The Success Myth started off strong - why do you feel like its never enough? why cant you celebrate your accomplishments before moving on to the next? but then got way too into influencer and celebrity culture and for me the message got lost. The questions at the end of each chapter brought it all back together but I found myself wanting to skip ahead to them instead of reading the chapters leading up to them. Maybe this would make a better work book?

I love Emma Gannon's Substack, and her fiction; she's someone who it is very easy to relate to in her writings. Books such as these can be so hard to write a review or critique of because it's such a personal journey. As someone grappling with her own self identity and how she is defining success against her own self worth, I thought this would be a great extension on what Gannon already talks about in her Substack, and she does have some important conversations, plus her writing is always brilliant. Like other people though, I do wish she'd taken the chance to speak to some of her readers or colleagues who come from more humble backgrounds; I'm past the point of caring about how celebrities/influencers/personalities: they're just like us! But also not, because of the enormous privilege they wield.

This is a solid book to read if you are exploring, and reconsidering, the conventional ideals of success and how it fits into your life focus. The chapters are more like a conversation than a straight forward lecture, so it feels relatable. However, this book really would have contributed more to the conversation if the author explored the limitations of redefining what success means to you, given your internal and external constraints that can often dictate how limited you can be in redefining yourself. Alas, that may be a topic further discussed in a book club discussion, or maybe even as an additional chapter, or three, in a revised edition of this book.

3.5 rounded up! I liked Gannon's attitude and perspective. The Success Myth has a solid premise—questioning conventional ideas of success and redefining what really matters. This is something I feel SO strongly about that I was almost certain this would be a 4+ star read for me. But, while there are some great insights, the execution felt a bit scattered.

The writing is conversational and relatable, but at times it meanders, with some contradictions that make it feel unpolished. The book pulls in a lot of external ideas—sometimes effectively, sometimes in a way that feels like a greatest-hits list of self-help concepts (think: lizard brain, outdated $75k happiness study, spoon theory repurposed for overwork). If you’re new to these ideas, you’ll likely find them engaging, but if you’ve spent time in these conversations, they won’t feel groundbreaking.

I also wanted a deeper dive into the *why* behind our obsession with success. The book spends a lot of time saying we should work less and rest more (fair!), but it doesn’t fully address why so many people—especially those already questioning the grind—struggle to break free. My other main issue was, although Gannon does talk a bit about her privilege, it would have been great to have that be more front of mind throughout the book. It's great to say we should redefine success, truly, but not many of us can afford to. Pair that with a few mentions of Elizabeth Gilbert (quite well known for her breakout book being steeped in unexplored privilege) and it felt like a big gap.

That said, I liked Gannon’s tone, and I think I’d probably love chatting with her. The book literally has a “chatting with a smart friend over coffee” vibe, and the reflection prompts at the end of each chapter are a nice way to pull the reader in deeper. I can see this being a comforting read for those feeling stuck in their careers or questioning their ambitions.

The Success Myth is worth a read if you’re looking for encouragement to rethink success. If you’re already in that headspace, you might not find much new here.

This book provided a great perspective. It helped to me reflect and think about how we define success and the oftentimes unnecessary pressures and expectations placed upon us. I would highly recommend!

The Success Myth by Emma Gannon explores the author's experience with burnout while achieving success in her career.

Gannon honestly explores feelings of loneliness, burnout, emptiness, and dissatisfaction along the path of achieving success. Success is often wrapped in societal expectations, leading people to pursue things they may not necessarily want to do, but feel like they have to achieve. Once they achieve it, there's a sense of emptiness, as the goal was not as fulfilling as expected.

The writing prompts throughout the book were great tools to reflect on the material. The prompts allow the reader to reflect on their feelings of success and achievement.

The author makes some great points, including the one about time. The greatest wealth is the time to pursue the things that matter to you most. Success looks different to everyone, so each person will need to define it for themselves.

I would have liked to see more information from a wider array of jobs, especially those in the working class.

This book is definitely worth a read if you are looking for perspective about what success means for you.

Read in a series of chapter headings, Emma explores different values and morals people have as well as their common misconceptions. This book felt like therapy in a nutshell. It was interesting to read someone else's experience with therapy, with consumerism, with breakup problems, with money challenges. It is these kinds of books that help me grow as a person and realise my own potential whilst supporting others. Currently, I'm in a state of awe at what some people have accomplished and yet I'm drawn to my accomplishments as well. The support and kindness of this book in my current time of life has been incredible.

Thank you to the publisher and author for sending me this book. It has been placed in good hands that have enjoyed reading it.

This book is one for 2025- new year, new knowledge. I devoured each page and couldn’t put it down. Just so wonderfully done! Highly recommend.

"The Success Myth" is informative and comforting, and anyone who has fallen into the "I should have accomplished more by now" line of thought will appreciate it. Gannon shares her own experiences, and interviews others to illustrate how happiness does not come from comparing, or striving to constantly do and be more. Recommended reading. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. Pub Date: Feb 11, 2025.

#TheSuccessMyth

I’ve never been drawn to the flashy version of success that society often promotes. The Success Myth put into words what I’ve been thinking that chasing what society defines as success doesn’t always bring happiness. It’s a powerful reminder that ticking all the right boxes doesn’t guarantee true fulfillment.

This book skips the usual advice and instead breaks down common myths about success, happiness, and productivity in a refreshing way.
If you’re feeling stuck in the hustle culture, this book is a great starting point for discovering your own path.