Categories
Non Fiction Self help

Attention! Rob Hatch

‘Attention!’ is a guide for how we can reclaim power and make simple decisions in a world full of endless distractions. With information available to us at the tip of our fingertips and more choices available to us than ever before it is no wonder anxiety levels are extremely high. In fact, sometimes all this information and choices almost paralyses us as we feel inhibited to make simple decisions, which are best for ourselves in terms of happiness and success. As a result, Rob teaches us approaches to reclaim power so that we can confidently make decisions which are aligned with our wants and needs.

Throughout this book many topics are touched upon including how to ‘put success in your way’, how we can reduce decision fatigue and many tips to avoid getting distracted. In a period where working from home has become the new norm, I found the latter particularly helpful. For example, just one tip Rob suggests is how when he is working, he keeps a blank piece of paper on his desk so that if anything pops into his head he writes it down without allowing it to distract him from his work. I for one, often remember I need to pay a bill, order something online or make a phone call mid work, and that distraction takes me out of my focus zone. I often let these thoughts distract me as I fear I will forget to do it later, however by writing it down Rob knows he will remember to go back to it later without losing focus of his work. This was just one of many things I related to and have vowed to implement many of the practices Rob talks about in my own life.

Overall, a great guide and lots to take from it! Whilst, it could be argued that a lot of Rob’s ideas are not new and you may have heard them in some form before, it goes without saying that this book was full of brilliant reminders and certainly could not have come at a better time.

Categories
Non Fiction Self help

I’m Fine Thanks, Chris Doveton

Men’s mental health is so often ignored so it was very refreshing to to read this heart-wrenching story, shared by Chris Doveton, who takes us through his story of caring for his wife, his journey with grief and living with depression.

Chris and Anne were happily married when in Anne was diagnosed with a rare illness similar to MND back in the 90’s. At Anne’s request, Anne and Chris kept the diagnosis a secret for many years- hiding the truth from their friends and even their daughter, Louisa. However, as Anne shows more and more signs of her illness, the time comes where they cannot keep this secret any longer and Chris cares for Anne as her body slowly shuts down until the disease eventually takes her life in 2002.

Following Anne’s death Chris embarks on a journey of grief and experiences depression and feelings of loneliness. He begins overspending to fill the void and contemplates suicide. However, Chris’ story also offers hope and encouragement to those experiencing similar feelings as he overcomes these emotions. With male grief and depression so seldom talked about I would like to think this book will talk to those experiencing similar feelings and I hope they can find comfort in the hope Chris’ story offers

I’m Fine Thanks is not an easy read but it was brutally honest, raw and emotional.

*Many thanks to Net-Galley and The Book Guild for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Categories
Non Fiction

Everyday Sexism, Laura Bates

‘Everyday Sexism’ was released back in 2012 and I am unsure why (and also annoyed) that I had not read it sooner.

Having experienced a number of sexist incidents and being sick of how sexism has become normalised Laura Bates started the ‘Everyday Sexism’ project which is what is she used to fuel this powerful read. From young girls being harassed in the street to discrimination at work, to the most serious cases of sexual assault and rape – this book covers it all!

What makes this book really stand out is the sheer amount of research which Bates has carried out. Each chapter starts with statistics and the experiences people shared with her in the form of a tweet, which really illustrates the extent of the issue our society faces. The book is very well written and is not to be misinterpreted as a hate campaign against men. In fact, Bates discusses how men also face sexism (boys being told not to play with dolls, men being told to man up, lack of paternity leave) and shares stories of how men have and can confront it. It is made very clear that attitudes within our society need to change and why feminism is still important in the 21st century. Whilst a catcall, or a rape joke may be said without the intent to cause offence and therefore appear trivial to some, this book delves into the detrimental impact this can have on people and wider society.

For some, the horrifying stats and experiences will come as no surprise. To others, they will be a real eye opener. However, one thing that is for sure is that no matter what gender you are or whether you call yourself a feminist or not this is a must read and everyone can take something from this book

Categories
Non Fiction Self help

Confidence Lost/Confidence Found, Kate McGuinness

Unlike some self-help books Confidence Lost/Confidence Found is extremely useful. This book goes above and beyond offering more than your standard clichés and instead gives practical tips and offers the science behind them.

Having gone from high flying lawyer to questioning her self-worth, Kate reflects on her own experiences to help others. I for one have suffered from lost confidence and felt I could fully relate to Kate and found her tips useful and easy to implement into everyday life. This book focuses on small steps, which may seem trivial, yet they are less daunting and therefore much easier to achieve, meaning the results of these small changes are in fact life changing.


Not only did I love the summaries at the end of each chapter meaning that upon finishing the book I could easily revise the different sections but also throughout the book you are signposted to further resources. This is fantastic for those who want to learn or work more on specific aspect which is discussed throughout the book.

All in all, Confidence Lost/Confidence Found is a very empowering read and I believe we can all take something from this book.