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How Lucky Am I: The inspiring and uplifting new book featuring Instagram sensation Mr Skelly
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jul 26In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, social media sensation Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"
Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and – ultimately – a safe home.
Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realise how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can’t control, appreciate what can’t be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.
How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"
Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and – ultimately – a safe home.
Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realise how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can’t control, appreciate what can’t be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.
How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 30, 2026
6 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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April 14, 2026wonderful lil illustrations of a skeleton enjoying nature, embracing life and death - but the accompanying platitudes are unbearably trite.
the soft art is certainly the high point! i love to see a skelly out in the wild. sun dappled forests, wildflower lined streams, crumbling moss covered walls, grassy cliffsides - i want to fall inside these scenes and soak them up.
but unfortunately much of the text is a mishmash of ~DON'T GIVE UP~ inspo crap. it's often incongruous with the illustrations, and can be redundant from page to page. "it is what it is" and "do the best you can" are oft-repeated and feel utterly meaningless. i almost wish the text was omitted entirely, as its hollowness detracts from the beautiful art.
the one exception is a passage toward the end, written across a handful of pages: "i hope death feels like being picked up from the backseat and carried to my bed half asleep, where tucked in and eyes closed i can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door." this section nearly redeems all of the clunky cliches that precede it.
this is worth picking up for the charming art, but be prepared to roll your eyes at the corny text!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
the soft art is certainly the high point! i love to see a skelly out in the wild. sun dappled forests, wildflower lined streams, crumbling moss covered walls, grassy cliffsides - i want to fall inside these scenes and soak them up.
but unfortunately much of the text is a mishmash of ~DON'T GIVE UP~ inspo crap. it's often incongruous with the illustrations, and can be redundant from page to page. "it is what it is" and "do the best you can" are oft-repeated and feel utterly meaningless. i almost wish the text was omitted entirely, as its hollowness detracts from the beautiful art.
the one exception is a passage toward the end, written across a handful of pages: "i hope death feels like being picked up from the backseat and carried to my bed half asleep, where tucked in and eyes closed i can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door." this section nearly redeems all of the clunky cliches that precede it.
this is worth picking up for the charming art, but be prepared to roll your eyes at the corny text!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"How lucky am I to be broken so the light could come in."
We all believe that certain aspects of life are taboo and steer clear of those while having a conversation. It's something every single one of us does to not hurt anyone else's feelings or to be deemed morbid. We spare those feelings and keep them hidden deep inside. Skelly is here to tell us that it's part of life and okay to talk about.
I came across Skelly while doom-scrolling (I probably should have been reading my book) and I couldn't help but love the illustration and the uplifting/positive message. Usually, those aren't two things that go hand in hand but it really worked. I was hooked from that day and actively sought out more.
This collection is fantastic and gave me a lot of hope. You can never tell what kind of support you need in your everyday life and this seemed to hit everything perfectly.
We all need a little extra boost and Skelly is here to save the day. I don't know what we would do without Skelly.
We all believe that certain aspects of life are taboo and steer clear of those while having a conversation. It's something every single one of us does to not hurt anyone else's feelings or to be deemed morbid. We spare those feelings and keep them hidden deep inside. Skelly is here to tell us that it's part of life and okay to talk about.
I came across Skelly while doom-scrolling (I probably should have been reading my book) and I couldn't help but love the illustration and the uplifting/positive message. Usually, those aren't two things that go hand in hand but it really worked. I was hooked from that day and actively sought out more.
This collection is fantastic and gave me a lot of hope. You can never tell what kind of support you need in your everyday life and this seemed to hit everything perfectly.
We all need a little extra boost and Skelly is here to save the day. I don't know what we would do without Skelly.
March 4, 2026
The artwork is absolutely beautiful, and the messages are easy to digest while still carrying weight. It’s the kind of book that reminds you to live in the present, let go of what you can’t control, and trust that hard seasons will pass. Sometimes we all just need that soft reminder and this book delivers it in a really lovely way.
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March 11, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
I am very familiar with Christian Watson's work, having followed him on Instagram from many years. At this point, I'm sure most social media users will have seen at least a clip or two of his uniquely styled animation of Mr Skelly and the life-affirming sayings that accompany the art. There is something inherently peaceful about the design of these pages, the soft haze to the backgrounds and the use of colours creating landscapes that a reader can project their own locations onto. It's a book of hope for the future and trusting in whatever process you believe in, I don't doubt that the physical print will be a true thing of beauty.
I am very familiar with Christian Watson's work, having followed him on Instagram from many years. At this point, I'm sure most social media users will have seen at least a clip or two of his uniquely styled animation of Mr Skelly and the life-affirming sayings that accompany the art. There is something inherently peaceful about the design of these pages, the soft haze to the backgrounds and the use of colours creating landscapes that a reader can project their own locations onto. It's a book of hope for the future and trusting in whatever process you believe in, I don't doubt that the physical print will be a true thing of beauty.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mr. Skelly has always been a comfort character with wise words of affirming the truth. I have been a huge fan of the author's work and it always elevates me from my overthinking.
In this book, Mr Skelly travels far and wide while letting various emotions run its course. With any desperation and short- cuts, he inspires others to not let fear manipulate you into thinking negative things. Every emotion has its unique impact. The life lessons that Mr Skelly shares speaks of experiences of living in the moment, letting go of uncertainties and overwhelming thoughts and believing that each sunrise is a new beginning.
With beautiful illustrations, this book also highlights masterful storytelling with one page explanation. Mr Skelly makes it easier to talk about grief, loss, vulnerabilities and more. He then reaches home- a place of safety and warmth that makes the entire journey worth it.
In this book, Mr Skelly travels far and wide while letting various emotions run its course. With any desperation and short- cuts, he inspires others to not let fear manipulate you into thinking negative things. Every emotion has its unique impact. The life lessons that Mr Skelly shares speaks of experiences of living in the moment, letting go of uncertainties and overwhelming thoughts and believing that each sunrise is a new beginning.
With beautiful illustrations, this book also highlights masterful storytelling with one page explanation. Mr Skelly makes it easier to talk about grief, loss, vulnerabilities and more. He then reaches home- a place of safety and warmth that makes the entire journey worth it.
March 21, 2026
5/✨ for How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson.
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC of this beautiful e-comic.
I am honestly on the verge of tears thinking about how something so short could make me feel so much. Beauty, sadness and above all gratitude. In this comic, the author explains that he is not afraid of death, which is why skeletons play such a central role in his art. He shares how deeply grateful he is for life. For who he is and also for who he did not become.
What truly stayed with me is the message that it’s okay not to be okay and that we should be gentle with ourselves. We don’t get extra time in life, but we do get the time we have. And we can choose to fill that time with kindness, especially toward ourselves.
I will 100% be buying a physical copy of this book and returning to it whenever I doubt myself, when life feels like it’s working against me or when I need to learn how to believe in myself again.
This was genuinely beautiful. I’m going to sit with this for a while now… and hug my children and loved ones a little tighter.
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC of this beautiful e-comic.
I am honestly on the verge of tears thinking about how something so short could make me feel so much. Beauty, sadness and above all gratitude. In this comic, the author explains that he is not afraid of death, which is why skeletons play such a central role in his art. He shares how deeply grateful he is for life. For who he is and also for who he did not become.
What truly stayed with me is the message that it’s okay not to be okay and that we should be gentle with ourselves. We don’t get extra time in life, but we do get the time we have. And we can choose to fill that time with kindness, especially toward ourselves.
I will 100% be buying a physical copy of this book and returning to it whenever I doubt myself, when life feels like it’s working against me or when I need to learn how to believe in myself again.
This was genuinely beautiful. I’m going to sit with this for a while now… and hug my children and loved ones a little tighter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Sometimes just being alive is an act of courage"
How Lucky Am I is one of those graphic novels that captivated me from the very first page to the last. It came into my life at exactly the right moment, helping me get back up after a difficult period I’ve been going through these past months.
Both the illustrations and the words by Christian Watson are beautiful. In his writing I found many small reminders and reasons to keep moving forward.
Within these pages I found so much to reflect on and carry with me, little thoughts and feelings that I want to hold onto and bring into my everyday life.
Some books arrive when you need them the most, and this was definitely one of them. I’m really grateful I found it when I did.
I’m truly grateful to Christian Watson for creating Mr. Skelly and for letting me experience his journey.
"Sometimes just being alive is an act of courage"
How Lucky Am I is one of those graphic novels that captivated me from the very first page to the last. It came into my life at exactly the right moment, helping me get back up after a difficult period I’ve been going through these past months.
Both the illustrations and the words by Christian Watson are beautiful. In his writing I found many small reminders and reasons to keep moving forward.
Within these pages I found so much to reflect on and carry with me, little thoughts and feelings that I want to hold onto and bring into my everyday life.
Some books arrive when you need them the most, and this was definitely one of them. I’m really grateful I found it when I did.
I’m truly grateful to Christian Watson for creating Mr. Skelly and for letting me experience his journey.
March 27, 2026
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC.
This beautiful, thoughtful little graphic novel works for both children and adults, and does something simply remarkable: it reminds you, gently but firmly, of the things you already know but rarely stop to sit with. That our time here is short. That we shouldn’t take things for granted. That it is absolutely okay, sometimes, for things not to work out the way we wanted… and to not be okay about it. We move through life carrying these truths, consciously or not. Seeing them laid out simply on the page can feel confrontational, but in the best possible way. I got a little emotional towards the end, not going to lie.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, the colour palette is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is just plain adorable. This is one I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy of.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote to sit with:
“I have very little say in the good or the bad coming to me, but I do have control in how I see, feel, and experience it.“
This beautiful, thoughtful little graphic novel works for both children and adults, and does something simply remarkable: it reminds you, gently but firmly, of the things you already know but rarely stop to sit with. That our time here is short. That we shouldn’t take things for granted. That it is absolutely okay, sometimes, for things not to work out the way we wanted… and to not be okay about it. We move through life carrying these truths, consciously or not. Seeing them laid out simply on the page can feel confrontational, but in the best possible way. I got a little emotional towards the end, not going to lie.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, the colour palette is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is just plain adorable. This is one I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy of.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote to sit with:
“I have very little say in the good or the bad coming to me, but I do have control in how I see, feel, and experience it.“
March 16, 2026
Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and Net Galley provided me with an advanced reader copy of this book to read in return for an honest review.
I had not been aware of Mr. Skelly before this book, but apparently he’s pretty big on social media. This is a lovely, hopeful little book about he and his family. The illustrations are whimsical, and some of the accompanying mantras really stuck with me.
This would be the perfect book read in one sitting or to pick up and flip to your favorite illustrations any time.
I had not been aware of Mr. Skelly before this book, but apparently he’s pretty big on social media. This is a lovely, hopeful little book about he and his family. The illustrations are whimsical, and some of the accompanying mantras really stuck with me.
This would be the perfect book read in one sitting or to pick up and flip to your favorite illustrations any time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Christian Watson, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, NetGalley & Edelweiss (since I received a copy from both) for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Re-readability: Yes
CW: Death.
My chosen soundtrack: The New Year's Ball - Checkpoint
Publishing date: Expected 30 Jul 26
Themes
Death, the unknown, appreciating life, introspection, stagnation, (un)certainty, beauty in the mundane, reframing/rethinking, change or the lack thereof, control or the lack thereof, gratitude, human connection, being intentional, positive/neutral nihilism, inevitability.
What I liked
✧ Beautiful illustrations. I have followed Christian Watson on Instagram for a while now, and his work has always resonated. The colors are just 10/10, and many of the illustrations make me feel like I'm viewing life through the golden hour or while sitting next to a cozy campfire.
✧ Introspective and driven by emotions. It touches on some heavy subjects without becoming too heavy to carry. Many aspects of life are explored through a neutral lens. Quite hopeful, without being obstrusive. It feels like midnight talks with a friend, profound but safe.
✧ I loved the backstory on how Mr. Skelly came to be, and just overall the author's written discourse on death.
✧ This book really captures this kind of vibe: "We're literally living on a rock floating through space, whatever." Almost nihilistic, but in a positive way. Exploring liberation through seeing life for what it is. Not inherently bad, not inherently good. It just is. There is no toxic positivity or an intense focus on all that is negative. Life, and death as well, is met with neutrality in this book.
✧ It acknowledges our place in our lives as active participants, but also focuses on how some things are just beyond our control and should be met just as they are.
✧ The number of animals in the illustrations!!!
�� ✧ This quote really touched me
✧ I liked this duality of acknowledging that time is finite, but life, in its own way, is infinite.
✧ The last few pages on the hopes of what death would be like really got to me. I hadn't really expected that. It was a nice surprise, though.
✧ The illustrations tell a story of their own, of people meeting, building a family, and, as all life does eventually, death. A full circle.
What I didn't like/felt lackluster about
✦ I loved the longer written parts and most of the text accompanying the illustrations. However, there were some texts I felt like I'd heard many times before. Some pages might have worked better for me personally if no text had been included at all. But this is, honestly, such a small complaint, since I LOVED most of this book.
Conclusion/Notes
How Lucky Am I takes readers along a reflective journey about life, living, and death. It's hopeful yet realistic in its depiction of life not always being perfect. Even so, life is still regarded as something beautiful.
Even without the accompanying texts, this work can be viewed as a wonderful art book. The illustrations are beautiful, with amazing colors and a certain whimsy that balances out the gravity of its subject(s).
Though I have met Mr. Skelly before, it felt wonderful to walk along his side a little longer.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Re-readability: Yes
CW: Death.
My chosen soundtrack: The New Year's Ball - Checkpoint
Publishing date: Expected 30 Jul 26
I hope death feels like
Being picked up from the backseat
And carried to my bed half asleep
Where tucked in and eyes are closed
I can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door
Themes
Death, the unknown, appreciating life, introspection, stagnation, (un)certainty, beauty in the mundane, reframing/rethinking, change or the lack thereof, control or the lack thereof, gratitude, human connection, being intentional, positive/neutral nihilism, inevitability.
What I liked
✧ Beautiful illustrations. I have followed Christian Watson on Instagram for a while now, and his work has always resonated. The colors are just 10/10, and many of the illustrations make me feel like I'm viewing life through the golden hour or while sitting next to a cozy campfire.
✧ Introspective and driven by emotions. It touches on some heavy subjects without becoming too heavy to carry. Many aspects of life are explored through a neutral lens. Quite hopeful, without being obstrusive. It feels like midnight talks with a friend, profound but safe.
✧ I loved the backstory on how Mr. Skelly came to be, and just overall the author's written discourse on death.
So, I have set out on a funny, seemingly impossible, quest of rebranding death as not scary, not something to glorify or seek out, but something to accept and embrace. A mission to see skeletons not as hardcore, death-bringing symbols, but as softened versions of who we are and who we are all guaranteed to become.
✧ This book really captures this kind of vibe: "We're literally living on a rock floating through space, whatever." Almost nihilistic, but in a positive way. Exploring liberation through seeing life for what it is. Not inherently bad, not inherently good. It just is. There is no toxic positivity or an intense focus on all that is negative. Life, and death as well, is met with neutrality in this book.
It's not always meant to work out
It's not always meant to fall apart
✧ It acknowledges our place in our lives as active participants, but also focuses on how some things are just beyond our control and should be met just as they are.
✧ The number of animals in the illustrations!!!
�� ✧ This quote really touched me
What happens to you is not who you are
✧ I liked this duality of acknowledging that time is finite, but life, in its own way, is infinite.
✧ The last few pages on the hopes of what death would be like really got to me. I hadn't really expected that. It was a nice surprise, though.
✧ The illustrations tell a story of their own, of people meeting, building a family, and, as all life does eventually, death. A full circle.
What I didn't like/felt lackluster about
✦ I loved the longer written parts and most of the text accompanying the illustrations. However, there were some texts I felt like I'd heard many times before. Some pages might have worked better for me personally if no text had been included at all. But this is, honestly, such a small complaint, since I LOVED most of this book.
Conclusion/Notes
How Lucky Am I takes readers along a reflective journey about life, living, and death. It's hopeful yet realistic in its depiction of life not always being perfect. Even so, life is still regarded as something beautiful.
Even without the accompanying texts, this work can be viewed as a wonderful art book. The illustrations are beautiful, with amazing colors and a certain whimsy that balances out the gravity of its subject(s).
Though I have met Mr. Skelly before, it felt wonderful to walk along his side a little longer.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists.
March 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter Publishing for an advanced copy to review, all feedback is my own.
This was my first introduction to Mr Skelly, and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to him and to the artist behind him, Christian Watson. The moment I saw the cover art on NetGalley I was drawn to it and knew that I’d want to pick this up even if I didn’t receive the ARC. The art style is absolutely stunning and the contrast of a skeleton in it made me feel something unexpected. It was almost more serene than if it’d been a “fully fleshed” human. Flipping through the pages, I continued to feel that way, and the little messages along the way were sometimes sweet, sometimes made me to pause and reflect, and sometimes made chuckle. I’d honestly love to just hang all these pages on my walls to be able to see them everyday, I really can’t get over how beautiful the art is, and the messaging behind it. Death isn’t something I’ve been scared of really ever, it honestly seems peaceful (and that’s on living with mental health issues my whole life), but seeing Mr Skelly existing in the art and depictions of places and environments I love made me feel a little extra peace here in the world of the living and that’s all I hope for when engaging in art and literature.
This was my first introduction to Mr Skelly, and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to him and to the artist behind him, Christian Watson. The moment I saw the cover art on NetGalley I was drawn to it and knew that I’d want to pick this up even if I didn’t receive the ARC. The art style is absolutely stunning and the contrast of a skeleton in it made me feel something unexpected. It was almost more serene than if it’d been a “fully fleshed” human. Flipping through the pages, I continued to feel that way, and the little messages along the way were sometimes sweet, sometimes made me to pause and reflect, and sometimes made chuckle. I’d honestly love to just hang all these pages on my walls to be able to see them everyday, I really can’t get over how beautiful the art is, and the messaging behind it. Death isn’t something I’ve been scared of really ever, it honestly seems peaceful (and that’s on living with mental health issues my whole life), but seeing Mr Skelly existing in the art and depictions of places and environments I love made me feel a little extra peace here in the world of the living and that’s all I hope for when engaging in art and literature.
April 23, 2026
"i only have life because of death."
as a lover of the "mr. skelly" art videos on instagram reels, i was so excited to see that there was going to be a book featuring him! despite being a brief book, there was so much i took away from it. you have the gorgeous artwork you'd typically expect, and then these thought-provoking musings about mortality and the human experience sprinkled throughout.
death anxiety is something that many humans possess, and according to the author, creating mr. skelly is what allowed him to navigate and process that feeling of fear. i really appreciated getting to learn the backstory behind mr. skelly--it made me love the art even more, and increased my respect for the author. when "how lucky am i" finally hits the shelves, i'm heavily considering snagging a physical copy that i can periodically reread.
౨ৎ QUOTES
⟡ “the hardships, the magic, the challenges—how lucky am i to face them? how lucky am i to start a new day, to try and fail again? how lucky am i to have been here at all?”
⟡ “how lucky am i to outgrow the things not meant for me?”
⟡ “find what you would die for and live for it.”
as a lover of the "mr. skelly" art videos on instagram reels, i was so excited to see that there was going to be a book featuring him! despite being a brief book, there was so much i took away from it. you have the gorgeous artwork you'd typically expect, and then these thought-provoking musings about mortality and the human experience sprinkled throughout.
death anxiety is something that many humans possess, and according to the author, creating mr. skelly is what allowed him to navigate and process that feeling of fear. i really appreciated getting to learn the backstory behind mr. skelly--it made me love the art even more, and increased my respect for the author. when "how lucky am i" finally hits the shelves, i'm heavily considering snagging a physical copy that i can periodically reread.
౨ৎ QUOTES
⟡ “the hardships, the magic, the challenges—how lucky am i to face them? how lucky am i to start a new day, to try and fail again? how lucky am i to have been here at all?”
⟡ “how lucky am i to outgrow the things not meant for me?”
⟡ “find what you would die for and live for it.”
March 17, 2026
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm”
“Our time here is limited, our love is not”
This was a beautifully created graphic novel with a very reflective self-help vibe from a character beloved by so many on social media.
Mr Skelly is constantly in my messages between my husband and I and they always make me smile. Reading how this character came about is such a wonderful thing and it’s given me comfort in the fears I have other death that I’ve had since childhood and even at my age now.
With bursts of beautiful drawn pictures, split up with the odd page of words to go along with the subject, I found it to be worth a read for anyone who needs to take their perspective and shake it up a bit.
“You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm”
“Our time here is limited, our love is not”
This was a beautifully created graphic novel with a very reflective self-help vibe from a character beloved by so many on social media.
Mr Skelly is constantly in my messages between my husband and I and they always make me smile. Reading how this character came about is such a wonderful thing and it’s given me comfort in the fears I have other death that I’ve had since childhood and even at my age now.
With bursts of beautiful drawn pictures, split up with the odd page of words to go along with the subject, I found it to be worth a read for anyone who needs to take their perspective and shake it up a bit.
March 3, 2026
I adored this! Not too many words obviously, being a comic, but the words are powerful ones & the art is STUNNING! Some pages made me teary eyed. I feel like this would be a lovely book to own so I could revisit it from time to time when I’m losing sight of what matters most & to practice gratitude. Beautiful book!
March 4, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
Review coming later <3
Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Review coming later <3
Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2026
I am a huge fan of Christian Watson's Mr Skelly animations, so how lucky am I to have received this eARC?
I feel like there are no words to describe how this book made me feel. The illustrations are just beautiful and the words are a moving reminder that life is precious, to live in the present, and to celebrate how far you have come.
I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book.
I feel like there are no words to describe how this book made me feel. The illustrations are just beautiful and the words are a moving reminder that life is precious, to live in the present, and to celebrate how far you have come.
I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book.
April 9, 2026
How Lucky Am I? endeavors to reframe the language we use to anticipate, describe, and reflect on our experiences to be more humanizing towards ourselves. Watson’s straightforward advice pairs beautifully with the whimsical illustrations of Mr. Skelly to create a soothing reading experience.
TLDR: Watson has managed to condense years of therapy lessons into 130 charmingly reflective comics.
TLDR: Watson has managed to condense years of therapy lessons into 130 charmingly reflective comics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thank you to Christian Watson and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this wonderful book.
This book is a warm hug. The artwork is absolute chef's kiss so beautiful, so soft, so full of warmth that you can literally feel your heart get lighter as you flip through it.
What makes this book special is how it puts into words the things we already know deep down but often forget when life gets loud. Sometimes you just need someone to remind you, give you that gentle nudge, to be that little voice in your head telling you what you already know. And Mr. Skelly is exactly that voice. He is comforting, grounding, and quietly encouraging, like a friend who sits beside you and says, "You're doing okay. Keep going".
It's also exactly what I wanted to hear. Somehow, everything I read resonated so deeply within me, like it was speaking directly to the parts of myself I tend to ignore. I genuinely want to print the pages and paste them on my walls so I'm constantly reminded not to take life so seriously and to slow down, breathe, and take things easy.
And honestly, taking something that's "scary", a skeleton, and turning it into something so comforting, warm, and beautiful is such a talent. Kudos to the author. I'm someone who's scared of death, and I can't say this book cured that fear, but for the moments I was reading it, it didn't feel that scary. It felt softer. Kinder. Almost like it was okay to sit with the thought instead of running from it and I like to believe that's exactly what the author intended.
It's the kind of book that would make such a thoughtful gift for anyone who could use a little lightness in their life and a little comfort and grounding. I already know I want to keep a physical copy in my bag and another on my office desk, ready to flip open whenever life feels overwhelming. It's a pocket sized reset button, a collection of reminders that help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little lighter.
Warm, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, How Lucky Am I is more than a book it's a companion for the days when you need a soft place to land.
This book is a warm hug. The artwork is absolute chef's kiss so beautiful, so soft, so full of warmth that you can literally feel your heart get lighter as you flip through it.
What makes this book special is how it puts into words the things we already know deep down but often forget when life gets loud. Sometimes you just need someone to remind you, give you that gentle nudge, to be that little voice in your head telling you what you already know. And Mr. Skelly is exactly that voice. He is comforting, grounding, and quietly encouraging, like a friend who sits beside you and says, "You're doing okay. Keep going".
It's also exactly what I wanted to hear. Somehow, everything I read resonated so deeply within me, like it was speaking directly to the parts of myself I tend to ignore. I genuinely want to print the pages and paste them on my walls so I'm constantly reminded not to take life so seriously and to slow down, breathe, and take things easy.
And honestly, taking something that's "scary", a skeleton, and turning it into something so comforting, warm, and beautiful is such a talent. Kudos to the author. I'm someone who's scared of death, and I can't say this book cured that fear, but for the moments I was reading it, it didn't feel that scary. It felt softer. Kinder. Almost like it was okay to sit with the thought instead of running from it and I like to believe that's exactly what the author intended.
It's the kind of book that would make such a thoughtful gift for anyone who could use a little lightness in their life and a little comfort and grounding. I already know I want to keep a physical copy in my bag and another on my office desk, ready to flip open whenever life feels overwhelming. It's a pocket sized reset button, a collection of reminders that help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little lighter.
Warm, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, How Lucky Am I is more than a book it's a companion for the days when you need a soft place to land.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson
How Lucky Am I is less a traditional story and more a quiet, reflective journey, with a wandering skeleton named Mr. Skelly guiding the way. There is no real plot to track, no structured arc pushing things forward. Instead, it moves through moments and emotions, exploring love, loss, and the complicated idea that things not working out might still lead somewhere meaningful. Mr. Skelly drifts from place to place in search of something like home, which feels intentionally open-ended rather than incomplete.
The book leans into reflection over narrative, but in a way that feels sincere rather than overly packaged. Each page offers a small thought or observation, and while the themes are familiar, they land with a kind of quiet honesty. It does not try to overexplain or force conclusions, which helps it avoid feeling overly polished. There is a softness to how it approaches difficult emotions, allowing space for interpretation instead of tying everything up neatly.
The artwork and text work closely together to create a consistent tone. The illustrations have a muted, slightly melancholic quality that complements the introspective writing, and together they create something that feels cohesive rather than one carrying the other. It is the kind of book where the mood lingers, even if the individual lines are simple.
Overall, this is the kind of book that depends on your willingness to sit with it. It is not trying to be complex or groundbreaking, but it feels thoughtful and genuine in what it does. For me, it really worked. I would give this 4.5 stars, especially if you are someone who connects with quieter, more reflective reads.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
How Lucky Am I is less a traditional story and more a quiet, reflective journey, with a wandering skeleton named Mr. Skelly guiding the way. There is no real plot to track, no structured arc pushing things forward. Instead, it moves through moments and emotions, exploring love, loss, and the complicated idea that things not working out might still lead somewhere meaningful. Mr. Skelly drifts from place to place in search of something like home, which feels intentionally open-ended rather than incomplete.
The book leans into reflection over narrative, but in a way that feels sincere rather than overly packaged. Each page offers a small thought or observation, and while the themes are familiar, they land with a kind of quiet honesty. It does not try to overexplain or force conclusions, which helps it avoid feeling overly polished. There is a softness to how it approaches difficult emotions, allowing space for interpretation instead of tying everything up neatly.
The artwork and text work closely together to create a consistent tone. The illustrations have a muted, slightly melancholic quality that complements the introspective writing, and together they create something that feels cohesive rather than one carrying the other. It is the kind of book where the mood lingers, even if the individual lines are simple.
Overall, this is the kind of book that depends on your willingness to sit with it. It is not trying to be complex or groundbreaking, but it feels thoughtful and genuine in what it does. For me, it really worked. I would give this 4.5 stars, especially if you are someone who connects with quieter, more reflective reads.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Picture Book | Motivational | Carpe Diem
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
•Plot: How Lucky Am I. The author discusses the origin of Mr. Skelly and how it is used to represent death, life, and love. Their goal is to rebrand death as something to accept rather than fear or seek. In between the art and thoughtful blurbs, the author talks to the reader.
•What I liked: Vibrant art with thoughtful pieces. One that stood out to me was, “You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm,” Which is like you don’t have to burn yourself out trying to impress people. Also, “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, some people just don’t like peaches.” It’s true, and you can think about it in the way some people just won’t accept you, and that’s okay, be you. Also, “Sometimes the grass is greener where you water it.” Where you are could be where you want to be, basically.
•What didn’t work for me: That it’s short! It would be nice if it were longer with more blurbs and art.
•Themes / Ideas: Life is short, be appreciative.
•Who I’d recommend it to: Seeking motivation, those who appreciate art.
Overall/Thoughts: The book is about appreciating life and how change happens through little things. It’s calm visuals with thoughtful words. I originally saw Mr. Skelly's art videos on TikTok and was curious about the book. The book is just as great as the different motivational videos I saw before it. Mr. Skelly is a playful and contemplative character.
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
•Plot: How Lucky Am I. The author discusses the origin of Mr. Skelly and how it is used to represent death, life, and love. Their goal is to rebrand death as something to accept rather than fear or seek. In between the art and thoughtful blurbs, the author talks to the reader.
•What I liked: Vibrant art with thoughtful pieces. One that stood out to me was, “You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm,” Which is like you don’t have to burn yourself out trying to impress people. Also, “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, some people just don’t like peaches.” It’s true, and you can think about it in the way some people just won’t accept you, and that’s okay, be you. Also, “Sometimes the grass is greener where you water it.” Where you are could be where you want to be, basically.
•What didn’t work for me: That it’s short! It would be nice if it were longer with more blurbs and art.
•Themes / Ideas: Life is short, be appreciative.
•Who I’d recommend it to: Seeking motivation, those who appreciate art.
Overall/Thoughts: The book is about appreciating life and how change happens through little things. It’s calm visuals with thoughtful words. I originally saw Mr. Skelly's art videos on TikTok and was curious about the book. The book is just as great as the different motivational videos I saw before it. Mr. Skelly is a playful and contemplative character.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an illustrated self-help/inspirational book featuring the musings of the skeleton Mr. Skelly.
Lush, full-page drawings take us on a journey with Mr. Skelly through different landscapes and interactions with his little family, with a few written pages scattered throughout for explanation and image grouping.
I didn’t dislike this book, but it didn’t exactly hit the mark for me. I think I expected it to be more of a narrative or story, but it was more like single or few-frame images paired with quotes and sayings. I received a digital copy, so maybe if I had a physical version it would feel different. I like the concept of Mr. Skelly, and the artwork was great. I especially liked that the word bubbles looked like fire-edged paper.
Some of the messages felt a little too cliché for me, and I would have liked a more cohesive story. It was described as being about death and grief, but it felt more about acceptance and mindfulness, in my opinion. But, I’m a bit of a goth girly, and Mr. Skelly felt a little too cute to come across as macabre. Also, I’m also not familiar with Mr. Skelly, so that may have contributed to some of it not fully landing for me. I could see how readers who already love the character would connect with it a lot more.
Overall, a very pretty book that would be nice to have on a coffee table to flip through when you need a little pick-me-up.
Art: 5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Writing: 3/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is an illustrated self-help/inspirational book featuring the musings of the skeleton Mr. Skelly.
Lush, full-page drawings take us on a journey with Mr. Skelly through different landscapes and interactions with his little family, with a few written pages scattered throughout for explanation and image grouping.
I didn’t dislike this book, but it didn’t exactly hit the mark for me. I think I expected it to be more of a narrative or story, but it was more like single or few-frame images paired with quotes and sayings. I received a digital copy, so maybe if I had a physical version it would feel different. I like the concept of Mr. Skelly, and the artwork was great. I especially liked that the word bubbles looked like fire-edged paper.
Some of the messages felt a little too cliché for me, and I would have liked a more cohesive story. It was described as being about death and grief, but it felt more about acceptance and mindfulness, in my opinion. But, I’m a bit of a goth girly, and Mr. Skelly felt a little too cute to come across as macabre. Also, I’m also not familiar with Mr. Skelly, so that may have contributed to some of it not fully landing for me. I could see how readers who already love the character would connect with it a lot more.
Overall, a very pretty book that would be nice to have on a coffee table to flip through when you need a little pick-me-up.
Art: 5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Writing: 3/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Life is too short to not be at peace"
What if we could see things for what they are? That was the question author Christian Watson asked himself, and what started as a creative drawing project to help explain the concept of death to his children grew into Mr. Skelly, a gentle skeleton, wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, and reflecting on the present as it revolves around us. To Watson, death is not something that should be scary, glorious, or sought after, but rather softer versions of who we are and are guaranteed to become. Mr. Skelly invites us to see the beautiful and finite in everything we do - the joyous, the aching, the hard, the hopeful - come walk with him for a spell.
I've loved Mr. Skelly since stumbling across him on Instagram many years ago, and I think that the idea of facing death as a friend waiting patiently at the end of the line - not to be feared, not to be rushed towards, in a way the final (but gentle) boss at the end of the game patiently waiting for you to fully live through all of life's main and side quests, is beautiful - and much needed in a world that feels like it's violently spinning out of control all the time. I think this would be a great book to keep around to sit with and reflect on when needed a small break - the illustrations are breathtaking, and the author's reflections are poignant, and I really needed to read this today. And I would bet you out there do too.
What if we could see things for what they are? That was the question author Christian Watson asked himself, and what started as a creative drawing project to help explain the concept of death to his children grew into Mr. Skelly, a gentle skeleton, wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, and reflecting on the present as it revolves around us. To Watson, death is not something that should be scary, glorious, or sought after, but rather softer versions of who we are and are guaranteed to become. Mr. Skelly invites us to see the beautiful and finite in everything we do - the joyous, the aching, the hard, the hopeful - come walk with him for a spell.
I've loved Mr. Skelly since stumbling across him on Instagram many years ago, and I think that the idea of facing death as a friend waiting patiently at the end of the line - not to be feared, not to be rushed towards, in a way the final (but gentle) boss at the end of the game patiently waiting for you to fully live through all of life's main and side quests, is beautiful - and much needed in a world that feels like it's violently spinning out of control all the time. I think this would be a great book to keep around to sit with and reflect on when needed a small break - the illustrations are breathtaking, and the author's reflections are poignant, and I really needed to read this today. And I would bet you out there do too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC in change of an honest review through NetGalley, all the opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
How Lucky Am I by Mr Skelly is a really sweet, uplifting comic that somehow manages to make self-help feel gentle and fun. Normally, I don’t go for self-help books at all, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this one really surprised me. The illustrations are amazing!! They’re honestly the star of the book. I loved all the different animals that pop up throughout, and the way the images make everything feel warm and full of life which might sound a bit of opposites due to the skeleton and darker tones.
Even though I’m not usually into self-help, I could still relate to parts of Mr Skelly’s journey. There’s something about the way he moves through different stages of life and love that just makes you think about your own life in a quiet, comforting way. The book’s little reminders about letting go of what you can’t control, appreciating the present, and holding onto what truly matters really hit home without feeling preachy in my opinion.
Overall, it’s a really charming, gentle read. It’s funny, heartwarming, and somehow manages to feel personal without being over-the-top. Even if you’re like me and normally avoid self-help, it’s definitely worth picking up for the illustrations alone, also the little life lessons are just a bonus.
How Lucky Am I by Mr Skelly is a really sweet, uplifting comic that somehow manages to make self-help feel gentle and fun. Normally, I don’t go for self-help books at all, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this one really surprised me. The illustrations are amazing!! They’re honestly the star of the book. I loved all the different animals that pop up throughout, and the way the images make everything feel warm and full of life which might sound a bit of opposites due to the skeleton and darker tones.
Even though I’m not usually into self-help, I could still relate to parts of Mr Skelly’s journey. There’s something about the way he moves through different stages of life and love that just makes you think about your own life in a quiet, comforting way. The book’s little reminders about letting go of what you can’t control, appreciating the present, and holding onto what truly matters really hit home without feeling preachy in my opinion.
Overall, it’s a really charming, gentle read. It’s funny, heartwarming, and somehow manages to feel personal without being over-the-top. Even if you’re like me and normally avoid self-help, it’s definitely worth picking up for the illustrations alone, also the little life lessons are just a bonus.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
properly obsessed! i had seen the author’s comics circulating online before and they always struck a chord with me, so when i found out there was a full book i was incredibly excited. thankfully it completely lived up to that excitement. the drawing style is just perfect, somehow both simple and emotionally loaded at the same time. there were honestly multiple pages where i had to pause because the composition and imagery were so good that i wanted to print them out and hang them on my wall.
but what really made the book stand out to me wasn’t just the visuals. the ideas behind the comics and the writing itself felt thoughtful and honest in a way that’s hard to fake. a lot of the pieces capture very specific emotional states or quiet realizations that are difficult to put into words, yet the author manages to express them with just a few lines and images. it’s the kind of work that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal at the same time.
reading it also felt very timely for me. sometimes you pick up a book and it’s enjoyable, but occasionally a book appears at exactly the moment you’re most receptive to what it’s trying to say. this felt like one of those cases.
overall, i absolutely loved it. it’s visually beautiful, emotionally sharp, and filled with moments that linger long after you finish reading. i’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, introspective comics or art that explores the quieter, more complicated parts of being human.
but what really made the book stand out to me wasn’t just the visuals. the ideas behind the comics and the writing itself felt thoughtful and honest in a way that’s hard to fake. a lot of the pieces capture very specific emotional states or quiet realizations that are difficult to put into words, yet the author manages to express them with just a few lines and images. it’s the kind of work that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal at the same time.
reading it also felt very timely for me. sometimes you pick up a book and it’s enjoyable, but occasionally a book appears at exactly the moment you’re most receptive to what it’s trying to say. this felt like one of those cases.
overall, i absolutely loved it. it’s visually beautiful, emotionally sharp, and filled with moments that linger long after you finish reading. i’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, introspective comics or art that explores the quieter, more complicated parts of being human.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for ARC.
"Sometimes the very best things that happen to us come from our response to the very worst. We learn who we are through the hardships we endure. Our reactions, our responses, the way we answer of the call of circumstance - the call of life - shows us who we are."
This was a beautifully-illustrated story that aims to ground us in the appreciation of life in the every day with the poignant use of Skelly the skeleton to bring conversations of death to the forefront of appreciating life. Having had experiences that have shown me truly how lucky I am, to not take any day for granted and gratitude in the ultimate gift from death of life through organ donation, this narrative really hit home for me, The graphics are stunning and some of these affirmations really felt striking for the book but others seemed a bit randomly placed. Whilst the images created a narrative of an individual growing up, meeting another skeleton to grow old with, references to a child - normative life events in a seemingly traditional chronology, the quotes and messages seemed a bit more sporadic, which did mean I tuned out a little bit and paid more attention to the images themselves.
Nonetheless, it was a lovely read with beautiful graphics and simple, reasonable - even obvious - yet profound, influence.
"Sometimes the very best things that happen to us come from our response to the very worst. We learn who we are through the hardships we endure. Our reactions, our responses, the way we answer of the call of circumstance - the call of life - shows us who we are."
This was a beautifully-illustrated story that aims to ground us in the appreciation of life in the every day with the poignant use of Skelly the skeleton to bring conversations of death to the forefront of appreciating life. Having had experiences that have shown me truly how lucky I am, to not take any day for granted and gratitude in the ultimate gift from death of life through organ donation, this narrative really hit home for me, The graphics are stunning and some of these affirmations really felt striking for the book but others seemed a bit randomly placed. Whilst the images created a narrative of an individual growing up, meeting another skeleton to grow old with, references to a child - normative life events in a seemingly traditional chronology, the quotes and messages seemed a bit more sporadic, which did mean I tuned out a little bit and paid more attention to the images themselves.
Nonetheless, it was a lovely read with beautiful graphics and simple, reasonable - even obvious - yet profound, influence.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Christian Watson is an American designer, illustrator, animator, and author best known for creating the popular character Mr Skelly and founding the design studio 1924us. His upcoming release, How Lucky Am I, is a beautifully grounded graphic novel that reflects on finding perspective in a chaotic world. It focuses on themes of life, gratitude, and navigating quiet moments. Rather than offering the usual platitudes, Watson explores the reality of struggle and loss, making his eventual insights feel authentic.
Watson states, “I have set out on a funny, seemingly impossible, quest of rebranding death as not scary, not something to glorify or seek out, but something to accept and embrace.” He first started drawing Mr. Skelly for his children, as a way to talk to them about death, life, and love.
His central argument - that luck is not random but something we cultivate through attention and choice - is both refreshing and thought-provoking. The prose is spare and contemplative, making this an ideal companion for quiet moments of reflection. It is a read for anyone looking to reestablish their priorities and find appreciation in the everyday. Watson has created a beautiful reminder that while we cannot always control the cards we are dealt, we do have the power over how we play our hand.
Watson states, “I have set out on a funny, seemingly impossible, quest of rebranding death as not scary, not something to glorify or seek out, but something to accept and embrace.” He first started drawing Mr. Skelly for his children, as a way to talk to them about death, life, and love.
His central argument - that luck is not random but something we cultivate through attention and choice - is both refreshing and thought-provoking. The prose is spare and contemplative, making this an ideal companion for quiet moments of reflection. It is a read for anyone looking to reestablish their priorities and find appreciation in the everyday. Watson has created a beautiful reminder that while we cannot always control the cards we are dealt, we do have the power over how we play our hand.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I first want to say that I love this illustrator and had actually followed him on Instagram before knowing he was writing a book (what a fun netgalley discovery!).
For the book itself, I think the illustrations are beautiful, but some of the dogs look copied and pasted from one page to another. Otherwise, I feel whimsical and awe-inspired looking at the illustrations. I think its a great analogy to use a skeleton to give words of wisdom about living life to the fullest. The paragraphs have great messages about what it means to live and love, but the tone/route it takes I kind of depressing? I'm not a sad person, honestly if you asked anyone who knows me they would say the exact opposite, so when I read this book, I felt like it is directed towards someone who wants to kill themself. Sorry, that's blunt and dark, but truly the words just have that underlying saying of "Life is all about challenges and living is just enough. So keep living and don't end it all". Funny enough, it isn't the skeleton that's adding to this, it's really just the paragraphs of text that give me this vibe. I wouldn't say it follows the tag line of "an inspiring and uplifting story" more like a gentle reminder that everything is gonna be ok? Can't say I felt uplifted or inspired, more like content
For the book itself, I think the illustrations are beautiful, but some of the dogs look copied and pasted from one page to another. Otherwise, I feel whimsical and awe-inspired looking at the illustrations. I think its a great analogy to use a skeleton to give words of wisdom about living life to the fullest. The paragraphs have great messages about what it means to live and love, but the tone/route it takes I kind of depressing? I'm not a sad person, honestly if you asked anyone who knows me they would say the exact opposite, so when I read this book, I felt like it is directed towards someone who wants to kill themself. Sorry, that's blunt and dark, but truly the words just have that underlying saying of "Life is all about challenges and living is just enough. So keep living and don't end it all". Funny enough, it isn't the skeleton that's adding to this, it's really just the paragraphs of text that give me this vibe. I wouldn't say it follows the tag line of "an inspiring and uplifting story" more like a gentle reminder that everything is gonna be ok? Can't say I felt uplifted or inspired, more like content
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Life is in the in-between, and that is what is important. Major milestone moments are not things we should take for granted, but what if we could prioritize the small moments, the little victories, and make them just as important?
I feel like anyone who knows about Mr. Skelley found him at a time when they needed it most. I’ve always loved the art style and messages that often came along with them. Reminders to be in the moment, to not overthink, to enjoy the time we’re given, to rest without guilt and to love with our whole hearts.
This book brought me so much joy and comfort. It reminded me that some things don’t work out so that other things can fall into place, things that you’re truly meant for. It also reminded me that prioritizing small moments in life is just as important as prioritizing those larger moments too.
Maybe a stranger bought you groceries; maybe your bus was late and you saw the sunset a little longer. We look down, constantly, at our phones, at our hands in our laps, waiting for six months from now when "it's all gonna get better."
But what if it was better now?
What if we looked up more often?
What if we saw life for what it is?
Life is a series of days strung together to make your life.
I feel like anyone who knows about Mr. Skelley found him at a time when they needed it most. I’ve always loved the art style and messages that often came along with them. Reminders to be in the moment, to not overthink, to enjoy the time we’re given, to rest without guilt and to love with our whole hearts.
This book brought me so much joy and comfort. It reminded me that some things don’t work out so that other things can fall into place, things that you’re truly meant for. It also reminded me that prioritizing small moments in life is just as important as prioritizing those larger moments too.
Maybe a stranger bought you groceries; maybe your bus was late and you saw the sunset a little longer. We look down, constantly, at our phones, at our hands in our laps, waiting for six months from now when "it's all gonna get better."
But what if it was better now?
What if we looked up more often?
What if we saw life for what it is?
Life is a series of days strung together to make your life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How Lucky Am I is a heartfelt book about gratitude and being present in this modern life of busy-ness and fear of death. The author presents this in a somewhat fatalistic manner - we have a limited timespan here on earth, so we need to make the most of what we have while we have it.
I've been a fan of 1924us and Watson's Mr Skelly vignettes for some time, so I was thrilled to be approved to read this. The artworks in the book are stills from the online animations, showing the Skelly characters dancing, exploring, caring for one another among fields of flowers, lush forests and cosy indoor scenes. Always the illustrations reflect peace, and hope, and whimsy. The words are more serious - one liners about gratitude, being present, acceptance of hard times, and hope for the future.
Interwoven with the artwork are notes from the author detailing how and why he made Mr Skelly, and more about the shift in mindset.
This book brought me to tears a couple of times. It's timely, moving, hopeful, and beautiful. Well worth a read.
~This is a NetGalley ARC - many thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press. All opinions are my own~
I've been a fan of 1924us and Watson's Mr Skelly vignettes for some time, so I was thrilled to be approved to read this. The artworks in the book are stills from the online animations, showing the Skelly characters dancing, exploring, caring for one another among fields of flowers, lush forests and cosy indoor scenes. Always the illustrations reflect peace, and hope, and whimsy. The words are more serious - one liners about gratitude, being present, acceptance of hard times, and hope for the future.
Interwoven with the artwork are notes from the author detailing how and why he made Mr Skelly, and more about the shift in mindset.
This book brought me to tears a couple of times. It's timely, moving, hopeful, and beautiful. Well worth a read.
~This is a NetGalley ARC - many thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press. All opinions are my own~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He may only be bones, but Mr. Skelly speaks straight to the soul.
Mr. Skelly has always made me smile whenever he pops up on Instagram. I’ve shared him countless times with friends and family, so when I saw that Christian Watson was releasing a graphic novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I feel so honoured to have had the opportunity to read this in advance and share my thoughts.
This novel is more than I ever could have anticipated. It is Mr. Skelly in all his glory and quiet intelligence. I truly believe there is no one who would not benefit from what Mr. Skelly, aka Christian Watson, has to say.
The artwork is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is as charming as ever. The words are thoughtful and grounding, the kind you want to carry with you every day. This is the type of book I will return to again and again. This book is a reminder to live in the here and now, to appreciate how far you’ve come, and to slow down and celebrate the small moments as much as big ones.
Thank you, Christian Watson, for sharing this magnificent creation with the world. Mr. Skelly is exactly what we all need right now.
10 stars. Everyone needs to read this.
Mr. Skelly has always made me smile whenever he pops up on Instagram. I’ve shared him countless times with friends and family, so when I saw that Christian Watson was releasing a graphic novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I feel so honoured to have had the opportunity to read this in advance and share my thoughts.
This novel is more than I ever could have anticipated. It is Mr. Skelly in all his glory and quiet intelligence. I truly believe there is no one who would not benefit from what Mr. Skelly, aka Christian Watson, has to say.
The artwork is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is as charming as ever. The words are thoughtful and grounding, the kind you want to carry with you every day. This is the type of book I will return to again and again. This book is a reminder to live in the here and now, to appreciate how far you’ve come, and to slow down and celebrate the small moments as much as big ones.
Thank you, Christian Watson, for sharing this magnificent creation with the world. Mr. Skelly is exactly what we all need right now.
10 stars. Everyone needs to read this.
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