I’m a huge fan of Jenny Lawson, so her books are pretty much must-buys for me. This book comes with Lawson’s unique blend of humor, weirdness, and relatability, so it didn’t disappoint. But it’s more practical and less memoir, with a wide range of coping strategies for whatever ails you. I’m guessing a lot of us are overwhelmed these days, whatever end of politics you’re on or country you live in. I know many of us can barely look at the news.
If you’re new to Lawson and like self-help books, give this a try. If you’re a fan of Lawson, this one probably won’t be your favorite, but it’s worth a place on your shelf.
Lawson, who struggles with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, has organized this book around issues, and each section has suggestions and strategies for when you’re feeling down, feeling worried, or need confidence. Lawson isn’t a therapist and this book isn’t meant in any way to diagnose your issues or suggest treatment. Instead, it’s more “try it and see if it helps”. Since I’m pretty familiar with anxiety and I already know a lot of strategies, I didn’t learn a lot in this book that was new. I liked her suggestions about creating happiness playlists and lists of things that can lift your mood. She also talks about using different frequencies of noise, which I was intrigued by. I knew about white noise but didn’t know about pink, brown, and blue noise.
If you’re someone who finds things like therapy, yoga, or meditation intimidating, you’ll appreciate Lawson’s friendly, funny, and easy to use approach. Chapters are short and punchy, focusing on ways to see the bright side, ways to support your creativity, and ways to reduce your anxiety. In Lawson’s words, those titles become “Let’s Kick Sadness Right in the Dick” and “Let’s Fight the Brain Weasels” and “Let’s Make it Easier and Give Ourselves a Fucking Break” (if those bother you, Lawson is not for you). A number of the tips are aimed at writers and artists, or anyone who’s creative.
I’m struggling to write about imposter syndrome because other writers have described it far better and I’m afraid I’m going to fuck it up and then everyone will realize that I’m an idiot who is not qualified to write books and will discover what I fear is obvious… that I am a fraud who knows nothing. Then again, this may make me the most qualified person to write about imposter syndrome since I basically just described it.
This is an easy read with plenty of good suggestions and funny stories, and the occasional drawing. Lawson is all about laughing at herself if it makes people feel better, and I think this book will help a lot of people. Her message is if you’re struggling with mental health, you are not alone. She says “If you’re reading this, we’re already friends. For real. Even if we never meet. There are too few of us weirdos and you are now part of my gang.” This book is a warm hug from an amazing person.
If you’re looking for brain science, you should look elsewhere — I’d be happy to suggest something. But if you’re looking for something that will make you laugh out loud while coping with stress, anxiety, depression or insecurity, this is a book worth picking up.
Note: I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley and publisher Viking Penguin. This book published March 31, 2026.
