Best Laid Plans: On finding magic in life's most challenging moments

by Georgie Abay

I couldn't put this down.' - Lauren Sams 'Georgie writes about the moments in life when we say, 'It wasn't supposed to be like this' - and then tells us why we must carry on.' - Ella Ward, author 'An amazing look at modern life and how to thrive within it.' - Jacqui Lewis, The Broad Place From journalist, author and podcaster Georgie Abay, Best Laid Plans is an honest and frank look at how life often plays out like trying to walk in a straight line after ten margaritas. Prior to founding her own media company (The Grace Tales, a lifestyle platform for mothers) Georgie was the Deputy Editor at Australian Vogue. Over two decades as a journalist, Georgie interviewed hundreds of people from all over the globe and shared their stories, all while living her own personal version of Plan B. What she learnt through her own experience and those candid discussions is that how we choose to deal with life's unexpected twists and turns is what defines us, and resilience is everything. Featuring myriad stories about life not going according to plan and what comes next, Best Laid Plans explores how to overcome tragedy, embrace failure, and find the joy when life suddenly turns sour. Sharing Georgie's personal stories and those of many others, these are warm, empathetic and wise chapters on love, grief, career, motherhood and more, offering insight from well-known personalities such as Australian of the Year Grace Tame, writer Pandora Sykes, entrepreneur Jodie Fox, author Aminata Conteh-Biger and actor Teresa Palmer.

294 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2023

Reviews

[Devon May May · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It takes patience to step back and recognise that life doesn’t happen to us, it happens for us. Shifting your perspective means you look for the lessons.”

Journalist, author, mother and podcaster Georgie Abay knows first hand how life doesn’t always go to plan.

In Best Laid Plans she shares multiple stories about when life chose its own path, and explores how to embrace the change in direction. It’s uplifting, heartwarming, and inspiring.

Georgie is raw and honest in her account of motherhood and the pursuit of her career, sharing her personal struggles with mental health and anxiety. With so many Australian’s fighting similar battles, Best Laid Plans is sure to strike a chord with many.

——
Thank you so much to Affirm Press for the review copy.

[Yasu · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Part of me wanted to give it 3 stars because Georgie is entertaining and engaging and I applaude her on how she overcame her personal struggles, as well as loving how passionate she is about various social causes. She also gave me insight and hopefully more empathy for my friends who have recently become mothers. The only problem for me was that there was nothing NEW or that stood out, and it felt more like a memoir rather than a book about dealing with the curve balls life throws at us. I finished it because it was easy to read and I can't leave a book unfinished but if I was less Type A I would have abandoned it halfway through and saved myself the time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Really put things into perspective. Would highly recommend!