Slightly outdated but still very relevant book! I found this book to be very helpful advice for someone who often lets fear drive. The author presents several tactics of ways to alter behaviors (in the idea that change your behaviors and the thoughts will come) that I found particularly helpful. The book is easy to read and a fast read (I was reading multiple books at one time hence the longer read time). I appreciated her combination of the commentary on real life situations and examples, and the practical applications.

The book has several workbook type items and many great mantras to try and incorporate into your daily life that I found very helpful! I also appreciated that her book does not diminish the struggles of fear. The acknowledgment is powerful and something I’ve never considered before.

The book does show its age in technology references and in some beauty standards. There is one line in particular that doesn’t she well, about an overweight woman who loses weight and is “now a beautiful woman” or something along those lines.

I think if you are generally a confident person or don’t let your fears/worries stop you, I don’t think this book will offer you any guidance. But for someone like me who is about to the point of scheduling time for worrying, I found this book to be helpful.

“So we grapple with the mysteries, each in our own way.”

This book is beautiful. The characters are incredible. The writing is brilliant, compelling, and feels like you’re being wrapped in a hug the entire time. The characters are flawed, but in the most human of ways. I wanted this book to go on forever.

To start... I LOVED the Divergent series (haven’t read Carve The Mark yet) so I was very excited to read another Veronica Roth book.

I was a little weary after reading reviews but as I read through the first 100 pages I really loved it. I loved the character and enjoyed the rawness of her journey as she struggled with PTSD and anxiety. (I know it’s an “adult novel” and they aren’t in first person, but I honestly wish it had been in 1st person to hear more of what was going on in Sloane’s head). A little over a hundred pages in there is a huge twist that I wasn’t ready for and honestly wasn’t totally into for awhile. I pushed through and am SO GLAD I did because it really picked up. The last 200 pages I was completely engrossed and waiting for more! I want more from the series and the characters and am excited to see where they go.

I agree there are a few plot things that could be improved and the pacing (some parts are drawn out and others needed some more) but overall I really enjoyed it and it completely engulfed me in the story! Highly recommend if you love adventure/sci-fi/fantasy/magic books!