Light, quirky, and utterly relatable, My Jeans Fit Well & The Ice-Cream Didn’t Melt is a delightful illustrated peek into the everyday life of a witty writer. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. What began as a casual read ended up as genuine enjoyment, and I found myself laughing out loud at moments that felt like they could have been pulled straight from my own life.

This graphic journal is a celebration of the small joys, subtle absurdities, and humorous quirks that make up daily existence. Whether it’s the thrill of scoring a discount, the satisfaction of not gaining a gram after indulging in ice cream, or eavesdropping on random strangers on the train, Manali Desai captures these tiny yet significant slices of life with warmth and wit. The illustrations are adorable and relatable, avoiding unrealistic body standards and instead portraying characters with real, voluminous presence. This attention to detail demonstrates the author’s care in reflecting real life, rather than an idealised version of it.

What makes this book stand out is its honesty and humour. It’s raw, unfiltered, and brimming with over a hundred moments from Manali’s life that feel familiar to any reader. The dialogue, pop culture references, and whimsical illustrations make it a fast, enjoyable, and often laugh-out-loud read. As someone deeply familiar with observing human behaviour through my work, I appreciate how the book finds humour in the mundane, teaching readers to notice the small joys around them.

I also want to highlight the foreword, where Manali candidly discusses the use of AI in her artwork, ultimately emphasising the irreplaceable human touch. It’s this honesty, combined with her imagination, that makes the book a memento and a joy to read in paperback form.

In short, ‘My Jeans Fit Well & The Ice-Cream Didn’t Melt’ is witty, cosy, and immensely relatable. It’s a perfect pick-me-up, a thoughtful gift, and a book I foresee re-reading for the simple delight of its humour and charm. I, for one, am eagerly hoping for a more because the world Manali has created feels like a place I want to revisit again and again.

Who will love it: Anyone who enjoys quirky humour, graphic storytelling, relatable anecdotes, and a gentle reminder that joy is often hiding in the little things.