Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-Loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood

by Mari Andrew

Adulting meets Hyperbole and a Half in this witty, starkly honest, and absolutely on-point book of essays and illustrations on the realities of growing up and finding yourself.

Mari Andrew started doodling when she worked at a bakery--she took some license with the display case labels. When customers noticed and began telling her the drawings brightened their days, Mari realized she could use that hobby to connect with people. She hit a professional rough patch in her late 20s and began to chronicle her work on Instagram. Nearly overnight, she became a sensation. Now when Mari Andrew posts something new, the Internet rejoices.

This book is organized by universal themes of becoming an adult--for example, loss, adventure, ambition. Within each chapter, Mari shares her personal experiences in never-before-seen essays, accompanied by spreads of her signature illustrations, 90 percent of which are brand new. Readers are bound to see some of themselves in this book, whether seeking advice on how to handle growing up, or just looking for a friend who can commiserate.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Self Help, Comics, Art, Adult

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Mari Andrew is a writer and illustrator based in New York City.

Mari Andrew's career started as a hobby in 2015 when she was recovering from a painful break-up and the death of her father. She started holding herself accountable to posting one doodle per day on Instagram. Her following eventually grew and she currently has over 750,000 followers.Andrew's first book, Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood, debuted March 27, 2018.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a little nervous about posting this review of a book I was clearly not the primary audience for. I saw, too, that of the few Goodread friends that have read this, that the harshest views were by males--sort of two starring it, like me--and I saw many women four-starring it, finding it adorable. I should note that I gave two stars to the third volume of Sarah Scribbles, the 2018 Goodreads Comics/Graphic Novel of the year, and two stars to the second place book, Little Moments of Love.

I can say the only reason I read this book is because I made a kind of loose commitment to read all the nominees this year, and I only have a couple more left. I read this one, check.

Almost all Goodreads reviewers have found these three sort of mildly self-helpish comics/cartoon projects adorable, and I didn't. I know I am sounding defensive when I say: Hey, I know adorable! I review adorable picture books! It's not just Ware and Peace and Anna Karenina for this guy! I'm not just a typical guy, I'm not!

I like the sweet pastel coloring cute style and I think if you are a woman of 23 you may like her advice on makeup (she has a thing for lipstick) and break-ups, of discovering and finding yourself. Okay, maybe it's that the last book I read was The Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy! Guilty! Enjoy yourself! Have yourself another round of positivity! I am going to have another scotch.

[Meg Zukin · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in one fell swoop. and I’ll probably read it once a week for the rest of my 20s. thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a soothing cup of tea of a book. Mari’s essays are just as thoughtful as her illustrations. This was a well thought out memoir that should be on every millennial’s bookshelves.

(Also, as a fan of Mari’s posts on Instagram, there was a TON of new material in the book. You won’t be disappointed.)

[Maede · Rating 2 out of 5]

زندگی و شخصیت نویسنده و تصویرگر این داستان تقریباً هیچ شباهتی به زندگی من نداره. زنی آمریکایی، مجرد، هنرمند، برون‌گرا و آزاد که از لباس‌هاش، لذت‌بردن از زیبایی، تجربه‌های عشق، سفر کردن تنهایی و زندگی در شهرهای مختلف می‌نویسه. اما در همین حین بیماری، سوگ و شکست رو هم تجربه می‌کنه که تجربه‌هایی مشترک بین همه‌ی انسان‌ها هستند

برای همین بود که با بعضی از قسمت‌های کتاب خیلی ارتباط برقرار می‌کردم و بعضی قسمت‌ها هم فقط به شدت این تفاوت فکر می‌کردم (حسرت می‌خوردم؟ شاید، یکم) کتاب در مورد بزرگ‌شدنه و چالش‌ها و تجربه‌های مختلف دهه‌ی بیست زندگی «ماری» رو نشان میده

در کل،‌ نوشته‌ها و تصویرها خیلی معمولیند، اما بعضی‌هاشون در عین سادگی خیلی عمیق هستند

کانال تلگرامم که کتاب‌ و تصاویرش رو آپلود کردم
Maede's Books

۱۴۰۲/۳/۱۰

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought his book for my daughter and then read it on the plane to Mexico City to take it to her. She is going to love it! I highly recommend it for anyone, young and old. And in between. It has so much heart, fun illustrations, perspective, heartache, adventure.

I’m definitely buying one for my step-daughter and soon to be new daughter-in-law. I almost want to buy an extra for myself.

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Three of my many favorite quotes:

P 54: What I love most about living isn’t accomplishing things, but experiencing them.

P 54: I’ve decided that a tombstone that reads “here lies Mari: she enjoyed herself” would be an extraordinarily fortunate accomplishment. From now on, my life lived will be my life’s work.

P119: Today was not a day for answers, but it was certainly a day for tacos 🌮

[Laura Angell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my life. I honestly cannot express how much I have depended on this book over the last few weeks.
It sounds silly but I never really thought of happiness being a choice, and that something I could simply aspire to. Thanks to this book I have realised that I am in complete control of my life and it has changed everything.
Thank you Mari for giving me the courage to embrace life and choose happiness!

[Rod Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to read all the graphic novels that made the finals of the Goodreads Choice Awards, and that is the only reason I forced myself to read every word in this book. I had not heard of it before the Goodreads Awards (it was in only one of the half dozen libraries around me), and I hope never to think of it again after today.

I just really don't understand why this book exists. It seems a collection of random words and illustrations by someone who is not particularly impressive as a writer or an artist. Between pointless cartoons are dreadful essays that seem more like diary entries, packed with humble brags and self-help pseudo-profundities.

Mostly, everything on the page is just so alien to me, I would not disbelieve someone who told me it was indeed an artifact from outer space. The perfect example of this is an illustrated page entitled "WHAT SHaPeS YouR iDENTiTY" with one entry being "'WHiCH CiTY ARE YOU?' QuiZZes.'" Really? Being told you are Miami by a generic online quiz written by someone with questionable expertise and a desperate need for hits shapes your identity?!?! Obviously I am not the intended audience for this book.

And, as a minor aside, the font of the essays was ugly and small. The letter "v" was so rounded on the bottom that I mistook it for a "u" almost every time it appeared. I've never been a comic sans hater, but looking at this type gives me a taste of how those people must feel.

[╟ ♫ Tima ♪ ╣ ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My last book of 2018, scraping in under the wire to finish my Reading Challenge!

The drawings were whimsical and aesthetically cute. But, the book was not for me. I did not find myself as enamored as all the other reviewers seem to be.

I found them to be one-dimensional, dripping in repetitive cliches, rolling in unchecked privilege and showing such little depth for such a worldly traveler. All the advice was repeating itself after having had a run through a thesaurus.

It seems fitting for a disappointment to be my last read of the year, as this has been a wildly disappointing year overall. To 2019!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book uses mostly graphics to discuss challenges in coming of age through the life story of the author. Too self-congratulatory for me and helped me realize I'm well past the angst of my 20s.

[Amanda Mintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no word to describe this book other than “treasure.” I’ve been following Mari’s instagram account for a few years and wow, am I thankful she created this compilation of her works accompanied by some of the stories that inspired them.

It’s essentially a picture book for adults, illustrating all of the ups and downs and twists and turns of growing up, from moving to a new city, to love and heartbreak, to getting to know yourself and your purpose.

First of all, the book is just stunning. It’s the perfect coffee table book. I normally get books from the library but folks, this is one to own. You will treasure it forever. I see myself picking this up over and over and over again. Whatever life throws at me, Mari somehow represented it perfectly.

This book made me giggle and teary and introspective and most importantly it made me feel known. It’s strange to feel completely understood by a stranger, but that’s what Mari has accomplished here. Isn’t that what books are meant to do?

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect prescription for someone who has no idea what they’re doing

[Echo · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's poorly written, insipid drivel.

[Autumn Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a follower of Mari, I was thrilled to finally be able to see her live and have her sign her book. She is the nicest person ever. The illustrations are so encouraging and relatable. I hadn't realized she was a writer as well so I enjoyed reading her topics on dating, travel, love and life. This book makes a great gift for anyone in their 20s/30s as well.

[Neelam Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I there Yet is a Semi-Autobiographical book based on Mari Andrew’s journey to Adulthood. She is a writer, Illustrator and aspiring flamenco enthusiast, living in New York. She takes us to her journey of 30 yrs to Adulthood, through essays and Hilarious, Heart breakingly true yet very RELATBLE Drawings and essays. Her Illustrations are inspired by seasons of her life, love, friendship, home, career, heartbreak and self discovery.
She was grieving her Father’s death and a Broken relationship. To escape her reality, she went through whirlwinds of realationships, past and present. To overcome her grief and for her own happiness she decided to change things, that brought her closer to her happiness. So she started doodling about everyday life and posted them on Instagram.
What I liked most about the book was that I could easily connect with the Author. Her writing style is very poetic and the use of beautiful Metaphors makes the book more attention catching. You’ll relate to almost every drawing because you’ve experienced it yourself on some point of time in life.
The Author muses about the Alternate Life, she could have had had she moved to San Fancisco instead of Washington D.C. Didn’t we all wonder at some point of time or still wonder, how are life would have been different had we done that or taken a particular decision we had to take for the greater good of our future.
Mari takes us on routes around the world, to Berlin, Lisbon, Rio De Janiero and Granada. And draws scenic pictures through her words. And makes the reader visit those places and fall in love with people she has met.
What I didn’t like about the book is that the book flew fast through chapters (very fast paced), I wouldn’t have minded a little bit more information. Some of the chapters left gaping hole that needed to filled. As a Reader, I wanted time to breath and savour each chapter.
Do I recommend it: Yes, I do. This book is a must-have for anyone but especially those of who are in their late 20s.
A Must read!
I give this book 4 star.

[Melissa Italiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a couple of pages into the first chapter, I felt the inspiration and positive feelings starting to reel. I felt connected. I felt early on like this book is more relatable than any of the other books like this because it is the most accessible. This one doesn’t ask for you to give it all "right now" — to go through your entire journey after reading the book because all of the answers are "right here" or because you'll now have the key to getting to the destination. Instead it documents all of the completely relatable bumps of the journey and gently nudges at you some comforting ways to get past them.

I realized early on that I could devour this all in one sitting but I knew I didn't want to. I wanted time for each part to set in. So I read half of it the first day. I read another quarter the next. And then I didn't come back to that last quarter for a full month. I knew I didn't want to delve into that part of the journey until my journey lined up with it and I could give it my full and hankering attention.

I've just finished and I know this is one I'll be looking back at on a regular basis for the rest of my twenties. Along the way, I’d filled the book with post-it notes, sticking them to bits that I wanted to remind my future self of, and parts where I wanted to write moments of reflection.

I absolutely recommend this one to anyone in their mid-twenties, give or take. Though the enjoyably simplistic nature of this mostly-illustrated book might tempt you to turn pages quickly, I'd advise allowing yourself to look deeper into each of the illustrations and getting the most meaning out of it for yourself that you can.

[Emilie Greenhalgh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have followed Mari on Instagram for a couple years now... so I was very much looking forward to her book. While I enjoyed the depth and dry humor of her illustrations, I found the essays to be a bit shallow and misplaced. They also didn’t entirely flow together. And just to be really picky, I didn’t care for the font. However, I still adore her illustrations and hope that she continues to generate such poignant witty content in them. Perhaps next book just tells the story only through drawings, or much shorter segues to bring the reader along?

[Akash · Rating 4 out of 5]

নিজেকে জানার মাধ্যমে আমরা সবাইকে জানতে পারি। নিজের উন্নতির করার মাধ্যমে আমরা সবার উন্নতি করতে পারি। আমাদের এই ক্ষুদ্র জীবনে নিজেকে জানা, নিজের ভাল লাগার বিষয় খুঁজে বের করা আসল উদ্দেশ্য হওয়া উচিত। একমাত্র প্রকৃত জ্ঞানীরাই শুধু নিজেদের জানার চেষ্টা করে জীবনভর। নিজেকে জানার মাধ্যমেই সবকিছুর শুরু এবং শেষ।

নিজেকে জানার জন্য আমার পড়া সবচেয়ে ভাল বই Am I There Yet?

এই বইটা প্রতিদিন কোচিংয়ে যেতে যেতে রিকশায় বসে বসে পড়ে শেষ করেছি। রিকশার এবং ঢাকা শহরের খোলা নীল আকাশ; যে আকাশের সবচেয়ে উপরে থাকে চিল এবং সেই চিল আর মেঘের সাথে মিতালি করে বইটা পড়েছি আর ভেবেছি।

বইটাতে অনেক সুন্দর সুন্দর ইলাস্ট্রেশন আছে। আটটা চ্যাপ্টার আছে এবং প্রতিটি চ্যাপ্টারই নিজেকে নিয়ে, নিজেকে খুঁজে বেড়ানো।

নিজেকে জানতে চাইলে বইটা পড়তে হবে।

[Shrilaxmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were illuminating yet cute. The vibe did seem off at times because someone who admits to not having it all figured out was trying to come off as someone who did know what they were doing. So a few things felt contradictory. But in spite of that, I did have a lot of fun reading this.

P.S. The author seems to have a lipstick obsession

P.P.S. Thank you Silpa for this book <3

[Stewart Tame · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this.

For some reason, though, I’m finding it difficult to put into words just why that might be so. Mari Andrew has an engaging style. The book is a mixture of prose and drawings in which she gives her autobiography of the passage from teenhood to full-blown adulthood. It's offered not as an Infallible Blueprint, but rather as suggestions and examples from her own life. She's certainly had an interesting one.

This project appears to have grown out of a project where she started posting one drawing per day on Instagram. She's got an appealing style, an attractive combination of ink and watercolors. Although their drawing styles are not at all similar, the book kind of reminds me of some of Lynda Barry’s work, where we are as likely to get her philosophy of life as we are humor--often the two are one and the same.

One thing that annoyed me about this book was the typeface used for the prose sections: the lowercase “v” is nigh indistinguishable from the lowercase “u”. Not a major issve, bvt it did cavse me to grit my teeth seueral times …

Overall, a somewhat light but enjoyable read. Recommended!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half-narrative, half-illustration, this is a sweet and beautifully-conceived book about the author's experience of unfolding into adulthood: finding love, confronting loss, overcoming obstacles, discovering purpose, creating home. As lovely as Mari's narrative is, it is the illustrations that steal the show in this book. Simple, smart, and stunning, her sketch paintings offer unique perspective on common "coming into adulthood" experiences and, arguably, tell her story even better than words.

[Rebecca Felt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mari Andrew masterfully unfolds her story through illustrations and essays. Her words reveal the narrative of her experiences and simultaneously inspire introspection.

I’ve loved following her art on Instagram - the graphic novel does not repeat any of her previous art and builds upon her current collection.

Love.

[Rachael Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm hug, hot cup of tea and my favorite lipstick in one big gift. (aka all my favorite things). I want to send this book to all my girlfriends for every upcoming birthday.
What a TREAT.

[cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical and thoughtful and weirdly resonant; an artist’s reflections on and advice from her 20’s.

[Anhthu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me really excited for adulthood and excited to explore myself and the world, all the while creating my own identity, relationships, home, style, etc. Andrew's drawings are so clever and her essays offer an insightful and reassuring perspective on adulthood!

[dangerous at every speed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but it ended up being a pretty disorganised, tangential rants about Andrew's personal life. These can be fine in with the right tone, but Andrew had a preachy, 'listen to me explain how adulthood works' which just made whatever she said appear like a 'do or die' advise column.
Some of the illustrations were super cute and very real; that's where Andrew's talent lies. Perhaps a true graphic novel, filled with the little illustrations would've been better. The text and stories in between were shakily written at best, but the illustrations were the right amount of personal and general to apply to all.

[Sim ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✔️ a book involving a heist (...Mari was robbed of love and experience at several times in her life 😂😅)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars

This was so gorgeously written and illustrated! I could relate a lot to Mari. She has great stories to tell and wise tidbits to share. You could read this multiple times and take away something new each re-read. Would definitely recommend (especially to millennials!)

[Bharathi Arunan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colourful depiction of the human-ness of growing up.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

speedy, autobiography/self help?? but loved Mari for a while now and her chapters of her 20s were perfect and made me miss abroad

[mentalexotica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best books find you when you need them most. I believe this. Like love, like a loss, like God, like faith, a song, a coin. Things find you when you're not looking for them.

I was not looking for this book. The last thing I needed at the advent of a new year which already looked like crap from the get-go (I was dumped, I didn't get a good raise at work, my health is iffy, and my mental well-being is taking such a beating), I did NOT want to read some sanctimonious, OTT cheerful manual on how to fix my life. But this book found me and because I trust Mari, I opened it and fell into the well of her wonder. I have been following Mari Andre on Instagram for a while now and am often struck by her light, sensitivity, gentle-as-a-feather approach to self-work. She doesn't even make it sound like self-work. Her benign illustrations and sweet-tempered words are moving in the most unobtrusive way. She leaves them there almost accidentally where you will find them perchance and it may make you pause and reflect and be grateful.

While the title suggests this may be some kind of awakening/ coming-of-adulthood sort of book, it's really more than that. Am I There Yet? is a memoir of sorts, a manual for living, a nostalgic bullet journal. But it is also a bible for the lost, a compass for the lonely and looking, and an invitation to spend the night on a kindly stranger's couch because you cannot bear the idea of being home by yourself. Benevolently illustrated and written with the greatest of kindness, it is Mari's record of her travels, her heartbreaks, her introversion, her deference, her losses, her epiphanies, and her enormous capacity for forgiveness and love. In telling you about her own experiences, Mari unselfconsciously entreats you to show greater respect and care for yourself.

The book is ridiculously endearing. There is an abundance of affection spilling out of every page as if it were a real, living thing. You feel her with you as you read. I imagine her to be my quirky, shy, brilliant friend who speaks softly and laughs loudly. Who wears nutty spectacles and smells like a bakery. Mari appeared almost hologramesque to me through the reading of her book and I was so grateful for her presence. The book reminds you to be present and aware without having to ignore your feelings of pain that pull in different directions. She reminds you to listen, to be observant, to sit quietly, travel alone, and show up for others. It's excellent advice. It's all necessary, true, and authentic. And this is what has made this book so utterly special.

If there is someone you know who is going through a bit of a rough patch, this book is a gift that keeps giving. Return to it for that much-needed illumination on dark days spent hiding under the blanket. Remind yourself that you are not simply the sum of your problems. Or your flaws. This book found me when my days were caving in on me and it was a struggle to wake up and go to work. She reminded but I had a responsibility to myself to honour and respect the work I do. I got out of bed. If a book can do this for you, you can call it your book. It has found you.

If I ever met Mari, I would hug her and not be the first to let go.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I'm sorry it's not a grandchild" (4).

Mari's book is filled with gorgeous little illustrations that are relatable and calming. There are graphs and pie charts and lists that flow between pages and you almost immediately feel welcomed.

My friend lent me this book, she thought it might be something I like. I'd agree for the most part as well. Being in my 20s now, single, studying and very tired - reading these things is understandable. There was almost nothing that was unfamiliar territory. In particular, the chapter on loss and heartbreak got me most - not for relationships, but the loss of Mari's father. This, and family dynamics I think are something books should explore more often, more than romantic love exists.

Some things made the book a bit more difficult however. The font whilst creative and cutesy was hard for my eyes to focus on. Paired with the go with the flow language and vibe of the entire novel, I was frequently confused about what I was reading and where it was coming from. There seemed no steady progression and sometimes you were thrown into half told stories. I love depth and this lacked it - fairly enough in some places as self-help books cannot address every peninsula of possibility, to use Mari's own words. I also felt like, a lot of the advice was common knowledge as well. But maybe I'm just a cynic. I'd prefer to have heard her life completely in singular bursts rather than one thrown together collection.

Regardless, it was cute, the art is gorgeous and it is definitely going to help someone at some stage. Check this out if you're in need of a little positivity or a little adventure!