Courtney Carver has written another lovely book full of mini steps one can take to slow down and enjoy life. Her idea behind "one small step, and if that is too much, then one tiny step" is brilliant, especially when dealing with the never ending winter season! An easy to read book, one that can be reread over time. Thanks to Ms Carver, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this book was exactly what I needed in this current season of life of feeling overworked, overwhelmed and apathetic. This book invites you to complete super simple and gentle activities that foster rest and care for self. Every chapter gives different activity or concept for rest, and the chapter starts of with the author sharing a story or narrative of that concept in action. Then my favorite part of every chapter - the action steps to apply the concept. She calls them the tiny steps. Every rest practice includes The tiny steps, and then she provides “one gentle step” - one thing that you can take away and put into practice right now, and it’s gentle and easy enough to accomplish, even with the busiest of lives. I really love this book! It has been wonderful for me to read in my current state of “busy”. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one just wasn’t for me. The structure was nice, with personal stories followed by key takeaways and then one tiny step. However the content overall was very wide and shallow. As someone who has done a lot of therapy and reads a lot of personal growth, this book just barely skirted over the surface of way too many topics for it to be impactful or meaningful. If it had limited its scope and gone deeper I think it could have been more successful, but for me this was just too shallow.

This is the book I didn’t know I needed, and it’s been written at just the right time. Courtney Carver’s words are like a warm hug, encouraging and inspiring whilst conveying that we cannot and should not simply push through constantly.

Drawing on her own experiences when faced with a life changing diagnosis, “Gentle” will touch all of us that struggle in the do-all, keep-going, stress-inducing culture we often get sucked into.

The book is constructed neatly into sections, with Rest being the first focus, followed by Less and Rise. Each section spoke so profoundly to me, and provided such reassurance that I feel that Courtney was speaking directly to me, giving me permission to be kinder, gentler and shift my thinking on what constitutes a successful life.

I’m already planning a slower re-read and to dive deeper into many of the steps, and am recommending this title to my friends - this would be a great book club choice!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this e-ARC.

GENTLE by Courtney Carver is subtitled "Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want." Carver (Soulful Simplicity) stresses self-compassion and self-care as she tries to convey a plan to do just that. She writes about "gentle" as "easing through instead of pushing through," "creating strength in stillness," and "putting yourself first." Her text is divided amongst the three seasons of gentle: Rest (e.g., relaxing, sleep practices, and connecting); Less (e.g., unplug, decluttering, and less regret); and Rise (e.g., cultivating quiet, releasing every worry, and bringing it all together). Within multiple chapters for each season, Carver offers ideas for tiny steps and one gentle step. That seems doable and Carter's tone is supportive and non-judgmental. I especially liked her reference to Laura Vanderkam's comment that "going to bed early is the way grown-ups sleep in." Carver frequently refers to her own habits and life experience which is also less intimidating. However, I would like to see a print version since some readers could still feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of "to dos." They will need to remember Carter's summary: "Be Gentle. Move softly. Go slowly. Celebrate every tiny step. You don't have to push through. Ease through. Be light. Be you."

3.5 stars

This was a balm to my soul; exploring "yes, I am tired, but how do I stop it?" was eye-opening for me because as a busy person, and a person who likes to stay busy in general, it is really hard to break away from the cycle. I've pushed through sloughs and downers, but this book let me know that that isn't the way to go. I need to be more kind and patient with myself, rather than always giving into the loud "monster" who insists that I keep grinding, pushing, and hustling to be someone that I'm expected to be, rather than someone I want to be.

Well written thoughtful insightful.A minimalists guide how to lead a more gentle life.This was a warm lovely book of suggestions to lead a more caring life.# netgalley #gentle.

This was extremely well done and insightful. The end of the chapters summary and permission slips and next steps were brilliantly done. The titled chapters can get me back to the title I would like to review. I appreciate the several pages of references, links and resources at the end. I definitely want to read her first two books. This one of the best manuals on self improvement I have read in quite some time. #Gentle #NetGalley

This is the perfect book to pick up when life is overwhelming and you need a gentle hand to help you get yourself to a peaceful place. Gentle takes you through three phases (rest, less, rise) and breaks each one down into steps. Even better, if you don't have the capacity for those steps, there is a teeny tiny step option and an affirmation at the end of each chapter.

I especially liked the rest section, as that's what I struggle with the most. I think this book would best be read by taking it one chapter a week and using that chapter as a motivator or meditation for the week.

Thanks to Netgalley and Balance for the e-ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Gentle
by Courtney Carver

Separated into 3 parts
Rest/Less?Rise
Simple straightforward ways to simplify life and isn't that what we all need, I feel like it while we know the basics sometimes it helps to have someone spell it out for you and break it done into easy to follow steps.
Self care is not selfish,

One of the better self help / self care books I've read recently. This was helpful, approachable, and I like how the author broke down steps into manageable parts. The approaches shared are gentle, as expected from the title. I've recommended it to several people already.

I am a big fan of Courtney Carver's work and appreciate all that she shares about living a simplified life. With that being said, I've read a lot of books on the subject and didn't personally gain a ton of new information or ideas. I found some of the messages to be repetitive and wordy. "Gentle" also made me realize how gentle I already am. However, despite this not being a hit for me, I think that this would be an amazing book for SO many women, especially those who are new to the idea of slowing down, living simply, and ditching hustle culture. I can quickly list several women that I know who would immensely benefit from this book and learning to be more gentle with themselves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for providing me with an electronic advance reader copy.

Author, Courtney Carver dives into a question that feels more urgent than ever: When was the last time you gave yourself permission to pause, rest, and truly reset? In a world that tells us happiness and success come from doing more and pushing harder, many of us are left feeling like we’re never enough. But what if there’s another way? Courtney’s message is simple yet profound: by embracing rest, releasing what weighs us down, and redefining success, we can step into the life we truly desire—with less overwhelm and more ease. A great read for a time such a this!

I've been on a self-help reading spree lately, and "Gentle" by Courtney Carver is a true standout. This book is a revelation – the kind everyone needs, even if they don't realize it.

I'm the type who constantly juggles to-do lists and struggles to switch off after work. My mind races with "what ifs" and how I can be more productive. "Gentle" is a much-needed antidote to this relentless cycle. It's a powerful reminder to prioritize self-compassion and break free from the pressure to constantly do more.

It's crucial to remember that stress is a significant health concern. The American Institute of Stress reports that 120,000 people die each year as a direct result of work-related stress. Furthermore, chronic stress can contribute to the development of numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health disorders. This book is a reminder that we need to prioritize our well-being and cultivate a gentler approach to life.

The book is structured around three seasons: Rest, Less, and Rise, each guiding you toward a gentler way of living. What I particularly appreciate are the "Tiny Steps" included at the end of each chapter. These actionable suggestions provide a practical framework for implementing the book's wisdom, even if it's just one small change at a time. And the "Permission Slips" are pure genius! It is a gentle nudge and reassurance, making embracing these new, kinder habits easier.

Carver emphasizes that being gentle with yourself is a practice, and it's crucial to start small, grow slowly, and take one gentle step at a time. In today's society, "rushing and busyness can feel like an addiction," as the author points out.

"Gentle" has profoundly impacted my life. I've actively applied the practices Courtney shares in her book, it has been a game-changer. The book has a calming effect on my anxiety and truly puts me at ease. I can't recommend it highly enough. This book has been a lifeline for me. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, 'Gentle' offers a much-needed counterpoint. The practices I've implemented have already made a noticeable difference in my stress levels, and I'm confident they'll continue to support my long-term well-being.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, this book is a must-read. It's a gentle yet powerful guide to reclaiming your well-being and living a more fulfilling life.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy of 'Gentle' by Courtney Carver. I've already recommended it to everyone in my social circle!

Thank you to NetGalley for this free copy in exchange of an honest opinion. My only regret is that it took me so long to read this, but I am so thankful that I did. It was so therapeutic for my mental health. I appreciate the writers insight and compassion. I learned so much from this book, even something as simple as giving myself something that seems as simple as giving myself permission to be gentle. I have found that saying the word to myself quietly, has lowered my heart rate. With everything that is going on in the world right now, this book was much appreciated, so thank you.

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.