Observations on the Human Condition

by Paige Parker

What does it mean to truly witness a life? The untold stories that define us and the hidden truths that shape our existence.

After centuries of watching over humanity, a weary guardian angel finds the task to be an immense source of suffering and pleads with God for release. Human lives are short, and each one the angel watches over ultimately faces death. Understanding the guardian angel’s grief, God agrees to grant the request on one final the angel must watch over twelve more people. These are the stories of those lives.

In this minimalist illustrated comic book, poetic language and philosophical reflections merge to explore the nuances of human nature. Each conversation offers insight into the complexities that shape our perspectives and realities.

Combining elements of poetry, philosophy, and art, this short story collection inspires impactful self-reflection and profound conversation. Perfect for readers drawn to life’s deeper questions, this book offers a meaningful exploration of introspective storytelling.

Genres: Philosophy

147 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2024

Reviews

[Yi Xi Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply beautiful. Every page, every line, every character, and every drawing makes you reflect and wonder. You can go as fast as wind through everything because of the simplicity and beauty of it. Yet you can also stop in every story for a long time because of the complexity and detail of it. Truly a beautiful set work and I am beyond happy to see it on paper.

Cannot wait to read more discussions under Paige’s posts and be able to discuss this book with a wider community!!

[Bram Gommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing life lessons amazing illustrations 10/10

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful line drawings. I follow the creator on socials and am excited to read more of her philosophical musings on humanity and history.

[qiryp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag - some stories resonate deeply, others miss. Where it resonates, it does so mostly because of my prior agreement or inexperience; where it misses, it comes across too much like a lecture. In general, it suffers from being too direct in its pedagogy and not doing enough of the hard rhetorical work - perhaps because it comes from social media, where the algorithm feeding into confirmation bias masks over these flaws. Also probably from social media: the stories mostly work independently but don't quite come together, despite attempts to do so; the Observer has potential, but they aren't fleshed out enough for the end to tie everything together neatly. With all that said, it's a promising first book from the author, and I hope they continue.

[LaKeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was everything and more.

This book was profound, and yet so simple. It explained so much, and yet left just enough unanswered to keep my mind moving long after I closed it. It didn’t tell me what to think. It gave me language for things I already felt but couldn’t fully articulate.

There’s a quiet honesty in these observations that feels almost confrontational in the gentlest way. It holds up a mirror to the parts of ourselves we usually rush past or numb out. Love, grief, longing, fear, ego, connection, isolation…it touches all of it without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy.

What struck me most is how spacious the writing feels. Each thought stands on its own, but also opens a doorway to deeper reflection. It’s one of those rare books that meets you exactly where you are, and somehow still nudges you somewhere new.

I found myself pausing often, not because it was dense, but because it was true. The kind of true that lands softly and then echoes.

This isn’t just a book you read once and shelve. It’s a book you return to at different stages of your life and hear differently each time.

Highly recommend for anyone who thinks too much, feels deeply, or is quietly trying to understand themselves and other people a little better.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure beauty in a book

There are many books that I read, but few that are as profound as this one. It is not a lengthy tale with some big, gripping plot twist. It is simple and beautiful. A few short comics strung together, each addressing a different aspect of human nature. Paige Parker phrases each comic in such an eloquent manner. This will certainly be one of my favorite books for me to have read. I'm glad I used a piece of my time on this earth to know this book.

[The Audient Void · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Witness that we were here. And while we may have often been wrong, we were here, and we were beautiful.”

I loved this book so very much. It is incredibly profound, the drawings are beautiful, as is the writing. I had so many parts that I had to underline because they impacted me so very much. I’m so glad I picked up this book. 10/10 would recommend!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully unique

In this day and age, it is rare to come across something as unique as the experience reading this book brings. It's like visiting an art gallery, a philosophical colloquium, and the very innermost spaces of your own psyche all at the same time. Unique, beautiful, and well worth a read.

[Gabriel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short yet beautifully captivating read that delves into different facets of the human experience through the lives of 12 distinct archetypes. Simple yet evocative in both its writing and illustrations, each tale serves the reader countless interpretations making it great on repeat reads.

[Oliver Newton-Welsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting book with each short story being just deep enough to give you something to take away, that paired with the wonderful illustrations really make this a memorable short book for sure

[Sigurd Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these stories were very good but I was let down by how heavy handed some of the others were, and the disjointed nature of the collection. Love what the author has released on social media but it unfortunately falls a bit flat here. The visuals, as always, are gorgeous though.

[June Pankau · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much thought and care in this book. The artwork invokes deep emotion in my soul and it scratches this itch i didn’t know i had. it speaks to my heart.

[Drielle F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So hauntingly beautiful. Thank you.

[Sophia Liquori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting it was so beautiful

[Daniel Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how expressive and thought-provoking the minimalistic artwork in the book can be. Not every story resonated with me, but the ones that did really hit home.

[Broganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and incredible short stories exploring some of the most human parts of being human.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and absorbing read. Will get you thinking. I highly recommend both this book and the author's Instagram. It was a genuine pleasure and inspiring to read.

[Wyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book

[Rika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profession of love for humanity and its limitations

[Tracey Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple illustrations, simple dialogue, but very deep thought provoking lessons.

[Sean Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good coffee table book, those who are curious can just open to a random page and read a short story to come away with a little brain food

[Jackie]

It was a quick read. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This is gorgeous. I read it on KU but I would love to purchase it as well. It's so beautifully done.