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The ADHD Field Guide for Adults
From social media sensations Cate Osborn and Erik Gude, with Rennie Dyball, comes a fresh and practical guide to managing ADHD for adults.
Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Cate Osborne, a stage actress with two master’s degrees, started to have difficulty remembering her lines. Suddenly, things that had seemed routine before were falling through the cracks. An evaluation finally led to a ADHD.
Erik Gude, who was diagnosed in his teens, had a slightly different path. While an ADHD diagnosis might explain the cause of some of his academic challenges, it would take years before he understood the other ways it affected other aspects of his life. When they connected as adults, it didn’t take long before they realized other people might feel just as lost as they had.
With roughly eight million adults living with ADHD and more people seeking and receiving diagnoses each year, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is a witty, thoughtful, and practical guide to living with ADHD in adulthood, from two people who know what it’s like. Featuring the most important foundational information about ADHD, it also explores issues that are rarely discussed, such as navigating sex and intimacy, the healthcare system, and home care. And unlike existing titles on the topic, it is intentionally structured to incorporate ADHD accessibility features by offering bite-sized pieces of knowledge in a format that caters to the unique needs of ADHD readers.
From testing, evaluations, and diagnoses, to hacks for work and productivity, organization, and time management, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is the perfect book for those who want to understand why and how their brain works the way it does from people who have been there.
Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Cate Osborne, a stage actress with two master’s degrees, started to have difficulty remembering her lines. Suddenly, things that had seemed routine before were falling through the cracks. An evaluation finally led to a ADHD.
Erik Gude, who was diagnosed in his teens, had a slightly different path. While an ADHD diagnosis might explain the cause of some of his academic challenges, it would take years before he understood the other ways it affected other aspects of his life. When they connected as adults, it didn’t take long before they realized other people might feel just as lost as they had.
With roughly eight million adults living with ADHD and more people seeking and receiving diagnoses each year, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is a witty, thoughtful, and practical guide to living with ADHD in adulthood, from two people who know what it’s like. Featuring the most important foundational information about ADHD, it also explores issues that are rarely discussed, such as navigating sex and intimacy, the healthcare system, and home care. And unlike existing titles on the topic, it is intentionally structured to incorporate ADHD accessibility features by offering bite-sized pieces of knowledge in a format that caters to the unique needs of ADHD readers.
From testing, evaluations, and diagnoses, to hacks for work and productivity, organization, and time management, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is the perfect book for those who want to understand why and how their brain works the way it does from people who have been there.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
194 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the eARC! I was initially hesitant to read this one as it is written by ADHD content creators, but turns out perhaps they, plus a wealth of resources, are the ones to talk about ADHD in a way that is relatable and easily consumed? I liked how plain language this was, at times I felt like I was being spoken to like I was a child, but as it went on I realized I kinda needed to be spoken to that way. The first few chapters for me were things I was already familiar with, but some of these chapters were so helpful for me. I texted my best friend halfway through to say the second I finished this I intended on cleaning my whole house because I was SO inspired by the content and how relatable it was, plus how understood I felt by the writers. It has also inspired me to schedule regular relationship maintenance + ADHD hacking convos with my partner. The chapter about sex in particular made me feel very seen as I do struggle with remaining in the zone, and I always thought it was a me problem. I think this book is incredibly comprehensive, easy to read and understand, and is beneficial to anyone and everyone, whether you have ADHD or are the loved one of someone with ADHD. At first I thought much of this was not applicable to me because I've figured out a handful of hacks for my ADHD, but as the book went on I realized that it was informative in many more ways than I expected. I really feel inspired to tackle my ADHD in ways that are manageable, bearable, and realistic. If you are severely struggling with your ADHD, this is absolutely the book for you, but also the book for you if you are, in general, neurodivergent.
March 7, 2026
This book is EXCELLENT and should be made available at every library. As an adult who was recently diagnosed with ADHD, reading this made me feel seen, hopeful, and more sympathetic to past me who didn’t understand why certain things were so f-ing hard. Encourage any late diagnosed people you have in your life to give it a read. And a big kudos to the authors who have organized and presented their information in a way that is conducive for their intended audience.
March 17, 2026
Easy to read and comprehensive relevant information for those who have or think they may have ADHD.
Written almost in a conversation format it’s easy to follow along and engage with the subject. No factor of life was untouched and any concerns felt valid.
Where it lost me was there was little science actually explained. It read as more of an opinion than researched information. This was compounded by excessive community input pieces that disrupted the otherwise good flow. Once I skipped those pieces it read a lot better
Overall a good read that hit a lot of relevant points. Would recommend it for anyone questioning their neurodivergence, newly diagnosed or those trying to support the neurodivergent.
Thank you to Harper Celebrate and NetGalley for letting me read this early copy and share my honest thoughts
Written almost in a conversation format it’s easy to follow along and engage with the subject. No factor of life was untouched and any concerns felt valid.
Where it lost me was there was little science actually explained. It read as more of an opinion than researched information. This was compounded by excessive community input pieces that disrupted the otherwise good flow. Once I skipped those pieces it read a lot better
Overall a good read that hit a lot of relevant points. Would recommend it for anyone questioning their neurodivergence, newly diagnosed or those trying to support the neurodivergent.
Thank you to Harper Celebrate and NetGalley for letting me read this early copy and share my honest thoughts
March 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy Release Day to Cate Osborn and Erik Gude’s book ‘The ADHD Field Guide for Adults!’ 🥳
When I tell you that this book found me at the right time I’m not exaggerating. This is one of the most ADHD friendly reads I have ever come across and heavily recommend anyone with ADHD or has friends with ADHD to pick up this field guide.
The beauty of this book is how it’s formatted. Everything is bite size and appeals to the brain’s dopamine factory. The sections are small with brief stories/information and you can start/stop on any page. Cate and Erik use a podcast style back-and-forth dialogue when expanding on certain topics they directly experience; making it conversational and honestly so fun to read at times. Additionally, I loved the check-in’s built into the text when topics were a little heavy. This alone creates such a safe narrative and you truly feel like you are talking to a friend. The activities, advice, end of chapter questions, and templates makes this field guide personable.
As someone who was recently diagnosed with ADHD, this text was validating and helpful. There are things I’ve struggled with and didn’t connect it to ADHD until reading this. You can bet I’ve been slowly incorporating some of their advice into my daily life.
Thank you @simonschusterca for sending me an e-arc in return for an honest opinion. I was really hoping to get my hands on this book early and you made that happen. Thank you @catieosaurus for sharing your experience with asexuality in this text; it means more than you know.
Happy Release Day to Cate Osborn and Erik Gude’s book ‘The ADHD Field Guide for Adults!’ 🥳
When I tell you that this book found me at the right time I’m not exaggerating. This is one of the most ADHD friendly reads I have ever come across and heavily recommend anyone with ADHD or has friends with ADHD to pick up this field guide.
The beauty of this book is how it’s formatted. Everything is bite size and appeals to the brain’s dopamine factory. The sections are small with brief stories/information and you can start/stop on any page. Cate and Erik use a podcast style back-and-forth dialogue when expanding on certain topics they directly experience; making it conversational and honestly so fun to read at times. Additionally, I loved the check-in’s built into the text when topics were a little heavy. This alone creates such a safe narrative and you truly feel like you are talking to a friend. The activities, advice, end of chapter questions, and templates makes this field guide personable.
As someone who was recently diagnosed with ADHD, this text was validating and helpful. There are things I’ve struggled with and didn’t connect it to ADHD until reading this. You can bet I’ve been slowly incorporating some of their advice into my daily life.
Thank you @simonschusterca for sending me an e-arc in return for an honest opinion. I was really hoping to get my hands on this book early and you made that happen. Thank you @catieosaurus for sharing your experience with asexuality in this text; it means more than you know.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Join me, if you will, on a journey into an ideal late-in-life ADHD diagnosis (I was in my 20s and then mid-30s when I got the big AuDHD, medically informed, hot take on my brain). You're given all the tools you need, follow up appointments AND this book on the way out the door. Seriously, it has that many amazing, and genuinely helpful tools in it. It also speaks to adults like adults, in simple terms about things that neurotypical people just do not get. Rather than jumping through hoops to explain central ADHD concepts that make tasks so difficult, they say it once for the neurotypicals in the back, and then get to addressing how to help readers live their best lives. Right down to the layout of the book, with more bullet points, bolded words, standout concepts, and visuals that made it very easy to read, you can tell this is a book about ADHD, by ADHDers, which is its key strength.
The best part of the book are the systems chapters, wherein the authors talk about ADHD in the terms those of us with it actually understand (and without judgement). ADHD does not make us exempt from the demands of life. We just have herculean challenges to accomplish amazing things, and often work from a place of constructive imbalance. Erik and Cate speak to this, providing tips that have helped them but also drawing on community feedback from others with ADHD. As a trans man the sections that included trans and non-binary people was a breath of fresh air (as was the shoutout to Mercury Stardust's DIY and home repair book). There is not a page in this book that lacks something useful and immediately applicable to ADHD people.
Not everyone is going to understand the way that ADHD folks need everything just-so, which is where the authors also give the newly diagnosed a way to talk about what they need without having to speak in the terms that neurotypicals regularly require: disorder, disability, lacking, failure, etc. The systems chapters in particular, coalesce beautifully under the banner of "because that's how I organize". I saw the potential for those with ADHD to be able to justify what they need on the basis of something other than constantly apologizing for not living up to someone else's standard. Which is what I found to be another strength of the book: giving readers confidence to ask for what they need because that they need it is enough. Which is one of the core reasons why I wish this was part of the welcome package to late in life ADHD. It doesn't start on terms of disability but honoring your humanity.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this fantastic book through NetGalley. I will definitely be recommending this for purchase at the library, penning a blog post, and generally speaking not shutting up about how great a book this is. Very appreciative!
The best part of the book are the systems chapters, wherein the authors talk about ADHD in the terms those of us with it actually understand (and without judgement). ADHD does not make us exempt from the demands of life. We just have herculean challenges to accomplish amazing things, and often work from a place of constructive imbalance. Erik and Cate speak to this, providing tips that have helped them but also drawing on community feedback from others with ADHD. As a trans man the sections that included trans and non-binary people was a breath of fresh air (as was the shoutout to Mercury Stardust's DIY and home repair book). There is not a page in this book that lacks something useful and immediately applicable to ADHD people.
Not everyone is going to understand the way that ADHD folks need everything just-so, which is where the authors also give the newly diagnosed a way to talk about what they need without having to speak in the terms that neurotypicals regularly require: disorder, disability, lacking, failure, etc. The systems chapters in particular, coalesce beautifully under the banner of "because that's how I organize". I saw the potential for those with ADHD to be able to justify what they need on the basis of something other than constantly apologizing for not living up to someone else's standard. Which is what I found to be another strength of the book: giving readers confidence to ask for what they need because that they need it is enough. Which is one of the core reasons why I wish this was part of the welcome package to late in life ADHD. It doesn't start on terms of disability but honoring your humanity.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this fantastic book through NetGalley. I will definitely be recommending this for purchase at the library, penning a blog post, and generally speaking not shutting up about how great a book this is. Very appreciative!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am the target audience for this book. Newly diagnosed with ADHD last year when I was thirty-six years old, I was one of those over-achiever, gifted children that got great grades and didn't have problems making friends. Perhaps I was a little bit awkward, but what coming-of-age girl isn't? I managed to get by through most of adulthood until suddenly I couldn't and I found myself with an ADHD diagnosis. When I was younger, ADHD was a childhood disorder that was only diagnosed in rambunctious little boys that they were expected to outgrow by manhood. Imagine my shock when I started researching ADHD in women and could check nearly symptom box. The ADHD Field Guide for adults takes so many components of this illness and compiles them all in one handy place, in a way that is easier to read and digest for those of us who are neurodivergent. I started crying reading this book because I could relate so hard to what was being said. This book is filled with facts, history, life hacks, and sound bites from others who have ADHD. I appreciated the formatting of this book. Information is given in shorter bites, interspersed with information in bold to catch our attention and cute drawings. The amount of knowledge and empathy shown in these pages makes it clear that the authors are well-versed in life with ADHD and their camaraderie with that community makes this book feel like a good friend is giving you life advice. I really recommend that anyone who is diagnosed with ADHD, especially those who are diagnosed later in life and didn't realize the root of their struggles until then. I love this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Cate Osborn, Erik Gude and Rennie Dyball for the eARC of this novel to review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Cate Osborn, Erik Gude and Rennie Dyball for the eARC of this novel to review.
March 11, 2026
It’s hard at forty-two when your world is turned upside down. In a matter of weeks, how you see yourself shifts; you question your childhood, your working career, how you interact with people, and show up. You stop blaming yourself for things and look at situations from a different lens. In some ways, you let yourself off the hook. In others, you look at the trail of breadcrumbs and those around you and question how no one saw things for what it was.
Enter: The ADHD Field Guide for Adults. The sanity saving, “wait, it’s not just me!” manual to help those of us diagnosed later in life.
This book was simply a lifesaver. A buoy in the storm when I was questioning everything and seeing forty-two years in a new light.
It covers, well, everything. Yes, the key things like diagnosis, medication, accommodations, and how to work with neurodivergence instead of beating yourself up or giving in. But also things like sex, personal hygiene, and being kind to yourself. A lot of the symptoms brought up in the book (forgetfulness, losing track of time, hating to do repetitive tasks, minor mistakes, zoning out as people talk, etc.) are things I have beaten myself up for for years and the Field Guide helped me to stop, because it’s part of having ADHD.
They repeated that my condition does not define me. It’s not an excuse. But it is part of me, and to work with it, not against it.
I cannot stress how this book has carried me the last few months. How it answered questions I didn’t know to ask and made me feel less alone. Thank you Cate and Erik, you made this gal feel “normal” for the first time maybe ever. And that is truly invaluable.
Enter: The ADHD Field Guide for Adults. The sanity saving, “wait, it’s not just me!” manual to help those of us diagnosed later in life.
This book was simply a lifesaver. A buoy in the storm when I was questioning everything and seeing forty-two years in a new light.
It covers, well, everything. Yes, the key things like diagnosis, medication, accommodations, and how to work with neurodivergence instead of beating yourself up or giving in. But also things like sex, personal hygiene, and being kind to yourself. A lot of the symptoms brought up in the book (forgetfulness, losing track of time, hating to do repetitive tasks, minor mistakes, zoning out as people talk, etc.) are things I have beaten myself up for for years and the Field Guide helped me to stop, because it’s part of having ADHD.
They repeated that my condition does not define me. It’s not an excuse. But it is part of me, and to work with it, not against it.
I cannot stress how this book has carried me the last few months. How it answered questions I didn’t know to ask and made me feel less alone. Thank you Cate and Erik, you made this gal feel “normal” for the first time maybe ever. And that is truly invaluable.
March 3, 2026
I enjoyed reading through this and I think it will make a great resource going forward. I am a person diagnosed in adulthood with ADHD and the ways the condition impacts (and explains) my life are innumerable. It is obvious reading this guide that the authors have been there. The book is organized in a way that is user friendly for me and the way my ADHD manifests and I appreciate how comprehensive it is, covering just about any aspect of life that can be difficult for a neurodivergent brain. The experiences and advice shared at the end of each chapter from members of the authors' online community are great as well.
I think this would also be an excellent resource for people who are living with or in a relationship with someone with ADHD. The chapters dedicated to the science behind the condition along with the accessible, real-life examples and suggestions throughout the book make it a resource that I think may be more likely than others to provide the non-neurodivergent with an enlightening and actionable perspective on ADHD related struggles. They may not 'understand' why certain tips would be needed or effective for their loved one, but I think this guide could make it easier for them to wrap their. minds around how to be helpful in implementing coping strategies.
I received an early electronic copy of this book and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
I think this would also be an excellent resource for people who are living with or in a relationship with someone with ADHD. The chapters dedicated to the science behind the condition along with the accessible, real-life examples and suggestions throughout the book make it a resource that I think may be more likely than others to provide the non-neurodivergent with an enlightening and actionable perspective on ADHD related struggles. They may not 'understand' why certain tips would be needed or effective for their loved one, but I think this guide could make it easier for them to wrap their. minds around how to be helpful in implementing coping strategies.
I received an early electronic copy of this book and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
March 8, 2026
I got a digital/Kindle ARC of this book from Net Galley so the first thing I’ll say is if you have ADHD I highly recommend getting the print version of this book. It’s great for accessibility to have audio/digital versions but the format of this book lends itself to the physical. The authors are social media influencers who have ADHD. The format of the book is to give a little information, and then work through questions they’ve received on the topic. For example under the topic of Time and Task Management, they’ll have a reader question like “How do I not overcommit?” and then they’ll give tips. At times they have experts weigh in on various topics but the bulk of the book is Q&A. So in the digital copy, I said to my son “oh they have some good tips on time management” and then had a hard time finding that section - it would have been much easier in a print version. Also, with the print version you could just pick up the book, read one Q&A, get some good tips & move about your day. At first I didn’t live the book but by the end I feel like they pretty much covered every topic imaginable from systems, tasks, money, relationships & sex. There are so many great books on ADHD, but add this one in because it’s just very accessible and practical!
December 15, 2025
Great book! Something for everything in this.
If you think you know a lot about ADHD I think you’ll still enjoy this book since it’s bite sized and has everything all in one place.
I really like how the contents are broken down. I often can’t finish books like atomic habits but this was so accessible.
The history of ADHD, hormones, and gendered and racial differences was fascinating since I feel like it’s not commonly written about in ADHD resources.
It really is a wealth of knowledge with amazing resources and sources cited.
The cute images also kept me entertained!
My fav parts of how it was written:
- definition breaks
- great index and notes
- Bold questions with answers
- Summary at end of each chapter
- Ways you can change your own habits
The book has a great section on getting help, how ADHD affects sex, relationships, and money too all with helpful resources.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you think you know a lot about ADHD I think you’ll still enjoy this book since it’s bite sized and has everything all in one place.
I really like how the contents are broken down. I often can’t finish books like atomic habits but this was so accessible.
The history of ADHD, hormones, and gendered and racial differences was fascinating since I feel like it’s not commonly written about in ADHD resources.
It really is a wealth of knowledge with amazing resources and sources cited.
The cute images also kept me entertained!
My fav parts of how it was written:
- definition breaks
- great index and notes
- Bold questions with answers
- Summary at end of each chapter
- Ways you can change your own habits
The book has a great section on getting help, how ADHD affects sex, relationships, and money too all with helpful resources.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a newly diagnosed millennial adult woman (I'm part of the "lost" generation of women with ADHD), I found this book very informative, and written clearly and without confusing medical jargon. Not only did I feel validated and seen, this book gave tips, advice, and background information that was feasible and digestable. The reading experience was easy - as I tended to pick up and put down throughout my read, but was easily able to jump back in to the book.
I enjoyed the formatting, however I read this as an e-book, and suspect that the physical Hardcover version that will be released would be even better, and true to it's word of being formatted for the ADHD brain. I have already found myself referencing highlighted passages from this book, and look forward to purchasing a hard copy once it is released.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the formatting, however I read this as an e-book, and suspect that the physical Hardcover version that will be released would be even better, and true to it's word of being formatted for the ADHD brain. I have already found myself referencing highlighted passages from this book, and look forward to purchasing a hard copy once it is released.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the eARC! This was such a useful and educational book about ADHD. It covers so many topics and lists many tips and tricks to help you in daily life. There are even sections accounting for trans, non-binary, and BIPOC experiences with ADHD, as well as sections about how to tell people you have ADHD and how neurotypical people can support the neurodivergent people in their life. I loved the format of this book as it writes important text and main ideas in bold font, and includes clear sections for things like interviews and educational blurbs. This is such a great way to format the book so all the information isn’t just in one long page of text. I loved how each section had headlines, and common questions were clearly identified so I could easily skip parts that were not relevant to me and my experience. I highly recommend checking this book out if you or any people in your life have or suspect that you or they have ADHD.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5/5
This was a super helpful guide to navigating ADHD in adulthood! I loved the format and how the authors broke down complex topics to make them easily digestible, especially for someone who does get distracted super easily. They made important definitions and strategies clear while tackling a wide range of topics that I have struggled with as an ADHD girl. The organization of this book was extremely well done, the sections are broken down clearly and each area was well researched and explained to offer a range of strategies and ideas for working with ADHD. On top of this, the writing was funny, personable, and engaging in a way that made this book an easy read. I definitely took some strategies from this read that I'm going to be applying in my everyday life going forward!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for the eARC!
This was a super helpful guide to navigating ADHD in adulthood! I loved the format and how the authors broke down complex topics to make them easily digestible, especially for someone who does get distracted super easily. They made important definitions and strategies clear while tackling a wide range of topics that I have struggled with as an ADHD girl. The organization of this book was extremely well done, the sections are broken down clearly and each area was well researched and explained to offer a range of strategies and ideas for working with ADHD. On top of this, the writing was funny, personable, and engaging in a way that made this book an easy read. I definitely took some strategies from this read that I'm going to be applying in my everyday life going forward!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for the eARC!
December 3, 2025
The ADHD Field Guide for Adults is an absolute game-changer. As a recently diagnosed adult, I finally feel seen and understood. Authors Cate Osborn and Erik Gude deliver a perfect blend of compassion, humor, and practical, actionable advice that cuts through the noise.
The book is brilliant because it's specifically designed for the ADHD brain—structured in easy-to-digest, bite-sized sections. It covers crucial, often-ignored topics like navigating healthcare and relationships, offering genuine solutions instead of generic checklists.
This is an indispensable guide that validates your struggles and empowers you to build systems that work for you. If you have ADHD or love someone who does, you need this book. Highly recommended!
The book is brilliant because it's specifically designed for the ADHD brain—structured in easy-to-digest, bite-sized sections. It covers crucial, often-ignored topics like navigating healthcare and relationships, offering genuine solutions instead of generic checklists.
This is an indispensable guide that validates your struggles and empowers you to build systems that work for you. If you have ADHD or love someone who does, you need this book. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy
Another reviewer mentioned it's more of a personal antidote than a field guide. I would agree. Lots of mini tangents on one thing or another.
I did see myself a lot in Cate when she tells her story of growing up and also of her late diagnosis and the reasons for the late diagnosis.
I found the social media post writing style of the book distracting.
Like a lot of self help books out there, the book starts to drag on toward the end. I think they ran out of stuff to talk about and threw a couple of bonus chapters in there just for kicks and giggles.
I'd say the final quarter of the book I didn't relate to or find valuable, but maybe it's because those chapters covered ADHD struggles to which I just don't relate.
I did see myself a lot in Cate when she tells her story of growing up and also of her late diagnosis and the reasons for the late diagnosis.
I found the social media post writing style of the book distracting.
Like a lot of self help books out there, the book starts to drag on toward the end. I think they ran out of stuff to talk about and threw a couple of bonus chapters in there just for kicks and giggles.
I'd say the final quarter of the book I didn't relate to or find valuable, but maybe it's because those chapters covered ADHD struggles to which I just don't relate.
March 4, 2026
This was a five-star read for me. I loved it so much that I’m planning to buy copies for people in my life.
As someone with ADHD, this book felt incredibly validating and empowering. The authors do a great job explaining the realities of ADHD in a way that makes you feel understood rather than judged.
What I appreciated most were the practical ideas throughout the book. There are so many small, smart strategies that can actually make daily life easier instead of feeling like unrealistic productivity advice.
It’s encouraging, practical, and genuinely helpful. I highly recommend it to anyone with ADHD, as well as friends, family members, or partners who want to better understand how ADHD works in real life.
As someone with ADHD, this book felt incredibly validating and empowering. The authors do a great job explaining the realities of ADHD in a way that makes you feel understood rather than judged.
What I appreciated most were the practical ideas throughout the book. There are so many small, smart strategies that can actually make daily life easier instead of feeling like unrealistic productivity advice.
It’s encouraging, practical, and genuinely helpful. I highly recommend it to anyone with ADHD, as well as friends, family members, or partners who want to better understand how ADHD works in real life.
March 10, 2026
This book is a warm hug.
Highly recommend listening to is book. Its dynamic is like a conversation with trusted friends. Every aspect of this book resonated to my core. I want my kids to listen to it I want to share it with my parents I want everyone I know to read it and therefore understand me better. Ive read just about every ADHD book out there (hello hyper-fixation) and none compare to how comfortingly relatable and understanding this book is. I also bought the physical book so I can go back and highlight and reference and revisit the commentary and recommendations again and again. The physical paperback book is also perfectly floppy and enjoyable to hold.
Highly recommend listening to is book. Its dynamic is like a conversation with trusted friends. Every aspect of this book resonated to my core. I want my kids to listen to it I want to share it with my parents I want everyone I know to read it and therefore understand me better. Ive read just about every ADHD book out there (hello hyper-fixation) and none compare to how comfortingly relatable and understanding this book is. I also bought the physical book so I can go back and highlight and reference and revisit the commentary and recommendations again and again. The physical paperback book is also perfectly floppy and enjoyable to hold.
March 26, 2026
It was really good! I listened to it on audio, but I enjoyed it so much I'm considering picking up a physical copy—I get the feeling some of the info might be easier to absorb/put into practice in print vs. just listening. It's one part explaining what ADHD is (in a way that's friendly to other neurodivergences and for people with comorbidities) and then one part suggestions/life hacks for different aspects of your life that may be impacted by ADHD. Not all of it applies to my life, but it was interesting nonetheless. They do a good job at approaching things with a nonjudgemental lens that I really appreciated.
March 4, 2026
This book gives lots of practical and helpful tips for any adult with ADHD. There are also strategies to handle all facets of life from personal to professional and everything in between. Some resources are listed throughout the book (although I believe they are all for people in the United States). I also liked that there were diagrams, charts illustrations to help with visualization. Overall a very interesting read.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for an eARC through NetGalley.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for an eARC through NetGalley.
March 24, 2026
Younger Me and Current Me definitely appreciate this book
I wish I had this book when I was younger. Although I was able to be medicated for ADHD most of my life, I really never got the right kind of support that a book like this offers. To tell me that what I’m experiencing is normal and asking for help is ok. Thank you Cate and Erik.
I wish I had this book when I was younger. Although I was able to be medicated for ADHD most of my life, I really never got the right kind of support that a book like this offers. To tell me that what I’m experiencing is normal and asking for help is ok. Thank you Cate and Erik.
March 19, 2026
This book is so well done. It's easy to understand and incredibly informative. I highly recommend it to everyone. Even if you don't live with ADHD it provides great insights and tips that I believe would be helpful for everyone.
March 5, 2026
Very well done! More focused on how to manage ADHD than on specific information about it but there’s a big of both! Many helpful tips and organized very engagingly.
March 17, 2026
Some helpful info and framing, despite a presentation that bordered on irksome. (It probably works for many, but not for me!)
March 18, 2026
admittedly i knew most of these things and the book is definitely meant for newcomers into the Hellbrain Club but i did cry at least once so there's that (positive)
March 25, 2026
I love how easy it was to follow along. Listening to the book was an amazing experience!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was excited to read this because I’m actively trying to understand ADHD better after a recent mid-life diagnosis. I went in without knowing the authors or following their social media, and I was hoping for deeper insight, not emotional validation or reassurance that “you’re not a f**k up.” As someone who should be part of the target audience, this missed the mark for me.
This isn’t a bad book, but it’s not really a field guide in the way I expected. It feels more like a very basic overview of common ADHD issues, mixed with a lot of personal stories, podcast-style back-and-forth, and social-media energy. It points out that certain struggles exist, but doesn’t do much to help you think through how to actually work with them in your own life.
If you’re brand new to ADHD, this is a more accessible and contemporary starting point than dusty, outdated, paternalistic tomes by "gurus" like Edward Hallowell or Russell Barkley. The print layout is also a plus for ADHD readers who struggle with long blocks of text. It uses a lot of visual and typographic features to keep the content from melting into a blob of letters.
But if you’re trying to expand your knowledge or gain deeper insight, you probably won’t get much from it. I didn’t come away with new or especially useful information for my own quest to understand ADHD better. Cate brings the strongest, better researched perspective here. I was especially curious about her historical research on ADHD.
The book is also very open about sex-positive topics, pleasure, and masturbation as ADHD management, so this is not a book I’d hand to under-18 readers. Overall, this feels like a contemporary, validation-first ADHD starter book for people who know very little about ADHD already. If that’s where you are, it may work well for you. It just didn’t add much for me.
I reviewed an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley.
This isn’t a bad book, but it’s not really a field guide in the way I expected. It feels more like a very basic overview of common ADHD issues, mixed with a lot of personal stories, podcast-style back-and-forth, and social-media energy. It points out that certain struggles exist, but doesn’t do much to help you think through how to actually work with them in your own life.
If you’re brand new to ADHD, this is a more accessible and contemporary starting point than dusty, outdated, paternalistic tomes by "gurus" like Edward Hallowell or Russell Barkley. The print layout is also a plus for ADHD readers who struggle with long blocks of text. It uses a lot of visual and typographic features to keep the content from melting into a blob of letters.
But if you’re trying to expand your knowledge or gain deeper insight, you probably won’t get much from it. I didn’t come away with new or especially useful information for my own quest to understand ADHD better. Cate brings the strongest, better researched perspective here. I was especially curious about her historical research on ADHD.
The book is also very open about sex-positive topics, pleasure, and masturbation as ADHD management, so this is not a book I’d hand to under-18 readers. Overall, this feels like a contemporary, validation-first ADHD starter book for people who know very little about ADHD already. If that’s where you are, it may work well for you. It just didn’t add much for me.
I reviewed an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley.
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