Thoughts and Prayers: An Uncensored Journal by Scott McLay Forbes

This book is a journal and is written in a fluent stream of consciousness style. It is confessional in tone, not in terms of admitting misdeeds or faults but in its honesty and transparency. Being a journal it may seem to wander somewhat, but on reading the entire work it becomes very clear that certain themes emerge and the sometimes sudden transitions serve a purpose.

On the first page, the author shares that he has schizoaffective disorder. This is the third of a series of journals. I have not read the others but I have read a previously published book by the author that deals with the art and practice of design.

The author is an artist, particularly in the area of graphic novels. This shows in his writing as he is not afraid to explore the nitty-gritty of life and to expose his thoughts. He ponders the physical realm, his spiritual insights, and his relationships. He is interested in relations and eclectic in his religious influences. He can be critical of his family at times but is never mean. In fact, there is a deep kindness and humility that shows through in his writing.

One major thread is choosing a path for his art. This urge for recognition and searching for an audience is common among creative types. There is a tension between doing the art for art's sake and doing what will get attention.

The author is very well versed in computers and web applications. This is a blessing and a distraction, as it opens many options and makes it hard for him to have a sustained direction for his art. He is very interested in comics and graphic novels and definitely has abilities in that direction.

The author shares many of his dreams. These are quite vivid and usually involve people he knows or has studied. His smoking is another theme. He wants to stop smoking but finds it hard to get started.

I have great admiration for the author. Faced with a chronic illness, he has chosen to accept and write about it in a context of his whole life, which is a life full of art. Rather than withdraw, he has published his books on Amazon, put his paintings on the web for sale, and made his artistic and design musings public.

This book if full of thoughts, some lofty, some earthy, but it is also a prayer. A prayer for patience, for understanding, a prayer to be noticed for one's art.

The author is on a journey of expression. As his readers, we share his hope that he will get the recognition he deserves.