The Way of Nagomi – Ken Mogi

"The Japanese philosophy of finding balance and peace in everything you do." Short review: I didn't particularly get much from this book. For every decent self-help-ish tome I read, there's a huge pile of those that sound amazing and utterly fail to hit any kind of mark - and this falls into the latter category. …

The Better Habits Workbook – Stephanie Sorady Arias

"Exercises for getting unstuck, changing your behaviour, and reaching your goals." Another week, another self help book? 'fraid so! Why do I do this to myself? Well, mainly because I live in hope that somewhere out there is a book that'll help me figure it all out. No, it probably doesn't exist! In the meantime, …

The Consistency Formula – Suzi Sung

"Consistency is one of the key components when it comes to reaching your goals because when you are consistent, you will keep doing something regardless of wat is going on around you." I absolutely know that one of my own big problems with pursuing any goal is a lack of consistency. Even when I feel absolutely motivated, …

Everything is OK – Debbie Tung

"For everyone who is going through a tough time. You are not alone. You matter. You are enough just as you are right now." A while ago I read the graphic novel, Book Love, by Debbie Tung. It's such an adorably sweet book, you never would have guessed that the author was struggling with anxiety and …

Stress into Strength – Nick Arnett

"When a coach or physical therapist urges you to work hard, that's because physical stress can become strength." I'm finding it really tough to review this book - or indeed, finish reading it, which took almost a year (!). It's not bad at all, it's just... hmm. For a start, going through a heck of …

Mindful Sketching – Peggy Dean

"How to develop a drawing practice and embrace the art of imperfection." It's been a while since I reviewed an art book, but I'm forever looking for ways back into the hobby, the creative part of myself. I'm also a big fan of meditation and mindfulness, so the title of this book sounded perfect. It turned …

The Monkey Mind Workout for Perfectionism – Jennifer Shannon

"Break free from anxiety and build self-compassion in 30 days!" Perfectionism is one of those 'joke' answers when asked in an interview about your biggest weakness. Oh, I'm such a perfectionist - like it's a good thing. But it's really not much of a joke: it can be a debilitatingly stressful way to live, and …

Sleep Tight – Alison Davies

Subtitled: Illustrated Bedtime Stories & Meditations to Soothe You to Sleep I wanted to love this book, but alas I only sort of liked it. It wasn't bad, just didn't quite work for me. The idea is great: gorgeous illustrations for several scenarios, which then get a guided meditation-style story to put yourself in. Each …

Life Coaching – Alexander R Davis

"I would like to start this off with a story." Let's cut to the chase: I do not like this book. It lost me from the opening paragraphs and a *horrible* initial message, which it then follows up with a pile of decent enough, but brief, well-worn (and often half-lifted from other places) advice. But …

Plan a Happy Life – Stephanie Fleming

"Stop asking for permission to be happy. Create your own happiness!" Tagline: "Define your passion, nurture your creativity, and take hold of your dreams." Stephanie Fleming is half of the family team behind a 'Happy Planner', Me and My Big Ideas (Mambi), and this book is - as well as a little tiny bit of …