What an awesome and interesting read! It is one that would go on my "to-read-again" list, if I had one :)

I read a lot of self -help books, and it can sometimes be repetitive. The author explain very well the content, explaining both biological and psychological sides of the issues presented. A lot of what she says is practical and I see myself including in my life. It also helped me evaluate my own life, and take steps to lead a more happy and fulfilled life. My only issue is that, at some parts, it was a bit too complex for me, and I had to read again to see if I could understand better.

It is the kind of book that I see myself giving as a gift to friends who are interested in self-development and social sciences, and then having discussions about it.

This was an interesting read and had some useful patient stories included. However the structure felt a bit odd and like it was jumping around, and I also struggled to picture how to apply to everyday life! But was an interesting and differen book to normal

Estape is a psychiatrist who offers neuroscience-based advice and insights on how to be happier and more optimistic. There are some interesting patient stories, which I find particularly instructional for taking theory into practice. Estape has an accessible way of writing that is encouraging and not lecturing. What was missing for me was a structure that tied it all together – I recall reading through a number of seemingly disparate tips and ideas, and I would have a hard time summarizing a specific program of action or point of view.

It's a great pick me up for examining stress at a scientific and psychological level. It's premise greatly intrigued me, but that being said, it did take a bit to get into the book. Looking forward to see what else Estape has in store for the future regardless.

I enjoyed parts of this book, which I found to be quite helpful, although struggled with how to apply what was being said into real life.

How to Make Good Things Happen is a well-researched book on managing your stress and anxiety levels, and how our mental health influences our physical health and day-to-day lives. Written by an American psychiatrist, it’s not a quick read or self-help book, but is more of a scientific look at our hormones and how our brain works in relation to our emotions – love, sadness, happiness, guilt – especially at times of stress. To combat stress, we need to train ourselves to see positivity in all situations, rather than focusing on negativity, and we also need to learn how to stop overthinking. The book uses practical approaches based on science, including the evidence for mindfulness and omega-3 foods in brain health. I loved the case studies dotted around the book – short stories about people the author has met over the years, some as patients and others just in passing. The book seeks to help its readers see the good in everything so that they can lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. An interesting read.

I don't like giving negative reviews, but I am committed to being honest and I did not like this book. I found the organization of the chapters nonsensical and confusing, which might be alleviated if you read the paper copy, I'm not sure. I sincerely lost track of the statements in this book that I disagreed with - the main message seemed to be "what's your problem, just be happier". Love the cover and the concept.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really interesting read and I’d love to read more self help books on a similar topic. There are a few things that will stick with me, especially on how to be a more positive/optimistic person and how to deal with emotions in a more productive way. I found the links between mental and physical health SO interesting to read about.

The only slightly negative things that pulled the rating down for me were the fact that it felt quite jumpy (though this might have been due to the formatting of the document on my kindle) and that it seemed to promote quite often the use of medication to treat mental health issues. I’m not against the use of medication when it’s needed - absolutely not, really want to make that clear - but so many of the case studies involved prescribing medication to patients and I felt like that was quite dangerous to promote. Maybe I’m completely wrong on this though - I’m obviously not the doctor here! It just felt a little medication-heavy.

Other than that it was an interesting read and I’d recommend it to people wanting to improve their life, emotions and mental well-being in any way.

I had to stop reading this book about 2/3rds of the way through when it got to the part about how if you are happy, you won't be sick or get cancer or have other illnesses. I understand that mindset has a lot to do with overall health, but I've met some pretty miserable people who are in the best of health. and some of the most delightful people that are not. In fact, I'm currently getting tested for a few of the specific cancers/diseases they list, and I'm not a miserable person. I found it offensive that the book postulates that if I was happier or calmer that I wouldn't be dealing with medical issues, to such an extent I've now disregarded the earlier content that I actually quite enjoyed.

This book was an interesting read. There are many good hints and tips within to help deal with feelings of stress and anxiety.

How to Make Good Things Happen gave many good insights and tips on how to go through life, would recommend everyone to give this a read.

I work with clients to help them manage their stress. I love picking up tidbits from professionals and scholars that I can pass on to my clients. I cannot say enough good things about this book, from the content to the way the information was presented to the flow of the book. I think anybody and everybody can find a gem in this book that may contribute to increased well-being and happiness.

The cover of this book is what really intrigued me. There were some chapters I liked more than others but I enjoyed it overall. The section that broke down anxiety was quite interesting. Thanks so much to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

As a nurse, this book appealed to many for so many different reasons. I love learning and finding out what more. there is to discover within the human body. This book does everything I was expecting, it is very well researched and provides a lot of information in depth. The author also contains case studies which they show kindness and empathy towards. The book cover is bright, eye-catching and appealing and would interest me if in a bookshop.

Thank you to both NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company/Countryman Press for providing me with an advance copy of Marian Rojas Estape nonfiction novel, How to Make Good Things Happen, in exchange for an honest review.

This book is very well-researched and provides an in-depth view about the neurological reactions that cause physiological and psychological conditions. I found this portion of the book to be the most intriguing since I know the least about the science behind diseases.

If you are looking for a self-help book or a step-by-step guide, however, this is not it. Many of the concepts are common sense and the quotes are rather cliché. There are also sections blocked off for case studies. For me personally, this did not add anything to the information, but for some readers, the excerpts might resonate with them or enhance the experience.

This book was received as an ARC from W. W. Norton & Company - Countryman Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I learned so much from this book and it could not have come at a better time. I have been struggling a lot with people in my life and learning how to re program your mind to not let it overtake your thinking and emotions is really powerful. The section I got the most from was on cultivating happy existence and that if we have the desire to be happy rather than frustrated and sad, we have the power to turn that situation into a happy situation and I really am hoping to apply all that I learned from this book not only to my job but in my life as a whole.

We will consider adding this title to our Self- Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book 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. Highly recommend. Especially loved the case studies throughout to reflect and humanize my feelings and relate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.