You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir

by Harry Bliss

A poignant and witty graphic memoir from New Yorker cover artist, internationally syndicated cartoonist, and New York Times bestselling author Harry Bliss capturing his reflections on life and his relationship with Penny, his beloved dog.

New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss loved his sweet dog Penny, a joyful part of his life for seventeen years. Every day that he cared for his beloved pet, Harry joked with her, talked to her, and drew the adorable creature―Penny’s presence is unmistakably, hilariously incorporated into Harry’s iconic cartoons. In one, he gazes up at the night sky, remarking on the vastness of outer space, while she digs into the ground, unbothered, fuzzy tail wagging in the air.

Harry grew up in a family of artists, a rowdy and turbulent bunch, and attended art school in Philadelphia. A therapist once suggested that perhaps when he looked at Penny, he saw himself as an innocent child. As Harry grieves Penny’s loss, he reflects on his parents in their later years, his love for his wife and home, and the colorful artists, friends, and mentors who have shaped him.

With humor and gut-wrenching honesty, You Can Never Die is an intimate portrayal of a man making sense of the beautiful and painful world around him. This singular memoir integrates sharply crafted, witty stories with hundreds of gorgeous cartoons and never-seen-before sketches from Bliss’s career.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Animals, Comics, Grief, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Harry Bliss grew up in upstate New York in a family of successful painters and illustrators, so it wasn’t any surprise that he, too, went on to study painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and illustration at the University of the Arts and Syracuse University. He has illustrated numerous book covers and is a cartoonist and cover artist for THE NEW YORKER magazine. In the tradition of so many NEW YORKER cartoonists, Harry Bliss has illustrated several children’s books, among them A FINE, FINE SCHOOL by Sharon Creech, WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER BE? by William Steig, and COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN by Alison McGhee.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 29, 2025.

Look at this cover! That’s a five star cover right there!

This was an interesting, meaning unusual book and I had to steel myself to read it, knowing that it dealt with “New Yorker” cartoonist Bliss’s writings about his life, especially about his relationship with his beloved dog, Penny and losing her.

Actually, though, the book is the author’s memoir, that he just happened to write while grieving Penny, so she was at the forefront of his mind. There’s lots more than just Penny, though, and Bliss has had an interesting life. In fact, he comments that he’s telling much more than the author of children’s books ought!

Naturally the illustrations are gorgeous, especially the many studies of Penny. Those were sometimes tough to see, and were also a big part of the reason this was a five star read for me, though it won’t be for many others. Last December we lost our dog Cutch at age sixteen and he looked so very much like Penny, especially when sleeping. The book made we cry more than once. And the book is also about age and grief of all kinds, so it’s tough, but it’s lovely. There are some hand-written portions that were hard to read in my digital copy.

[Sam Kwiatkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally don’t rate books I don’t finish… but I had to DNF at 70%.

I was hoping for a story of a man and his dog. I lost my soul dog recently and cried during one of the first chapters.

But once his dog passed the book took a huge turn for me.

The excessive swearing and use of derogatory slurs for the LGBTQ+ community turned me off so much that I couldn’t get back into the book.

[Jessica Mixell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so honest and beautifully written. I read this book in a span of a couple of hours- it really captivated me.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and heartfelt memoir sharing the author’s life, along with some family stories as well as stories of friends, but while he shares stories of friends and family, this feels like a lesson in love and the grief that will undoutedly follow.

For those who prefer illustrated books, this memoir is illustrated, which adds to his story, at times.

As I sit here thinking about this story, I am surrounded by dogs, and am trying to separate this story from the lives of other dogs that I’ve had over my lifetime. We fall in love with an animal, a dog, a cat, etc., and forget for a while how briefly they live compared to us, and typically by then, we can’t imagine our lives going forward without them.

There is more to this story, the grief of watching an elderly loved one who is alive, as well as sharing his life and the lives of some of the illustrators he’s known who have also passed away.

A lovely and very touching story of life, grief, family, friends, and the animals who love us and depend upon us.


Pub Date: 29 Apr 2025


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Celadon Books

[Patrick Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A graphic novel filled with the artwork of the author. Seemingly a story of the autho's relationship with his dog and his feelings of loss when he dies, the book also deals with the author's complex relationship (put kindly) with his parents and his feelings as they age and die. It also talks about how he fell into life as an illustrator for magazines. It is a good story. You will defnitely get an appreciation for what goes into illustrating in this book.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me so long to read—thanks to Net Galley’s patience, I have been able to dip into this again and again and again… and truly, it’s not something that you can read alot of at once. It’s like a rich, comforting potato soup. Eat too much at once and you feel overwhelmed, but a bit at a time is exceptional.

Again, a dense, sketchbook-style autobiography that offers readers a glimpse into the author’s life and art. While I found myself skimming through some of it, dipping deeper into other parts, the therapeutic nature of Bliss's illustrations -for him and you- is evident. The consistent, comforting presence of Penney, his beloved poodle, is the true heart of the book, grounding and enriching each page.

And can I just say that dogs are incredible—they love us, they listen, and they offer us a kind of companionship we often don’t deserve. Hug your buddy today for me.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Bliss bares his soul and shares his life with the reader. Although the title states "graphic memoir" it is not a conventional one. There are no panels. There is a lot of text without pictures. And, there are pictures with comments reproduced from journals he has kept.
Not really a spoiler, but...the dog dies. I bawled.
I so relate to the grief exposed in this book. I still cry about my dog that died 3 years ago.
The drawings are detailed. There is so much positive about this book even though at times Bliss was experiencing or seeing only negative.
I am eager to meet Bliss at Booktopia next week.

[notasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

this isn’t a very nice thing to say but everytime he started talking about his abusive parents or second wife i was like. well this is boring. tell me more about your dead dog.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest opinion.

I requested this for the beautiful drawing of the dog on the cover. I wish Bliss took commission requests because I would pay good money for a drawing like that of my dog!! I love old dogs, and my husband and I have been rescuing elderly and special needs dogs from shelters for more than 5 years now. We have lost 8 so far and it never gets easier. So I really enjoyed the stories and drawings of his dog Penny. I will say that the summary of the book made it sound like it was ALL about his dog, so I was thrown at first by the other stories. However, I also found the bits about caring for his parents particularly moving. I do wish the galley had included captions for each drawing as I found his handwriting a little difficult to read - maybe the published copy will include that!

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not "A Graphic Memoir." Instead it is a collection of random text-set diary entries with a sketch or tangentially related cartoon reprinted every other page or so. There are only a couple pages of sequential art and probably only one-third to one-half the pages even have any illustrations at all.

The text is heavy on self-pity. I should have dnf'd the thing a hundred pages in, but I slogged on to the end, learning about Bliss' substance abuse problems and advocacy for the use of cocaine as well as his grief over the deaths of his favorite dog and least favorite parents. It's heavy on emo vignettes and random asides.

I suggest other readers skip the text and simply skim through the pages for the sketches and cartoons. As Bliss himself expresses, librarians who read this may find themselves unwilling to promote his children's books any more once they get to truly know him.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Harry Bliss for a very long time and was sad when he lost his beloved dog, Penny, several years ago. But don’t be fooled—Penny is just a small part of this sumptuous and tremendously intimate graphic memoir.

Bliss unpacks a lot here: his upbringing with artistically talented but often violent parents; adventures and misadventures on the playground and working in restaurants; lots of drugs; an imaginary interview with Terry Gross in which he discusses the child he and a girlfriend gave up for adoption decades ago; the decline and deaths of his nonagenarian parents and burying Penny. Bliss also spends a lot of time meditating on nature and mortality, which seems perfect given his untamed New Hampshire habitat. Death is all around, but so is life.

Bliss is hilarious and poignant and pained. There are cartoons, but even more so are painstakingly detailed fine-line studies of his heroes and the animals he encounters around his home (once owned by J.D. Salinger). Many of his illustrations are taken from his journal, accompanied by lengthy, handwritten essays. He also includes typeset essays, but if you are looking for pictures, know that you are going to have to read a lot to put them into context.

My only complaint about ‘You Can Never Die’ is that some of the cross-page bleeds fall into the gutter, cutting off his handwriting. (I blame the printer.) It’s not a feel-good book, but a good book about feeling, illustrated.

[Carina Stopenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and celadon for a free arc of this title! i will admit, there were moments where it was challenging to get through this one purely because of structure, but i think harry bliss really captures some fantastic humanity in this book. presented in tiny micro-memoir, pencil illustrations, and photos, the multidisciplinary approach to the story of his life added great depth, humor, and introspection.

[Martin Mintman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching, funny and poignant, this is so much more than Bliss's strong bond with his dog Penny (illustrated on the cover and throughout the book) but a memoir of Bliss's career as an artist, his family, and all the foibles that come with being human. Reading this was so intimate that it felt like I was chatting with Bliss over coffee and listening to his experiences; and his adored Penny being the heart of that conversation.

[Carolyn Days · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good graphic memoirs are just the best. Also LOVED the New Hampshire appreciation <3 brb time to go write fan mail to my new favorite celebrity Harry Bliss

[noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great. Brutally honest but not mean. Sad but never wallowing in it. Often very funny. Lots of very human, poignant reflections on grief. 5/5

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As many stars as possible. I hated for this book to end—I feel like I am going to miss a close friend. Harry Bliss’s writing, and his drawings, are beautiful and unpretentious and direct.

[Brian Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s one of those rare occurrences when you wish that a book wouldn’t end…

The belly laughs actually serve to make the melancholy passages even more poignant…

A courageous, warts and all confessional that makes for a thoroughly compelling read… A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, an honest, heart-wrenching depiction of Grief and Sadness, and an account of the author’s current efforts to continue to foster Inspiration and Creativity within himself and stave off incipient Curmudgeonhood (is that a word?)…

A+++

[Sascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it in one night, paging between laughter and tears. It is a deep and insightful reveal from an intensley private person. The cartoons are wonderful, the paintings exquisite, and the endeavor brave.

[Kristine (bookstackcity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover and title of this memoir had me bawling my eyes out before I even opened it! Our dog, Mindi, passed away almost 2 years ago and the loss I feel is still very raw.

I never realized how ingrained into our life she was until she was gone. Reading about Penny made my heart hurt but with all the illustrations and stories I felt seen bc I felt that same love for Mindi.

This memoir isn’t completely about Penny though, there are many memorable stories of personal growth and of a family finding its way. Things were not always ideal and left their mark for better or for worse. I think most people can identify with the stories told.

Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic memoir. It made me cry, laugh and think deeply on my own life.

Pet Love
Grief
Humor
Thoughtful
Graphic Memoir

Rating: 5/5

#bookstackcityreviews

Thank you @celadonbooks @blisscartoons for the #gifted copy of #youcanneverdie !!

[Xine Segalas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss is a masterful, one-of-a-kind memoir that had me laughing, crying, and feeling deeply seen. This book is visually and emotionally captivating, with stunning watercolor paintings, drawings and witty cartoons.

Bliss shares his life with an honesty that’s raw, unapologetic, and deeply relatable. This memoir speaks to anyone who has ever loved a dog, experienced grief, or struggled with the complexities of caring for aging parents. His love for his dogs and the pain of their loss hit me right in the heart. Equally moving were the reflections on his parents, their deaths, and the impact those experiences had on him as both a son and an artist.

Bliss seamlessly weaves art history, personal stories, and his creative journey into a narrative that feels intimate, yet universal. I learned so much about other illustrators and the craft of illustration and painting, yet never felt like I was reading a textbook—it’s storytelling at its most vibrant and human.

You Can Never Die is a book for dog lovers, for those grieving, for anyone who loves cartoons and illustration, and especially for those who find meaning and solace in art. I’m incredibly grateful to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. You Can Never Die will be released on April 29, 2025—and I highly recommend it.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting here with my own senior dog pressed against my side, this was a book I went into with both anticipation and trepidation. I first encountered Bliss, I'm sure, via his cartoons for The New Yorker magazine and though I enjoyed his artwork, never really paid much attention. That changed when I discovered he'd illustrated books for writer/comedian/actor Steve Martin. I recall then being taken by appearances of a dog called Penny but was never sure if Penny was real and, if so, who she belonged to.

Penny was Bliss' much adored dog. While this book would seem on the surface a memorial to her, I mean, that's her sweet face on the cover, it's really as much about Harry Bliss and his life and the people in it as his dog. Penny gets star billing, of course, which is only right. Originally more his then girlfriend, now wife's dog, we learn how she ultimately wiggled her way into his heart, but we also get to know the human side of Bliss, his career path, and those who've mattered to him, family, friends, and, yes, pets. So, it's really his memoir, the path made clearer by Penny's presence. Nor is it the tear jerker the title may suggest although, be prepared, Bliss shares his emotional goodbyes to not just Penny but his own family. In the process, therefore, we learn about the human behind the frequently humorous artwork, as well as the role one dog played in his life. And, yes, Steve Martin does make a couple appearances including mentions of his own bond with his dog Roger. Martin, who's rarely serious in public statements, turns thoughtful. In the process of reading, we get to enjoy countless drawings, many of Penny, as well as photos of family and friends throughout Bliss' life.

Bottom line, while focused on loss, the book is really about bonds we share as we live, yes, live. It's about life. His grief had me reaching out without really realizing it at moments for my own furry girl, but then he'd backtrack and share a real, usually humorous moment and I'd smile as I realized what I'd done. Don't let anyone tell you cartoonists can't write, in other words. I thought of a line I've heard used at frequent memorial services. To paraphrase, as painful as our loss in now, would you trade it for never having the chance to know them? Of course not. Bliss gets this and although his anguish over losing a beloved furry family member of some 15 years resonates loudly, so to does the theme of life goes on. He even introduces us to his new dog, Junior, still seemingly in puppy mode as the book was written. Somehow, I think Penny would approve. My sincere thanks to #CeladonBooks and author #HarryBliss for gifting me this meaning introduction to all things Penny and life. As long as we have our memories, "You Can Never Die".

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the Celadon books and Netgalley for this eARC.

You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss is an intimate, offbeat journey through art, memory, and mortality, rendered with a sly wink and an illustrator’s ink-stained soul.

Harry Bliss, best known for his deceptively simple but always witty New Yorker cartoons, takes a bold detour inward in You Can Never Die, a memoir that masquerades as a series of daydreams, hallucinations, and late-night philosophical riffs—anchored by grief, memory, and, unexpectedly, comedic timing.

The central conceit: a talking pup named "Penny," the author's sardonic spirit guide, leads Bliss through a surreal dialogue on death, loss, art, and identity. Each chapter unfolds as a visual meditation—blending deeply personal anecdotes with beautifully drawn vignettes.

Bliss’s pen work is elegant and unfussy—seemingly casual but rich with emotional shading. His use of negative space and shifting panel rhythms plays like jazz: syncopated, intuitive, never predictable.

These aren’t just memories—they’re memories seen through the warped lens of someone who has lived long enough to laugh at the seriousness of it all.

What sets You Can Never Die apart isn’t just its inventive style, but its tonal agility. Bliss neither wallows in sentimentality nor sidesteps existential dread. Instead, he invites us into a space where mourning is absurd, memory is fallible, and death is just another dinner guest with bad posture.

This a memoir that is a love letter to the people (and pets) who linger in our thoughts, even when they’re no longer in the room.

You Can Never Die doesn’t claim to be a guidebook through grief or a manifesto about art—it’s more like the sketchbook you stumble across decades later, filled with ghosts that smirk and ask, “So, what now?”

A moving, peculiar, and often profound meditation that reminds us: memory might fade, but cartoons are forever.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive Harry Bliss's graphic memoir You Can Never Die. This was a book that made me smile at the love, joy and wonder that Penny, the authors dog, brought too his life and I often found myself sitting back and reflecting on my own fur friends that have graced my life like Penny and Junior did his. But this book is more than just the story of Penny and Harry, although her presence in this book brings such life and wonder to both written text and cartoons, but this is also a journey of Harry becoming the person that he shares so humorously and honestly with the reader, a life that has had both bitter and sweet qualities. Bliss has a unique and insightful way of cutting right to the heart of life in these short, poignant, and insightful essays in the same way that his cartoons do. I have been clipping his work from The New Yorker's pages for years. With an eye for both the art of a moment, reproduced beautifully and in full color, he has an almost Zen like way of using brevity to make you reflect and consider an almost unstated argument. This book as a whole had me pondering the power of life to shape us and left me considering how we can also need to have a good laugh at ourselves, together this all reminds me that we have to grab life and live it -- for that is where we truly find the Love of Life.

This book is a beautiful marriage of art, argument, philosophy, and life story. Its is a celebration of the happy, the sad and all the messy chaotic fun that shows a life well lived and reflected on.

Thank you @celadonbooks for sharing this beautiful hardcover with me. This book spoke to me at such a deep level and I will admit I shed some sad tears at memories that are bittersweet, laughed at moments that were too adorable not to, and just enjoyed reading about the experiences, and people, that made Harry Bliss

[Leane · Rating 3 out of 5]

With his dash of philosophical irony mixed with whimsy, Bliss’s Style blend of 1st POV diary-like entries, short essays, sketches, watercolors, and comic panels provides the reader with a window into his world, his youth, development as an artist, and his relationships with his family, his wife Sofi, colleagues, and formidably, his dog Penny. In many ways this book is an elegy to the devotion between pet and owner and a love letter as Bliss experiences and shares the deep grief at losing Penny. He spares us nothing—from the dog’s medical needs, infirmities, and her dignified death—all the while showing us with his drawings and prose his deep feelings and respect for his dog. This book celebrates that unconditional love, the strength of the natural world as muse for artist and human alike, as well as the foibles and grace of humanity especially as we learn as young adults and falter in our old age. The art is delightful, the watercolors stunning, and Bliss gives us an overview of his career with The New Yorker, as a children’s author, and as an illustrator for Steve Martin as he also pays tribute to mentors and friends. RED FLAGS: Dog Death; Dementia; Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Childhood Trauma. And the ending is a happy one as we are introduced to a new puppy giving us hope that Bliss has what he needs to continue with is his art. Any Memoir reader would enjoy, and also, a great gateway into the Graphic Novel format. Readalikes may be Graphic Novels by Roz Chast, Alison Bechdel, Gene Luen Yang, and perhaps, the memoir: Boylan’s Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this memoir at my usual brisk reading pace, and then chose to read it just a little at a time since it was SO heavy. I wish this was two books. All the dog love and sweet sketches, yes yes yes. I am right there with you, and it’s the hardest loss when we lose our beloved companions to their old age. God bless our dogs.
Then, I could also relate to a dysfunctional abusive childhood with parents who maybe shouldn’t have had children. I thought it very brave that Bliss was so frank and open about how it still gutted him, we carry that burden forever. I had a similar childhood and have endured the death of both parents at 74 and 88, and it’s a mixed bag of profound grief and freedom. The passing of his parents, particularly with his mom's dementia, is a brutal time that is also relatable if you’ve gone through all that comes with declining health and hospice. We all cope in our own ways, and again it’s very brave to include his drug and alcohol use (I’ll withhold my judgement here).
I had a hard time reading the penmanship in many of the diary type sketches. That was unfortunate, and I would have read the text if it was transcribed. This is a very personal book yet this human experience is universal. There is humor but don’t go into reading this for the comics. Brace yourself.
I wish Mr. Bliss and Junior all the best.

[Devin Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think I’m a glutton for punishment these days, I can see where you’re coming from, but it’s not that. I just want to understand how people hold the good and the bad at the same time. I guess we just do.

I loved this honest book 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘦: 𝘈 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘪𝘳 by Harry Bliss. I felt lucky to be getting pages photocopied from Bliss’s journal. He surely loved his dog.

: Other people think about what animals’ homes look like, too! Lol! 267
: “Human mortality is without a doubt the most important topic in the history of the human race. It always has been and always will be. So why the fuck aren’t we learning about it earlier in our lives?” 305
: “There are far too many nuances in this life for anyone to know anything. We agree or disagree and we have opinions. The rest is a crapshoot. Never trust anyone who can go a day without uttering a thoughtful and contemplative ‘I have no idea.’” 323

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought this book was about the death of his dog Penny. About 30 pages later, he shares his memories growing up with an abusive father and narcissistic mother. Okay, now we learn about his schooling and career as a cartoon journalist for the New Yorker. Apparently the deaths aren't just Penny?!
Good points: the pictures are beautiful, lots of handwritten journal entries and a great interview with Terry Gross. Turn offs: vulgar language,
his drug and alcohol habits sprinkled with stereotypes of certain people. Hard to believe he's a successful author despite a negative attitude at times. Last third of the book depressing. Glad he found another dog yet hope he finds positive inspiration soon. Not interested in reading another graphic novel in the future unless it's a cheerful and funny children's story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review based on a Netgalley digital ARC.

This illustrated memoir is interspersed with Harry Bliss's trademark New Yorker single panel cartoons. It starts with his ailing 17 year old dog Penny. Some diary entries are added to relevant essays. This memoir is about grief as it leads up to Penny's death, but then Bliss takes account of his life and all the other illustrators he's admired anf met who have passed away. He talks abut his family, his kids, and his marriages until talking about his aging parents who then pass away. I found the ruminations on mortality perfectly cut with illustrations and illustrated diary entries. It was touching but I had to stop and collect myself as I came close to crying a few times.

[Angela Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You made me cry, Harry Bliss. I hope you're happy now.
This is a lovely memoir by Harry Bliss, long time cartoonist and cover illustrator for The New Yorker. It's about him and his rise to success, it's about him and his fraught relationship with his parents, it's about him and his relationship with art and other artists, but mostly it's about him and his late but very much beloved dog Penny. Filled with lovely cartoons, caricatures and watercolor paintings and many precious drawings of the beautiful little dog that was Penny. You can feel his love for her in the tender detailed way he draws her and incorporates her in countless journal entries and uses her likeness for his New Yorker cartoons. You can Never Die is sad, and sweet but ends hopeful and at peace.

[Monica Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be one of the most interesting and engaging memoirs I have read to date. Maybe it’s the artist in me or maybe it’s the animal lover in me. I don’t know, but what I do know is that I couldn’t put this book down. Not only does Bliss’s writing strike a cord in all of us, but his drawings are beautiful! It was like pairing a tasty aged cheese with a delicious bottle of wine! It falls beautifully together. I found myself at various times resting the book on my lap and reliving a memory that paralleled the chapter I just finished. Sometimes I found myself laughing out loud to Bliss’s timely humor. All in all it’s a very good read and well written. I highly recommend it, even if you aren’t a lover of pets. It’s just that good!