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Excuse Me
A razor-sharp collection from the acclaimed New Yorker cartoonist and Instagram sensation, Liana Finck, whom Vulture recently called "a remarkable young talent." With her trademark, scratchy style and keen eye for the absurd, Finck has amassed a large, devoted following who love the deeply insightful, delightfully odd way she describes how we all experience the world. Excuse Me assembles more than 500 of her most loved cartoons from Instagram and The New Yorker over the past few years, in such distinctive chapters as "Love & Dating"; "Gender & Other Politics"; "Animals"; "Art & Myth-Making"; "Humanity";" Time, Space, and How to Navigate Them"; "Strangeness, Shyness, Sadness"; and "Notes to Self." Melancholy and hilarious, relatable and surreal, intensely personal yet surprisingly universal, Excuse Me brings together the best work so far by one of the most talented young comics artists working today.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2019
26 people are currently reading
2180 people want to read
About the author
Liana Finck
20 books247 followersLiana Finck is a cartoonist, illustrator and regular contributor to the New Yorker where she also authors the “Dear Pepper” advice-from-a-dog column. As the author of eight books, her work also frequently appears in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine and more. She is the recipient of Fulbright, Guggenheim and New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowships. She teaches creative writing at Barnard College. www.lianafinck.com
Photo credit: Jorge Colombo
Photo credit: Jorge Colombo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 20, 2019
God, all of these people leaving sub par reviews just arent putting the effort into getting and appreciating this book. Or, they arent living in the same world that most of us are living (and loving) in. You do not need to be a depressed thirty something year old woman with a penchant for doodling to appreciate this book. You just need to be a human being with some sort of existence that isn’t perfect in order to find something relatable here. I’ve read through excuse me four times so far, finding something new and hilarious and heart wrenching each read through. My advice would be, read it, read it again, read it when you’re sad, when you’re happy, when you’re lonely, when you’re rejoicing, when you’re bored. Just read it, you’ll find something new each time. I’m so grateful I stumbled upon this book and it’s in my weekly re-visit log. Just read it, god she’s a visionary.
October 30, 2019
Five stars to combat all the bad reviews that said this is too "man hating" and "for single depressed women"
October 3, 2019
A super quick read. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at some of it. Awkward 😬. I do enjoy her Instagram account so this was definitely worth the read.
October 13, 2019
I love Liana Finck. I believe books are sacred objects, but I loved a few drawings in here so much I wanted to tear them out of the book and frame them, then hang them on the wall.
May 16, 2021
I feel so seen.
January 15, 2022
earnest and authentic
January 8, 2023
(4.5) Esta señora tiene excelentes ideas y lo mejor es que nunca dejan de ocurrírsele. Me pasa con el final como cuando se publican borradores de autorxs después de morir o simplemente por sacar dinero, que hay cosas que tienen sentido para ellxs pero tal vez no tanto para lxs lectorxs. Las listas eternas sobre lo que le asusta y tal me han sobrado un poquito, pero solo un poquito.
– REMEMBER
– MISREMEMBER
– FORGET
💝
– REMEMBER
– MISREMEMBER
– FORGET
💝
August 14, 2022
Finck is an interesting author. This is my third read by her but a completely different experience. The other two were narratives, this one is a collection of cartoons.
Makes perfect sense – Finck is, after all, a cartoonist, but oddly enough, her cartoons didn’t do that much for me wherein her other books showcase an undeniable gift for narrative.
The cartoons were ok, fine, but mostly nothing special, nothing to distinguish it from oh so many other clever cartoons out there.
The plots and ideas are mostly observational and mostly profoundly personal, almost confessional in nature. So presumably you’ll enjoy them in direct proportion to how relatable you’ll find them, which is to say how much you can relate to a fairly stereotypical 30-year-old or so NYC millennial.
I prefer my cartoons with more of the worldview or more out there, less personal and definitely with more art to them. Gimme clever talking animals any day over someone’s whine about their singledom.
Anyway, this was still kinda fun and had its random abstract moments. Finck’s art consists of squiggles so minimal they take time getting used to, but it works decently enough for the format.
The book is long, over 400 pages, but goes by quickly. Like cartoons do.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Makes perfect sense – Finck is, after all, a cartoonist, but oddly enough, her cartoons didn’t do that much for me wherein her other books showcase an undeniable gift for narrative.
The cartoons were ok, fine, but mostly nothing special, nothing to distinguish it from oh so many other clever cartoons out there.
The plots and ideas are mostly observational and mostly profoundly personal, almost confessional in nature. So presumably you’ll enjoy them in direct proportion to how relatable you’ll find them, which is to say how much you can relate to a fairly stereotypical 30-year-old or so NYC millennial.
I prefer my cartoons with more of the worldview or more out there, less personal and definitely with more art to them. Gimme clever talking animals any day over someone’s whine about their singledom.
Anyway, this was still kinda fun and had its random abstract moments. Finck’s art consists of squiggles so minimal they take time getting used to, but it works decently enough for the format.
The book is long, over 400 pages, but goes by quickly. Like cartoons do.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
July 14, 2020
I love Liana Finck’s illustrations and this collection did not disappoint. She really soars when trying to get at themes of introspection, self-expression, and never feeling like anyone can fully relate to who you are and how you feel. I’m amazed by how much she can relay and express in seemingly simplistic drawings.
September 5, 2019
i love Liana's instagram and this book is 100000x better. so many incredible cartoons.
January 18, 2020
I enjoy reading graphic novels & this was very good. I follow her instagram page & really like her art. I l loved the sketches and all the chapters.
December 3, 2019
It's like seeing all of my own snark, neuroses, and societal observations played out in doodle-form.
October 6, 2024
I started out loving this because of how relatable it was: the existential dread, dating pains, modern romance and society, collective millennial experience and more. It was funny and authentic and so on point. Then the book started losing me and there were some comics I didn't get at all, though it's probably just me. A good read nevertheless.
April 24, 2022
I did find some some of (actually quit a few) of these funny but there were A LOT of them-so it may just be overload of her style. All 400 plus pages. Plus I think you have to be of a certain demographic to "really love," admire and "get" some of them. By that I mean probably in your early twenties.
October 17, 2020
It would be an oversimplification to call Liana Finck a millennial Roz Chast, but my brain is simple, so that's what I'll do. This collection of comics is full of the kinds of romantic, work, and existential woes you can only respond to with laughter or homicide.
If Goodreads had the option to upload pictures, I would definitely do that. But instead, I'll describe to you, because SOMEONE SOMEWHERE is reading this, right?, a few of my favorite drawings:
We see two people in a public restroom: one on a toilet, in a stall, and one at the sink, in front of the mirror. The person on the toilet thinks, "I'm not peeing till she leaves." The person at the mirror thinks, "I'm not leaving till she pees." (It's just so relatable. Who hasn't spent an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom, just to make someone else more uncomfortable?)
Two apples are talking. One says "We need to stop comparing ourselves to oranges!"
A woman is drawing on a sheet of paper. Someone in another room calls, "Ooh, what are you making?" She answers, "Enemies."
Finally, Liana shares a list called 'Things That Will Forsake You.' It's pretty comprehensive; here's what's on it:
1. Your Judgement
2. Your ability to say no and other things you mean
3. Your ability to concentrate on things outside yourself
4. Your ability to concentrate on things inside yourself
5. Eye contact
6. Ability to speak
7. Ability to breathe
8. Ability to stay awake
9. Ability to sleep
10. Your facade
11. All sense of proportion
In short, it's a nice, pretty little reminder that things have sucked for a long time, not just since March 2020.
If Goodreads had the option to upload pictures, I would definitely do that. But instead, I'll describe to you, because SOMEONE SOMEWHERE is reading this, right?, a few of my favorite drawings:
We see two people in a public restroom: one on a toilet, in a stall, and one at the sink, in front of the mirror. The person on the toilet thinks, "I'm not peeing till she leaves." The person at the mirror thinks, "I'm not leaving till she pees." (It's just so relatable. Who hasn't spent an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom, just to make someone else more uncomfortable?)
Two apples are talking. One says "We need to stop comparing ourselves to oranges!"
A woman is drawing on a sheet of paper. Someone in another room calls, "Ooh, what are you making?" She answers, "Enemies."
Finally, Liana shares a list called 'Things That Will Forsake You.' It's pretty comprehensive; here's what's on it:
1. Your Judgement
2. Your ability to say no and other things you mean
3. Your ability to concentrate on things outside yourself
4. Your ability to concentrate on things inside yourself
5. Eye contact
6. Ability to speak
7. Ability to breathe
8. Ability to stay awake
9. Ability to sleep
10. Your facade
11. All sense of proportion
In short, it's a nice, pretty little reminder that things have sucked for a long time, not just since March 2020.
February 10, 2020
Follow me on Instagram @bookmarkedbya / instagram.com/bookmarkedbya and see the full review at my blog: https://bookmarkedbya.wordpress.com/2...
*Thanks to Random House for the free book.
A hilariously insightful and honest collection of cartoons on love and dating, gender politics, art, humanity, and much more.
Finck is a regular contributor to @thenewyorker and other top-notch publications, and it’s clear why. Her drawings are wrought with emotion and careful thought. Finck has an uncanny ability to put into drawings universally understood feelings and scenarios that is second to none. While reading, I was continually nodding my head, audibly saying “YES!,” and passing the book around to show others the funniest comics. The amount of time and effort that this book requires absolutely feeds into why I gave it five stars. Reading Excuse Me, and experiencing these entertaining and thought-provoking drawings, is a fantastic use of your time – and you won’t even be dedicating that much time! This is a perfect read-in-one-sitting or keep-on-the-coffee-table-and-flip-through-slowly book. I so enjoyed Excuse Me, and I think anyone can and will enjoy it too, but I specifically recommend it to lovers of Instagram cartoonists like @awardsforgoodboys, @violetclair, @butlikemaybe, + @brooklyncartoons - to name a few of my faves.
*Thanks to Random House for the free book.
A hilariously insightful and honest collection of cartoons on love and dating, gender politics, art, humanity, and much more.
Finck is a regular contributor to @thenewyorker and other top-notch publications, and it’s clear why. Her drawings are wrought with emotion and careful thought. Finck has an uncanny ability to put into drawings universally understood feelings and scenarios that is second to none. While reading, I was continually nodding my head, audibly saying “YES!,” and passing the book around to show others the funniest comics. The amount of time and effort that this book requires absolutely feeds into why I gave it five stars. Reading Excuse Me, and experiencing these entertaining and thought-provoking drawings, is a fantastic use of your time – and you won’t even be dedicating that much time! This is a perfect read-in-one-sitting or keep-on-the-coffee-table-and-flip-through-slowly book. I so enjoyed Excuse Me, and I think anyone can and will enjoy it too, but I specifically recommend it to lovers of Instagram cartoonists like @awardsforgoodboys, @violetclair, @butlikemaybe, + @brooklyncartoons - to name a few of my faves.
October 20, 2019
(@randomhouse #partner) | Excuse Me by Liana Finck
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if you follow along with any of my posts about this book, then you probably already know that i’m going to recommend this one. my bias is that i’ve been a fan of Liana Finck for a while, AND it doesn’t change that i’m going to be encouraging you to read this for a while.
.
while reading this, i felt like there is a little something for everyone. the beginning was tough for me, as i did not identify with a lot of the dating content, however, i could still feel how on point it was. the rest of the sections/chapters were so flipping good!! the drawings may look simple upon first glance, but dang, they carry some serious feelings, wit, and cleverness. i was already really enjoying this one, and then i reached the last section, and 😍🙌🏻🔥🎉 it was fire.
.
if you’re a fan of graphic novels, illustrations, witty content... 10/10 would recommend you pick this one up, or follow Liana on instagram, as you’ll get a flavor of content from there, as well ☺️
.
if you follow along with any of my posts about this book, then you probably already know that i’m going to recommend this one. my bias is that i’ve been a fan of Liana Finck for a while, AND it doesn’t change that i’m going to be encouraging you to read this for a while.
.
while reading this, i felt like there is a little something for everyone. the beginning was tough for me, as i did not identify with a lot of the dating content, however, i could still feel how on point it was. the rest of the sections/chapters were so flipping good!! the drawings may look simple upon first glance, but dang, they carry some serious feelings, wit, and cleverness. i was already really enjoying this one, and then i reached the last section, and 😍🙌🏻🔥🎉 it was fire.
.
if you’re a fan of graphic novels, illustrations, witty content... 10/10 would recommend you pick this one up, or follow Liana on instagram, as you’ll get a flavor of content from there, as well ☺️
December 10, 2019
I've seen her work in magazines & other collections & often liked it but here it was too much - like a tide of depression & unhappiness with little glimmers of humor peeking through occasionally. Maybe it was because the cartoons were grouped into themes which made it feel very repetitive which isn't a problem when you are seeing her work one at a time. Whatever the reason, it left me anxious for it to end which isn't what I look for in a cartoon book
October 6, 2019
Fans of Demetri Martin will like this book.
December 24, 2019
Perfect angst. Beautiful sketches of a life that I identify with a leeeetle bit too much. And funny. Really really sad and funny.
June 20, 2022
Perfect.
February 19, 2025
i rlly enjoyed this book w the way it was written and drawn ! i related to a lot of it which was very nice
September 19, 2023
You were just some random person. I think I almost let you abduct me for the rest of my life
September 5, 2022
I laughed.
I was misty eyed.
There were times when I had to set the book down so I could soak in and think about what Liana had drawn and written.
This book is best consumed at a slow pace. I suggest taking a moment to reflect on each section or after a few pages. Just let it soak in.
I was misty eyed.
There were times when I had to set the book down so I could soak in and think about what Liana had drawn and written.
This book is best consumed at a slow pace. I suggest taking a moment to reflect on each section or after a few pages. Just let it soak in.
August 28, 2022
Everything I am looking for when I am death scrolling social media but without all the bad politics and happier more beautiful people. I jest, in part. But I seriously connected with so many of these drawings, frugal with line but deep with feeling and thought. It cheered me up by being dark and funny and real.
September 4, 2019
I received a free review copy of this book.
I didn't find it as humorous as I'd hoped, possibly because I'm not the target audience: depressed single women, I gather? People with other mental health issues? This book is steeped in self-hatred to the point where it becomes a series of microaggressions reminding me how bad things really are for women. More satire than humor, in that vein.
The last dozen pages or so bogged down into dense blocks of text, lists of things substituting for entertainment the way "listicles" now substitute for news. It seems I prefer to experience this author in single comics, rather than full book form.
I didn't find it as humorous as I'd hoped, possibly because I'm not the target audience: depressed single women, I gather? People with other mental health issues? This book is steeped in self-hatred to the point where it becomes a series of microaggressions reminding me how bad things really are for women. More satire than humor, in that vein.
The last dozen pages or so bogged down into dense blocks of text, lists of things substituting for entertainment the way "listicles" now substitute for news. It seems I prefer to experience this author in single comics, rather than full book form.
April 16, 2020
3.5
Hmm, while reading the first section, my initial thought was... I am not the target audience for this, but I could see how it was relateable.
Some of the cartoons were on target. Some were very topical, but without being in the environment of the time they were produced, a little was lost.
This is not a linear book, but more of a collection of comics/cartoons that were produced by the author/creator/artist.
Hmm, while reading the first section, my initial thought was... I am not the target audience for this, but I could see how it was relateable.
Some of the cartoons were on target. Some were very topical, but without being in the environment of the time they were produced, a little was lost.
This is not a linear book, but more of a collection of comics/cartoons that were produced by the author/creator/artist.
September 27, 2019
instagram is back, in book form! at times, this is not much different than rupi kaur's vagaries; at times, it's far funnier and/or cynical than most insta poets/cartoonists/new yorker poets/cartoonists. only "what i miss" really stands out, but there's moments of humor and humanity throughout that pop.
March 3, 2022
I thought this was such a fun book. I found myself relating to a lot of the pictures and quotes in it. I borrowed this one from the library but I'm considering purchasing it. I have to admit I took a few pictures along and way. There were some pictures and quotes in it that I wanted to share with others. I highly recommend this book and I'm so glad I decided to pick it up. What a great read!
August 31, 2019
Excuse Me is a book full of hand drawn cartoons, most of which I felt was man bashing or not funny. That being said, my husband took the book to the bathroom and seemed to enjoy several of the cartoons, mainly the ones I did not get. It just was not my style of funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews