Observations on the Human Condition

A collection of 12 illustrated short stories, and yes, I wish there were more of them. It's philosophical, thoughtful, and reflective in a quiet, non-preachy way. The kind of book that gets in your head and makes you think, not just about the characters, but about yourself. A couple of the stories lingered, a few didn't quite, but I think that's half the idea. You're supposed to sit with them, try to know these individuals, feel their pain, their dilemma. Even if you don't recognize, they're just asking you to bear witness. And that's where they have power. The illustrations are so, so beautiful. Paige Parker has a unique artstyle that underlines these stories perfectly. Some of the moments land harder simply due to the manner in which one character, one pose, is rendered. It's evocative through their simplicity. "In a new place, I can be new and entirely different from who I once was because no one there has formed an opinion of me." — The Sailor, p. 71 The Sailor put something into words I’ve felt for a long time but never really knew how to explain. That irrational need to keep starting over in new places, hoping that maybe the next version of me will finally feel right. But never really does. Overall: Expect to read, and to be read (not a threat).