Suffering Is Optional offers a thoughtful exploration of how individuals can navigate and potentially alleviate personal suffering. The book emphasizes the role of perspective and awareness in managing emotional pain, proposing that much of our suffering is rooted in mental and emotional responses rather than external circumstances.

Brenner presents various techniques and insights aimed at helping readers understand and transform their relationship with suffering. While the book provides valuable perspectives on mindfulness and self-awareness, some readers may find the concepts familiar if they have previously explored similar self-help or psychological literature.

Overall, Suffering Is Optional is a well-intentioned guide for those interested in personal growth and emotional resilience. Its approach may resonate with readers seeking practical advice on reducing suffering, though it may not offer groundbreaking new insights for those well-versed in these topics.

I have been in a rough place the last few months and filled with self judgement. I have felt embarrassed and useless but after reading this book and getting back in touch with mh spiritual side and the reading community, I have mad a massive improvement! Great Read!!!❤❤❤

This book is priceless.

Suffering is truly optional. The author provides guidIng principles and core practices that I was able to apply immediately.

Highly recommend to those who feel like they were meant to suffer through this journey called life.

I have suffered with depression for quite a long time. Depression of course involves a lot of negative self-talk. One constantly puts oneself down, finding never ending fault with oneself. One of the most crucial helps for me was learning that I am not my thoughts. Indeed when I change my thoughts my suffering lessens. This is but one way a book like this is so very helpful. It gives guidance in pulling back from the abyss. I highly recommend this book to anyone so suffering or anyone who cares for such a person. Very useful and well-written.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

I am guessing when this was released for review the book was yet to be finished? which made it a bit had to review because the bit we got was not enough to give a good review.

The author offers techniques that are easy to utilize for those dealing with feelings of anxiety or inadequacy. Yes, these tips are great for in the moment, but they do not offer long term healing.

I was overjoyed to be approved to read suffering is optional by Gail Brenner, as someone who has always suffered with the feeling of not being good enough, i could relate to so much of what was written, feeling broken, inadequate. This book was a comforting read, easy to keep up and really hit home. Thoughts are not fact and this book really did help me realise just how hard i am on myself which is something i am now working on to be more kind to myself.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read.