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jacki_f's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating memoir by an Australian journalist who was so crippled by anxiety and depression in her mid 20s that she lost the ability to function and ended up in a psychiatric hospital. It began with her being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and later with vertigo. Trying to hold down a high pressure job in a law firm with very real physical issues that she was unable to find relief from tipped her completely over the edge. As she blamed herself for her inability to cope, her mental health spiralled downward.
Georgie is very honest and articulate about everything she went through and the tools that she still uses to manage her - very full, very successful - life.
It's a highly readable book. I tore through it and found it relatable and interesting. I did feel that it runs out a steam a bit towards the end - the final third is not quite padding but is less interesting than what comes before. I also felt that in her determination to express how supportive and loving her partner and parents were, she ended up making them seem a bit unrealistically perfect and making her a bit less likeable than I imagine she is in real life. I felt like I really understood what she went through but not that I really got to know who she is, if that makes sense.
I would definitely recommend this - even if you never suffer from anxiety or depression it's an interesting read and if you do, or know someone who does, it's terrifically encouraging.
Georgie is very honest and articulate about everything she went through and the tools that she still uses to manage her - very full, very successful - life.
It's a highly readable book. I tore through it and found it relatable and interesting. I did feel that it runs out a steam a bit towards the end - the final third is not quite padding but is less interesting than what comes before. I also felt that in her determination to express how supportive and loving her partner and parents were, she ended up making them seem a bit unrealistically perfect and making her a bit less likeable than I imagine she is in real life. I felt like I really understood what she went through but not that I really got to know who she is, if that makes sense.
I would definitely recommend this - even if you never suffer from anxiety or depression it's an interesting read and if you do, or know someone who does, it's terrifically encouraging.
lozzyd's review against another edition
5.0
This book resonated with me on so many levels. It made me laugh and it made me cry and I found a lot of myself within the pages. Georgie is so relatable and brave add she lays her life bare. Highly recommend.
ms_dzt's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it. I was worried when I started reading it that I wouldn't but then two hours later I was crying and it was done. Such an astounding story.
romcm's review against another edition
4.0
This author had a hard time. The book I just finished (Maid by Stephanie Land) was also about an author who had a hard time. It shouldn’t be a competition, but again and again I was shocked and surprised and envious of Dent’s incredible luck, especially in comparison to Land’s hands-and-knees scrubbing of bathtubs. A nice pair to compare and contrast, each deeply sad, perhaps in a similar way.
clairrus's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I had this book at so many points during my early legal career. This was a story I needed to hear and I'm glad I read.
biancaeraina's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Interesting look at the effects of anxiety.
sadi9954's review against another edition
3.0
This book may well help anyone suffering from anxiety, and provides a useful perspective on the strengths of cognitive behavioural therapy.
rosannajhunt's review against another edition
3.0
A compelling read that will strike a chord with many people. I liked the structure and Dent has an engaging voice.