I usually enjoy this genre, but I really didn't care for the book. The author emphasizes how the reader is important for changing their circumstances and feelings, etc, and while he brings up some good points, he also misses the mark. First of all, the book is very centered on the self. I agree with the authors views that we can't treat others the way they deserve or kindly if we hate and ridicule ourselves, however, we are not an island. Our health and happiness is not completely dependent on our mindset and does rely on our relationships with others and the relationships we have with them. Of course, being happier and also loving ourselves can improve upon those, but we can't rely exclusively on ourselves for those things, not matter how much we want to. The author also takes a very secular approach, which really didn't resonate with me. Some of his points were valid throughout the book, but I feel like he generally took what worked for him and while I am great that he feels better, his advice certainly doesn't apply to everyone and may even do the opposite for those with mental health disorders. Again, I'm all for doing everything in ones power to improve their situation and outlook, but the author kind of gives the impression that if anyone is falling short in that area, it is their fault, when that isn't necessarily the case. and there are many factors that he doesn't take into account or shortsightedly jumps over.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

Interesting read overall. I'm not normally too into the self-help genre, but this did hit a few key points tha tmade sense for me.

I'd probably recommend this to my friends.

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Not the book for me, but could definitely help others.

*thank you to Netgalley, Blake D. Bauer and Watkins Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


3 stars.

This is a reprint of the original and it has been updated and rereleased. I have not read the previous book so I'm not sure how it differs, but I did like this one well enough. I can't help but think that it could have been shortened but that could be just me. I personally find books like this to be easier and more interesting if they weren't so much like a text book. If the layout was more 'fun' I would find it more interesting as I did find my mind drifting at times while reading this. But again that's just me and others may prefer text book format. Still, it contained helpful advice.

I’ve never been one to read much self help, but I thought I try and give it a go, but this was a bad example of one. I’ve always been critical of the nature of self help. Having read Help Me! by Marianne Power, it made me remember that no matter how good the intentions, it’s still a business at the end of the day, and there are some books out there that give some very damaging messages to very vulnerable people. Yes, there are some good one, and yes they can change people for the better, but I decided they weren’t for me. Yet, I still wanted to try another one, but this has put me off the genre all together.

I did get the idea that the author had good intentions, though. His personal journey and his realisation was touching, and I’m glad he turned his life around. Sadly, it doesn’t make the book better.

The message is repeated constantly. If you didn’t get the message in the first few pages then don’t worry, it will be repeated twenty more times just in case.

Also, for a self help novel, it didn’t have much substance. The minute he mentioned god or intelligent design I immediately turned off. If that’s all he offers I rather not learn more.

This might be promising, but the content never gives us much to chew on. I might have been the wrong person to review it, but hopefully it will help someone else.

This is a very thoughtful and sensitive book about learning how to identify and cope with negative emotions that make life difficult from time to time (and, other times, constantly). I really like the exercises and am trying to implement them into my life. This read felt refreshing and comforting. Definitely a must for every book shelf, because we all have bad times. This is definitely one I'll be going back to whenever I need to.