A review by skyebookworm
Open When..: A Companion for Life's Twists and Turns by Julie Smith

4.0

Dr. Julie Smith’s "Open When..." is an engaging, practical, and compassionate guide to navigating life’s challenges. The book is structured like a personalized toolkit, with chapters designed to be “opened” when facing specific situations like stress, anxiety, loss, or self-doubt.

While not every chapter will resonate deeply with every reader—since our experiences and struggles are unique—there are plenty of actionable insights that make this book a valuable resource. Dr. Smith blends professional expertise with a relatable tone, offering advice that feels grounded and accessible. Her use of real-life examples and metaphors adds depth to her suggestions, making even complex psychological concepts easy to grasp.

For me, some chapters were especially impactful. Her advice on managing overwhelming emotions and reframing negative thoughts provided simple yet powerful strategies to approach difficult moments with greater clarity. However, some sections felt less applicable to my life, which is to be expected in a book meant to address such a broad range of experiences.

Overall, "Open When..." is an excellent resource for those looking for guidance or reassurance during life’s inevitable ups and downs. It’s a book you don’t need to read cover to cover, but rather one you can return to whenever you need tailored support or a fresh perspective.