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This Is Body Grief: Making Peace with the Loss That Comes with Living in a Body
A path to making peace with your ever-changing body
Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own body? Perhaps you’re navigating the unwanted rhythms of aging, an unexpected illness or disability, society’s impossible and forever-changing beauty standards, or the feeling that your body has “betrayed” you in some way. If this is you, you are not alone. This experience has a Body Grief.
In This Is Body Grief, Jayne Mattingly offers a healing path through Body Grief so you can feel at home in the skin you’re in. Having navigated Body Grief as both an eating disorder recovery coach and as a newly chronically ill and disabled person and advocate, Mattingly walks readers through the range of complex emotions that encompasses this experience with intimate understanding and compassion, starting with dismissal, shock, and anger. Ultimately, she shows your body has never been, is not, and will never be against you. Self-love begins when you learn to trust and work in tandem with your body as it is in this very moment.
Although the journey through Body Grief may not be linear, This Is Body Grief shows it's possible to feel at peace with the skin you’re in.
Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own body? Perhaps you’re navigating the unwanted rhythms of aging, an unexpected illness or disability, society’s impossible and forever-changing beauty standards, or the feeling that your body has “betrayed” you in some way. If this is you, you are not alone. This experience has a Body Grief.
In This Is Body Grief, Jayne Mattingly offers a healing path through Body Grief so you can feel at home in the skin you’re in. Having navigated Body Grief as both an eating disorder recovery coach and as a newly chronically ill and disabled person and advocate, Mattingly walks readers through the range of complex emotions that encompasses this experience with intimate understanding and compassion, starting with dismissal, shock, and anger. Ultimately, she shows your body has never been, is not, and will never be against you. Self-love begins when you learn to trust and work in tandem with your body as it is in this very moment.
Although the journey through Body Grief may not be linear, This Is Body Grief shows it's possible to feel at peace with the skin you’re in.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 18, 2025
227 people are currently reading
6143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 27, 2026
Appreciate this book’s emphasis on grief especially as it relates to the body. Super relevant content that spans so many different body-related topics, including aging, eating disorders, disability justice, and more. Jayne Mattingly makes sure to include discussion of structural oppression and how that influences body grief too. As someone who specializes in grief clinically/professionally and who’s experienced it personally this is a warm, comforting, and thoughtful book. And as someone who’s going through bodily changes (e.g., aging, lactose intolerance, dealing with migraines, etc.) I found this relevant and timely.
This book may not be revolutionary for those who already think and read about body image and disability justice, though it’s still a nice accessible work. I don’t love phase models as I think they can imply linearity in the grieving process, though the content across the stages still feels relevant and resonates well.
This book may not be revolutionary for those who already think and read about body image and disability justice, though it’s still a nice accessible work. I don’t love phase models as I think they can imply linearity in the grieving process, though the content across the stages still feels relevant and resonates well.
March 30, 2025
5/5
I needed to read this right now. I'm personally suffering through terrible sciatic pain making it so I can barely walk. I'm only 31 and the amount of rude/judgy people I see, for using a cane is horrific. Not only that being a plus sized woman, it's even worse. This is one book that will probably always stick with me and try think about more in my daily life.
Anyways before this review becomes a journal, Fantastic read.
I needed to read this right now. I'm personally suffering through terrible sciatic pain making it so I can barely walk. I'm only 31 and the amount of rude/judgy people I see, for using a cane is horrific. Not only that being a plus sized woman, it's even worse. This is one book that will probably always stick with me and try think about more in my daily life.
Anyways before this review becomes a journal, Fantastic read.
November 22, 2024
This Is Body Grief by Jane Mattingly is a beautifully written and deeply compassionate guide to navigating the complex emotions that come with living in an ever-changing body. Mattingly’s honesty and vulnerability shine through as she shares her own experiences alongside those of others, creating a powerful sense of connection and understanding for anyone grappling with Body Grief.
What sets this book apart is its groundbreaking approach to reframing our relationship with our bodies. Instead of fighting against what we perceive as limitations, Mattingly invites readers to make peace with their bodies through self-compassion, grace, and the acknowledgment of grief as part of the healing process. The seven stages of Body Grief she outlines provide a clear, empathetic roadmap for moving from self-blame and hopelessness to eventual body trust.
This book is an essential read for anyone struggling with their physical changes—whether due to illness, aging, or any other challenge. It’s a heartfelt reminder that while healing may not be linear, our bodies are always on our side. Inspiring, validating, and life-affirming.
What sets this book apart is its groundbreaking approach to reframing our relationship with our bodies. Instead of fighting against what we perceive as limitations, Mattingly invites readers to make peace with their bodies through self-compassion, grace, and the acknowledgment of grief as part of the healing process. The seven stages of Body Grief she outlines provide a clear, empathetic roadmap for moving from self-blame and hopelessness to eventual body trust.
This book is an essential read for anyone struggling with their physical changes—whether due to illness, aging, or any other challenge. It’s a heartfelt reminder that while healing may not be linear, our bodies are always on our side. Inspiring, validating, and life-affirming.
April 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. Highly recommend to anyone dealing with chronic illness or disability.
July 18, 2025
This felt a bit hollow to me? Not sure I can describe it fully but I felt a sense of “ick” while reading it rather than a sense of empowerment I had hoped for? I appreciated her own story but it felt to me a little preachy/privileged and not enough empathy or practical for others?
May 2, 2025
As somebody with an energy limiting condition that requires careful pacing, “what will I get out of this, and what will it take from me?” is the hero quote from this book for me. An interesting and original look at the relationship we each have with our bodies and the different stages we move through as we inevitably deal with the changes and disturbances our physique experiences as we move through life.
April 12, 2025
If you love to be told how privileged you are then you might like this. Many chronically ill or disabled people are on the brink of suicide. I did not find this rhetoric to be helpful or compassionate and, in fact, believe it to be harmful.
March 13, 2025
I feel like this book should be a must read for anyone so that we can confront our body grief. For me I read this at just the right time whilst dealing with ‘just another thing’. It’s so good to hear the acknowledgment that it’s not all fine and to look at the balance between fighting and surrendering. I am going to work more in collaboration with my body in the future. Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy of this.
June 22, 2025
Good practical tips and moving anecdotes. Rang hollow (to me) in its overall cultural ethos.
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October 23, 20252025 reads: 296/300
in this is body grief, the author discusses various ways that living in a body can be traumatic. i borrowed this from libby with the expectation that this would focus on living specifically in a disabled body, so it came as a surprise (though, not an unwelcome one) that this was just one aspect explored in this book. while i would still say this is helpful for disabled people struggling with their body grief, i liked the various aspects of body grief from people who experience other “-isms,” as the author puts it.
in this is body grief, the author discusses various ways that living in a body can be traumatic. i borrowed this from libby with the expectation that this would focus on living specifically in a disabled body, so it came as a surprise (though, not an unwelcome one) that this was just one aspect explored in this book. while i would still say this is helpful for disabled people struggling with their body grief, i liked the various aspects of body grief from people who experience other “-isms,” as the author puts it.
September 15, 2025
incredible book.❤️🩹
April 26, 2025
Listened on audio.
As someone who deeply fears not being healthy and able, I really needed this book. It helped me see that I have a lot of internalized ableism and ageism I need to challenge.
The body grief framework is applicable to so many pieces of my life and my loved ones’ lives, and I’d recommend it to everyone. As Mattingly says, living in a body means experiencing pain, discomfort and fear. This is something we all face, and she walks the reader through body grief’s phases with tenderness and clarity. The journal prompts, affirmations, and exercises are great and practical.
I love that she has a social justice and intersectional lens which is essential here, though it may provide a barrier for some readers.
I’m so glad I read this.
As someone who deeply fears not being healthy and able, I really needed this book. It helped me see that I have a lot of internalized ableism and ageism I need to challenge.
The body grief framework is applicable to so many pieces of my life and my loved ones’ lives, and I’d recommend it to everyone. As Mattingly says, living in a body means experiencing pain, discomfort and fear. This is something we all face, and she walks the reader through body grief’s phases with tenderness and clarity. The journal prompts, affirmations, and exercises are great and practical.
I love that she has a social justice and intersectional lens which is essential here, though it may provide a barrier for some readers.
I’m so glad I read this.
November 7, 2025
This was really great, and provided a framework and language for understanding and talking about the particular experience of grief that comes with living in a human body. As a therapist, I read it for work, and I think it will be a helpful resource not only for my work with clients, but also in my own journey dealing with multiple chronic illnesses. In terms of a social work related / self-help book, it was probably a 5 star read, but honestly it is literally impossible for me to have anything more than a 4 star reading experience when reading work-related stuff anymore; truly all I want to do is read fantasy stuff about queer witches and vampires.
January 16, 2026
3.75⭐️
This is a helpful guideline for processing grief caused by disability (e.g., injury, health issues, or old age). The human body is breakable, and we should all remember that it can’t perform the same way it always has. Learn to adapt, grieve, and repeat as many times as you have to.
This is a helpful guideline for processing grief caused by disability (e.g., injury, health issues, or old age). The human body is breakable, and we should all remember that it can’t perform the same way it always has. Learn to adapt, grieve, and repeat as many times as you have to.
January 16, 2026
Everyone with a body should read this book. If you’ve experienced puberty, aging, disability (whether expected or unexpected), mental health struggles, SA, dietary restrictions, eating disorders, etc. then this book talks about it and goes through it. No one’s body stays the same and there’s a lot of comfort in that, but also a lot of grief as well.
Loved this book. I’ll be buying a tangible copy as I accessed this book via audio.
Loved this book. I’ll be buying a tangible copy as I accessed this book via audio.
May 18, 2025
This is such a needed, important book for us to start and keep talking about body grief. It felt like a companion from start to finish, and I can’t wait to pass it on to someone else who also needs it.
December 18, 2025
i read this during a time i really needed it, so thank you Jayne. it felt like a warm cup of tea to my heart! the voice and tone are approachable, loving, gentle, and non-blamey. with of course filled with lots of anti ableist content ◡̈
February 6, 2025
Beautiful deeply personal stories shared and explained to help all of us deal with our inevitable body grief that comes with being human!
A wonderful lesson on accepting who we are and moving forward to be our best selves!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is working to embrace their physical and emotional self!
A wonderful lesson on accepting who we are and moving forward to be our best selves!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is working to embrace their physical and emotional self!
February 6, 2025
This book is so helpful with understanding the trials that come with aging, healing from injuries and health issues, etc. Written in a way that welcomes you in and connects the message to your life. Very loving, supportive, yet clinical and grounded. This book is a GIFT to society!
March 10, 2026
1/5 stars
This is Body Grief is a non-fiction book about disability and the titular concept, that I was truly excited about ever since its release. Once I got to it though, I found I could not have disliked it any more if I'd'tried... Unfortunate and deeply disappointed rant incoming.
What I liked:
What drew me to this book originally was the title. Body Grief as a concept is extremely valid, and I’m personally very familiar with it from both living with- and working with (people with) disabilities myself. I don’t think the concept itself is original to the author, but I do believe she coined this term, which I think is incredibly important in creating understanding and awareness of the topic. For putting a name to that alone, she deserves the single star I gave this book.
What I generally didn’t like:
In short; I strongly disliked the tone and prescriptive intent behind this book. The author choses a lecturing – if not preaching – tone, wrapped in pseudo-intellectual language and patronizing advice, with the intent to tell the reader how they should approach their body(grief). She presents herself as an authority, dispensing the one and true gospel wisdom on the subject, which she extrapolates from her personal anecdotes and lessons learned from experiences. I have several issues with this approach.
If there’s anything I’ve learned about (body)grief over the years, it’s how individual it is. There is no “one-size fits all” or “correct approach”. Body Grief is as personal and individual as the bodies it affects. It can therefore only be described and not prescribed and anyone attempting to sell their experiences as universal truth has fundamentally missed that point. Had Jayne Mattingly chosen to share her experiences and personal lessons in a memoir-style book, I would not have such a problem. In the form that it is currently, it feels deeply out of touch.
When you extrapolate from your personal experience and apply those to everyone, you risk coming across as extremely out of touch and privileged. This happened here too.
Not to downplay the hardships of the author, but the majority of her advice only works in very specific circumstances. Those being: a relatively mild disability/illness that is non-progressive and/or life-threatening, in a person with access to ample finances and health-care and has a strong support system around them. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t the reality for most disabled people out there.
Although the author does make a point to “acknowledge her own privilege” by stating that she has all of these resources, she fails to make the logical step that her advice is completely tone deaf and non-applicable to anyone in a different situation.
Again; had this been a memoir/personal account, I would have no problem with this. It’s the framing of preaching these things as a universal truth to everyone experiencing body-grief that is the problem.
What I personally hated:
On a final note, the central message of “trust your body, because it will always be on your side” is one I fundamentally don’t subscribe to. That applies to all its sister-messages like the fact that your body never betrays you – you just “perceive it as such”. As a cancer-survivor now working in cancer-care and longtime caregiver for family members with (terminal) neurodegenerative illnesses, I can tell you that bodily betrayal exists. Bodies break down, they betray, they abandon and they don’t always have our best interest in hand. Not acknowledging this and gaslighting people with serious disabilities into thinking “they only perceive their bodily betrayal” is disgustingly ignorant and insulting to me.
Overall, I can't recommend picking up this novel, unless you share the authors very specific circumstances outlined above, or are willing to approach this as a personal account, rather than a lecture. Unfortunately, with how it was written, I could not make that mental leap...
This is Body Grief is a non-fiction book about disability and the titular concept, that I was truly excited about ever since its release. Once I got to it though, I found I could not have disliked it any more if I'd'tried... Unfortunate and deeply disappointed rant incoming.
What I liked:
What drew me to this book originally was the title. Body Grief as a concept is extremely valid, and I’m personally very familiar with it from both living with- and working with (people with) disabilities myself. I don’t think the concept itself is original to the author, but I do believe she coined this term, which I think is incredibly important in creating understanding and awareness of the topic. For putting a name to that alone, she deserves the single star I gave this book.
What I generally didn’t like:
In short; I strongly disliked the tone and prescriptive intent behind this book. The author choses a lecturing – if not preaching – tone, wrapped in pseudo-intellectual language and patronizing advice, with the intent to tell the reader how they should approach their body(grief). She presents herself as an authority, dispensing the one and true gospel wisdom on the subject, which she extrapolates from her personal anecdotes and lessons learned from experiences. I have several issues with this approach.
If there’s anything I’ve learned about (body)grief over the years, it’s how individual it is. There is no “one-size fits all” or “correct approach”. Body Grief is as personal and individual as the bodies it affects. It can therefore only be described and not prescribed and anyone attempting to sell their experiences as universal truth has fundamentally missed that point. Had Jayne Mattingly chosen to share her experiences and personal lessons in a memoir-style book, I would not have such a problem. In the form that it is currently, it feels deeply out of touch.
When you extrapolate from your personal experience and apply those to everyone, you risk coming across as extremely out of touch and privileged. This happened here too.
Not to downplay the hardships of the author, but the majority of her advice only works in very specific circumstances. Those being: a relatively mild disability/illness that is non-progressive and/or life-threatening, in a person with access to ample finances and health-care and has a strong support system around them. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t the reality for most disabled people out there.
Although the author does make a point to “acknowledge her own privilege” by stating that she has all of these resources, she fails to make the logical step that her advice is completely tone deaf and non-applicable to anyone in a different situation.
Again; had this been a memoir/personal account, I would have no problem with this. It’s the framing of preaching these things as a universal truth to everyone experiencing body-grief that is the problem.
What I personally hated:
On a final note, the central message of “trust your body, because it will always be on your side” is one I fundamentally don’t subscribe to. That applies to all its sister-messages like the fact that your body never betrays you – you just “perceive it as such”. As a cancer-survivor now working in cancer-care and longtime caregiver for family members with (terminal) neurodegenerative illnesses, I can tell you that bodily betrayal exists. Bodies break down, they betray, they abandon and they don’t always have our best interest in hand. Not acknowledging this and gaslighting people with serious disabilities into thinking “they only perceive their bodily betrayal” is disgustingly ignorant and insulting to me.
Overall, I can't recommend picking up this novel, unless you share the authors very specific circumstances outlined above, or are willing to approach this as a personal account, rather than a lecture. Unfortunately, with how it was written, I could not make that mental leap...
March 22, 2026
2.5
In some key ways, this book held up a mirror to my own experiences and thought patterns.
I think it's Achilles's heel is that it feels like it tries to invent concepts that are already out there and attributable to other people. It's probably the complete absence of citations and the fact that there's not a bibliography at the end. So, I have to wonder what were the sources of information that infomed the writing of this book, beyond the author's lived experience?
Equally, it lets me know that Mattingly is not really embedded in disability justice or fat liberation community, which is common for the influencer to published author pipeline that seems to saturate so much of the latest nonfiction on the psychology of disability. Like Mattingly's articulation of healthy co-dependence is quite literally just interdependence, a concept that's already rooted in both disability justice and attachment theory.
I also think that the attempts at inclusive and social justice language could have used a better sensitivity editor, someone whose understanding of these things surpasses the surface level provided by either pop-nonfiction of a similar vein or the way masters in counseling/psychotherapy often lack the grounding in....well, a lot, to deploy inclusive language with precision. Like the phrase "extractive capitalism" detracts from the argument because it lets a well-read reader know that you don't understand there's no such thing as a form of capitalism that's not extractive. It also immediately begs the question how Mattingly would define non-extractive capitalism? Functionally, it's an unnecessary phrasing. Just say capitalism and explain it's extractive qualities beyond the rote material, assuming you understand that as such.
Overall, I recognize I'm not the right audience for this book. But I do think this book stands an example of why trying to make a name for yourself off established concepts, theories, ideas will always run afoul to those of us who know better.
In some key ways, this book held up a mirror to my own experiences and thought patterns.
I think it's Achilles's heel is that it feels like it tries to invent concepts that are already out there and attributable to other people. It's probably the complete absence of citations and the fact that there's not a bibliography at the end. So, I have to wonder what were the sources of information that infomed the writing of this book, beyond the author's lived experience?
Equally, it lets me know that Mattingly is not really embedded in disability justice or fat liberation community, which is common for the influencer to published author pipeline that seems to saturate so much of the latest nonfiction on the psychology of disability. Like Mattingly's articulation of healthy co-dependence is quite literally just interdependence, a concept that's already rooted in both disability justice and attachment theory.
I also think that the attempts at inclusive and social justice language could have used a better sensitivity editor, someone whose understanding of these things surpasses the surface level provided by either pop-nonfiction of a similar vein or the way masters in counseling/psychotherapy often lack the grounding in....well, a lot, to deploy inclusive language with precision. Like the phrase "extractive capitalism" detracts from the argument because it lets a well-read reader know that you don't understand there's no such thing as a form of capitalism that's not extractive. It also immediately begs the question how Mattingly would define non-extractive capitalism? Functionally, it's an unnecessary phrasing. Just say capitalism and explain it's extractive qualities beyond the rote material, assuming you understand that as such.
Overall, I recognize I'm not the right audience for this book. But I do think this book stands an example of why trying to make a name for yourself off established concepts, theories, ideas will always run afoul to those of us who know better.
January 9, 2026
This Is Body Grief is a book that gently guides you through the process of accepting and understanding your body’s changes, struggles, and unexpected behaviors. Jayne Mattingly eloquently articulates the grief that accompanies living in a body that doesn’t conform to our expectations.
What sets this book apart is its compassionate and validating approach. It doesn’t attempt to “fix” you or rush you through healing. Instead, it creates a safe space for you to experience loss, frustration, and sadness while simultaneously offering hope and understanding. The writing is accessible, thoughtful, and deeply human, making it feel like you’re listening to someone who genuinely understands your journey.
This book has been incredibly helpful in reducing my feelings of isolation in my relationship with my body and fostering a gentler and more forgiving attitude towards myself. I highly recommend it to anyone navigating chronic illness, recovery, body changes, or simply seeking to find greater peace and acceptance in their body.
What sets this book apart is its compassionate and validating approach. It doesn’t attempt to “fix” you or rush you through healing. Instead, it creates a safe space for you to experience loss, frustration, and sadness while simultaneously offering hope and understanding. The writing is accessible, thoughtful, and deeply human, making it feel like you’re listening to someone who genuinely understands your journey.
This book has been incredibly helpful in reducing my feelings of isolation in my relationship with my body and fostering a gentler and more forgiving attitude towards myself. I highly recommend it to anyone navigating chronic illness, recovery, body changes, or simply seeking to find greater peace and acceptance in their body.
September 23, 2025
WOW! What an incredible book. As someone who lives with several chronic illnesses, this book really resonated with me. I felt seen and understood.
Jayne Mattingly blends personal stories with practical tools in such a thoughtful, compassionate way. Mattingly did such an amazing job seamlessly weaving tips, explanations, affirmations, journal prompts, and exercises into one cohesive format. Whether you are grappling with a new diagnosis or have several, this book offers something for every part of the body-grief journey.
This was such a beautifully written, insightful, and validating story. I hope it helps others as much as it helped me. It's the kind of book I’ll return to again and again.
Jayne Mattingly blends personal stories with practical tools in such a thoughtful, compassionate way. Mattingly did such an amazing job seamlessly weaving tips, explanations, affirmations, journal prompts, and exercises into one cohesive format. Whether you are grappling with a new diagnosis or have several, this book offers something for every part of the body-grief journey.
This was such a beautifully written, insightful, and validating story. I hope it helps others as much as it helped me. It's the kind of book I’ll return to again and again.
February 6, 2026
I was shopping at a local indie bookstore when this book popped up. I didn’t do much research about it before I just bought it, but I’m glad I did. The universe, or whatever higher power you believe in, sent me this book right as I needed it.
Right now, I’m dealing with a huge chronic pain flare up. I’ve isolated myself from my support system because that feels easier than explaining the emotional pain of Body Grief. I’ve talked to my therapist, repeatedly, about the grief associated with living in my body, but Mattingly gave me the language to talk about this grief with my support system.
This book made me feel seen. In every personal story by the author, I made connections to my own experience. From Dismissal, to Apology, to Hopelessness, to Fight, I’ve felt all these emotions. Each chapter allowed me to cry, to feel, to heal, and to trust my own experience and my body a little bit more.
Although I still am dealing with a pain flare, I’m so glad that the universe brought me to this book at this moment in time. I needed the reminder that “my body always has been and always will be on my side.” I’m 26 and have dealt with chronic pain for nearly a decade now (not to mention all the other mental health issues that preceded it!). I frequently fall into the Hopeless phase, worrying about what my body will be like in the next 5 years, 20 years, 50 years, etc. I know that I will have pain everyday for the rest of my life. But this book helped remind me that 1) everything is changing and 2) I can trust my body to guide me through whatever challenge lies ahead. I don’t know if my pain will get worse or better in the future, but I know it will always be changing and I know that my body will be able to adapt to those changes. All I have to do is trust that my body will continue to care for me.
Thank you to Jayne Mattingly for letting me feel grief and pain and joy and hope. This is a beautiful read and I will be giving it to just about anyone and everyone in my life who lives inside an ever-changing body.
Right now, I’m dealing with a huge chronic pain flare up. I’ve isolated myself from my support system because that feels easier than explaining the emotional pain of Body Grief. I’ve talked to my therapist, repeatedly, about the grief associated with living in my body, but Mattingly gave me the language to talk about this grief with my support system.
This book made me feel seen. In every personal story by the author, I made connections to my own experience. From Dismissal, to Apology, to Hopelessness, to Fight, I’ve felt all these emotions. Each chapter allowed me to cry, to feel, to heal, and to trust my own experience and my body a little bit more.
Although I still am dealing with a pain flare, I’m so glad that the universe brought me to this book at this moment in time. I needed the reminder that “my body always has been and always will be on my side.” I’m 26 and have dealt with chronic pain for nearly a decade now (not to mention all the other mental health issues that preceded it!). I frequently fall into the Hopeless phase, worrying about what my body will be like in the next 5 years, 20 years, 50 years, etc. I know that I will have pain everyday for the rest of my life. But this book helped remind me that 1) everything is changing and 2) I can trust my body to guide me through whatever challenge lies ahead. I don’t know if my pain will get worse or better in the future, but I know it will always be changing and I know that my body will be able to adapt to those changes. All I have to do is trust that my body will continue to care for me.
Thank you to Jayne Mattingly for letting me feel grief and pain and joy and hope. This is a beautiful read and I will be giving it to just about anyone and everyone in my life who lives inside an ever-changing body.
September 10, 2025
Hyper-cerebral but in a good way? We need to think highly about the state of our bodies and how we exist within them. I didn’t understand all of it but each chapter had me sitting and thinking hard about the ideas presented. 3.5 stars.
April 21, 2025
Every person with chronic illness, especially EDS, should read this book ❤️
September 20, 2025
This book means everything to me
September 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It took me a long time to finish the book, but not from any fault of the author, but because I wanted to truly process each page before moving on.
If you have experienced trauma and you’re sick of fighting through it alone, of the hustle culture and feeling like you’re falling behind - this book is for you. Jayne will feel like a real friend after reading this. She walks you through each step of the grief process, complete with real life examples, journal prompts, and a healthy dose of Taylor Swift lyrics. Her term “JOMO” for “Joy of Missing Out” is one of my new favorite catch phrases. I’ve never read a book like this before, one that makes me feel okay about not being “normal”. I’m really grateful this exists, for me and for so many others who will benefit from its contents.
Thank you to Goodreads for the free book, and to Jayne for being an inspiration!
If you have experienced trauma and you’re sick of fighting through it alone, of the hustle culture and feeling like you’re falling behind - this book is for you. Jayne will feel like a real friend after reading this. She walks you through each step of the grief process, complete with real life examples, journal prompts, and a healthy dose of Taylor Swift lyrics. Her term “JOMO” for “Joy of Missing Out” is one of my new favorite catch phrases. I’ve never read a book like this before, one that makes me feel okay about not being “normal”. I’m really grateful this exists, for me and for so many others who will benefit from its contents.
Thank you to Goodreads for the free book, and to Jayne for being an inspiration!
October 9, 2025
Compassionate. Insightful. Practical. Vulnerable. Encouraging.
January 19, 2026
This was a difficult book to finish. While this might be a helpful read for someone struggling with listening to their body or accepting they might have a medical condition, much of the advice is anecdotal. I would have rather read a memoir about the author’s experiences than a book of advice extrapolated from these specific circumstances. I also feel that much of the counsel in this book is overly prescriptive about how to approach body grief in a healthy manner, insisting that “body trust” is the antidote to falsely believing in “perceived body betrayal”. As a disabled woman, these terms were difficult to wrap my mind around and, while I finished the entire book, I still feel that I can have a healthy relationship with my body without calling it a term as loaded as “trust.” I really wanted to love this book and I’m glad that many people seem to have found comfort from reading it, but I did not enjoy being preached to in this manner for the duration of an eight hour audiobook.
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