4 stars
A beautiful collection filled with gorgeous art, motivational pick-me-ups, and some thoughts/explanations/tips about living with anxiety and depression. This book is in a class of its own. I don’t think there’s anything else quite like this. It might not work for everyone, but if it works for a few people, gives them the last bit of hope and motivation they need, that is enough.
The book deals with some very heavy topics in a way that is uplifting, relatable, and positive in its mindset. Feelings like anxiety, inadequacy, and hopelessness are combated with mindfulness and understanding. Recognizing that these feelings don’t define you and that those negative thoughts aren’t true is half the battle. And Allan’s books helps reinforce that idea and give little reminders and encouragements along the way.
I wouldn’t say this is a self-help book that’s going to pull you out of all your problems. It’s not meant to be that. It does a perfect job at what it sets out to do: provide inspirational reminders that things work out paired with breathtaking artwork. It’s meant to give you warm feelings and make you smile while recognizing that mental health issues are hard and take work. It is meant to add some light and positivity when you feel lost in the dark. It executes on these goals perfectly.
A truly beautiful book both in its message and in its artwork. Filled with its own sort of magic, just the sort of magic we need more of in the world.