How to Hold a Cockroach: A Book for Those Who Are Free and Don't Know It
Matthew Maxwell
Dec 2026 · Penguin
Ebook
128
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infoThis book will become available on December 8, 2026. You will not be charged until it is released.
About this ebook
An illustrated tale for all ages on how to free ourselves from our inherited beliefs
A suffering boy begins a life-changing journey when a menacing cockroach disturbs his dinner and scares him. But why is he so afraid of the cockroach? What does he actually know about it? Maybe cockroaches aren’t all that different from me… he thinks to himself.
As he continues to encounter apparent sources of suffering throughout his day, his curiosity and realization about the cockroach stays with him, causing him to investigate the truths he’s held onto about himself, love, life, the past, the future, and more. Can the boy let go of these beliefs to free himself and experience all life has to offer?
Through a series of beautiful drawings and poignant chapter refrains, How to Hold a Cockroach invites us to explore how we see ourselves and the world, re-examine our perspectives, and free ourselfs to experience more joy, peace, and love. It is a love letter to humankind, and a book for those who are free and don't yet know it.
A suffering boy begins a life-changing journey when a menacing cockroach disturbs his dinner and scares him. But why is he so afraid of the cockroach? What does he actually know about it? Maybe cockroaches aren’t all that different from me… he thinks to himself.
As he continues to encounter apparent sources of suffering throughout his day, his curiosity and realization about the cockroach stays with him, causing him to investigate the truths he’s held onto about himself, love, life, the past, the future, and more. Can the boy let go of these beliefs to free himself and experience all life has to offer?
Through a series of beautiful drawings and poignant chapter refrains, How to Hold a Cockroach invites us to explore how we see ourselves and the world, re-examine our perspectives, and free ourselfs to experience more joy, peace, and love. It is a love letter to humankind, and a book for those who are free and don't yet know it.
An illustrated tale for all ages on how to free ourselves from our inherited beliefs
A suffering boy begins a life-changing journey when a menacing cockroach disturbs his dinner and scares him. But why is he so afraid of the cockroach? What does he actually know about it? Maybe cockroaches aren’...
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About the author
Matthew Maxwell is a writer, speaker, life coach, and meditation teacher devoted to self-compassion, personal fulfillment, and interpersonal connection. He's the founder and leader of Hearthstone Coaching, helping individuals, teams, and organizations clarify and create what matters most to them. In his free time, he enjoys meditating, walking in the woods, acting in plays, dancing like nobody’s watching, and adventuring outside of his comfort zone.
Allie Daigle is an illustrator based in Connecticut who works in both traditional and new mediums. She earneda BFA from the University of Connecticut School of FineArts in 2017 and has since been building a career infreelance illustration. She works on a variety of projects,ranging from children’s books to product ideationsketches to craft beer labels. Her artwork is defined byunique pen work, intriguing use of color, and quirkycharacter design. Allie constantly seeks new challengesthat push her artistic growth.
Allie Daigle is an illustrator based in Connecticut who works in both traditional and new mediums. She earneda BFA from the University of Connecticut School of FineArts in 2017 and has since been building a career infreelance illustration. She works on a variety of projects,ranging from children’s books to product ideationsketches to craft beer labels. Her artwork is defined byunique pen work, intriguing use of color, and quirkycharacter design. Allie constantly seeks new challengesthat push her artistic growth.
Matthew Maxwell is a writer, speaker, life coach, and meditation teacher devoted to self-compassion, personal fulfillment, and interpersonal connection. He's the founder and leader of Hearthstone Coaching, helping individuals, teams, and organizations clarify and create what matters most to them....
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