Better Things Are Possible: How rebellious hope will change the world

by Jack Toohey

A timely manifesto for political, social, and cultural progress, challenging systems and reimagining a just future.

'Better Things Are Possible is a beacon of light in a dark political landscape. Jack Toohey is a refreshing and trusted voice with a positive mission, this book exemplifies that.' Hannah Ferguson, author of Bite Back

A more sustainable and equitable Australia is an achievable reality—we just need the courage to get informed, get connected and show up for the future we want.

The housing crisis, climate change, persistent gender inequity. A mounting mental health epidemic, a floundering media landscape, a political class that seems increasingly disconnected from voters ...

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, you're not alone. But here's the thing: we created these systems, and so we can re-create them.

Better Things Are Possible is Jack Toohey's case for choosing hope over apathy. It's a rallying cry to replace defeatism with resilience and start channelling our energy into innovative solutions to the challenges we're facing.

Genres: Nonfiction

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[jenna tasovac · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book of the year done and what a great way to start, diving into this year with a whole lotta hope and empathy

[Lish · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book ostensibly about rebellious hope, this was a tough read. While I loved some of the hopeful, creative and probably unlikely ideas, it was mostly a book about all the problems in the world. Not always easy to stomach. I learned, I agreed, I thought there were some amazing ideas. Just not sure I feel hopeful. Recommended for those who want to deepen their knowledge about the world we live in. This wasn't for me right now. Got most of the way through and then could not finish.

[Liam McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The journey to becoming a whole, integrated person involves embracing all aspects of our humanity, including our vulnerabilities and strengths.’

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit basic in some ways, but that’s understandable considering the wide range of topics it covers and the fact that it seems pitched at a younger audience. Overall great information, though. Well researched and well conveyed.

[Katherine Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Toohey writes a down to earth account of how things have become dire for the average Australian, and how we can get back on track.

Some found this book more distressing than hopeful, I would say the disconnect is from wanting to believe everything is or will be fine, and then being confronted by the facts - especially around climate. In each section, Toohey details a problem for a few chapters, and then a solution. To those who are finding the content distressing, I would absolutely recommend taking a break from the book and coming back after doing something relaxing, or even reading ahead the conclusion at the back of the book so that you know what the endgame is, and hopefully you feel less stressed.

I think everyone should read this, unless you’re a billionaire or hope to be one. If that’s the case, nothing to see here.

[Alex Le Fevre · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am an inherently curious human being and thoroughly enjoy non-fiction and I was really looking forward to reading this, but I could not get into it.

Perhaps it was the subject matter, perhaps it was the writing style, perhaps it was the content itself. Perhaps viral social media content just hasn't been well translated into long-form. I even tried skipping ahead to other topics to no avail.

After having read 'Beyond Climate Grief' by Jonica Newby, I think I was expecting a similar level of science or storyline but didn't get either in any meaningful way.

Bugger!

[Conor Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for people wanting to get more engaged in topics such as housing, climate change, gender and politics. Thoroughly researched and written in a way that makes it very digestible and easy to understand. Typically, a book that goes into these topics would be a dire read but Toohey keeps the focus on what can actually be done to fix/improve these issues. This book was everything I needed and I feel so much more informed and hopeful for having read it.

[Helen Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. It wasn't bad, and in some ways it did inspire me to do some things differently but something felt off that I can't just put my finger on and I really had to push myself to keep reading it.