REVIEW: I'll Just Be Five More Minutes: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain by Emily Farris

If you're looking for a unique and relatable exploration of the ADHD world, I'll Just Be Five More Minutes by Emily Farris is the book you've been waiting for. With her blend of humor and honesty, Farris offers a fresh perspective on navigating life with a brain that operates outside the norm.

Her essays are full of hilarious anecdotes and a good dose of self-deprecation, which keeps things light, even when she touches on the most challenging stuff. It captures the wild ride that comes with ADHD—like, you'll get those moments of chaos that everyone else seems to glide past.

That said, the book does jump around a bit, which might throw some readers off. One minute she's on one topic, and the next, she's somewhere completely different. It can feel a bit scattered at times. And while her humor usually hits the mark, there are moments where it feels a little forced or leans too hard on stereotypes.

In the end, I'll Just Be Five More Minutes is worth reading, especially if you're dealing with ADHD or want to understand better what it's like. Farris's candidness and relatable vibe make her an engaging storyteller. Just remember how she structures her essays, which might not be everyone's cup of tea!

Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette Books, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

This was such a good read. I loved loved loved Emily’s voice with each section or story. She is engaging, interesting, humorous, and honest. Some things she writes about really made me stop and think, and I realized I was still thinking about her the next day. Some of her stories did not catch me quite the way others did, but the majority of them had me hooked. One night I read almost a quarter of the book until I just couldn’t keep my eyes open more.

I have students who are affected by ADHD and I do have grown female friends who have been diagnosed. However, there was something special about this book that really gave me a deeper understanding and I think it’s because it was told so honestly from her perspective.

Awesome read.

I expected to relate to this book a lot more, but it was a 3.5 star read for me. I did like the writing, but I found some pieces of these essays to be repetitive and others to be a bit concerning. (To be fair, the contents of the book read differently in the context of the author's divorce after its publishing.) I'm glad that Emily Farris has taken positive steps in her life since these anecdotes took place, but at the end of the day we have very different flavors of ADHD, so this is not the best book for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.

An incredible, well written book on the late diagnosed ADHD experience. Bought 3 copies for my sisters and me 💖

Reading this was somewhat validating, but ADHD isn't an excuse to act poorly for your family. That was hard to get past.

I struggled connecting with this book. I was diagnosed 20 years ago but I couldn't really relate to the author.

Emily Farris documents her struggles with ADHD in this hilarious and frustrating collection of stories.

Unfortunately for me, I highly relate to so much of this. I really appreciate Emily’s honesty and openness to discuss the issues and experiences that many women can appreciate when looking for why they can’t just focus and get things done. I highly recommend this for anyone who has struggled with time management, staying on task, actually been diagnosed with ADHD, or knows someone dealing with these things. Basically, everyone can either relate themselves or better understand someone around them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an advanced copy of this book.

Last year, at 37, found out that I have ADHD, and it has been such a relief to finally understand why I am the way I am. I really loved this book. There was a lot of humor and I related to so much of it. Definitely a must add for the library's collection. Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book!

Such a great book. She is witty and writes like you could be best friends. I related to so much of what she wrote. This wasn’t like any other book I’ve read.

These essays give a humorous look at life with ADHD and how one can function (or not) when dealing with those challenges. Laughter about problems with time keeping and organization makes your day easier to cope with, even if those problems aren't being dealt with.

I have the book, I'm very excited - I wish it had come out in hardcover though. This feels like it will likely be a nice new tool to add in with Paige Layle's "But Everyone Feels This Way" and Jessica's "How to ADHD".

This was such a great book. I'll Just Be Five More Minutes is a first-person memoir about the author who is diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I loved that the collection of stories included lists and emails. It was interesting to read how ADHD personally affected the author and it felt kind of comforting to read because I have family members who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Emily Farris' stories on motherhood, her high school and college years were interesting.

It's worth noting that she has some strong opinions on certain topics like politics, but this is a memoir which makes it personal. However, I think this book is worth reading. Overall, this was a pretty great memoir.

I was diagnosed with ADHD just a few years ago (in my mid-twenties) and SO MUCH of this book resonated with me. At times, it felt like I was reliving some of my own experiences through a different lens. This was a cathartic read for me in so many ways - while not a “self help” book, it definitely was helpful to see my own tendencies and habits in someone else and feel validated by it all. Would definitely recommend to anyone who has (or think they might have) ADHD!

"I'll Just Be Five More Minutes" by Emily Farris stands out as a refreshingly honest and witty exploration of procrastination, time management, and the universal struggle to balance productivity with self-care. Farris tackles a topic that is often met with frustration and anxiety, transforming it into an opportunity for self-discovery and laughter.

From the very first page, Emily Farris captivates her readers with relatable anecdotes and a humorous tone that immediately puts one at ease. It’s as if she’s speaking directly to you, acknowledging the shared experience of saying "just five more minutes" before starting a task, only to find hours slipping away. Her ability to mix humor with insightful observations makes the book not just an enjoyable read but also a deeply reflective one.

Farris doesn't just dwell on the problem of procrastination; she delves into the psychology behind why we delay tasks and offers practical advice for overcoming these tendencies. What makes her approach unique is the compassion and understanding she extends to her readers. She recognizes that at the heart of procrastination often lies fear, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation, and she addresses these underlying issues with kindness and practical strategies.

The structure of the book is thoughtfully designed to engage readers actively. Each chapter introduces concepts with clarity, followed by actionable tips and exercises that encourage immediate application. Farris's background in psychology shines through in these sections, as she offers evidence-based techniques in a way that’s accessible and actionable.

One of the most powerful aspects of "I'll Just Be Five More Minutes" is its emphasis on self-forgiveness and the recognition that productivity does not determine our worth. Farris promotes a balanced lifestyle, encouraging readers to find joy in the present moment and to prioritize tasks that align with their values and goals.

In a world that often equates busyness with success, Emily Farris's book is a breath of fresh air. It serves as a gentle reminder that taking breaks and allowing ourselves to be imperfect are not only okay but necessary for our well-being. "I'll Just Be Five More Minutes" is more than just a guide to overcoming procrastination; it's a testament to the importance of being kind to ourselves in the pursuit of our ambitions.

Overall, Emily Farris has crafted a book that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. "I'll Just Be Five More Minutes" is a must-read for anyone who has ever found themselves scrolling through their phone, watching just one more episode, or saying they’ll start in just five more minutes. It's a perfect blend of humor, heart, and practical advice that will leave readers feeling understood and equipped to tackle their procrastination habits head-on.

✨ Review ✨ I'll Just Be Five More Minutes: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain by Emily Farris

Thanks to Hachette Books and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

As a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis girl myself, I found so much to relate to in this book. From the jokes about time blindness and taking forever to get ready and distractibility to the very relatable exploration of ADHD's impact on work, family life, relationships, and more, there was so much wonderful reflection in this book.

Presented through a series of essays, the topics run the gamut, and sometimes they felt like maybe they strayed a bit too far out, making the central themes feel a little disorganized (though what really is more ADHD than that). I think she really brings herself forward in this book, sharing quirks and strengths and weaknesses and so much more, and I found that made it really relatable.

I think I'd love to have seen even more leaning into finding some take-aways from this story, circling back to the idea of ADHD / neurodiversity as a strength, but overall found these enjoyable to pick up and read as individual essays and stories.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: nonfiction, memoir, essays, mental health
Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024

Thank you to Hachette Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC of [book:I'll Just Be Five More Minutes: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain|173403935] by [author:Emily Farris|1573498] in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of essays was at once insightful and entertaining. The author has a way of finding humor in her struggles due to ADHD that is both honest and hopeful. She gives insight into a neurodivergent brain that really made me look at myself and wonder if I had a touch of ADHD myself. The book is even written to accommodate an ADHD brain as it doesn't just hop from story to story but also includes lists and random thoughts sprinkled throughout. Her style of writing kept me entertained and intrigued throughout the book.

I'll Just Be Five More Minutes made me feel so seen! I appreciated the author's insight into ADD/ADHD as well as not being too science heavy. I will definitely use this as a resource in my everyday tasks.

"I'll Just Be Five More Minutes: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain" by Emily Farris is a refreshingly honest and relatable exploration of life with ADHD. Through a series of candid anecdotes and reflections, Farris invites readers into her world, offering insight into the challenges and triumphs of navigating daily life with a neurodiverse brain. With humor and vulnerability, the author shares her experiences with procrastination, impulsivity, and the constant struggle to stay focused. Farris's writing is engaging and authentic, creating a sense of camaraderie with readers who may also be grappling with ADHD or similar challenges. Beyond simply sharing her own story, Farris provides valuable insights and practical tips for managing ADHD symptoms and thriving in a world that often feels overwhelming. "I'll Just Be Five More Minutes" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand ADHD from a personal perspective and find inspiration in the journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette for the eARC! As someone with ADHD I was looking forward to a cathartic and relatable memoir from a fellow ADHDer. Thankfully, that is exactly what I got with this hilarious and reflective collection of essays. I felt so seen, understood, and had a sense of camaraderie while reading. This is excellent, and I highly recommend it for those with ADHD or for those just looking for more insight into the struggles of ADHD.

I love memoirs because they give me a glimpse into another life for just a few hours. I love them more if what is shared is completely different from anything I've experienced in my own life. The more I learn about the lives of others, the more empathy I can have for those around me.
This memoir did not let me down. I felt so stressed and anxious at times just reading her experiences living with ADHD. I'm such a planner, and rule follower, and get stuff done kinda person, I can't imagine life another way. I'm grateful for these essays and this glimpse into motherhood with ADHD.