Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats

Kathryn and Ross Petras’s Don’t Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats is an inspiring collection of quotations that feels like a much-needed daily go-to when navigating everyday life. As someone who finds comfort in wise, insightful and sometimes witty idioms, I was drawn to what this book had to offer, and after each time I picked it up, I felt uplifted, entertained, and more resilient.

The book’s premise is simple: a collection of quotes from famous thinkers, writers, leaders, and artists, all centred around the theme of surviving adversity with grace and humour. This isn’t just a compilation of inspirational platitudes. The Petras siblings did an excellent job curating a diverse and meaningful range of quotes that provide clarity and encourage perseverance. The title itself is based on a quote by Voltaire, and it perfectly encapsulates the tone of the book: even when life feels overwhelming, there’s always a different perspective we can embody, even one born of irony.

What I love most about this collection is its balance of practical wisdom and light-heartedness. Some may find similar books feel too dense or overly sentimental, but this one strikes a great balance. The quotes range from deeply philosophical musings to quick quips that’ll make you chuckle. There’s advice here for everyone, whether you’re looking for something profound to reflect on or a brief laugh to ease your stress. In many ways, the book feels like a reminder to take a step back, breathe, and find perspective even in the most difficult of moments.

One of my favourite quotes in the book comes from Walt Disney: “You may not realise it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” To me, this quote speaks to the idea that setbacks, failures, or harsh experiences can often lead to significant growth, learning, and ultimately, success—even if it’s not immediately apparent. Often, when something goes wrong and we face rejection or failure, it pushes us to reconsider our approach, work harder, or take a different path. In the moment, it might feel like a setback, but over time, these challenges can lead to personal growth or open doors to opportunities we wouldn’t have otherwise explored.

There’s a lot to be said for the structure of the book, too. The quotes are tagged with thematic labels that help guide you through different aspects of adversity, from fear and failure to courage and perseverance. This structure allows the reader to dip in and out depending on their current needs or mood, making it a great book to keep by your bed or even when you’re out and about. It’s a small, but chunky book, so carrying it isn’t much of an inconvenience.

If I had to point out any downside, it’s that the format, by its nature, doesn’t allow for much depth. These are quotes, after all, so they’re brief by design. While that makes the book easy to digest, it can sometimes feel like you’re left wanting more—more explanation, more context, more personal insight. However, I don’t see this as a major flaw since the book isn’t intended to be a deep philosophical text; it’s a pick-me-up, something to skim when you need a burst of positivity.

The illustrations scattered throughout the book are a nice touch. They’re simple and charming, and provide a creative complement to the text every so often. Sometimes it’s helpful to aid interpretation with visual representation, and although it’s subtle, this book does it well.

To summarise, Don’t Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats is a lovely little book filled with pearls of wisdom, both deep and humorous. I found it to be soothing and stimulating. It’s a great antidote to the stress and chaos that life often throws our way. Whether you’re going through a difficult time or simply looking for a few words to brighten your day, this collection will likely have something for you. The Petras siblings have done an excellent job of compiling words that remind us of our resilience and offer perspectives of various forms.