Be Bad, Better: How Not Trying So Hard Will Set You Free

I had many learnings from this book which is written with brave honesty.The strong evidence base, from research and expert interviews, drills down into much debated topics like sleep to draw common sense conclusions.The chapter on selfishness I found really validating and shared the bullet points with other friends (plus recommending the book in general).The author's writing around anxiety, both her personal account and interviews with experts was helpful for me to see anxiety in a new way and gave me strategies to support people in my life who may be anxious.Whilst the book discussed key serious topics like patriarchy, the author balances the facts well with smatterings of humour which made the book really digestible.

This is the perfect book giving permission to truly inhabit being yourself and not what society demands from us. In this eraof homogenised “good” messaging, it’s refreshing to hear it’s not just ok but desirable to reject much / all of that and celebrate our individuality and reclaim our independence of thought and being. Love Rebecca’s readable style and the treasure trove of leads to world experts in many areas for further reading.

A well written and relatable look at how so many of the things we are told we should be are fake, unachievable standards, often grounded in toxic ideals.

Perfect for the start of a new year. Gave me some great food for thought about what I demand from myself. Really enjoyable

Interesting read in most chapters, but too many personal anecdotes for me. Felt like the writer had to justify her arguments with personal asides, usually in brackets that annoyed after a while. The chapter on Looking Bigger was WAY too long - felt like I was reading an antidiet book that was a personal bug bear for the author.

Found myself unpacking years of feelings of obligation and guilt. Brilliantly written book, only halfway through but loving so far.

I really wanted to love this book and feel empowered by it so I ploughed on until chapter 7 before throwing in the towel. Feels like it could have been a long form article vs a book - way too many personal anecdote padding out the chapters, distinct lack of expert or scientific perspective (save the odd quote mid ramble), ambling style of writing that feels lacklustre and far too much parental whining (shock new discovery - having a baby is tiring). All the talk of systematic injustice and political issues just made me feel flat and disempowered. This book fails to meet its premise entirely - save your money and read a few articles on mindfulness and body positivity instead.

I haven’t read a book in a couple of days for years! It confirmed what I have felt and believed for a long time but was afraid to say. I think everyone I know and care about should read this book. As someone with a late diagnosis of ADHD my challenge is to remind myself that I can know this without trying to help and enlighten everyone else. … maybe just a few people is enough… or maybe just myself.