Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real

Fowl Language #2

by Brian Gordon

Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real by Brian Gordon is the hilarious follow-up to his first book, Fowl Language: Welcome to Parenting . Perfect for anyone who enjoyed Toddlers Are A**holes, this second collection of comics continues the unvarnished and brutally honest look at the ups and downs of parenthood.

With his signature humor, Gordon brings the real-life struggles of raising kids into focus, from the everyday chaos to the more absurd moments that all parents can relate to. But don't let the laughs fool you—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The author once again takes us through the exhausting, frustrating, and often funny reality of parenting, all while reminding us that, yes, we’re all in this together.

With more gut-busting illustrations straight from Gordon’s own life, Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real shows just how unpredictable (and sometimes incomprehensible) parenting can be. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably say things you shouldn't—just like a typical day of parenting, but without the tantrums and mess.

If you loved his first book, this one will have you laughing until you’re snorting your coffee.

Genres: Humor, Comics, Graphic Novels, Parenting, Adult, Graphic Novels Comics, Nonfiction

128 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

Hi. I’m Brian Gordon. Thanks for dropping by.

I decided in kindergarten that I wanted to be a cartoonist. My classmates had equally unrealistic life goals, like becoming superheroes or princesses, but I was more tenacious.

So far, things are working out okay. Secret to my success? I suck worse at everything else. You get a lot of drawing done when Plan B is Starve To Death.

My comics are largely inspired by my struggles as a parent, my fascination with technology, science and all things geeky. Oh, and a constant, crushing wave of self-doubt and anxiety. That’s a big source of inspiration, too.

It’s good work if you can get it.

-Brian

Reviews

[Adina ( back from Vacay…slowly recovering) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very funny an relatable collection of cartoons about life with small kids. Highly recommended if you have that kind of bundle of joy and exasperation. Even better if you have a pair of those little monsters.

It is the 2nd collection I read by Gordon and was equally enjoyable.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parenting can be rough, though there is always a silver lining. That's something that Brian Gordon tries to transmit in this series of comic-like pieces, injecting humour into areas that may sometimes leave a parent wanting to put their head through a wall. Told from the perspective of the parent, Gordon illustrates just how difficult the simplest tasks can be, though when you look back, humour comes at you from all sides. He touches on the role of rule-maker, as well as the misinterpretations that children have to simple requests, turning tranquil afternoons into chaos.It is definitely nice to have something like this to read, if only to shake your head and let out a chuckle. Recommended for any parent (grandparent, babysitter) who might need an injection of humour before reaching for the wine bottle.

Now then, if only they had a book for stubborn gingers, I would finally crack the Neo code!

[Shai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real has made me dread on what if I became a parent in the future. I'm not sure if I can handle the HUGE responsibility as well as the bickering and whining of kids. I think I was born without any ounce of patience, hence I didn't became a teacher and arts instructor because I know I cannot tolerate uncontrollable students. What's more if I became a parent?!?! THE HORROR! hahaha!



Browsing the comic strips here, whether a parent or not, will certainly make readers laugh their head off. It is also funny how the author, Brian Gordon, personify his kids as ducklings. I guarantee that once you flip through the pages of this book, you will absolutely enjoy and crave for more.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real by Brian Gordon is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I think I laughed, smiled, or smirked with each and every cartoon because I could relate after having four boys! The expressions and situations were hilarious and so on target with what parents are feeling and what they go through! I don't normally enjoy ever single cartoon in a book so I was pleasantly amazed when I was entertained by the craziness of this fun family. Thanks!

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely believe every parent with even half a sense of humor should follow Fowl Language comics, whether you do so on facebook or go comics or just pick up the damn books when they come out. Parenting is super rewarding but kids can also totally be tiny jerks, and Brian has found the perfect happy medium between sounding grateful to be a parent and still acknowledging that sometimes kids make us want to rip our hair out.

In particular, if you're used to following Brian's comics like I am, you'll be pleased to find out that the unique thing about this collection is that many of the comics have had a bonus panel added to them, so even though you might be familiar with some of the strips, you'll get some new ones, too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids are young enough for me to still be able to relate and get a good laugh. My husband and I both said “yep!” after almost every one of these comics. Fun and entertaining!

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Introduction:

A couple of years ago, I had read a graphic novel called “Tales from the Crib” which was written by Henrik Drescher and it detailed the struggles of parenting in a humorous way. Several years later, I came across this interesting new graphic novel that I received from NetGalley called “Fowl Language: The Struggle is Real” which is by Brian Gordon and it also details the struggles of being a parent in a humorous way and I enjoyed this graphic novel as much as I enjoyed “Tales from the Crib!”

What is this story about?

This graphic novel is basically about the main character, who is a male fowl, trying to deal with his two children and the graphic novel goes into the ups and downs of being a parent such as; trying to get some peace and quiet while the kids are gone, trying to find other adults to talk to after spending so much time with your own children and trying to get your child to go to sleep. Also, this graphic novel shows that despite all the craziness that you are put through when dealing with your children, you still love them in the end!

What I loved about this story:

Brian Gordon’s writing: Oh my gosh! I still cannot stop laughing after reading this graphic novel! Brian Gordon has done a fantastic job at writing this graphic novel as I really enjoyed the harsh trials of being a parent being shown in a humorous and satirical way! I loved seeing the scenes where the father duck is trying so hard to deal with his children, while trying to get some peace and quiet, whenever his kids are away as it does hit home for many parents who have to cope with dealing with their children’s demands. But at the same time, this graphic novel shows the struggles that parents have to go through with their children in such a hilarious way that I cannot help but laugh at the father duck’s misfortune at dealing with his kids! Probably two of my most favorite moments in this graphic novel was one where the father duck is imagining a parody for the TV series “24” by titling it “21” and the joke here is that the father duck has to find a TV program that his kids would sit down and watch so he can have time to do the chores around the house (luckily, the program that the kids are watching is ninety minutes long, giving him even more time to do his chores). The other moment I enjoyed was the one where the father duck is trying to explain to his kids about what a record player and a CD is since the kids are only familiar with YouTube and it reminded me of the few times where I try to explain to some little kids about what a CD player is since some of them grew up listening to music on an iPhone or through YouTube.

Brian Gordon’s artwork: Brian Gordon’s artwork is both cute and hilarious to look at as are all the ducks in this graphic novel are drawn in a cute squat style and I especially loved the images of the father duck having wide popped out eyes whenever he gets shocked or annoyed by his kids’ hijinks. The simplistic style of the artwork also brings out the humor in the situations that the characters get into as the highlight of the artwork is seeing the ducks’ reactions to whatever hilarious situations they all get into.



What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:

For anyone who does not like strong language, there is some usage of the “f” and “s” words respectively and some readers might be taken aback by the coarse language clashing with the cute artwork displayed in this graphic novel.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “Fowl Language: The Struggle is Real” is a hilarious read for adults who are parents or are becoming parents and want to find a book that pokes fun at the tough trials of parenting! I am definitely going to be reading the rest of this series pretty soon!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm not a parent I still really enjoyed this book. The comics were funny and entirely relatable. Plus, the drawings are of ducks. What's not to love about ducks?!

I've observed so many of these moments with friends' kids, along with the sticky kids who always end up next to you in the checkout line and the ones playing the games with annoying music at the highest possible volume on their parent's phone at the doctor's surgery. Whenever I come across a Fowl Language moment I have such admiration for the way parents manage the seemingly impossible and usually think, 'You poor things' and feel myself wanting to give the frazzled parents a hug. Yet at the same time I'm probably also thinking, 'This is reason number 638 why I don't have kids'.

There's always something cathartic about finding a "Me, too!" moment when you feel like you're the only one going through something and parents are definitely going to find plenty of those in this book. This is a book that can used to reminisce - "Look what we survived!", to encourage - "I think I can, I think I can" or possibly even as an effective form of birth control.

I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received to review via Netgalley; publication date 10th October 2017

I’ve seen the Fowl Language cartoons around now and again, but I’ve never really sat down to read a bunch of them. I know I’m not a parent, but I have rabbits, so I totally related to a lot of these. I’m not even kidding. Rabbits are just as contrary as a small child, and even less capable of explaining what they actually want…

The art is cute, but pretty samey; the theme is basically “parenting is hard but worth it”. It’s not a big revelation or anything, but it’s still a fun little collection — especially for a parent, I imagine.

Reviewed for the Bibliophibian.

[Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I don't have kids, but I liked the book, but it wasn't that funny.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I think I already have seen some of Brian Gordon's comics on the internet, so when I spotted this book over on Netgalley I couldn't resist. Especially when it is about parenting. I just love books about that topic. I don't have kids myself, but I have babysat, and also worked at day cares, so I have seen my fair share of kids being kids. :P

So I could definitely relate to various things in this book. And so I had a lot of laughs while reading, on these moments I am happy I am currently at home, and not anywhere near anyone, or else people would wonder what the hell I am reading that makes me laugh so hard.

It was nice to see him alone, reflecting on things, or chatting with other adults/parents.

I would have liked the book to be more chronological. Now at times the ages of the kids varied from big enough to talk, back to babies. It was a bit confusing.

I like that the author decided to draw his parenting stuff in the way of ducks. It is definitely a change from all the other comics where everyone is drawn as a human.

All in all, a hilarious comic book that I would recommend.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely funny. Must read for parents. I could relate to every single comic strip. I am a huge fan of his comics and glad to have another book of his in my collection.

[Ella Zegarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Por eso jamás tendré hijos 😂

Original de: El Blog del Gato - El Extraño Gato del Cuento

No voy a negar que cuando leía se me hacía un poco exagerado las cosas que aparecían en libro y llegué a pensar que quizás este dibujante no estaba criando muy bien a sus hijos, pero luego… luego recordé como eran mis hermanos a esa edad y le doy toda la razón 😂



Twitter • Tumblr • Tvtime • Goodreads • Instagram • Blog

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant sequel. Disney, do learn from these geniuses on how to produce great sequels so that I don't fall asleep in the cinema while watching your next episode of Star Wars.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the first book, but this webcomic still offers some amusingly foul takes on being a father.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in return for a fair review.*

This is the second book in the series and second book I've read by this author.

Like the first book, this is a collection of funny little drawings with words on them focused on birds - humanized birds who are parents to baby ducks. Well, the ducks area also humanized. hmms. I probably could have worded that better. Right, so - a collection, as noted, of humorous comic strips about parenting.

There's an introduction - mentions some tips. Including:

If you forget to priortize care for yourself, it's gonna bite you in the ass one way or another.

If your kid will tolerate it, swaddle the crap out of them. It totally helped my son calm down as a baby. I'd still do it, but he's in fourth grade now, and evidently that's frowned upon.

hehe - 'if all else fails, try the cathartic act of bitching about your children by drawing them as ducks'

To remind readers, and/or show new readers, what the comci is like, I insert a panel:

(if the insertion works - that's the latest panel on the website for Fowl Language.

hehe - non-parents 'T.G.I.F'. Parents - 'T.G.I.M.' (at least while school is in session) - and TGIF becomes OMGIF

Lots of funny comics here. I kept having burst of laughter explode out of me.

Last time I did a review for a book in this series it consisted mostly of me giggling. I'm not really sure what else to put here other than another review of me giggling. So: Imagine me - giggling.

Parent tells kid that he sounds like a broken record. Kid wants to know what a record is. Then what a CD is, etc. hehe. Parent starts mumbling.
Kid 1: I think he's buffering.
Kid 2: Try refreshing him.

Parent: here comes the plane!
Kid: I don't like the way planes taste, either.

Publication Date: October 10 2017

Rating: 4.56

September 2 2017

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Fowl Language book I have read and I still laughed at many of the jokes because I could identify with them. This book was a little different as after the joke, there was another panel that wasn't as funny, so I enjoyed the other one much better. I did see myself and my children on many of these pages and love that my son is going through this now with his own children. The fact that the characters are ducks makes it just a little cuter. I think the funniest pages for me were the meal one and the healthy snack one. I could hear those words coming out of my mouth. There is also mention of social media which is so prevalent in our society. A cute book for soon to be parents or for those fearing empty nest syndrome. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up.
A quick and fun read!
As a parent, I found truth in all of these. I laughed out loud at a few of these, especially at the baby monitor, the cussing one, and the mess and sneaking a snack.
I felt a lot of these could have just ended at just the one slide- as they were funny enough-then the second or third slide would show up and kind of put a damper on the whole joke.
I had kept seeing his work on 9gag, and wanted to check out more of his stuff. This book for sure put a smile on my face, and can't wait to check out even more of his artwork and silliness.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley for an honest opinion. I would like to thank Brian Gordon and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this Arc.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow Gordon on Instagram and love his comic. This compilation is no different. Hilarious anecdotes about the joys and pains (mostly pains) of raising kids. Even if you don't have a child yourself, this is highly relatable if you have siblings or friends with children. I laughed the whole way through.

[Ray Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like I’ve said before, I don’t plan to have kids, but this book made me laugh a lot. The struggles of being a parent are, apparently, way more than I expected. And the truth is that only a few know how to handle their kids.

Of what I could understand, being a parent is both a curse and a blessing. Sometimes kids are this wonderful thing that has no filters and who will yell and scream without a really good reason; and other times, they behave in a way that makes you go awwwww, like squishing a soft thing.

I did bookmark quite a few pages because I love how honest this artist is. And the fact that a lot of people can relate to this says it all. I would like to encourage you to give this book a try! I’m sure you’re gonna end up agreeing with most of it even if you’re not a parent yet.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
Fowl Language: Welcome to Parenting

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real

I Picked Up This Book Because: Cute cover


The Story:

This is super cute and super relatable.


The Random Thoughts:


4 Stars

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too funny.

[Janus the Erudite Artist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Brian Gordon's comics ever since I stumbled upon a strip on Facebook back when I just had my baby. Being a first time mom, I cannot even stress out how REAL the struggle was. I have always been in control of my life when I was single. I knew how to take care of my body, my finances, my time, my relationship, everything! I could schedule things in a snap of my fingers and not break a sweat.

Enter motherhood and I was completely out of my zone! When my husband and I decided we wanted to try having our first baby, I was excited. I planned everything I need, from food I was going to eat while pregnant, to how we where going to raise our first child. But at the start of my pregnancy up until I gave birth, and way into the first months of having my daughter, I was an emotional wreck! During pregnancy, I couldn't control my weight due to GD, during labor, my baby's heartbeat started to drop and I had to get a C-section. The first month with having my baby I couldn't properly get up because of my stitches, but my baby needed to be fed, to be changed, to be bathed. And sleeping patterns where still in the works. I did not like that I wasn't in control of anything!

Suffice to say, this comic strip had eased up some of the baby blues. Because it made me feel that I wasn't alone in feeling so out of place with this new job. As a parent, this is absolutely relatable. It's a funny way to let out some frustrations about every day life raising tiny human beings, because let's face it, being a parent may be the most rewarding job of all, but it's also one of the hardest and most challenging jobs to fill. So to us parents, kudos!

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brian Gordon became a parent, he thought he was going to ruin his kids and/or make some catastrophic mistake. Fortunately, for both himself and for his kids, "Despite their fragile appearance, evolution has seemingly hardened small children against numbskull parents like [him]."

What Brian has done, is taken all the weird and wonderful, serious and strange and yet somehow universal parenting issues and day-to-day struggles and used them to create blisteringly hilarious comic vignettes. If you are a parent it will be near to impossible not to literally laugh out loud at Brian Gordon's FOWL LANGUAGE comics.

Using ducks (fowl) to represent the members of a family, the comics each represent a moment in parenting that all (or most) parents can relate to and that when seen in print will have readers laughing out loud.

This is the second book of Fowl Language Comics that I have read and reviewed. To see the review of BOOK ONE, visit http://bit.ly/FowlComics1  

I rate this hilarious book as 5 out of 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and with its October release date it makes perfect sense to purchase as Christmas gifts for family and friends. 

To read my full review and to see some of the Fowl Language comics, go to http://bit.ly/FowlComics2

Follow me on INSTAGRAM @Amiesbookreviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granted, you do not have to buy this book. You could just go to the Fowl Language online. But if you go there, and find yourself chuckling at the comics, then you should go buy this collection.

If you have been a a parent of young kids, and if you remember what it was like, if your kids are long grown, you will find this series funny. This is light humor about the bumps along the road, of raising kids. This, like Lunarbaboon, these little bits of parenting are from the male, father point of view, which gives it a little spin we don't usually get with parenting cartoons.

This is the second collection of his strips, and just as funny a the first one.

Thanks to Netgalley making this book available for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick little comic style book, continuing Brian Gordon's humorous take on parenting and dealing with young children. About 70% has panels previously published elsewhere and online while the remaining 30% is new and exclusive to the book. Gordon always strikes the right balance between highlighting the frustration and the highs that come with parenting. It's a nice little "oh thank goodness it's not just me!" reminder when you need the pick-me-up. Raising kids is fricking hard and Gordon's work reminds us that sometimes you have to laugh at the absurdities to get to the good stuff.


I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently Fowl Language Comics is a bit of an internet sensation, but actually this is the first I've seen it, in the second book of the range. It's aimed at parents, covering many elements of parenting that others will be able to relate to, addressed in a humorous way using comic strips. Some of the strips are far funnier than others (some I didn't find at all funny), but on the whole it's an amusing book which would make a good stocking filler type present for any long-suffering and worn out parents!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

So THAT'S where that "Well, I gave it my best shot" comic came from! I wasn't familiar with Brian Gordon's work apart from that one viral comic prior to reading this volume, but his fame is relatively well-deserved - and likely particularly easy to relate to for parents. (I imagine, not being a parent myself.) I do think that some of his comics would be better served by ending before the stand-alone panel that follows some of them, but that's just me.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not have kids and found myself hysterically laughing aloud at all of the strips compiled in this collection. Embarrassed, I finally had to show them to the people next to me with tears streaming down my eyes. I shared a handful of panels with my friends who are parents and they wholeheartedly related with them as well. I highly recommend this one to everyone, whether or not you are or have been a parent, I guarantee you've known these people.

[Anovelqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a laugh-provoking look at parenting. I loved it. This is the first time I have read the Fowl Language comics, but it will definitely not be my last.

Told from the father’s point of view, this book is spot on with situations that parents go through when raising children. Could relate to almost every page. Had definite laugh out loud moments. Would highly recommend for parents and adults. No children though....F Bombs throughout. Author is going on my TBR list.