Glass Half Empty

by Rachael Smith

Coming out the other side of a break up and finding her feet in her new single life, in Glass Half Empty Rachael Smith turns her attention to her "Daddy issues" and ensuing problematic relationship with alcohol.

From the award-winning author of Quarantine Comix, Wired Up Wrong and Stand in Your Power, this is another extremely honest auto-bio comic shining a light on the reality of mental health. Rufus the cat (recent star of a New York Times cartoon) and Barky, the giant black dog inside her head, are returning characters fans of Rachael Smith will be heartened to be reunited with.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Biography, Memoir, Comedy, Addiction, Mental Health

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2023

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another amusing/depressing round of TMI cartoons with Rachael Smith. She shares the impact her father's alcoholism had on her and delves into her own alcohol abuse.

I'm not a fan of stories about alcoholism due to my own family history, but this one wasn't too rough.

[Gorab · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short graphic novel memoir delving into alcohol addiction and its adverse effects.
Overall I did not find it much impressive.

[mad mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Edelweiss. Trigger warning for substance abuse and references to self-harm.)

-- 3.5 stars --

During its conception, Rachael Smith semi-jokingly referred to GLASS HALF EMPTY as her 'daddy issues' book. When she was a child, her father struggled with alcohol addiction, which negatively impacted her parents' marriage, her relationship with her father, her sense of security and self-esteem - and, quite possibly, her own dependence on alcohol later in life. Grouped around four main themes - Dad, Grief, Addiction, and Recovery - Smith excavates her complicated (but loving!) relationship with her dad, including his sudden and early death, and her own experiences with addiction after his passing.

There's a little something for everyone here. Personally, I found the panels on grief most relatable, whether it's marking the passage of time with all of the "firsts" you're doomed to experience without your loved one, or cursing a world that's moved on while you seem rooted in place. (Been there, done that.)

I also love how Smith's therapist suggested that she view her life like a video game, and approach self-care as if she were recharging a character's health and stamina points.

And the Pooh quote, of course!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/smiteme...

Smith's struggles with addiction (both her dad's and her own) are compelling as well, though I do wish that she'd explored the idea of "mindful drinking and sobriety" in more detail (especially given that eschewing labels such as alcoholism seems somewhat controversial).

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Smith’s books manage that delicate balance of getting the humour and darker moments spot on, which probably why I find them so therapeutic and cathartic.

This is a far more targeted book, that really zones on on loss, alcoholism and grief and specific to Rachael’s own experiences, but no less relatable.

It’s a cliche to say it but this will flip flop you between tears and laughter, often in the space of the same breath.

It’s fitting that the subject of addiction is tackled here, as I’m addicted to her work. I read this the day it arrived in one sitting and upon finishing I just wanted to know when the next one was coming.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting so long for this book to be released in the U.S. and today it came! I’ve been reading Rachael’s autobio comics about depression for years and many depict struggles with drinking — so this book completely knocked my socks off, seeing Rachael face her drinking & grief & childhood issues head on, with her usual brand of humor and brilliant visual metaphors.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at the author's consumption of alcohol and how her relationship with her father shaped who she became later in life. I liked how nothing was really sugar-coated throughout the book. It's a hard subject to talk about and I feel like she did a great job. I've read other things by her and I will be grabbing more to check out.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael's books are always perfect. Glass Half Empty is no exception.
I'm always blown away by her ability to convey complex emotions and painful life events with such exquisite simplicity. A rare talent.
I will always buy anything new, no questions asked.

[Lev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest comic that deals with heavy topics such as grief and alcoholism. But Rachael successfully balances that out with moments of humour. I especially loved the metaphors she uses to navigate both her depression and optimism.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and highly personal look at Smith's own relationship with alcohol. She makes several valid points about the way society treats addiction, and approaches the issue with her usual cartoon-humor.

[✨Monse Castro ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto mucho !!!, están super lindas la ilustraciones, se lee super rápido, casi lloro en la parte de el duelo ❤️‍🩹🥺, 4.5⭐️

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and yes. Perfect for COAs (children of alcoholics). Relatable, a bit triggering at times, and completely hilarious.

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw and impactful. The illustrations are just superb, and lend such gravitas to the strong yet insightful themes in the story.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadn’t quite realized the subject matter of this before I started reading, so that took me by surprise. But other than the heavy emotional stuff going on, it was a quick read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught my eye and read it standing in a bookstore. Wasn’t quite sure what it was about going into it. Great personal story about grief and alcoholism and dealing with them both.

[Niti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. An honest book.

[Beverley Faulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

That made me think!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, honest personal story of alcoholism, addiction, loss and grief