitely be entertained, just as I am with xkcd, or The Oatmeal, etc., even though I’m not a huge fan of collection books in general. My friend Rebecca, who lent me this book, absolutely loved it. And I can see why she did! There are delightful things about it. She also pointed out to me that it wasn’t really meant to be read cover-from-cover, as I did, but rather dipped into and sipped at, and that’s a valid point.
And this raises an interesting philosophical issue of literary criticism. When a reader doesn’t consume a book in the way it was intended to be consumed, is that on them? If I attend an arthouse drama and then complain there weren’t enough explosions, aren’t I being a dick for not tempering my expectations to the form? So can I really even properly rate a book if I think I haven’t experienced it in a way that does it justice? Aren’t I being a grumpy curmudgeon?
I mean, you can see that I’ve obviously rated this book. But this is all just a long-winded disclaimer to remind you I’m just here to record my thoughts, and this review is probably not the one you want to be reading if you’re trying to decide whether or not to read this book. Unless you are me, in which case … you’ve already read this book, Ben. Get with the program.
Anyway, I liked many of these comics individually. I like the idea behind the collection, even if the execution isn’t everything I wanted. I definitely think that a lot of people could pick up this collection and enjoy it—for me, personally, Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism has its moments but overall didn’t leave me wanting more.
Geerts’ cartoon style is interesting. Her comics usually feature a version of herself, with occasional guest characters (mostly her cat). They present a story in a minimum of words and an economy of visuals. The most predominant comic form is that of a side-by-side of two situations, either two of Geerts, or Geerts and someone else (often a hyper-idealized stereotypical woman), to depict the “expectation” versus the “reality” of a situation. These ones in particular are always clever, and even when they don’t apply to me, I can still sympathize with and understand the point Geerts makes with each one.
Small content note/trigger warning for aromisic language: the section titled “Love Letters” begins with the phrase, “We all fall in love at least once in our lives…”, and the section is quite obviously about the ups and downs of romantic love. These kinds of blanket statements are dehumanizing for aromantic people; not everyone falls “in love” in the sense almost always meant by that phrase. One could simply change it to, “Many of us fall in love at least once in our lives…” and suddenly it isn’t a universal that excludes/erases aro people.
There may be other problematic aspects to these comics, but most of them are about experiences quite different from my own, so it isn’t really my lane to comment on that. I have some thoughts about the “feminism” portion of the adulting/feminist content … suffice it to say, I just think that I’m in a somewhat different place right now in terms of the type of feminist reading I’m looking for. But I really don’t want to invalidate the work that Geerts has put into these comics, because they do embody feminist ideas and messages, and for some people they might land.
Also, this is not the type of book I really enjoy reading. Novels are, of course, my primary jam. When I read comics, I tend to gravitate towards graphic novels. Collections of comics don’t do as well with me. If I had read some of Geerts’ comics individually somewhere, I would definitely be entertained, just as I am with xkcd, or The Oatmeal, etc., even though I’m not a huge fan of collection books in general. My friend Rebecca, who lent me this book, absolutely loved it. And I can see why she did! There are delightful things about it. She also pointed out to me that it wasn’t really meant to be read cover-from-cover, as I did, but rather dipped into and sipped at, and that’s a valid point.
And this raises an interesting philosophical issue of literary criticism. When a reader doesn’t consume a book in the way it was intended to be consumed, is that on them? If I attend an arthouse drama and then complain there weren’t enough explosions, aren’t I being a dick for not tempering my expectations to the form? So can I really even properly rate a book if I think I haven’t experienced it in a way that does it justice? Aren’t I being a grumpy curmudgeon?
I mean, you can see that I’ve obviously rated this book. But this is all just a long-winded disclaimer to remind you I’m just here to record my thoughts, and this review is probably not the one you want to be reading if you’re trying to decide whether or not to read this book. Unless you are me, in which case … you’ve already read this book, Ben. Get with the program.
Anyway, I liked many of these comics individually. I like the idea behind the collection, even if the execution isn’t everything I wanted. I definitely think that a lot of people could pick up this collection and enjoy it—for me, personally, Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism has its moments but overall didn’t leave me wanting more.
January 10, 2019
Divertido, muita identificação com situações da vida adulta real, mas nada muito memorável.
August 10, 2021
Book 237 of 2021
2.5 ✨
2.5 ✨
January 5, 2019
I’ve just read a few other books from people who are popular online for their comics and art, and because of that this one fell flat I think.
I feel like at least 50% of it was just really boring, or full of generic examples of “other girls - then me”, or in some cases just a random drawing of something with no words, like one where it’s just her at a bar with two friends...standing there drinking? Ok? I don’t know, I was just really bored! And it might just be me, but I thought some of the sections were so short as well. It was like “oh a bit about cats now? That’s fun- oh and it’s over.”
I feel like I’m being really negative, because the art is cute and it’s great that it includes bits about CFS, chronic pain, body confidence and more, but the majority of it was just mild jokes or relatable stuff that everyone always does, and I’ve seen it done better in the other books I’ve just read.
I’m pleased for the artist though, that she can do what she loves now because she obviously is really grateful and passionate about her art and being able to do it. And really my only problem is that this isn’t my cup of tea, I’m sure lots of people would enjoy it and obviously lots of people do.
I feel like at least 50% of it was just really boring, or full of generic examples of “other girls - then me”, or in some cases just a random drawing of something with no words, like one where it’s just her at a bar with two friends...standing there drinking? Ok? I don’t know, I was just really bored! And it might just be me, but I thought some of the sections were so short as well. It was like “oh a bit about cats now? That’s fun- oh and it’s over.”
I feel like I’m being really negative, because the art is cute and it’s great that it includes bits about CFS, chronic pain, body confidence and more, but the majority of it was just mild jokes or relatable stuff that everyone always does, and I’ve seen it done better in the other books I’ve just read.
I’m pleased for the artist though, that she can do what she loves now because she obviously is really grateful and passionate about her art and being able to do it. And really my only problem is that this isn’t my cup of tea, I’m sure lots of people would enjoy it and obviously lots of people do.
September 5, 2020
This should be called Okay-ish at adulting, bad at feminism. Though it's not really about either... For someone calling herself a feminist, the author spends a lot of time drawing comics pointing out how she's ~not like other girls~. Also uses the term spirit animal, erases aromantic people, doesn't use trigger warnings and throws around the word crazy. The fact that the chapter about period was called 'We are female, hear us roar' bothered me too. Not all women have periods and not everyone who has periods is a woman. Reminder: feminism isn't feminism unless it's intersectional.
That said, because I like ending on a positive note, the drawing style is cute and the focus on self-love is lovely. So there's that...
That said, because I like ending on a positive note, the drawing style is cute and the focus on self-love is lovely. So there's that...
October 10, 2019
I really wanted to like this. There is a lot to like: her honesty, relatable feelings/situations, and adorable artwork... but for some reason, I just kept feeling like... I SHOULD like this, but felt as though something was lacking or off, and I cannot explain why... I guess this just wasn't for me.
December 30, 2021
2018 would recommend it to everyone.
2021: Dit is het perfecte toilet boek. In plaats van even op mijn gsm Tiktoks te kijken, keek ik even in dit boek. Zeker een aanrader als je langer dan een minuut op het toilet moet zitten.
2021: Dit is het perfecte toilet boek. In plaats van even op mijn gsm Tiktoks te kijken, keek ik even in dit boek. Zeker een aanrader als je langer dan een minuut op het toilet moet zitten.
February 4, 2019
Bravo! Bravo!!!
December 2, 2020
Like other reviewers have pointed out, this book is not about adulting, and it is not about feminism. Maybe it's about depression, but the author wants to be chipper about it. She's a good enough cartoonist. I just found very little to enjoy here.
November 4, 2023
This book claims to be "Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism," which gives you the impression it'll be about adulting and feminism, yet it's more just "Hi, I'm not like other girls," and very little actual thought. I'm not trying to minimize the author's experiences, but it just wasn't very interesting, or funny. Mostly bland and sometimes even straight up rude, with a few kinda relatable illustrations here and there.
November 16, 2021
I like my comics to pack a punch, but this was very underwhelming, unfortunately.
February 28, 2021
Literally filled with a lot of “ I’m not like other girls” stuff.
May 7, 2022
no depth of thought and very childish for a book claiming to reflect on adulthood and feminism 🤡
July 31, 2022
It was just OK. Some cute comics but I guess I was expecting more feminism 🤷♀️
May 20, 2019
What an utterly relatable series of comics! Everything from periods to chronic fatigue and social anxiety, I was nodding and laughing along. Highly recommend for a laugh and super fast read.
December 27, 2018
I really liked this. So many were spot on.
My favorite: "You don't have to prove your invisible illness to ignorant people." So true and so worth remembering.
I will say I don't think the title really fits, though I do like it.
4.5
My favorite: "You don't have to prove your invisible illness to ignorant people." So true and so worth remembering.
I will say I don't think the title really fits, though I do like it.
4.5
June 8, 2018
Such a cute/funny and relatable comic! Feminism, funny moments, and life in general- you will be laughing your way through this! Highly recommend
November 24, 2018
Loved this gem.
August 10, 2019
Alternate title: OK at Adulting, Bad at Feminism.
September 13, 2021
The comics were cute and the material covered was very relatable.
March 28, 2023
It felt a bit childish, but not in a good way 😔
July 17, 2022
2 ★
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"Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism" es un libro bastante flojo que nos engaña desde su título. Si bien hay comics de "ser adulto", no hay realmente nada que haga foco en feminismo -especialmente con la cantidad de paneles de "no soy como las otras chicas", un criterio que a esta altura del partido debería estar eliminado-.
Lo que sí tiene, son comics dedicados a "amarse a unos mismo", lamentablemente las reflexiones en esos casos caen más del lado de la autora diciendo que está conforme consigo misma que dando un mensaje de aceptación.
Si bien hay muchos libros que pueden estar en línea con la temática -y hay algunos muy buenos y reflexivos-, en este caso no hay nada que destacar, no hay historia personal ni profundidad para empatizar con los paneles, y eso lo vuelve olvidable.
El único punto fuerte del libro es el arte que es adorable, pero no puede hacer mucho con chises reptidos y mensajes sin sustento.
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"Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism" is a misleading title for this book. It does have several comics about "adulting" but saying "Good at Feminism" it's a stretch.
Personally, it rubs me in the wrong way the number of comics about "I'm not like other girls" this book has. I do recognize that the focus on self-worth, was nice even if borderline toxic positivity, but millage may vary.
The art is cute, definitively the strongest point, but the majority of the panels seem to be already done, funnier, or more nuanced in other books.
Overall, I got the feeling this type of comic probably works better online but in this collection, it was just messy and boring.
---
"Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism" es un libro bastante flojo que nos engaña desde su título. Si bien hay comics de "ser adulto", no hay realmente nada que haga foco en feminismo -especialmente con la cantidad de paneles de "no soy como las otras chicas", un criterio que a esta altura del partido debería estar eliminado-.
Lo que sí tiene, son comics dedicados a "amarse a unos mismo", lamentablemente las reflexiones en esos casos caen más del lado de la autora diciendo que está conforme consigo misma que dando un mensaje de aceptación.
Si bien hay muchos libros que pueden estar en línea con la temática -y hay algunos muy buenos y reflexivos-, en este caso no hay nada que destacar, no hay historia personal ni profundidad para empatizar con los paneles, y eso lo vuelve olvidable.
El único punto fuerte del libro es el arte que es adorable, pero no puede hacer mucho con chises reptidos y mensajes sin sustento.
---
"Bad at Adulting, Good at Feminism" is a misleading title for this book. It does have several comics about "adulting" but saying "Good at Feminism" it's a stretch.
Personally, it rubs me in the wrong way the number of comics about "I'm not like other girls" this book has. I do recognize that the focus on self-worth, was nice even if borderline toxic positivity, but millage may vary.
The art is cute, definitively the strongest point, but the majority of the panels seem to be already done, funnier, or more nuanced in other books.
Overall, I got the feeling this type of comic probably works better online but in this collection, it was just messy and boring.
May 26, 2020
Prudence gets right to the heart of why it’s so HARD to be a grown-ass woman right now. If you’ve ever looked at yourself and wondered if you’re doing it right then you can relate to the comics she’s drawn and shared in this book.
Prudence takes you on a journey, a personal voyage, that not only lets you into her world but reminds you how connected our experiences are- regardless of where we’re from or what our age differences may be.
You’ll see yourself drawn on these pages and it makes it all seem a little more manageable. What is ‘it’?
Heartbreak. Snacks. School. Shitty jobs. Periods. Chronic illness. Growing up and adulting in a world that is more tumultuous than we ever could have imagined.
Prudence takes you on a journey, a personal voyage, that not only lets you into her world but reminds you how connected our experiences are- regardless of where we’re from or what our age differences may be.
You’ll see yourself drawn on these pages and it makes it all seem a little more manageable. What is ‘it’?
Heartbreak. Snacks. School. Shitty jobs. Periods. Chronic illness. Growing up and adulting in a world that is more tumultuous than we ever could have imagined.
May 17, 2019
There are so many webcomics dealing with adulting experiences from the perspective of an awkward animal lover -- Sarah's Scribbles, Pigeon Gazette, Our Super Adventure, Adam Ellis etc-- that it takes originality and personality to stand out from the pack.
This book is unfortunately a collection of familiar observations with a below average art style. And, for someone who claims to be good at feminism, there are an awful lot of comics negatively comparing herself to "other girls"-- portrayed as busty, sexed-up stereotypes.
This book is unfortunately a collection of familiar observations with a below average art style. And, for someone who claims to be good at feminism, there are an awful lot of comics negatively comparing herself to "other girls"-- portrayed as busty, sexed-up stereotypes.
October 20, 2019
I recently picked up getting back into reading again and for this to be the first source of material was pretty disappointing (And yes, I see this might be my fault on my part); I didn’t get past the first few pages. I could already see this wasn’t really about feminism or adulting but more about how not like other girls/ pick me the author is, whether or not that was her intention. I believe the best in people, so I hope the author has grown out of this mentality. Unless you’re just looking for a reallyyy easy read to pass time (such as waiting in line), I wouldn’t recommend at all.
October 12, 2021
Rating 2.60
Loved the overall colors and the size of this book, super fast paced due to normally having illustrations to express thousand words, Liked the possible conversations that were raised in this book, focusing on women, self worth, self acceptance and introverts. But Unfortunately it is Definitely not for me, but loved some of the illustrations and the reality knock out spilled inside of it, first time getting to know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Authors background made me inspired and made me believe that anything is possible after Phoenix raises from his/her ashes✨
Loved the overall colors and the size of this book, super fast paced due to normally having illustrations to express thousand words, Liked the possible conversations that were raised in this book, focusing on women, self worth, self acceptance and introverts. But Unfortunately it is Definitely not for me, but loved some of the illustrations and the reality knock out spilled inside of it, first time getting to know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Authors background made me inspired and made me believe that anything is possible after Phoenix raises from his/her ashes✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews