by Christian Watson
Many of my favourite books are unclassifiable. Shelved here at Riverside initally in our horror section (because skeleton) and then humour (because strange), How Lucky Am I will live hereafter in the staff picks section, possibly forever. This would both avoid the classification problem and reflect how much I like it.
How Lucky Am I is a gorgeous medium-sized hardback for adults. It mainly consists of illustrations of Mr Skelly, a kind and relatable skeleton of insight, who provides words of wisdom in beautiful calming settings. This book manages to provide bite-size thoughts on what might make a meaningful life without being enragingly twee or cash-in patronising (two of my pet peeves in books that may come branded as ‘self help’ or ‘motivational’). You can get a taste of the images and thoughts at Christian Watson’s Instagram page here.
I have already bought two copies of this for old friends, who I knew would appreciate the beauty of the images, thoughts and approach. To have such people in my life as well as this book – How Lucky Am I?
Review by Bethan