By Libby D’Orvilliers
If the last book of beloved author, artist and illustrator Charlie Mackesy left me an emotional mess then his newest book absolutely emotionally destroyed me. I have never felt such a warm spark ignited in my heart from such a little book.
Published in the U.S. by Penguin Random House’s imprint Penguin Life on Oct.14, “Always Remember: the Boy, The Mole, The Fox, the Horse and the Storm” by Mackesy, is well on its way to becoming my favorite book of the year.
A sequel of sorts to Mackesy’s original “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” follows the titular quartet on a journey in which they know not where they are going or what they are looking for, but they all feel that they are where they are supposed to be — with each other. Together the group stands together through a brutal storm and find that hope, love, their bravery and perhaps just a little bit of cake can carry them through even the darkest of times.
I went into my reading of “Always Remember” with the highest of hopes. The previous book in the series was gifted to me at a very difficult time in my life by my grandmother and it helped me cope and feel loved so much that I read it every single day during that difficult time and I continue to turn to it in times of personal struggle. While “Always Remember” did not yet have that large of a life-changing impact on me, it still struck a chord in my heart and I found myself tearing up while flipping through the pages.
What I found most comforting reading this Mackesy book is that I can see myself in all of the characters. I see myself in the boy, who is unsure of himself from time to time, but leans into his intuition to keep going. I see myself in the horse, who often offers words of encouragement to his friends and in the fox who keeps more to himself, but can always be seen tagging along. I must admit I most see myself in the small mole who just loves cake.
Mackesy is a true artistic gem. While his works may appear more “simplistic” and “childlike” on the outside, they are some of the most powerful stories I have read. His iconic inky script makes me feel that he is speaking directly to me and only me. Quotes from the book such as “hope is a quiet song in your heart that can sing in spite of everything” leap straight off of the page and into my heart.
Throughout the story, the wise horse gently reminds the boy that the power of friendship is strong, but also that the most important friend you will ever have is you and the love you have for yourself. I needed to read that at this point in my life.
“Always Remember” is a comforting book you can get lost in.
Graphic by Gail Demeraski/The Rider News
While the underlying message that ‘you are enough just as you are’ is shared numerous times throughout the short book and could potentially be viewed as being repetitive, I am of the firm belief that one can never ever be reminded too much that they are loved and that they matter — no strings attached.
“Always Remember” is exactly what I need in my life right now. I think the world needs too.
Sometimes it is more helpful than anything to look at a gorgeous watercolor drawing and read “the blue sky above never leaves” to keep you grounded through the metaphorical storms of life.
Sometimes a simple reminder that you are brave, loved and enough is all you need to keep going.
Grab yourself a copy to keep on your nightstand for those rough days and grab a copy to pass along to a friend who you want to thank for being on this journey with you. This book is meant to be shared.
In the words of the soft fox, “when you think of everyone you love … I hope you include yourself.” I hope that you include yourself too, always. The world needs more love. Start with showing love to you.
Libby D’Orvilliers is a senior psychology major