Internet IRL: From Online to On the Shelf

Posted by Megan J.

We’re all becoming accustomed to print going digital, whether we’re reading newspaper articles online or the new James Patterson on our e-reader. But once in a while, something online that is so interesting, so unique, or just so darn funny that it transcends its digital confines and enters the world of physically printed books. These five books come from blogs, memes, and one Twitter phenomenon that were just too great to stay online.



#WeRateDogs: The Most Hilarious and Adorable Pups You've Ever by Matt Nelson
Maybe the greatest Twitter to ever tweet, @dog_rates will give “professional” ratings of dogs based on pictures submitted by its followers. Ratings are often accompanied by a colorful caption that gives more information about the dog. This book compiles the best pictures and ratings for your reading enjoyment. I’m an especially big fan of the “exotic dogs” that are sometimes featured.
 



 



Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman
If you struggle with finding the motivation to keep your living space in order, the blog this book is based off of is a great place to start. Not only does the blog offer practical tips and advice for taking care of your mess, but it also offers motivation in the way of before-and-after pictures submitted by readers. The book provides the complete UfYH system, which is both gender neutral and practical for busy, single people who don’t have the time to make you home Martha Stewart-worthy.
 




 



Never Flirt with Puppy Killers: And Other Better Book Titles by Dan Wilbur
Sometimes, life as a book reader might be easier if a book’s title were a little more descriptive. This is the cause that Dan Wilbur took on when he created the blog “Better Book Titles.” Wilbur’s blog superimposes a new, more descriptive (and often hilarious) titles onto well-known books. His published book presents his funniest titles, including My Dad Is Cooler than Your Dad by Harper Lee and Drink Responsibly by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
 



 






Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh 
Allie Brosh’s blog was a staple for many of us in the late 2000’s. The origin of the “[blank] ALL THE THINGS!” meme, Hyperbole and a Half was a combination webcomic and blog in which Brosh uses overly-simple drawings to talk about her childhood, mental illness, and other personal topics. Personally, I’m a big fan of the “Alot” monster, which Brosh creates to help cope with online grammar mistakes. The book collects the best of Brosh’s comics, as well as adding a few new ones.

 







Feminist Ryan Gosling: Feminist Theory (as Imagined) from Your Favorite Sensitive Movie Dud by Danielle Henderson
Hey girl. I heard you were a fan of memes featuring handsome men and gender equality. If so, you need to check out this book. Based on the blog-turned-meme, this book features both classic and brand-new versions material of feminist lines and swoon-worthy pictures of the beautiful Mr. Gosling. My favorite? “Hey girl. Why don’t I make YOU a sandwich?”