Animator and illustrator Lisa Hanawalt has released a new illustrated memoir titled *I Can’t Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex*, a candid and often humorous exploration of her personal life, creative journey, and emotional struggles. Known for her distinctive and colorful artistic style, Hanawalt combines vulnerability with absurdist humor in this work, which interweaves sketches and narrative vignettes to address themes ranging from mental health to relationships.
Hanawalt, who grew up in Palo Alto and currently works in Los Angeles, has built a reputation through projects such as the Netflix adult animated series *BoJack Horseman*, *Long Story Short*, and her own creation, *Tuca & Bertie*. Her new memoir builds on a long history of combining raw self-reflection with whimsical animal-human hybrids. True to its title, the book revolves around two seemingly unrelated preoccupations of the author, who describes herself as an “anxious lil freak,” and invites readers into her inner world filled with thoughts about horses and sexuality.
The memoir is structured in a nonlinear fashion, mixing personal memories and insights with lighthearted doodles depicting animals in unusual scenarios, such as a sloth dancing with a bear or an unexpected commentary on the filmography of actor Kevin Costner. Hanawalt touches on intimate topics including career burnout, gastrointestinal health issues, and a midlife crisis prompted by the purchase of a horse named Juniper. The horse serves as both a physical companion and an emotional balm during a challenging period.
In addition to addressing her relationship history, including a 14-year partnership with comedian Adam Conover that involved an attempt at ethical non-monogamy and ultimately ended in breakup, Hanawalt does not shy away from heavy subjects. She openly discusses an episode of sexual assault from her adolescence, bringing an element of depth and gravity to the memoir’s otherwise playful tone.
Hanawalt further explores the community she found through horseback riding, describing barn life as a diverse and supportive environment where candid conversations occur, fostering a sense of belonging outside the animation world. While navigating personal upheavals and uncertainties about the future, she continues to work on new animation projects, design merchandise like hats, and develop a horse-themed fragrance amidst challenges faced by the animation industry.
As she embarks on a six-date book tour to promote *I Can’t Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex*, Hanawalt acknowledges the ongoing quest for happiness and fulfillment, summarizing her outlook with the acknowledgment that “You’re never fully happy or fulfilled. And that’s part of being alive.” The memoir reflects her signature blend of humor and honesty, offering readers a window into the complexities of her life and mind.