Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power" by Dr. Luana Marques is a compelling and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on managing anxiety. Dr. Marques, a Harvard-based psychotherapist, draws from her rich personal history and extensive clinical experience to present a methodical approach to transforming anxiety into a driving force for positive change.

The book is structured around a three-step plan that is both practical and scientifically grounded. The first step involves recognizing and understanding the patterns of thinking that contribute to anxiety. Dr. Marques emphasizes the importance of becoming your own "thought lawyer," challenging and reframing negative thoughts that can lead to feelings of tension and worry.

The second step outlined in the book addresses the various forms of avoidance behavior that people often engage in as a response to anxiety. Dr. Marques provides readers with strategies to confront these behaviors head-on, rather than allowing them to perpetuate a cycle of anxiety.

Finally, the third step focuses on building upon one's values to establish boundaries and make room for aspirations and dreams. This is where the transformation from anxiety to power truly takes place, as readers learn to leverage their anxiety as a motivator rather than a hindrance.

Throughout the book, Dr. Marques includes concrete examples and exercises that are backed by the latest research. Her writing is accessible and relatable, making complex psychological concepts easy to understand and apply. The personal anecdotes and stories she shares add a layer of authenticity and inspire confidence in her methods.

"Bold Move" is not just a self-help book; it's a guide to living boldly and making meaningful changes in one's life. It resonates with a wide audience, from individuals struggling with anxiety to therapists seeking effective tools for their clients. Dr. Marques' approach is a testament to the power of facing discomfort and using it as a catalyst for growth.

*Bold Move** is a transformative guide which empowers readers to harness their anxiety and channel it into strength and purpose. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a positive way to break free from the shackles of anxiety and live a more confident and purposeful life.

Bold Move is a practical self help book that explains thoughts, behaviors and feelings in a easy to read way. I enjoyed the book as a good companion to my therapy journey. I liked the patient stories and thought that those were the most helpful as well as her personal experiences. Some of the stuff directly related to core beliefs that I am currently working through so it was particularly resonant.

Interesting and well written I just personally couldn’t get into the story. Difficult to follow at times and a little slow. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

While I appreciated the relevancy of the real life stories into the book. I needed more structure. Chaos makes me anxious, and the writing style hindered rather than helped me.

BOLD MOVE by Luana Marques, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard University, outlines "A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power." Marques firmly believes that "the only path forward is through my emotions" and focuses first on "stuff that keeps us stuck," specifically mentioning "psychological avoidance, the real enemy that most of us face." She then devotes several sections to the steps she labels Shift, Approach, and Align where she encourages readers to modify their behavior accordingly. Finally, Marques concludes with "becoming bold by being the water, not the rock." While she offers practical background (e.g., "Science behind your inner hothead") and offers advice on topics like emotion regulation, I question how much attentiveness and patience may be needed to wade through her text. Useful notes for researchers, including citations for journal articles and science-based evidence, account for roughly ten percent of the book. Overall, Marques makes numerous references to her patients and to her own life, especially growing up in Brazil. She has certainly accomplished much, but, again, to what extent will her readers relate? Unfortunately, I found it difficult to concentrate on the points she was trying to make and worry that students may face similar difficulties.

An easily digestible and attainable read on anxiety. This is a great starting point for someone who has only just realized they struggle with anxiety. This book has helpful tools even if you don't think you have diagnosable anxiety and just struggle with stress or occasional anxiety.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Author for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

An easily read basic book on anxiety. Anxiety 101 to be sure. Great starting point on the topic. Nicely presented and easily accessed.
A comprehensive guide to expert research and opinions in the Notes at the end gives us a clue to the wide spread knowledge Dr. Marques brings to her book.
I found it helpful.

A HarperOne ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

As someone who has experienced a lot of anxiety, I was really interested to see what this book offered. I didn’t really find anything new for myself. I think the points could’ve been laid out clearer.

This self-help book will be quite useful for people who are new to learning about working with anxiety. For those who are already familiar with the topic, there isn’t much new information here. I would recommend it to readers who are just getting into the genre.