‘I Will Not Die Alone’ by Dera White with illustrations by Joe Bennett is a book that is not all that it first appears to be.

This is a book with anthropomorphic animals and comforting self-love affirmations. At least, that’s how it starts out, but it becomes apparent that there is impending doom approaching and perhaps our attitude in the face of that is also as important as our day to day struggles.

I knew nothing about this book, so the first half was nice but nothing special. The ending is powerful and meaningful. The art is also great.

in concept, this book is lovely. illustrations of anthropomorphized and well-dressed animals are paired with affirmations for everyday life as the end of the world approaches. an asteroid hums toward earth. regardless of their deep existential dread, the animals remain comforted by reminders that they will not die alone.

unfortunately the affirmations themselves are a mixed bag, ranging from gems like "I will let go of all disempowering beliefs" (with illustration of defiant goldfish wearing floaty water wings) to odd resolutions like "I will buy less coffee out and make more coffee at home"... uhh, sure.

and the art is kinda cute but some illustrations are straight up repeated?? if you have a book going to print, can't you at least make sure each page contains a different drawing?

definitely a mixed bag here. while writing this review i scrolled through to the end very quickly, and i found the last half to be much more moving when read quickly, not paying much attention to the illustrations. there is poignancy here, but the delivery could have been much better!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor / Forge Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest (and belated) review.

This is a picture book for grown ups.

This is a sweet, odd, melancholy, yet ultimately strangely uplifting book. The affirmations are varied—some broad, some very specific. The art is whimsical in a slightly resigned and thoughtful way. There are many worthwhile themes and overall I enjoyed it and it made me think.

There are daily activities represented and mundane day to day drudgery but paired with statements to lift beyond that. To think broader, deeper, more purposefully.

I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout this story. This was a really short and fast read which made it so I easily read it in one sitting. Overall I enjoyed this read but would be lying if I didnt say I was hoping for a bit more.

This was so funny. I didn't really know what to expect, and at first thought it was just some type of funnily illustrated affirmations, but then I realised there was a small plot going on and it was just really funny and tickled me. Totally cheered me up and put me in such a good mindset for the day!

A perfect length and a great reminder to slow down and look around. Reminders of your worth and value are everywhere if you just take the time to look, acknowledge, and accept.

A nice, short read that reminds you how short life really is and reminds you to slow down and enjoy it. The animals added a little humor to something that would be seen as serious.
Loved the illustrations. I would definitely read something like this again.

This was ridiculously cute, in a totally strange way. I saw myself in the characters and affirmations. I was able to connect with the ideas and the thoughts here. It was such a great concept and it was executed really well. I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with the world and your place in it.

This book was not at all what I expected, but delightful nonetheless. I have already handed it to several customers and enjoyed the conversations we have had about afterwards! While I don't think it is for all readers, it is creative and interesting.

A cute book but deep thought. I loved this book. We can all see ourselves in this book. I will buy this one to keep.

Full review to be posted soonish. I'll update review with links to socials.
I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I Will Not Die Alone was beautifully told through the artistic drawings of the different animals in the world, Despite their differences, they are all the same ,they all want to not die alone.

A cute little book with a touch of existentialism. I would've appreciated if it were even darker, but to each her own!

The one-liners, the puns, the illustrations—loved this! Would strongly recommend to friends, especially those who need a little bit of comfort in these trying times.

Thanks to NetGalley & Tor Forge for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A cute collection of animals doing human things while pondering about the existence of happiness in our lives.

It's kind of confusing as to what this book's purpose is, but I really enjoyed the illustrations. And the philosophical stuff.

Existential anthropomorphism! This started out seeming as if it were very self-helpy Sunday-morning-Instagram affirmations combined with cute and ironic animal images. Luckily it evolved into something more, a meditation on mortality and community and purpose. I'm glad I stuck with this.

I absolutely loved the minimalist aspect of this book. It is funny but makes you question your life at the same time. I would love to have this graphic novel on my shelf and through it time to time to remind me to live my life fully.

Strongly recommend to everyone who loves simple but meaningful graphic novels. This one is totally worth to be on your shelf.

A series of daily affirmations brought to life with some humorous illustrations of anthropomorphic animals realizing an asteroid is headed to earth. It wasn't until this point though that I began to enjoy the subversiveness of the art compared to the earnestness of the affirmations.

Its books like these that pad my number of total reads in a year. Not something I do on purpose, but a process I enjoy nevertheless.
Any time I see a graphic novel with a retrospective theme and cutesy illustrations, I usually pick it up (given a chance).
This is a very short volume that I did not expect the ending of. Each page shows a few panels of animals who are making vows to themselves. These are ones they intend to keep, as later panels will show. Some are strong and deep, while others are light and deep. Some made me chuckle, and a few had me thinking. This is a book that one can pass around a book club to help people open up about where they see themselves in the collection.
I would have liked more time with the characters, although the backstory and the background are quite clear from the panels themselves.
Since the entire book is not that long, I cannot justify a longer review than this. The final panel was probably the best! It made me chuckle as I looked at it again while writing the review.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I absolutely loved this picture book/graphic novel and bought a copy the second I finished it. This book will give you all the feels and make you laugh and make you feel all soft and fuzzy. But then that joy slowly turns into an existential crisis and you'll be crying tears of something by the end. I did not expect that emotional brick I got hit with at the end of this book at all. It's a phenomenal book and I think everyone should read it

6/5 Stars