Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Jenny Lawson first made a name for herself as a blogger, winning readers over with her sharp wit and self‑deprecating honesty. Those same qualities carried seamlessly into her memoirs and self‑help books, which focus on navigating life with mental illness in a world that often feels unkind to those struggles. Her writing is accessible and conversational, appealing to readers of all backgrounds and experiences. After being introduced to Lawson’s work through Broken (in the Best Possible Way)—at the recommendation of my own mental health professional—I became an instant fan. Her latest release, How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay, continues her streak of thoughtful, compassionate, and genuinely helpful books. Centered on practical advice for easing up on yourself when your brain isn’t operating at full capacity, this book offers reassurance, humor, and tools for regaining balance when life feels overwhelming.
I give How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay 5 out of 5 stars. As with Lawson’s other books, I laughed my way through the entire read, frequently pausing to share passages with my husband. One of the reasons I love her writing so much is that it mirrors how my own brain works—full ADHD energy, bouncing between deeply explored ideas and quick, fleeting thoughts. I also appreciate that Lawson never sugarcoats the hard days; her honesty makes it clear you’re not alone in your struggles. One of my favorite moments comes right at the beginning with her unforgettable hippopotamus analogy—but you’ll have to read the book to fully appreciate it.
If you’ve enjoyed Lawson’s previous work or live with mental health challenges yourself, I highly recommend this book. It’s also a valuable read for caretakers or loved ones who want to better understand what those struggles can look like day to day. That said, if you’re currently in a particularly fragile mental space, this book—or any material focused on mental illness—may be triggering, so please take care and read thoughtfully.
How to be Okay When Nothing is Okay will release on March 31st. You can preorder your copy through our Bookshop.org page today!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Revenge Prey, John Sandford
- Current audio book: Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Sue Lynn Tan
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Pretty Dead Things, Kelsey Cox
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