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Bird Brain: Comics About Mental Health, Starring Pigeons
Anxiety is a wild ride. Often, there seems to be an assumption that if you’re mentally ill, you just sit around and cry all the time. There is a certain amount of that, true, but there’s also much more to it.
Chuck Mullin has won fans with these funny, quirky pigeons that illustrate how mental health affects her everyday life. From Bad Times to Positivity, the comics use humour to provide a glimpse of what’s going on in Chuck’s head: dissociative episodes; cycles of anxiety; her struggle to accept she’s not alone; and the power of optimism on the days it’s possible.
Chuck Mullin has won fans with these funny, quirky pigeons that illustrate how mental health affects her everyday life. From Bad Times to Positivity, the comics use humour to provide a glimpse of what’s going on in Chuck’s head: dissociative episodes; cycles of anxiety; her struggle to accept she’s not alone; and the power of optimism on the days it’s possible.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
19 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 21, 2019
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Maybe all of us have a little pigeon inside of us, who knows, so, be kinder to them next time you see them running around a square, looking for something to eat.
Well, I've sort of liked this.
The art is not really my cup of tea, and I have to say that unfortunately, this comics does not really stand up to the qualities of similar comics. I was not previously familiar with the author and I'm still trying to decide whether I'm going to follow his current work.
However, I think the visual portrayal of depression is well done, as well as the side effects. It's strange to mark this as something positive, but I think that the author did a fabulous job with this. It was not something I've expected when I opened this book and it ended up being the strongest point of this book.
Maybe all of us have a little pigeon inside of us, who knows, so, be kinder to them next time you see them running around a square, looking for something to eat.
Well, I've sort of liked this.
The art is not really my cup of tea, and I have to say that unfortunately, this comics does not really stand up to the qualities of similar comics. I was not previously familiar with the author and I'm still trying to decide whether I'm going to follow his current work.
However, I think the visual portrayal of depression is well done, as well as the side effects. It's strange to mark this as something positive, but I think that the author did a fabulous job with this. It was not something I've expected when I opened this book and it ended up being the strongest point of this book.
November 19, 2019
I wasn’t familiar with Chuck Mullin’s pigeon comics on Instagram but found the cover and premise of this book to be inviting. I expected it to filled with comics but ultimately got so much more. Interspersed between the comics are short essays revealing Chuck Mullin’s personal experiences with mental illness: what it feels like, how it affects your life and how to cope with it and feel better. The essays are very honest, relatable and heartfelt. Mullin takes a serious subject but is able to discuss it, through words and pictures, in a friendly and inspirational way that will at times put a smile on your face.
I was curious as to the choice of pigeons for the comic. Mullin explains overhearing a couple commenting on the pigeons nearby, saying they are “rats with wings.” She felt bad for the pigeons, imagining them being insulted and feeling awful about themselves, and went home and doodled about it. The response to the comic was so positive that she continued drawing pigeons.
I thought about a deeper meaning for the use of pigeons to illustrate her struggle with mental illness. If you have lived in a city, you know that if you walk by pigeons and yell SHOOO or make some loud noise, they will fly away. Pigeons are very sensitive. Also, the notion of flying away to escape negative situations and/or feelings seems apropos. I am reminded of the flight or fight response to a perceived threat. So maybe it was by chance that Mullin chose pigeons but I think they are well suited to the task.
The book is divided into three sections - Bad Times, Relationships and Positivity. While I understand the logical sequence of starting with depression and building up to feeling better, it was tough to read. To put it bluntly, I found the first section to be very depressing, showing how bad things can get. Note that It actually shows the skills of the author to so perfectly capture what it feels like when one is anxious or depressed. She really nails it!
Bird Brain is a very honest yet entertaining look at mental illness - what it feels like, how to cope and ultimately how to feel better. The comics can be funny and witty but this little book carries a big message — you are not alone and it is possible to feel better. It is filled with practical advice and is a much needed resource in this day and age when mental illness can be misunderstood. Besides discussing medication, the importance of support and self-care, we also learn about finding small moments of happiness.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was curious as to the choice of pigeons for the comic. Mullin explains overhearing a couple commenting on the pigeons nearby, saying they are “rats with wings.” She felt bad for the pigeons, imagining them being insulted and feeling awful about themselves, and went home and doodled about it. The response to the comic was so positive that she continued drawing pigeons.
I thought about a deeper meaning for the use of pigeons to illustrate her struggle with mental illness. If you have lived in a city, you know that if you walk by pigeons and yell SHOOO or make some loud noise, they will fly away. Pigeons are very sensitive. Also, the notion of flying away to escape negative situations and/or feelings seems apropos. I am reminded of the flight or fight response to a perceived threat. So maybe it was by chance that Mullin chose pigeons but I think they are well suited to the task.
The book is divided into three sections - Bad Times, Relationships and Positivity. While I understand the logical sequence of starting with depression and building up to feeling better, it was tough to read. To put it bluntly, I found the first section to be very depressing, showing how bad things can get. Note that It actually shows the skills of the author to so perfectly capture what it feels like when one is anxious or depressed. She really nails it!
Bird Brain is a very honest yet entertaining look at mental illness - what it feels like, how to cope and ultimately how to feel better. The comics can be funny and witty but this little book carries a big message — you are not alone and it is possible to feel better. It is filled with practical advice and is a much needed resource in this day and age when mental illness can be misunderstood. Besides discussing medication, the importance of support and self-care, we also learn about finding small moments of happiness.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 29, 2019
I loved Chuck Mullin's little pigeon comics, so when I saw that she was releasing this collection, I jumped at the chance to read it — and I'm so glad I did.
The comics are spaced out with a couple of pages here and there that tell the author's own story with her mental illness, treatment, and her journey to the self-love she's begun to find for herself, and it's really wonderful and touching. I definitely teared up a few times over how much I related to her thoughts and worries, but it was also so comforting to see that she's found things that work for her, and it gives me hope that I can find things that work for me, too. (I've even opted to steal a few of her ideas, like saying one kind thing to yourself in the mirror every day)
If you struggle with mental illness at all, especially anxiety and depression, I can't recommend this collection enough. You'll laugh, you'll get all kinds of Feels™, and I can almost guarantee you'll love these little anxious pigeons as much as I did.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The comics are spaced out with a couple of pages here and there that tell the author's own story with her mental illness, treatment, and her journey to the self-love she's begun to find for herself, and it's really wonderful and touching. I definitely teared up a few times over how much I related to her thoughts and worries, but it was also so comforting to see that she's found things that work for her, and it gives me hope that I can find things that work for me, too. (I've even opted to steal a few of her ideas, like saying one kind thing to yourself in the mirror every day)
If you struggle with mental illness at all, especially anxiety and depression, I can't recommend this collection enough. You'll laugh, you'll get all kinds of Feels™, and I can almost guarantee you'll love these little anxious pigeons as much as I did.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 15, 2019
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss
I love the pigeon comics, who doesn't? So of course I grabbed Bird Brain like three seconds after I saw it available on Edelweiss. Didn't even read the blurb.
And because of that, I was expecting something much lighter, maybe just an anthology of the comics up to this point - I've read some of those for other we'll loved online comics. They're usually great. What I didn't expect though, is an incredibly open, heart-wrenching and tea jerking short essay collection, interspersed with said comics. And I'm not having the best of days myself, so in case I'm not making it clear enough: IT WAS GREAT.
Based on the little essays and how relatable they are, I am beginning to think that all people who have anxiety (yours truly included) have THE SAME demon sitting on their shoulder. It's surprising to think that some of the words by the author, entire paragraphs even, could be word for word transcriptions of what MY anxiety says to ME. Why do we all still listen to this demon? I don't know. But I'm glad that at least we can sometimes be reminded that we're not alone, feeling like that.
And that's precisely what this book is for. It's not glaringly positive and it won't motivate you into feeling better. It's real and it won't lie to you - mental illness is not some easy, short phase. But reading Bird Brain will help you feel less alone. And maybe even make you smile a little.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
I love the pigeon comics, who doesn't? So of course I grabbed Bird Brain like three seconds after I saw it available on Edelweiss. Didn't even read the blurb.
And because of that, I was expecting something much lighter, maybe just an anthology of the comics up to this point - I've read some of those for other we'll loved online comics. They're usually great. What I didn't expect though, is an incredibly open, heart-wrenching and tea jerking short essay collection, interspersed with said comics. And I'm not having the best of days myself, so in case I'm not making it clear enough: IT WAS GREAT.
Based on the little essays and how relatable they are, I am beginning to think that all people who have anxiety (yours truly included) have THE SAME demon sitting on their shoulder. It's surprising to think that some of the words by the author, entire paragraphs even, could be word for word transcriptions of what MY anxiety says to ME. Why do we all still listen to this demon? I don't know. But I'm glad that at least we can sometimes be reminded that we're not alone, feeling like that.
And that's precisely what this book is for. It's not glaringly positive and it won't motivate you into feeling better. It's real and it won't lie to you - mental illness is not some easy, short phase. But reading Bird Brain will help you feel less alone. And maybe even make you smile a little.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
November 29, 2019
I also have a thing for pigeons. I honestly thought I was the only one. In this amazing work, the author tells about dealing with her mental illness. The pigeon drawings were sort of a therapy. I guess that people have to do whatever makes them happy. The author's excitement for this book is so lovely considering that the reader is aware of her anxiety. It's almost as if I know her, as if we could be friends.
Besides telling her story, the author provides a lot of information on mental illness. I've never heard of dissociative episodes until this book. Even if you don't experience anxiety, everyone could use reading this book just to understand that many people you love could be suffering from it and that's ok. The drawings were very entertaining to follow. I could relate to many things told in this book and I'm glad I'm not alone in this. "Improvement is not a linear process."
Besides telling her story, the author provides a lot of information on mental illness. I've never heard of dissociative episodes until this book. Even if you don't experience anxiety, everyone could use reading this book just to understand that many people you love could be suffering from it and that's ok. The drawings were very entertaining to follow. I could relate to many things told in this book and I'm glad I'm not alone in this. "Improvement is not a linear process."
did-not-finish
December 10, 2019DNF @ 54%
It's tricky when you're reviewing something so personal. But I couldn't finish this one, and I feel I should mention the reasons why, since it might save someone else an unpleasant experience.
Let me start by saying I have no problem with the premise or the intent behind these comics, at least individually. It's brave for anyone to share their mental health struggles with a bunch of perfect strangers. No, my problem is not so much the subject matter. In the case of this book, it's a quality versus quantity issue... and the quantity is what's causing the problem.
If I'd come across these as web comics, encountering them one at a time, I might have liked them more. The problem, as I see it, comes when they're all put into one place. It leads to overwhelm (especially for those who might be suffering from mental health issues themselves). I felt the same way about The Grumpy Guide to Life, which was a book that collected a bunch of Grumpy Cat memes. One or two are amusing. A whole book of them leaves you feeling like you hate humanity. Bird Brain suffers from the same problem; where one comic might have seemed insightful and witty, a whole bunch of them together feels like the book is starting to beat the reader over the head. I had issues with the "Bad Times" section, because all of those comics about the pigeon getting overwhelmed at parties just left me scratching my head and wondering why the pigeon didn't just stop going to parties if they were that torturous. But it was the "Relationships" section that really put the nail in the coffin for me. One or two comics about relationship insecurities and a great partner would've been fine. Comic after comic about how supportive and perfect the pigeon's partner is comes across as a bit tone deaf (many people with severe mental health issues don't have a partner, and it kind of rubs salt in the wound to see this point belaboured the way it is). I don't think it was the intent, but this section comes across as a little braggy; I don't think I would've felt the same way had I encountered the comics one at a time in some other format.
I'm also not a fan of the huge chunks of explanatory text (I thought I was getting a collection of comics, not a prose memoir) or the way the author generalizes mental illness as if all conditions are the same. You don't see people trying to compare a broken finger to colon cancer, even though they're both physical ailments... so I don't appreciate having all mental illness lumped together, either.
The pigeons are amusingly drawn and, like I said, I might have liked these better if I'd encountered them one at a time. In a collection, it's all just too much. Sometimes comics work better in a serial format; not every comic needs to be collected into a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.
It's tricky when you're reviewing something so personal. But I couldn't finish this one, and I feel I should mention the reasons why, since it might save someone else an unpleasant experience.
Let me start by saying I have no problem with the premise or the intent behind these comics, at least individually. It's brave for anyone to share their mental health struggles with a bunch of perfect strangers. No, my problem is not so much the subject matter. In the case of this book, it's a quality versus quantity issue... and the quantity is what's causing the problem.
If I'd come across these as web comics, encountering them one at a time, I might have liked them more. The problem, as I see it, comes when they're all put into one place. It leads to overwhelm (especially for those who might be suffering from mental health issues themselves). I felt the same way about The Grumpy Guide to Life, which was a book that collected a bunch of Grumpy Cat memes. One or two are amusing. A whole book of them leaves you feeling like you hate humanity. Bird Brain suffers from the same problem; where one comic might have seemed insightful and witty, a whole bunch of them together feels like the book is starting to beat the reader over the head. I had issues with the "Bad Times" section, because all of those comics about the pigeon getting overwhelmed at parties just left me scratching my head and wondering why the pigeon didn't just stop going to parties if they were that torturous. But it was the "Relationships" section that really put the nail in the coffin for me. One or two comics about relationship insecurities and a great partner would've been fine. Comic after comic about how supportive and perfect the pigeon's partner is comes across as a bit tone deaf (many people with severe mental health issues don't have a partner, and it kind of rubs salt in the wound to see this point belaboured the way it is). I don't think it was the intent, but this section comes across as a little braggy; I don't think I would've felt the same way had I encountered the comics one at a time in some other format.
I'm also not a fan of the huge chunks of explanatory text (I thought I was getting a collection of comics, not a prose memoir) or the way the author generalizes mental illness as if all conditions are the same. You don't see people trying to compare a broken finger to colon cancer, even though they're both physical ailments... so I don't appreciate having all mental illness lumped together, either.
The pigeons are amusingly drawn and, like I said, I might have liked these better if I'd encountered them one at a time. In a collection, it's all just too much. Sometimes comics work better in a serial format; not every comic needs to be collected into a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.
August 18, 2024
The author opens up about their mental health struggles and uses a combination of prose and comics using pigeons. It's raw and direct, very well written, and the illustrations highlight the author's experiences sometimes with a touch of light-heartedness, humor, and snark to get their point across. I'm not sure how to rate this because I don't want to 'rate' someone's mental health journey, that just feels wrong! It is thought provoking and extends compassion to others who struggle with anxiety and depression, and acknowledges those who support and love people who experience this as well. A lot packed into a little comic illustration set. Well done!
November 18, 2019
The artwork is not clean and well-defined but it could be intentional.
The Summary of the book:
Anxiety is a wild ride...
When Chuck Mullin began experiencing anxiety and depression as a teenager, she started drawing comics to help her make sense of the roller coaster. Eventually, she found that pigeons - lovable quirky, yet universally reviled creatures - were the ideal subjects of a comic about mental illness. Organized in three sections and featuring several short essays, Bird Brain is a collection of brutally honest, brilliantly weird comics offering a glimpse into the author's world: her dissociative episodes, her cycles of anxiety, her struggles to accept that she's not alone, and the power of her optimism on days when it's possible.
I enjoyed it and even though, I might have skimmed those short essays (*guilty), it is an enjoyable and informative book to read.
The Summary of the book:
Anxiety is a wild ride...
When Chuck Mullin began experiencing anxiety and depression as a teenager, she started drawing comics to help her make sense of the roller coaster. Eventually, she found that pigeons - lovable quirky, yet universally reviled creatures - were the ideal subjects of a comic about mental illness. Organized in three sections and featuring several short essays, Bird Brain is a collection of brutally honest, brilliantly weird comics offering a glimpse into the author's world: her dissociative episodes, her cycles of anxiety, her struggles to accept that she's not alone, and the power of her optimism on days when it's possible.
I enjoyed it and even though, I might have skimmed those short essays (*guilty), it is an enjoyable and informative book to read.
November 27, 2023
A lot of the writing felt a bit over the top like the author was trying too hard to be funny at several points. The comics are okay, but it was hard to get into with the paragraphs of personal text between the comics that kind of pulled away from the story. It was very gloomy and dark from the parts that I read. I didn't finish because I found it overwhelming for me personally.
November 4, 2019
I received a copy of Bird Brain through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bird Brain is a charming collection of Chuck Mullin's works. Her comics are deeply personal, as she documents her struggles with anxiety and depression. And hopefully writing these comics helped her own those a bit too, giving her a bit more control in her life.
These comics are chuckle working, of course. But they'll also resonate with many readers out there. And that is why this collection is so absolutely wonderful. There's something so powerful about being able to read light comics such as these, and then seeing them touch upon some of the toughest things in our lives.
Obviously, I loved these comics. They were a combination of quirky and charming. They were brutally open and honest at times, but that added to the charm in many ways. There's something so refreshing about it all.
The art style is another strong element in this series. The characters are all birds, which seems like an odd decision. But their avian characteristics blended well with the plots of each minicomic, and perhaps allow us to take a step back from the brutality that can sometimes come with these struggles.
Plus, they're cute. It doesn't have to be much more than that, does it? I adore the little birds and all of their quirks. There's something silly, but charming about them.
Finally, I love the way this collection was organized. It's cut into three main sections – four if you count the conclusion. Bad Times, Relationships, and Positivity. The flow and grouping of these comics are perfect.
I loved Bird Brain and every comic within this collection. Though I obviously loved some more than others, I also really enjoyed the collection as a whole. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Chuck Mullin in the future.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Bird Brain is a charming collection of Chuck Mullin's works. Her comics are deeply personal, as she documents her struggles with anxiety and depression. And hopefully writing these comics helped her own those a bit too, giving her a bit more control in her life.
These comics are chuckle working, of course. But they'll also resonate with many readers out there. And that is why this collection is so absolutely wonderful. There's something so powerful about being able to read light comics such as these, and then seeing them touch upon some of the toughest things in our lives.
Obviously, I loved these comics. They were a combination of quirky and charming. They were brutally open and honest at times, but that added to the charm in many ways. There's something so refreshing about it all.
The art style is another strong element in this series. The characters are all birds, which seems like an odd decision. But their avian characteristics blended well with the plots of each minicomic, and perhaps allow us to take a step back from the brutality that can sometimes come with these struggles.
Plus, they're cute. It doesn't have to be much more than that, does it? I adore the little birds and all of their quirks. There's something silly, but charming about them.
Finally, I love the way this collection was organized. It's cut into three main sections – four if you count the conclusion. Bad Times, Relationships, and Positivity. The flow and grouping of these comics are perfect.
I loved Bird Brain and every comic within this collection. Though I obviously loved some more than others, I also really enjoyed the collection as a whole. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Chuck Mullin in the future.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 23, 2019
Everyone has to find a way to cope with the things that bother us in life.
Chuck's way to do this was to draw how she felt in different situations, but as a bird.
She tackles family, friends, work, anxiety. It is a tough world out there, and not all meds help the same way.
It is a bit repedetive, but that is probably because it isn't always easy to pull oneself out of the illness.
This should allow others with the same anxiety and mental health problems a good place to connect
Not a coffee table book. .
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Chuck's way to do this was to draw how she felt in different situations, but as a bird.
She tackles family, friends, work, anxiety. It is a tough world out there, and not all meds help the same way.
It is a bit repedetive, but that is probably because it isn't always easy to pull oneself out of the illness.
This should allow others with the same anxiety and mental health problems a good place to connect
Not a coffee table book. .
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
Mental Illness is a topic that isn’t discussed enough. People do not understand it. They lack empathy and are not sympathetic towards those who suffer.
About 20 years ago I struggled with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I have been lucky in that we found a medication that works with few side effects. My son has sever anxiety as does his partner. I have so many friends and family who suffer ... many in silence. We must do better. This little graphic book is written by a young woman in London who suffers. She opened her heart and mind and shared it with us. Her drawings are expressive and and artistic. The vignettes are astute.
If you know someone who has difficulty understanding what a loved one is experiencing, gift them this book. It releases on 19 November.
About 20 years ago I struggled with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I have been lucky in that we found a medication that works with few side effects. My son has sever anxiety as does his partner. I have so many friends and family who suffer ... many in silence. We must do better. This little graphic book is written by a young woman in London who suffers. She opened her heart and mind and shared it with us. Her drawings are expressive and and artistic. The vignettes are astute.
If you know someone who has difficulty understanding what a loved one is experiencing, gift them this book. It releases on 19 November.
October 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. The comics and short essays were very relatable and well written. The author gives an honest view of the struggles that anxiety and depression can throw at you.
I absolutely loved this book. The comics and short essays were very relatable and well written. The author gives an honest view of the struggles that anxiety and depression can throw at you.
November 20, 2019
Well, I didn't expect there to be so much text. I was expecting it to be more like random snippets of a persons life so the blocks of text between transitions explaining the reason the author drew the things they drew took me out of the book and made it less enjoyable. More like a daunting life update of a person you don't even know.
The beginning made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, there is little to no positively and just the deep, dark depths of depression, Slowly we see the main character develop enough that they are learning how to find/make their own happiness. But those blocks of texts keep pulling me out of the story.
I would have liked it a lot more if the text was more integrated with the illustrations and didn't break up the flow so much. I also feel like there was way too much repetition at the beginning of the book, I get that it is about depression and anxiety but it still needs to be enjoyable for the reader so they continue reading and recommend it to there friends. If this was not an ARC copy I probably would have just passed on it after reading the first few segments.
I was not a fan of the drawing style. The eyes of the birds really distracted me. I kept thinking why did they draw their eyes off their body??? Why is there another wall of text??? Oh, the eye again. Ugh!
Depression is no fun, I get it, But there are other books out there that are illustrated and share a journey through depression and anxiety and I enjoyed them and would recommend them. This one not so much.
The beginning made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, there is little to no positively and just the deep, dark depths of depression, Slowly we see the main character develop enough that they are learning how to find/make their own happiness. But those blocks of texts keep pulling me out of the story.
I would have liked it a lot more if the text was more integrated with the illustrations and didn't break up the flow so much. I also feel like there was way too much repetition at the beginning of the book, I get that it is about depression and anxiety but it still needs to be enjoyable for the reader so they continue reading and recommend it to there friends. If this was not an ARC copy I probably would have just passed on it after reading the first few segments.
I was not a fan of the drawing style. The eyes of the birds really distracted me. I kept thinking why did they draw their eyes off their body??? Why is there another wall of text??? Oh, the eye again. Ugh!
Depression is no fun, I get it, But there are other books out there that are illustrated and share a journey through depression and anxiety and I enjoyed them and would recommend them. This one not so much.
November 3, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
October 22, 2019
Bird Brain by Chuck Mullin is a detailed personal reflection on the author's experience of social anxiety and mental illness, as charmingly portrayed by pigeons. Yes, you read that correctly. Although I have not read a vast amount of material on the topic of mental illness, this is the most illuminating, honest, and personal account that I have experienced. Presented through alternating essays and comic strips, the latter featuring said pigeons, I was unprepared for just how relatable so much of the material was and, as a result, this book really resonated with me. I firmly believe that most readers will find the same as they see themselves reflected on these pages.
This book provides an often humorous look at a weighty topic, and I am pleased that the author has found a creative outlet that will surely inspire others. It is heartening to see that the book moves in the direction of positivity and hope. And who doesn't love a googly-eyed pigeon? Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC,
This book provides an often humorous look at a weighty topic, and I am pleased that the author has found a creative outlet that will surely inspire others. It is heartening to see that the book moves in the direction of positivity and hope. And who doesn't love a googly-eyed pigeon? Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC,
July 16, 2021
Me ha gustado sobretodo poder leer la experiencia de la autora con la ansiedad y la depresión.
November 7, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I have been reading Bird Brains comics for some time now ever since I saw them pop up on my feed when they were retweeted by someone else. I fell in love with the style (the pigeon with floating eyes), but also with the comics and what they told/what they are about.
Because these comics are about mental health. In this book it is done in sections, we see how it all started, how it got worse, how things were not good, and how there was a note of positivity at the end. It wasn't always easy to read due how bad things got, and to see the darkness just swallow up everything. See the desperation in the pigeon. Though I got a smile at the last comics which showed us that it was getting better, slowly, but you could see more sunshine, more happiness, and that made me happy.
However.... I came for comics, I thought it was only comics (bundled from online), but there were also essays/written parts. And sorry, while they were good and I thought the author was very brave to write those down next to the comics, I soon skipped them. Again, I came for comics, I wasn't in the mood for 2-3 page long essays/written parts. Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone, and otherwise sorry. Maybe one day I will read this book again and then I will read the written parts.
All in all, I am still very happy I tried this book and I will definitely keep on supporting the author/illustrator, and I want to wish them all the best, I hope there will be more and more happiness and positivity in their life.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been reading Bird Brains comics for some time now ever since I saw them pop up on my feed when they were retweeted by someone else. I fell in love with the style (the pigeon with floating eyes), but also with the comics and what they told/what they are about.
Because these comics are about mental health. In this book it is done in sections, we see how it all started, how it got worse, how things were not good, and how there was a note of positivity at the end. It wasn't always easy to read due how bad things got, and to see the darkness just swallow up everything. See the desperation in the pigeon. Though I got a smile at the last comics which showed us that it was getting better, slowly, but you could see more sunshine, more happiness, and that made me happy.
However.... I came for comics, I thought it was only comics (bundled from online), but there were also essays/written parts. And sorry, while they were good and I thought the author was very brave to write those down next to the comics, I soon skipped them. Again, I came for comics, I wasn't in the mood for 2-3 page long essays/written parts. Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone, and otherwise sorry. Maybe one day I will read this book again and then I will read the written parts.
All in all, I am still very happy I tried this book and I will definitely keep on supporting the author/illustrator, and I want to wish them all the best, I hope there will be more and more happiness and positivity in their life.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 10, 2019
If anyone is curious about mental illness, whether it's their own or about someone they love, I'd recommend this book. Obviously, it's not a substitute for actual help or medical studies but I feel like it's a more relatable/readable version.
Jesus, just reading the foreword and it's like we are the same person. I've never been able to really talk to people about my anxiety, I've always just dealt with it myself. I definitely have never been able to articulate quite what anxiety is/feels like so accurately. Most times you say things like "it feels suffocating", or "it feels like I'm drowning" and I think people who don't have it think you must be over-exaggerating but there is a lot of truth in that it can feel like you're drowning, but there is also a lot of nuanced emotions that are there as well.
This book is an incredibly raw and personal look at how mental illness looks, and feels, from the inside. The chapters are interspersed with a couple paragraphs explaining the perspective of the chapter of comics. Though I am not nearly as eloquent as the author I will attempt a one line descriptor for this book, "It's like a lighthouse, in the middle of a dark and vast ocean, that let's you know you aren't alone in your struggles."
Jesus, just reading the foreword and it's like we are the same person. I've never been able to really talk to people about my anxiety, I've always just dealt with it myself. I definitely have never been able to articulate quite what anxiety is/feels like so accurately. Most times you say things like "it feels suffocating", or "it feels like I'm drowning" and I think people who don't have it think you must be over-exaggerating but there is a lot of truth in that it can feel like you're drowning, but there is also a lot of nuanced emotions that are there as well.
This book is an incredibly raw and personal look at how mental illness looks, and feels, from the inside. The chapters are interspersed with a couple paragraphs explaining the perspective of the chapter of comics. Though I am not nearly as eloquent as the author I will attempt a one line descriptor for this book, "It's like a lighthouse, in the middle of a dark and vast ocean, that let's you know you aren't alone in your struggles."
September 23, 2021
I want to give a 4.5 but I can only give whole stars so here we are.
As somebody with depression and anxiety myself, it felt like a reassuring hug and a breath of fresh air to see somebody describe -TO A TEE- how my brain thinks and processes things. I was so shocked that I teared up at one point, from how relatable and honest these comics are.
One thing I will say though is that I love these comics so much, but I wasn’t quite a fan of the writing style of the pages in between. For such a short book, I felt there should never be times where the writing becomes boring or drones on a bit longer than needed. But 90% of what was written was so important and I want that to overshadow the other parts that weren’t quite perfect.
As somebody with depression and anxiety myself, it felt like a reassuring hug and a breath of fresh air to see somebody describe -TO A TEE- how my brain thinks and processes things. I was so shocked that I teared up at one point, from how relatable and honest these comics are.
One thing I will say though is that I love these comics so much, but I wasn’t quite a fan of the writing style of the pages in between. For such a short book, I felt there should never be times where the writing becomes boring or drones on a bit longer than needed. But 90% of what was written was so important and I want that to overshadow the other parts that weren’t quite perfect.
March 16, 2025
Not Funny Not Helpful
It’s just a collection of poorly thought out Illustrations of one persons perceptions of mental illness, that they may or may Not actually have ( ? )
It’s often suggested that artists can’t draw or paint when they’re in a state of actual dysfunctionality, they have to be in a joyous state to make art ( ? ) ! —
But… there are artists ( ? ) that are desirous of being mentally ill, because that’s The hip condition to be in, like all of The other people around them, But they can only perceive a false sense of what is ( ! )
It’s just a collection of poorly thought out Illustrations of one persons perceptions of mental illness, that they may or may Not actually have ( ? )
It’s often suggested that artists can’t draw or paint when they’re in a state of actual dysfunctionality, they have to be in a joyous state to make art ( ? ) ! —
But… there are artists ( ? ) that are desirous of being mentally ill, because that’s The hip condition to be in, like all of The other people around them, But they can only perceive a false sense of what is ( ! )
October 15, 2019
I initially thought this was gonna be just a collection of comic strips but it ended up being equally divided between them and short essays introducing each chapter’s theme that I ended up being just as in love with.
The comic strips are so funny and to my surprise, I even recognized some of them but what made me love them were how honest and easy to identify with they were. It was also really uplifting to see the way that the illustration style and the pidgeon’s own positivity evolved throughout the book. It made me hopeful and for that I’m thankful.
The text was written in the first person and directed at the reader so while reading this book I felt like I was talking to a friend. I’m so, so happy for Chuck and wish her all the best because that was what she wished me in this book as well.
Not only that, this is a super funny book and if it can make you feel a bit down because of the theme, you will have a better grasp of what anxiety feels like after reading it and will probably close this book with a smile. I know I did.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Edelweiss+ for this DRC.
The comic strips are so funny and to my surprise, I even recognized some of them but what made me love them were how honest and easy to identify with they were. It was also really uplifting to see the way that the illustration style and the pidgeon’s own positivity evolved throughout the book. It made me hopeful and for that I’m thankful.
The text was written in the first person and directed at the reader so while reading this book I felt like I was talking to a friend. I’m so, so happy for Chuck and wish her all the best because that was what she wished me in this book as well.
Not only that, this is a super funny book and if it can make you feel a bit down because of the theme, you will have a better grasp of what anxiety feels like after reading it and will probably close this book with a smile. I know I did.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Edelweiss+ for this DRC.
October 23, 2019
This book exactly shows what I go through, what I have been through and how hard it can be sometimes. I gave it to my husband to read so I could simply show him how depression affects me. He loved it and chuckled with me at the funny pigeon. I would have never thought in a million years I’d type the words “I can relate to this pigeon on a soul level”. Highly recommend!
July 26, 2020
This wasn't for me. I was hoping I would like this as much as I like Sarah Andersen's books, but this just ain't it. The pigeon eyes annoyed me and I wasn't expecting there to be so much text. I don't need your life story, I just want to read funny comics.
August 15, 2020
4.5 stars! A genuine, openhearted depiction of anxiety and depression, told through comics starring pigeons and a collection of short essays from the author about her own experiences. Sweet and frank, I highly recommend this for readers looking to learn more about the ups and downs of mental health!
November 11, 2019
Bird Brain by Chuck Mullin is a collection of comics about mental health and the struggles that happen. I found the comics to be kinda depressing but well drawn.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this book.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this book.
February 15, 2025
The comics were very relatable. There was a lot of good tidbits in the positivity section at the end
June 4, 2020
An absolute joy of a book. Both serious and lighthearted. Loved it.
November 6, 2019
I was given a copy of this for review through Netgalley.
I was expecting more of a narrative in the comics to tell the author's experiences, but it was more individual comics with blocks of narration. I definitely think this book could be helpful for the right person at the right time.
I was expecting more of a narrative in the comics to tell the author's experiences, but it was more individual comics with blocks of narration. I definitely think this book could be helpful for the right person at the right time.
December 2, 2019
I recently discovered Chuck Mullin’s work on Instagram and instantly found her comics featuring pigeons to be super relatable. That’s why I was excited to pick up her book. Bird Brain is sold as a collection of comics exploring depression and anxiety, but there is also personal essay woven throughout. The book is broken into three sections - “Bad Times,” “Relationships,” and “Positivity.” Each section starts with an essay that gives you a glimpse into the creator/author’s experiences that lead her to create the subsequent comics. I commend Mullin for laying it all out there and being unapologetic about her experiences with anxiety and depression. My only wish is that we had seen more of her comics in each section. Overall it’s a great read for anyone with anxiety or depression or for fans of Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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