I was very excited when I received an advanced copy of Radical Radiance! As an esthetician who eat, sleeps, and breathes beauty/skincare routines as well as someone who is a wholehearted believer of rituals as a part of ones life, I had high hopes for this book! The author's vulnerability is refreshing. Her story is relatable and the 12 week program of self-love and self-care that is laid out is a beautiful way to nurture ones self. It is a gentle reminder to be gentle with ourselves, especially while dealing with hardship.

Loved it! This novel was such an easy one to listen to and digest well via audio. Great topics and discussions and even better narration! I always love to listen to self-help, non fiction novels on audio and this one did not disappoint!! Thank you

I gave this audiobook an honest wholehearted try, but it just isn't for me. I struggled through the introduction and first chapter on skincare, hoping that the titles of the following chapters would lead to much more depth. I like skincare fine and think it is important enough. But the first third of the book that I did listen to sounded a whole lot like an info-mercial for the author's skincare company and spa. When I dove into the chapter following the first step, I expected to veer away from this topic. But it really didn't. For example, just before the guided meditation in the second step, you are given the option of putting a face oil/serum on to start. That was enough for me!!

I simply can't give the second 2/3 of this book any more of my time or energy given how hard it was to get through the first third.

To be fair though, the audiobook is very well read by the author. And if pampering yourself into relaxing and feeling better is your definition of self-care, then you will probably love this book.

So much gratitude to the publishe,r St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Because I think that I am truly not the right audience for this book, and because I just couldn't face actually finishing it, I will refrain from posting a review for this book on GoodReads. I simply don't think that would be fair of me.

Thank you to Angela Jia Kim, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook for review.

Self-help books are rarely my cup of tea, often coming across as promises of some great 'arrival' or 'secret' to happiness or self-actualization that's not accessible or realistic rather than emphasizing incremental changes or the importance of the journey itself.

Not so here. Angela Jia Kim's Radical Radiance which shows up instead as a deeply personal exploration of one woman's success & failures, her perspectives on each, and her personal learnings throughout - paired with concrete 'things to try.'

Further, having the author read her own passionate work is an absolute delight!

Only a few minutes in I knew I wanted to pre order a physical copy of this book! This would be a wonderful book for a graduate, someone going through a difficult time or anyone who loves self care or looking for ways to add self care to there day to day. Just like the cover I’m sure the inside is just as gorgeous. Clear concise steps on how to not just look but feel radiant. I love the setup of each self care prompt/ritual as well as real life stories that Angela added to intertwine and support each one. This one had me wanting to grab a journal, crystals, experience a sound bath and take care of what her mom refers to as the most expensive silk on earth… our skin.