I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book would be really helpful for the introverts and people pleasers in your life.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Definitely worth the read, found most of this pretty worth while and interesting

I have always struggled with boundaries and have been a people pleaser throughout my life. This book gave me so much insight on boundaries - what they are, what they feel like and how to establish them. It’s such a great read!!

Learning about boundaries, and creating space for ourselves in this world is easy to listen to. Holding those boundaries and allowing for us to matter in this world is more difficult. This book is great, because it looks at boundaries in different situations. It connects a reader to our current society, including aspects of social media and our technology connected world.

The audiobook of this read was very engaging. The narrator did a lovely job, providing the information with clarity.

Jayne Hardy compiled a wonderful reference book on the topic of setting boundaries, while Pearl Hewitt thoroughly engaged me with her outstanding narration. The narration made this book so easy to listen to and made each topic memorable.

I don't think there was a scenario left out in regards to the situations where boundaries are needed. I think the wide range of scenarios are very important as one may not know when a certain boundary needs adjustment or if it's just "normal" as is. Toxic relationships aren't always obvious and I was so pleased Hardy brought this awareness through each chapter. The narration was perfection, and I think everyone can benefit from listening to at least one chapter, particularly the chapter on social media boundaries.

Not everyone is taught the tools to navigating relationships wisely via boundaries, and this book is just the tool to help.

I am a sucker for Self-help books. I like to think of them as personal growth books because I am always wanting to better myself. I ended up picking this book because one thing I struggle with are boundaries; you can always find me saying “yes” to whatever people need or want without really thinking about if I want to participate or seeing if it is something I can realistically handle. It is because of this reason that I found myself excited to listen to this book.

Some take-aways that I did find were that my boundaries are just as important as I make them; if I bend or break them, others will too. Another thing I really needed to hear was that people who chose to disrespect my boundaries are not really people worth my time or energy.

As scary as it is to set a boundary, this book provides the support you need to help you get started. Sprinkled throughout the book are scenarios of boundaries that have been crossed, and there are multiple examples on how to address them. There were a few times when the example felt childish, but on second look it made me realize that a simple “no” is enough. We have been built up to believe that we need to explain away our “no’s,” when in reality we shouldn’t have to.

Since reading this, I have set up some boundaries and I find myself taking some time to speak my mind whenever I am conflicted with an issue. Now, this doesn’t make me an expert boundary setter, but I do feel comfortable enough to see what I am willing to handle.

This book was a delight to listen to. It’s jam packed with helpful tips and strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries in a variety of ways: interpersonally, digitally, at work, in different relationships. It’s great for any boundary-setter: someone trying to learn how, someone already practicing, and the experienced enforcer. You’ll surely learn something new or find validation and meaning within the pages of this book.

Making Space: How to Live Happier by Setting Boundaries That Work for You by Jayne Hardy
Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Nonfiction (Adult) | Self-Help
Release Date: January 5, 2021

Making Space by Jayne Hardy is a book about boundaries.

The narration by Pearl Hewitt was wonderful! I loved her tone, voice, and accent.

I enjoyed this book, but I felt like it was missing something. There was a lot of information about opportunities for creating boundaries, what boundaries are, and why they are important. What I found missing was how to create boundaries and what to do when there is pushback or conflict because of the boundary.

I found the most useful chapter was about creating boundaries regarding social media. The author posed the question about whether we would buy a magazine if we didn't like the content and compared it to how we blindly consume content on social media. I definitely will be changing how I view the content I see on social media and using the unfollow button more frequently.

I'm so grateful to Jayne Hardy, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was incredibly interesting and I felt like there was so much given in this book. I think it is best to approach it with the assumption that you will probably need to read it twice.
Because I listened to this once before, I was going to listen again and go through and listen to it again with the workbook.
Sadly this audiobook was archived before I could listen to it with the workbook. So I can't access the workbook, while reading method of approach.
But done separately the workbook and the audiobook. I found myself learning a lot about how I need to set boundaries.

I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to establish an initial foundation or understanding of boundaries. It could also serve as a nice refresh if you feel your boundaries are out of whack. Making Space offers a variety of examples across different areas of your life (children, relationships, technology, work) where boundaries are useful and offers some tried and true recommendations for where you can instill or adjust your boundaries.

If you've already done a lot of work with boundaries and looking for a deeper approach, with new or innovative ideas, this book may not be the best fit for you.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first 50% of this book is extraordinary. I'm in the process of putting my life back together after it was shattered by a series of personal crises -- during this process I've lost a lot of friends whose values were no longer in sync with mine. No matter how much my therapist told me I'd made the right choice, no matter how much my partner reassured me that I'm better off now, I just couldn't stop overthinking every single conversation and looking for ways to blame myself.

There are things in this book I needed to hear. Most of it was validating and reassuring. Some of it really kicked my ass. There were behaviors I needed to change, and ways I needed to grow and become a better person.

As a trans woman who was disowned by her family, I've spent a long time feeling like I don't deserve to take up space. Even the most seemingly supportive allies will often devalue my boundaries and need for space by insisting I endure abuse from their transphobic friends, or else label me a hateful and uncompromising person. Despite being written by a cis woman (as far as I know), this book very accurately connected with a lot of the things I'd been struggling with.

My biggest complaint is that it gets a little "okay boomer" toward the end with complaints about cell phones, social media, and call-out culture (as a professional social justice advocate and journalist who works independently of a publisher to address abuses of power, including sexual predation, the last one is especially important to me).

Beyond that, I loved this book. Would recommend.

I read this to see if I’m missing anything re: boundaries. I usually have really good boundaries (enough that my friends recognize it.)

Thought I didn’t need this, but I identified with this subject immediately. I didn’t identify with everything, but it definitely made me recall all of the times I failed to uphold boundaries as a college student (and in relationships just after college).

Quick read. LOVED the parts about not trying to fix others or try to make someone happy. Loved the parts about social media.

I liked the audiobook format (it sounds like a podcast or radio show, IMO) but I *think* the paper copy would have been nice to have as a companion piece.

I listened to “Making Space” by Jayne Hardy over the course of two days at 1.5 speed. It was the first audiobook I’ve gotten to review for Netgalley and it was a memorable one at that. I was pleased that the author sprinkled plenty of helpful psychological references and helpful reminders throughout the book.

One of the hallmark themes of the book is that we are not often taught how to create our own boundaries growing up. In fact, we are told to be obedient and comply blindly as children and teens. The author implores that we try to give our children the autonomy and space needed (as developmentally appropriate, of course).

Another important theme that the author touches us, reminds us not to take on other people’s responsibilities—in fact it harms their growth! Not to mention that taking on other people’s duties can sometimes be overbearing, infringing, and co-dependent. Truth bomb. To conclude, the author reminds us that “our happiness is our responsibility” and that we should get used to giving and taking.

Making Space was a very quick read (4.5hrs on audio, or 200 pages), packed full of knowledge about boundaries and why they are so important for our mental health and relationships. I LOVED how she broke each section into specific areas where boundaries are needed, such as romantic relationships, children, work, your digital space and more. I found the whole audiobook to be a breath of fresh air and a reminder I very much needed. The narrator was smooth and made it very easy to listen to.

However, this is not a workbook type self-help book. There wasn’t tangible steps and actions that were clearly laid out as some other books on this type of thing. Making Space is the kind of book you read when you need a pep talk. I listened via audiobook but plan on now buying the hardcopy to dig into deeper. There were several sections (especially the parenting/children one) that I KNOW I will want to reference in the future. Lovely book overall. Would recommend.


Thanks to NetGalley & RB Media for an ARC in exchange for my honest review

Hardy pens a guidebook for boundaries that shines as truest gold. I cannot say enough noble things about the useful and practical way this book entreats the reader. The content is not merely presented at the theoretical level but is heavily shaped at eye-level, like a mirror that reflects astute and detailed reflections that can be clearly and objectively observed/identified. This book is an easy read yet deeply informed. Bravo all-around.

Making Space by Jayne Hardy takes a look at setting boundaries with others and ourselves throughout various critical areas in our lives. It explores these boundaries within our friendships, work settings, time, and parenthood.

Hardy begins the book by sharing personal stories about being a good kid. She emphasizes how many of us grow up, "doing what we are told" as kids. Hardy describes how doing the right thing meant to receive praise and acceptance and not disappointing others. She shares how this led her on a constant search for approval.

The book continues by defining healthy boundaries by explaining what they are and what they are not. The author compares and contrasts them with barricades and being assertive versus being aggressive or passive-aggressive. She talks about how not being assertive can eat away at our authenticity, especially when we compromise our relationships, work, and inner peace. Hardy explains how it's essential to set boundaries for children as parents and help them establish their boundaries. No means no, but it's necessary to clarify limits and consequences.

I liked the audiobook. The narrator clearly and smoothly reads the book in a British accent. Hardy provides some excellent quotable insights and shares actionable suggestions. However, she doesn't necessarily offer a comprehensive process. For example, if you are "at the end of your tether," she suggests asking for help, allowing yourself to be emotional, and doing self-care. These are broad actions. However, her quotable insights are ones you can ponder for a while and use for a journal entry. For example, when talking about authenticity, she says, "When we don't assert or honor who we are, we lose our meaning too." The offers an opportunity to examine what this means to you. I also like how she drops in little reminders or encouragements throughout the book, such as "you are enough."

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I would find it a very valuable gift to give to young adults and teenagers.

Boundaries, what they are, why they are important, and how to set them, are the basis of this book. Provides practical tips on how to make boundaries a part of your every day to reduce stress.

The narrator was pleasant to listen to,

3.5/5

As an Enneagram 2 who is very bad at saying no, this book called me out approximately 37 times and I hated it and loved it all at the same time. I would definitely like to get a print copy of this one to revisit as I think it is a good reference.

Jayne Hardy’s Making Space is a call to arms about self compassion and consciousness when navigating a new era of online exposure. It has great practical ideas on how to achieve this. And she shares her own experiences when having dealt with her own awaking. It was truly a great audio book.

How frustrating is it to be told by all the different sources the things you must do to be successful in life? This book definitely does NOT do that. It instead takes an empathetic approach and gives bite size approaches and allows you to have kindness and patience with yourself when dealing with life. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.