The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions: A Flowchart Book

by Tess Koman, Katie Vernon (Illustrator)

A  hilarious and utterly relatable collection of flowcharts, rants, and lists about adulting.

A humorous guide to adulthood in a collection of 54 charmingly illustrated flowcharts and pros-and-cons lists that each address an all-too-real question, from the mundane to the life-changing. Will I survive this hangover?  (Probably not . ) Should I cancel my plans? (YES! Cancel immediately.)  Am I having a quarter-life crisis? (Probably.)  Do I even like this person?  (Nope, nope, nope.) This inspired book of humor disguised as invaluable advice is a gift to make anyone feel better, proving that every question, thought, and decision, no matter how ridiculous or irresponsible, is completely valid. 
 
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

Tess is currently a food editor at Apple News. Formerly, she was the Executive Editorial Director of Serious Eats and Digital Director of Delish (if you're a Disney stan, though, you know this). She’s also the author of The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions, which has been featured in Seventeen, Cosmo, and ELLE, as well as one of Barnes & Nobles’ chosen “Books to Amuse and Delight.”

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 1 out of 5]

Am I a nerd? ✔️
Do I like flowcharts? ✔️
Do I like gift books? ✔️
Do I like laughing? ✔️

I found The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions: A Flowchart Book and thought I’d hit the quadfecta. It turns out that just because something ticks all the right boxes it doesn’t always mean you’ll find the gift book of your dreams.

I wouldn’t need a flowchart for a lot of the questions anyway:

* Room for dessert? - Duh! Always!
* Do I need a vacation? - See above.
* Do I need more coffee? - Again, see above.

I’m too nerdy to fully appreciate the carefree look of these flowcharts. They don’t have different symbols for each action type and without arrows a messy flowchart can be kinda difficult to navigate in sections. Also, some of the questions don’t result in a flowchart, just a rant or a pros and cons list, which didn’t make sense to me as it’s a Flowchart Book.

Maybe we can chalk it up to the fact that this book is asking questions of millennials when I’m too old to even pretend to be one, if I actually wanted to. However, regardless of my age, I doubt this ever would’ve been the book for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Getting this from NetGalley I thought I would enjoy reading about what the author considers as "Life's Hardest Questions", and then the first question hits "Is a bra really necessary?" that's when I realized this is supposed to be a funny book, I didn't put it down I thought I might still have fun with this, but I didn't find it in anyway funny or helpful, questions like "My roommate ate my expensive cheese, now what?" or "Should we get brunch tomorrow?" are in no way Life's hardest questions. and sorry for being censure but the answers are in noway "best damn answers".

I'm too old for this, but I'm sure some teen would enjoy this...

[Andrea Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I should start this review with a line from a RuPaul song: "Where my girls at?!" Ladies. This book is definitely for you. Filled with questions and situations that many 25-35 year olds have found themselves asking at one point or another, this book puts onto paper that little inner voice that is screaming at you in the back of your mind but you're either too hangry, drunk, or emotional to listen to. Thankfully Tess Koman has literally mapped out these situations for us using a reasonable, understanding, and kick-ass narrator to tell us that no, we're not terrible people and yes, you should absolutely have dessert. This R-rated, hilarious self-help guide is a must to keep close-at-hand for navigating every day problems such as is going to bed at 9 p.m. too early? To more complex questions like should I get back onto that dating app? Readers will enjoy navigating the pathways to enlightenment (some of which I found a little hard to follow) as well as the reassurance that they aren't the only ones that have asked themselves these questions before (like, am I more millennial than I think I am?). And while the work is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, what really impressed me was that several times throughout the book, the pathways would lead to a very important question I don't think we ask ourselves enough. That question being: "What's actually happening, girl? Are you OK?" How many times have we as women plagued ourselves with self-worth questions and quickly spiraled into the conclusion that we aren't good people? Including this small self-check-in query gives the reader the opportunity to take the time to reflect on themselves, explore those feelings, and then continue the hilarious journey with Koman. It's an incredibly insightful and thoughtful inclusion and really elevates the work as a whole.

This is a wonderful book that is truly in tune with the female mind and one that will quickly become a favourite for readers every where. Bravo!

[Michelle T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher sent me this ARC to review and let me be the first to say, this book is equal parts drop-dead funny and visually stunning. Not only did I find navigating my way through the gorgeous flow charts fun and and engaging, but I couldn't stop thinking that literally every question was something I thought to myself ALL of the time, but never said out loud. Page after page, rant, list, or chart, I found this book verifying all of the thoughts deep down inside. From "Do I need a vacation?" to "Does this need to be looked at?" I found my insides hurting from chuckling to myself so hard.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really funny book with gorgeous artwork. I love anything with funny graphs or flowcharts, and this was a light, easy book to flip through.

[Jenny Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to not have to decide for yourself pretty much anything ever again? Or, better yet, do you want to still make the choices but have a humorous reminder that everyone else is going through these things and you can sort of laugh your way through the choices? Either way, this book is for you.
From "Do I really need to wear a bra?" to "Am I too old for this shit?" to "Should I engage in social media conversations?", THE BEST DAMN ANSWERS TO LIFE'S HARDEST QUESTIONS has you covered, and will have you laughing out loud along the way.

[Bari Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the publisher sent me a galley I had one thought: Millenial female empowerment. This book belongs on every book shelf (do teens have book shelves anymore?) in every young twentysomething females dorm, apartment, home, etc. While both funny and beautiful, the questions inside reveal the powerful thoughts, anxieties, pleasures, and fun that all young women experience on a day-to-day basis. Real, authentic, yet enjoyable and easy to read.

[Mary Horowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! A super fun, colorful, and hilarious guide. I received a copy of this title from the publisher for my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Perfect book for millennials who get it. This book had me loling at every page, questions were spot on and perfectly captured millennial humor. The bonus pro/con lists & rants added some variety while keeping great flow. Especially loved the creativity behind the organization of the book- full of color, beauty, and fun! This book is one of a kind and makes for a great gift, already have some ladies in mind! :)

[Nicole Kivitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher gave me a galley copy of this new book and I couldn't be absolutely more in love. The art and illustrations are bright, bold, fun, creative and eye catching, and I couldn't help but flip through this book endlessly to see the next chart! As a 20-something living in NYC, I felt like these charts are my thoughts and decisions every day, the content is light and fun and they made me laugh out loud at how true they were ("Am I Having A Quarter Life Crisis"...why yes, in fact I am). I can't wait to buy this as gifts for all of my girlfriends.

[Lili · Rating 1 out of 5]

From Netgalley for review:

What an unpleasant book! Either I am a tragically unhip millennial, or this book picks out the worst aspects of my generation. Nothing but booze, pettiness, misery, and attempts at wit that just come across as tasteless. It is a pity, because the art and text is quite pretty and well executed, but what it says is just awful. I am not sure who this book is for, but it most definitely was not me.

[Etienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is so bad. A wanna be philosophical/humoristic schematic representation of question and there answer. I was not hoping for nothing great, but this is the kind of stuff ten years old do for fun, nothing worth publishing in that. I'm a bit hard on that one I know but there is limit to publish anything by anybody! At some point it become absurd!

[Lsilver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must buy for anyone with a 22-30ish daughter,niece,friend,etc. It’s hysterical and fun and easy to read with gorgeous illustrations. The publisher describes it as a snarky Magic 8 ball and that couldn’t be more accurate! Put it on your list for anyone going off to college,Christmas, Hanukkah or just someone like me who loves to laugh.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had a fun layout, but definitely a little young for my tastes. (Or maybe I'll settle with being more mature than others my age, but I eye-rolled A LOT during this.)

[Caffeinated Fae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. It look quirky, cute, and absolutely adorable. Unfortunately, this did not meet my expectations. I felt that this book was just too judgy for me. I get what Tess Koman was trying to do, but I was bored with it by the fifth page. The illustrations were okay, and at times I did crack a slight smile. All in all, I was not impressed.

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, the truth comes out: I have required assistance whilst deciding if not wearing a bra is socially acceptable. And I have finally found my resource!

I'm not afraid to admit that I have asked myself the majority of the questions reviewed in the book, and I also have an extremely hard time believing that I am the only woman that has asked herself if I really, truly need to wear a bra. Do I necessarily need a flowchart to come to this conclusion? No. But is it really funny to read about one, and realize that I'm not the only one making these truly difficult decisions? YES. I feel like this book is getting harsh criticism because of the expectation when picking it up. The book is supposed to be fun, not replace a therapist!

The author's writing style is raw, straightforward, and just really damn funny, like the advice you'd get from a best friend. It also doesn't hurt that it's quite a visually pleasing book to flip though, filled with beautiful calligraphy and detailing.

This isn't the book for you if you want a serious, dry, self-help novel. Want a funny read? Appreciate pretty artwork in a book? Want to get a gift for your best friend? Then yes, definitely yes.

[Y.S. Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions claims to offer witty solutions to common life problems and tries to do so in an illustrated form consisting of flow charts as well as lists of pros and cons.

WHO WOULD ENJOY IT?
I am not sure as I did not enjoy it and I am struggling to think of who might.

IS IT WORTH READING?
The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions is a book that does not know what it wants to be. Though its title sounds serious, the way the book went about fulfilling the message of its title seem confusing - the intent was clear, but it falls flat in its execution. Also, I am not sure using flowchart is the best tool for the topic and genre the authors are dealing with. Valiant effort, though.

The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions - A Flowchart Book by Tess Koman and Katie Vernon is available to buy on all major online bookstores from September 2018. Many thanks to Workman Publishing Group for review copy.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review in the spirit of the book:

PROS:
- the author is my husband’s friend’s wife, so basically #besties
- quick and easy read to count towards my yearly book count
- v v amusing and real
- illustrations are #goals

CONS:
- at times the flowcharts were a lil difficult to navigate, mainly when they spread over two pages
- I knew that the author is married so I had to take the “should I get back on this dating app” and references to bitchy roomies with a grain of salt (unless this was the author-as-narrator talking to a buddy in that situation, in which case, you’re all good girl)

TL/DR: hilarious and cute! Perfect gift for any millennial lady. While reading I screenshotted two different charts to send to my own friends because they were perfectly applicable.

[Patrica Liebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publishers for an honest opinion/review.
This wonderful and very logical mind map of the female brain and all it covers for just the simplest situation is brilliant to the extreme. No wonder that most men are left shaking their heads in confusion. Women are expected to think and do many things at the one time in their daily lives so it is a very sad fact that we are not ruling the world by now. Tess Koman I Thank You for writing this wonderful book that made me think that all women who think logically make the world a better place for men to live in.

[Theediscerning · Rating 1 out of 5]

An overly brash book, for overly brash women (seriously, it name-checks Sex and the City without irony, as if it were ever something to aspire to), concerning overly brash subjects, such as online behaviour, drinking behaviour, dating behaviour et al. The flaw, beyond its, er, brashness, is that it's mostly composed of those should-I-shouldn't-I flow charts and decision diagrams, which make no sense in this artwork as they seldom come to a conclusion. So 80% per cent flawed concept, 90% brashness, and 100% stereotype and cliché. Not a good data-set.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am from Gen X and was unable to appreciate the humor in this book, I was unable to determine if millennials were the target audience. I really wanted to enjoy the book as the title and premise of the book sounded intriguing. The book has flowcharts to help the reader make life’s decisions, however I couldn’t relate to most of the questions. Sadly I think others might enjoy this, but I found the book difficult to finish.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher and #netgalley for my honest review

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Even though I am not a millennial and am not the target demographic for this hilarious read, I bought this book on the off-chance that it would give me a chuckle! Everyone needs fun in their lives, right? And what other book will always support your evening glass of wine? Am I right, ladies? Or AM I RIGHT?

In any case: this guide was delightful, charming, and beautifully illustrated. Would highly recommend. Wish it were longer! I still have questions!!!

[Beth Younge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really like this book. The format of each flow diagram was all over the place and even though it was funny, I just felt like an empty text and it did not create a feeling within me. The art design was nice but i would not want to pick this up again.

[Meghan Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 31 I was worried I would be a little too old for this book, but I do hate wearing bras...so I gave it a read and I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely had me laughing. Great book to have on the coffee table for when you girl friends come over for a visit.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

'The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions: A Flowchart Book' by Tess Koman is a collection of questions and ways to find the answer to them.

The questions are mainly aimed at millenial women, it seems, and includes questions involving skipping work, or wearing undergarments. There are also questions related to drinking and having another drink. In almost all cases the reader is led to answers like "call in sick" or "have another drink."

I'll freely admit, I am not the target demographic for this book in age, sex or my particular moral upbringing. I also missed the humorous point where this book basically funnels down to one answer over others.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Stella (NotAnEarlyBird) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Tess Koman and Workman Publishing Company for an ARC copy this book.

OK, first things first, the reason I asked for this book was its publication date, that is the same as my birthday. I have never done this before.

Now to the point. I am having mixed feelings for this book. The artwork was amazing! That handwritten/handpainted style gave it a personal journal feeling that I really liked. On the other hand, the content, even though it was funny at some points, it didn't feel like it was about real people at all. Or maybe it targeted a younger generation?

So, I am giving it the benefit of the doubt and 3 stars. 2.5 actually, but it gets extra credit for the artwork.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cutesy flow chart style book maybe best suited to single mid-twenties ladies that haven't quite figured out how to keep themselves alive by preparing their own food. There were some pretty funny parts, and some great little illustrations, but I'm not sure that they thought it through when they offered this as a free e-book ARC. This kind of book would be best enjoyed when the actual book could be laid flat and the flow chart paths could be followed. There were some truly funny gems throughout, but for the most part it was probably more relatable to a younger crowd.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea is cute. I didn't realize it is geared towards twenty-something women (I am out of that age bracket) but could remember asking some of these questions back then. If I'm honest, I ask some of these questions now! The thing I really didn't like is the foul language and the multiple references to hooking up with guys for sex. Not all twenty-somethings talk like sailors and neither are they all promiscuous. I found it off-putting as I wasn't like that then and I'm not like that now. Neither are 95% of my friends. I would have liked the book better without that content.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love spread sheet, but not in this book. There were too many, and after the three/four first one I got tired of them. Yes the questions were interesting and it was fun to read the work up to the answers, but I belive this book would have a lot more luck if it used different types of style. The drawings and the style of the pages were playful and fun, but was overshadowed by the many spread sheets.

*Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Mary Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really cringey but I think if you're sister's turning 30 or something it could be a cute gift?? Idk
The art style is cute and it's supposed to be funny not seriously about "hard" questions but I think i would have enjoyed it more had the author thrown in some actually tough situations instead of just goofy shit like should I wear a bra or go to brunch but idk maybe that's just me??