I have gotten productivity down to a science. I know how to get things done. What I don’t know how to do is rest, which is why I picked up Courtney Carver’s new self-help and awareness guide, Gentle. They say that you do not know what you do not know, and I did not know how much I needed this book,

Divided into three sections - Rest, Less, and Rise - Courtney takes readers through the process of living a more gentle life. This book is filled with guiding principles and steps you can take to work toward a gentler way of being.

As someone who does tasks from the moment I wake up to the time I go to bed, I appreciated Courtney giving me permission NOT to do one more thing, even when I am perfectly capable of doing ten more things. I internalized Courtney’s wisdom when she shared that whenever she is feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stressed, the answer is always less. Don’t add more to your life - rather, take some things away.

These are just some of the insights you can find in this inspiring guide to living a gentler life.

This was such a lovely message from a minimalist I've followed for years about finding a more gentle way to live. A great way to wrap up 2024.

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot to think about and changed several of my own habits/practices. I find myself bringing up many of the concepts in conversations with friends. The format is very inviting and encouraging. Great book for people who are feeling overwhelmed by the insistence and pace of life. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

An entry into the realm of rest and recovery books that have responded to the toxic burnout culture that we live in. This book has solid background information, practical help and is well organized and has a great tone for the topics. Reccommend.

Gentle is a lovely work that explores alternatives to today’s hustle culture. What if we could allow ourselves to slow down? To reflect on what we really need and want, instead of hearing only the external cues that urge us to work more and harder, and rest less? Author Courtney Carver came to her realizations because of illness, but we can all benefit from her advice. From the beginning of the book, where she urges us to just disconnect for 10 minutes before continuing to read, to the Rest, Less, and Rise practices that come after, Carver proposes simple practices and tiny steps to help the reader slow down and practice real self-care.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Something I try to speak often with clients about is the idea of "pausing" and allowing a slowness to enter a routine. Gentle does such a great job of describing a coveted softness that can benefit us all mentally, away from the pressures of society (and those we inflict upon ourselves.)

This book is exactly what I needed to read during this season of life. What a sweet and wonderful reminder of how to gently walk through this world and how to be gentle with ourselves in the process. I will be purchasing it when it comes out, so I can come back to reference it when I start feeling the overwhelm.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC.

This book was a “gentle” reminder on how to live a more stress free life. I would have preferred more exercises, but still a good book for those who want to start out in the self help genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Pub for this eARC!

Courtney Carver writes about simple living and minimalism. This book is a complement to her blog and her previous books by looking at simplifying by being gentle with ourselves. The book is in three parts: 1. Rest; 2. Less; and 3. Rise. Each short chapter in the sections gives one habit. Then Carver offers what she calls "tiny steps" to help you adopt the habit as well as a suggested first, gentle step. One chapter that I really liked was called "Little Saturday". It is a suggestion to have a mid-week weekend-like activity such as a takeout dinner and a fun movie to watch.
This book would be good to review on a regular basis when you are feeling overwhelmed and need ideas to help de-stress.
I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley.

If I’m being honest I am not really a self help reader type of girl, but right now things seem off. I dove in and was shocked about how I felt with the idea of being Gentler… I am a late 40’s woman who takes on way to much and gets anxious when it just doesn’t come out the way I wanted or hoped. So now with some new thought processes and new ideas of how to be Gentler on myself and possibly those around me that trigger my Menopausal tendencies to want to cry, I maybe able to tackle the new year of 2025 with some better optimism.

This book was such a gentile reminder of how to deal with stress. I personally always struggle with it so I'll be taking some of the tips I've learned with me moving forward.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect book too be reading and putting into practice at this time of year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I can already feel the stress and anxiety of the season. I worry about picking the perfect gift, creating the most memorable family dinners, and presenting a calm exterior. I am so thankful to have been granted the opportunity to read Courtney Carver's book, Gentle. Just reading the title encourages me to take a breath and soften my body. I loved the reminders to be kind to ourselves and create space in our lives to live. I look forward to putting her suggestions into practice and making a new tradition to be gentle with myself this year.

I loved the cover, title, and content of this book! So many reminders that we need in this very busy world we all live in. Very simple, practical ideals and practices to complete were very much appreciated!

Oh my gosh, Courtney Carver, can we meet for coffee to talk about how ever gal should have this book!?! This book was just darling. I absolutely adored every single page. You have a gift with your writing. It was beautifully done! Ladies...go get this book! And buy it for all your friends. It's so good!