Unapologetic: Unshackle Your Shame, Reclaim Your Power

by Annalie Howling

UNAPOLOGETIC calls time on the rules that women have been told that keep them feeling small.

Howling an EDMR and trauma specialist, believes this transformative journey only truly starts when we stop apologising.

This is a manifesto on how to live without apology, as our brightest, most powerful, boldest selves - away from the shackles of our past pain and out of the shadows of trauma and people-pleasing.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Lori Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate being given the opportunity to be an advanced reader for this book. Unapologetic, by Annalie Howling, was an enjoyable read. It was a well-researched book with several actionable recommendations for living a more authentic life. I especially found the chapter on the Worst Moment to be interesting and a bit scary - going back to past traumas can be a frightening experience, but I also feel that the lessons in the book are necessary in order to move past that trauma to live with integrity.

"When you consistently try to outrun your trauma, grief and suffering, you can indeed keep up the race for a while, as shame stands there in its coach's uniform, goading, sneering and threatening. But never cheering you on."

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a book filled with opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, though felt it left a lot to be desired. It read like a cross between a memoir and a manifesto, without falling too deeply into either category. It’s definitely not a how to, but rather feels like reading the story of an old friend that you find at moments to be super relatable.

I wish that this book had gone deeper, honestly. By the end of it, I didn’t feel like I knew anyone’s story, no the authors or the stories shared throughout, super well. It was just a taste of other people’s shame experiences that left me asking: but what else? Can you tell me more? Where do we go from here?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wake-Up Call Every Father of Daughters Should Read
As a father of young girls, Unapologetic gave me a profound glimpse into the invisible burdens so many women carry—burdens I was only vaguely aware of until now. Annalie Howling writes with such clarity and compassion that I found myself not just reading but feeling what it’s like to grow up in a world that teaches women to shrink themselves.

This book has changed the way I speak to my daughters—and more importantly, the way I listen to them. I want them to grow up unburdened by shame, unafraid to take up space, and unapologetic about who they are. I can’t thank the author enough for this insight. Every man raising girls—or working with women—should read this.

[Marina Loboda · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a pretty good read for self-reflection — about being a good girl and all the different ways people try to fit in, through personal stories. I wouldn’t say this book changed my life, but I definitely don’t regret reading it.

the more you speak, the more you see you’re not alone. we’re all different, but in the end, we’re all the same.

[Matthew Ochab · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time in my life where I really needed to find something to give me hope, Unapologetic gave me that hope. I could not put the book down once I opened it. I read each of the stories from cover to cover relating to and starting to feel my shame being lessened with each page. Having the courage to tell her own story the author really drew me in and made me look deep inside myself and say that its ok to have shame, but its also OK to not want to live with it anymore. It's more than OK to remove toxic and evil people from your life no matter how close they are to you so you can live a happy and healthy life. I learned through this book that it's ok to be selfish and want to change your life for the better. No one is going to do it for you. You have to be courageous and strong enough to make the decision and take the leap. Thank you Annalie Howling for having the courage to write this book and showing us that it's ok to take back your life and live it on our terms!

[Mazsi Jávorszky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book twists my stomach and puts me on high energy whenever I read it. I usually have time to read after my kids are asleep, which is quite late, yet I am electrified when I pick this up. My tiredness evaporates, it’s like a power juice I drank. I never experienced anything like it before with reading. I accidentally discovered Annalie Howling on Instagram last winter, and her work on shame was something I didn’t know I needed. I wasn’t aware how much shame had me in shackles, and her reels, and especially her book, Unapologetic, inspires me to bring my shame to the light for it to disolve and evaporate. I am grateful that Annalie wrote this book and is courageous to share her authentic presence online, both are tremendously generous gifts to the world❤️‍🔥

[Sarah London · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has a way of saying things in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally true. The words cut through the noise and get to the heart of what holds so many of us back. It offers a refreshing and empowering perspective that encourages self-acceptance, resilience, and confidence without arrogance.

This isn’t just another self-help book—it’s a mindset reset. It made me feel differently about myself and those around me. Whether you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, or simply trying to reconnect with your own voice, Unapologetic is a clear, compassionate guide to living more boldly and authentically.

[Miss N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unapologetic is a truly powerful and transformative read. From the very first page, Annalie Howling speaks with honesty, courage, and deep compassion, offering guidance on what it means to release shame and step fully into your own power. She writes in a way that feels both raw and empowering, sharing insights and wisdom that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

This book is an invitation to live more freely, more authentically, and without apology. It's a gift for anyone who has ever felt small, silenced, or stuck — it’s a love letter to your truest, strongest self, and I can’t recommend it enough.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should this be someone’s first dip into the topic of shame and its related feelings, this would be a great book to start as the author’s heart is wide open and generous with her encouragement and support.
However, I bought this book based on the podcasts and social media that lead me to it and unfortunately, I found it slight in comparison. For the larger part it only scratched the surface of what was being discussed. The topics in the book are important and perhaps I simply had hoped that it would delve deeper.

[Rebecca O’Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just AMAZING! The honesty that comes from the very deepest of Annie Howling’s being is like nothing i’ve come across before .
I was captivated by this book , more than other ‘self help’ type reads i’ve tried before and took so much from it . I have been struggling lately and the comfort, understanding , calm and peace this gave me i am so thankful for .
Definitely recommend ❤️In fact it is a must !

[Cara Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book set me free. It came at a time where my world had crashed and I was left with nothing but shame and self loathing. The way in which it is written alone with really relatable stories lead to self acceptance and self love. It shows you how to do the work and how others have come out stronger not just another unhelpful self help book. Its raw, its honest, its relatable and its the most freeing book ive read. Read it, get it for all the women in your life. Im reading again.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly empowering book for anyone on a journey of trauma, shame or abuse. I laughed and i cried reading
Annalies journey of vulnerability, discovery, strength and power.

There are many of us out there and Annalie unites us all that we are not broken and in the dark there is strength and resilence we can all find.

[Catherine Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book of 2026..done ✔️ Loved the book. I feel over the past couple of years I have been on my very own self development and healing journey and in all honesty, I didn't need to read the book as I have already done the work needed, but always good to read a refresher. A book every woman should read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read - made me cry!
It’s not until I’d read these raw, brave stories that I understood how shame shapes so many of our lives. For me this is one of the most powerful books I’ve read on my own healing journey. Can’t wait to read more of her work.

[Rachel Streater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, it kept me engaged and so I read it in a couple of days. I loved the personal stories and the theory weaved into stories I could visualise. It introduced many new concepts, but I did feel that I would have liked it to go deeper into some topics.

[Amy Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found it inspiring and her stories from herself and clients made me reflect as I kept seeing a part of myself in them. Recommend if oyu want to feel more empowered and inspired in life.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book. I read it in 2 days and wanted to dry my eyes with the pages.
I had the pleasure of meeting Annalie at a talk and everything she spoke on regarding OCD and shame spoke to me. This book helped me feel seen, supported and not alone.

Thank you Annalie.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly inspiring. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully support you picking this up and reading.