Many people buy self-help books and expect that just by reading them (or flicking through!) somehow things will change, and get disillusioned when things stay the same.

I have read many self-help books, and to be honest, I don't think any one of them has provided the answers - instead, each provides something, a piece of a jigsaw if you like, that you can mold to fit your needs. So my advice is when reading self help books to always be questioning - is this relevant to the problem I have? How can I use this?
And make highlights and notes of how you can apply this new knowledge.

Then - the most important thing - do it!
Onto this book - like the others, it provides a piece of the puzzle, which may help you. It's well written and easy to read, looking at the reasons behind why we worry, and how negative perceptions seem to mean more to some of us than positive perceptions.

At the end of every chapter there are questions that help you reflect on how you can apply the advice to your life (see my advice above!)

I would recommend this book.

Despite the title, this is a self-help tome.
Even though my first thought as I plunged into this was “I’ve heard all of this before,” I couldn’t help noticing that it was transmitted differently.
I think the most admirable quality this author possesses is the ability to be optimistic despite everything that’s happened and continues to happen around us. On the other hand it’s got a light style that makes me wonder how much I’ll remember when I’m done.
I love that she’s a fellow grok. . . person. Someday we may share water.
Years ago this would have been called new age; now it just feels normal.

This is an enjoyable self-help book. The style did not connect with me however. Each chapter seemed to begin with trite expressions that were pleasant but not insightful in a new way. Occasionally a gem of information would jump out, but not until the chapter was almost over.

I thought this was a good, easy read book which made me think.

I enjoyed the style of writing and all the phrases made it seem like speaking to a friend.

Thank you Riverview Press and Netgalley for an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

This book, written by an advice columnist, explores human nature and all the messiness that entails. The writing style is casual, in a friendly conversational style. Unfortunately I didn’t really connect with the writing style and found myself skimming through pages in search of the gems the author had written.

There were gems and wisdom to be found amongst the pages so this would be a good book for someone new to this genre of self-help, self exploration. I didn’t find anything new in this book but I found wisdom that was often nice to reexplore.

While the chatty style of this book was engaging, after reading a few chapters I put the book down and read no more. It seemed like the usual self-help manual, albeit in the form of a semi-conversation, with the author answering the questions that she then invites the reader to answer. Personally, as a literary device, I thought this was neither clever nor informative..

Although I didn't feel I learnt anything new from this book it was a good read. I enjoyed the style of writing and the subject matter but this old dog didn't discover any new tricks! However reading through it made me consider my heritage, memories and how I got to where I am today which isn't a bad thing.

I am glad to have read this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review and my reaction to it has been very positive so maybe I did learn more than I'd thought.

This is self help book that provides motherly advice and guidance from acclaimed columnist Helen, who has nice blend of both East and West. Book touches almost all aspects of our life from health to job to marriage and religion. I liked chapter on death as the highlight of the book and I have to underline few little slow phases in between really good chapters.
There is wisdom from new religion and buddhism.
Mention of lots of books and contemporary examples make read interesting and their are very few scientific jargons. I liked the book and wish it had more of flow in first half.
But a different self help guide for middle age readers.

Overall an interesting read, but after awhile I started to skim and just skipped to the last page of each chapter, where she had tips and ideas and exercises. Felt like she bounced around a bit, and a little hard to follow for me. Not exactly a good fit for me, but like she describes herself as the Jewish Grandmother, if this works for you then I recommend this book.

The thing about self-help books is that they do not offer the quick fix. Some readers take it to be instant redemption, but rather, they are just a nudge in a direction that when pursued could bring about change.

I highlighted this book so much that I believe it’s got to be the most highlighted book in my Kindle Library.

The author looks at why we worry, how we feel, how negative perceptions can cause us to think and feel less about ourselves. She also explores faith drawing from experience and literature to share insights.

The writing is simple and makes for easy reading.

I loved the take-away questions at the end of every chapter that make you pause to reflect on your life in relation to the chapter you’ve read.

I am glad that I got to read this book courtesy of Netgalley and hope it’d be a nudge in the right direction for other readers.