😐 Book Review: How to Be Perfectly Unhappy by Matthew Inman (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A witty, illustrated meditation on the meaning of happiness—Matthew Inman, creator of The Oatmeal, challenges conventional wisdom with humor, honesty, and a refreshingly different perspective.
🧠 Overview
Published in October 2017, How to Be Perfectly Unhappy is a 44-page graphic essay that blends comic-style illustrations with philosophical reflection. Inman tackles the age-old question: “Are you happy?”—and promptly dismantles it. He argues that the pursuit of happiness is often misguided, and that fulfillment comes not from being “happy” in the traditional sense, but from being engaged, curious, and passionate.
Rather than chasing fleeting joy, Inman suggests we embrace the richness of being absorbed in meaningful activities—even if they don’t make us conventionally “happy.”
🎨 Key Themes & Highlights
- 💬 Redefining happiness: Challenges the binary notion of happy vs. unhappy
- 🧠 Emotional nuance: Explores how people can be deeply fulfilled without feeling traditionally joyful
- 🎨 Visual storytelling: Uses expressive illustrations to enhance the emotional tone and humor
- 🎯 Relatable insights: Perfect for creatives, introverts, and anyone who feels out of sync with society’s expectations
“I’m not unhappy. I’m just not happy in the way people expect me to be.” — Matthew Inman
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.97/5 from over 1,800 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the book’s thoughtful message, artistic style, and brevity
- 🧾 Some wish it were longer or more in-depth, but most find it re-readable and resonant
- 💬 “A short but powerful reminder that fulfillment doesn’t always look like joy.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Very short format: At under 50 pages, it’s more of a visual essay than a traditional book
- 📚 Best for fans of The Oatmeal: The tone is quirky and introspective, ideal for readers familiar with Inman’s style
- 🧠 Philosophical tone: Less about solutions, more about reframing how we think about emotions
🏁 Final Verdict
How to Be Perfectly Unhappy is a clever, contemplative graphic essay that invites readers to rethink what it means to live a meaningful life. Matthew Inman’s blend of humor and insight makes this Kindle & comiXology edition a perfect pick for anyone who’s ever felt “not unhappy”—just different.
