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doogsley's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
springtime is always when self-help books start calling to me again. 🌼 i tend to err on the side of spiritual, but i decided to consult a more science-based read after a particularly ugly bout of seasonal affective disorder.
“stuck” is a motif that haunts me, and i feel like this book gave good insight as to Why it’s happening and some novel ideas on How to break the cycles. there’s also exercises at the end of each chapter, which seem useful to those who don’t do a lot of shadow work. there’s nothing superduper groundbreaking here, but it appeared to me in the right place at the right time.
“stuck” is a motif that haunts me, and i feel like this book gave good insight as to Why it’s happening and some novel ideas on How to break the cycles. there’s also exercises at the end of each chapter, which seem useful to those who don’t do a lot of shadow work. there’s nothing superduper groundbreaking here, but it appeared to me in the right place at the right time.
lavao's review
4.0
Cw: discussions on trauma, abuse, addiction, eating disorders (particularly binging)
One sentence summary: A summary of evidence and techniques to understand, reframe and manage emotions, including trauma responses.
Writing: 4/5
Accessibility: lay person
Anecdotes vs data: predominantly research though not particularly well-cited or critical (appropriate for book)
Application: lots to apply to life
Favourite quote: “Any healing approaches that value positivity over authenticity become breeding grounds for dishonesty. Wholehearted living requires curiosity and compassion—not denial of our shared humanity.”
NB: good recognition that the advice does not apply to systemic oppression and abusive environments.
Disclaimer: this is my opinion.
One sentence summary: A summary of evidence and techniques to understand, reframe and manage emotions, including trauma responses.
Writing: 4/5
Accessibility: lay person
Anecdotes vs data: predominantly research though not particularly well-cited or critical (appropriate for book)
Application: lots to apply to life
Favourite quote: “Any healing approaches that value positivity over authenticity become breeding grounds for dishonesty. Wholehearted living requires curiosity and compassion—not denial of our shared humanity.”
NB: good recognition that the advice does not apply to systemic oppression and abusive environments.
Disclaimer: this is my opinion.
briannaxjune's review
2.0
There was some practical advice in here, and I know the author says to take what’s applicable and leave the rest, but honestly there was just too much reference to addiction for this to be relatable. Had to force myself to finish it. I love the sections though, especially recaps, and how the author breaks everything down nice and neat. I just thought she was trying to cover too many bases with one book. Could have left the addiction out and made that its own book, but that’s just my opinion.
hollydyer328's review
5.0
This is a special and life-changing book for anyone who is feeling “stuck” in any area of their life, whether it’s career, relationships, emotions, habits, etc. Britt Frank uses her experience as a therapist and trauma specialist to present the science behind why we feel stuck in certain scenarios, what is the root cause behind our feeling stuck, acknowledges why we would feel stuck with no shame, and provides suggestions for how to get us out of stuck. My favorite sections were the explanations on anxiety and the benefits of being stuck — both sections blew my mind and changed my view on anxiety and procrastination. She also provides an actionable 7-step plan at the end of the book (which she compares to chess), as well as includes takeaways and 5-minute journal prompts at the end of each chapter. Frank’s writing is very informative yet accessible, with lots of fun pop-culture references throughout to further illustrate the points. If you are or have ever felt stuck in your life (which is… all of us??) this book is a great tool to have!
radh's review
informative
medium-paced
3.5
has a few points that I disagree with, but overall worth the read. Motivating for sure and very digestible since she breaks each chapter down into a lot of lists and tables plus there's a "main takeaways" section for each in case you just want to skim through the bulk of it and go to that part and the action steps
anniehawkinson920's review
4.0
The Science of Stuck is an informative, practical read, and something I’ll definitely recommend to my therapy clients. I listened to the audiobook, and found it really digestible and enjoyable to listen to. Frank provides a great combination of psychology, personal experience, and actionable tips. I really appreciate how she explicitly states who this book is and is NOT for. Sometimes psychology books can seem like they’re trying to provide answers for everyone, which ends up alienating groups of people. Frank acknowledges biases and limitations in her research and advice, which is so important for a book like this. However, some of her research seems a bit limited and over- used (for example, she cites The Body Keeps the Score throughout the book, which is a great book, but the author was fired from his executive role for mistreating employees, and has abuse allegations against him. There are SO many other researchers she could have cited). I recommend this book if you’re feeling stuck, ready to make a change, or curious about how to improve relationships - just keep in mind that this is only one therapist’s perspective on things, and it’s okay if her views don’t align with your lives experience.
erinma478's review
3.0
Some parts were helpful / thought provoking, so not so much. I wish there was more of a unified set of tools or ones that built on each other vs. completely different approaches for each section (which is how it felt to me)
juliemsimons's review
3.0
I read A LOT of pych and self-help books and found this one a good primer for people new to emotional healing and growth. Britt Frank does a nice job of discussing a wide range of life issues using the latest findings with helpful pointers that are easy to understand and apply.