Press Reviews

• Cara Lisette, mental health campaigner and writer, registered mental health nurse and children cognitive behavioural therapist

  This book is a gift for anybody struggling with their mental health or self-esteem. It's full of lessons in learning and growing, and most importantly in forgiving ourselves for living imperfect lives. Pooky shares so much wisdom, and the exercises at the end of each chapter help to personalise the learning we can take from Pooky's wealth of experience, both personal and professional. A truly wonderful resource for anyone hoping to overcome their imposter syndrome and be kinder to themselves.

• Pete Wharmby, autistic author and advocate

  Such a valuable and practical guide to taking care of your most precious asset - your mental health. Filled with immediately relevant advice, based on a disarming and always honest reflection on life, this book will help huge numbers of people.

• Gareth D Morewood, Educational Advisor, and former SENCo

  This is a very accessible and practical book that anyone who has an interest in self-improvement and seeing what they may be able to do differently with their lives, would benefit from reading. Looking at the following key topics: learning, self-care, self-acceptance, life online, death and dying, love and friendship, living with anxiety, Pooky draws from personal experiences to support the reader through a reflective process, whilst also providing practical things to try for each topic area covered. The book oozes humility, honesty and authenticity; and in doing so allows the reader to reflect on the topics in relation to themselves throughout. This provides a powerful and accessible approach that I wholeheartedly recommend. I don't think you could read this book, without being better after having done so....why not give it a try?

• Ann Marie Christian, International Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer

  Fantastic, honest account of true life. Humorous at times, hard hitting but good for the soul. Pooky is a well-respected professional within the mental health field and this book highlights her personal dilemmas connecting to her professional role. We can all relate to the lessons learnt, feelings shared and only become a better person after reading this book. Honest accounts of her personal and professional thoughts and experiences. Priceless! Helpful tools given to support self-refection.

• Jo Ames, counsellor MBACP (Accred), from University & College Counselling Journal

  This makes for essential reading, especially for those of us with a curiosity about the lives and experiences of others... I recommend this candid and courageous book to any adult, as Knightsmith helps to normalise emotional turmoil and distress, while encouraging communication, self-help and reaching out for support. I firmly believe there are many valuable life lessons contained within it, which could help young people navigate adolescence and emerge more mentally healthy as a result.