What I Hate: From A to Z

What I Hate: From A to Z is a graphic book by cartoonist Roz Chast that presents an alphabetical catalog of personal fears, anxieties, and pet peeves. Each letter features one of Chast's signature illustrations accompanied by text exploring a specific source of dread or irritation. The entries range from common phobias to quirky, idiosyncratic worries that stem from the author's own experiences and imagination. Chast's distinctive drawing style and deadpan humor transform everyday concerns into visual narratives. The book serves as both a personal inventory of neuroses and a mirror reflecting universal human anxieties. Through its examination of fears both rational and irrational, the work explores how individuals process and cope with daily unease in an uncertain world.

Readers find the book captures common anxieties and neuroses in Chast's signature illustration style. Many note the relatable nature of her fears, from balloons to heights to quicksand. Readers appreciated: - Short, digestible format - Humorous take on everyday fears - Chast's distinctive artwork - Accuracy in depicting anxiety Common criticisms: - Too brief/thin content for the price - Some entries feel forced to fit alphabet format - Not as developed as her other works Several readers mentioned connecting with specific entries like "Jello 1-2-3" and "Drain Pipes." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ reviews) One Amazon reviewer noted: "Perfect for anyone who tends to worry about everything and nothing." A Goodreads reviewer countered: "Cute concept but lacks depth compared to her memoirs."

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🔸 Roz Chast has been a cartoonist for The New Yorker magazine since 1978, with over 1,000 cartoons published to date. 🔸 The book's format was inspired by traditional children's alphabet books, but tackles adult anxieties and phobias instead of typical ABC topics. 🔸 Each letter features both a cartoon illustration and a brief written explanation of why Chast hates that particular thing, from "Heights" to "Spontaneous Human Combustion." 🔸 Many of the fears depicted in the book are based on Chast's real phobias, including her fear of elevators and balloons, which she has discussed in interviews. 🔸 The book was published in 2011 and received praise for turning common anxieties into relatable comedy, earning positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews.