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This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be
She thought she’d have it all figured out by now—career, relationships, identity, purpose. Instead, she had a PhD in behavioral science, a brain full of spirals, and a growing suspicion that the story she’d been telling herself about how life should look was wildly off script.
In her whip-smart, laugh-through-the-cringe debut memoir, Sarah Watters explores what happens when your 30s don’t go to plan—and how the sticky stories we cling to about success, love, and self-worth can quietly run the show.
Blending academic insight with emotional spiraling (and a lot of strikethroughs), This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be is a sharp, vulnerable, sometimes chaotic look at identity, change, and rewriting the narratives that no longer serve us.
“If you’ve ever thought, Wait, how did I get here? (in life, or in the CVS checkout, I guess)...”—you’re in the right place.
In her whip-smart, laugh-through-the-cringe debut memoir, Sarah Watters explores what happens when your 30s don’t go to plan—and how the sticky stories we cling to about success, love, and self-worth can quietly run the show.
Blending academic insight with emotional spiraling (and a lot of strikethroughs), This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be is a sharp, vulnerable, sometimes chaotic look at identity, change, and rewriting the narratives that no longer serve us.
“If you’ve ever thought, Wait, how did I get here? (in life, or in the CVS checkout, I guess)...”—you’re in the right place.
- GenresMemoir
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 22, 2025
This was an enjoyable memoir from a millennial aged woman who is just on the cusp of her 40s and trying to figure out what’s come of her life. It’s one of those pre-midlife crisis wake-up calls a lot of us went through in our thirties (did I do the right thing? should I have married this guy? given up on moving cross-country for that great job opportunity?). Sarah makes it an enjoyable ride, with lost of humor throughout. As a quasi-millennial (a Xennial some would call me), I was there for it! Her musings were honest, upfront, and real. Her relationship with her ex was an important turning point in her life and propelled her musings. To that, I say that she was strong in that she realized she wasn’t in a good relationship and sought a way out – which a lot of women in their 30s (present company included) did not do because of a fear of the “story” that we should be in a the 3Ms - in a marriage, have a mortgage, and be mothers.
I hope others going through the same (at any age) can read this book and know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – better yet, there’s a whole new tunnel to explore.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was “You are under no obligation to remain the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even a day ago. You are here to create yourself, continuously.” That quote continues to resonate with me long after finishing the book.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
I hope others going through the same (at any age) can read this book and know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – better yet, there’s a whole new tunnel to explore.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was “You are under no obligation to remain the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even a day ago. You are here to create yourself, continuously.” That quote continues to resonate with me long after finishing the book.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
July 28, 2025
“Like a true millennial, I had found a way to win while also losing so very hard.”
This novel was part comedic memoir of the author's life and then part self-help book for those who could relate to her journey. The author discusses her journey from her 20s to her 30s, along with how she feels closing in on her 40s; she’s differed from the typical life journey of professional life, writing, friendships, relationships, marriage, motherhood, aging, etc., due to her circumstances and the “stories” she’s developed in her life that have helped or hindered her. This novel was written with standard millennial humor in mind and is thoroughly interwoven throughout. A type of “I’m just kidding and I am also serious,” type of satirical humor where she is revealing her vulnerability yet trying to deflect it at the same time. I found it enjoyable and, at times, a little tedious when it became hard to understand what the author was trying to convey. At times, the author was hiding behind humor too much, or it was hard to understand her.
Once I focused and dove in deeper, I found it quite beautiful, surprising, introspective, and had several parts I could relate to. The author made herself vulnerable and was brave enough to make the choice to share with the world. There’s something profound about this novel that I can’t explain in the words I have in my limited (but expanding) vocabulary. I couldn’t help but follow along to learn, to empathize, to enjoy, and to even feel vulnerable myself. This novel is also about growth to me. The author, the readers, and the world at large are constantly shifting, changing, expanding, and I feel like the author captured that really well. Because change is a constant whether we want it or not.
I truly enjoyed this book. 5/5 stars!
Quotes I loved:
“How is it that our stories don’t play out like we thought they would? That way, we could avoid all the self-criticism and disappointment we rudely treat ourselves to when our stories don’t go as expected. That way, we could see what our lives could legit be like beyond the quickly vacated cul-de-sac of good intentions.”
“Megan Abbott sums it up: ‘Hide your work and never stop working. Be effortlessly brilliant, beautiful, and radiant. Never, ever forget the radiance.’”
“You are under no obligation to remain the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even a day ago. You are here to create yourself, continuously.”
I greatly appreciate NetGalley for giving me this an eARC!
This novel was part comedic memoir of the author's life and then part self-help book for those who could relate to her journey. The author discusses her journey from her 20s to her 30s, along with how she feels closing in on her 40s; she’s differed from the typical life journey of professional life, writing, friendships, relationships, marriage, motherhood, aging, etc., due to her circumstances and the “stories” she’s developed in her life that have helped or hindered her. This novel was written with standard millennial humor in mind and is thoroughly interwoven throughout. A type of “I’m just kidding and I am also serious,” type of satirical humor where she is revealing her vulnerability yet trying to deflect it at the same time. I found it enjoyable and, at times, a little tedious when it became hard to understand what the author was trying to convey. At times, the author was hiding behind humor too much, or it was hard to understand her.
Once I focused and dove in deeper, I found it quite beautiful, surprising, introspective, and had several parts I could relate to. The author made herself vulnerable and was brave enough to make the choice to share with the world. There’s something profound about this novel that I can’t explain in the words I have in my limited (but expanding) vocabulary. I couldn’t help but follow along to learn, to empathize, to enjoy, and to even feel vulnerable myself. This novel is also about growth to me. The author, the readers, and the world at large are constantly shifting, changing, expanding, and I feel like the author captured that really well. Because change is a constant whether we want it or not.
I truly enjoyed this book. 5/5 stars!
Quotes I loved:
“How is it that our stories don’t play out like we thought they would? That way, we could avoid all the self-criticism and disappointment we rudely treat ourselves to when our stories don’t go as expected. That way, we could see what our lives could legit be like beyond the quickly vacated cul-de-sac of good intentions.”
“Megan Abbott sums it up: ‘Hide your work and never stop working. Be effortlessly brilliant, beautiful, and radiant. Never, ever forget the radiance.’”
“You are under no obligation to remain the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even a day ago. You are here to create yourself, continuously.”
I greatly appreciate NetGalley for giving me this an eARC!
July 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and the promise of personal insight, but overall, it didn’t work for me. It felt like an overly long blog post written by a pick-me girl trying too hard to be relatable, funny, and helpful, and it fell short in all three areas.
The tone came across as self-congratulatory at times, reflecting a style sadly more and more common in modern nonfiction, where self-help is often synonymous with self-absorption.
This book might resonate more with readers who enjoy conversational, casual self-help and quick reads. The target audience seems to be millennials, specifically women in their 30s who might feel behind in life. Unfortunately, it just didn’t align with what I look for in a memoir.
I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and the promise of personal insight, but overall, it didn’t work for me. It felt like an overly long blog post written by a pick-me girl trying too hard to be relatable, funny, and helpful, and it fell short in all three areas.
The tone came across as self-congratulatory at times, reflecting a style sadly more and more common in modern nonfiction, where self-help is often synonymous with self-absorption.
This book might resonate more with readers who enjoy conversational, casual self-help and quick reads. The target audience seems to be millennials, specifically women in their 30s who might feel behind in life. Unfortunately, it just didn’t align with what I look for in a memoir.
July 14, 2025
I always feel bad giving a middle rating to a memoir but this read like a novel not a memoir. First off, the language and how it’s written was really hard for me to digest. I found myself going back and rereading sentences so I could fully understand what was being said. Although beautiful, hard to read. Secondly, I’ve seen comments this book had moments we ‘all’ encounter as being in our 30s, I’d disagree. I don’t feel like I related to this book or experienced what Sarah did also being in my 30s. But maybe I’m the minority! It’s hard for me to be sorry for someone who chose to leave their partner and then wants sympathy, it just felt off.
July 30, 2025
Book Review: This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be by Sarah Watters
Rating: 4.5/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Sarah Watters’ debut memoir, This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be, is a piercing examination of millennial disillusionment, blending behavioral science insights with darkly comic self-reflection. As a PhD holder in behavioral science, Watters deconstructs the sticky stories of success and self-worth that plague her generation, framing her personal struggles (career uncertainty, relational turbulence) through a lens of cognitive dissonance and societal conditioning . Her prose oscillates between academic precision (a brain full of spirals) and raw vulnerability, creating a narrative that feels both intellectually rigorous and intimately relatable.
The memoir’s strength lies in its refusal to offer pat solutions. Instead, Watters interrogates the off-script nature of adulthood with unflinching honesty, though some sections could benefit from deeper exploration of systemic pressures beyond individual psychology .
Reactions & Emotional Impact
Reading this as a fellow millennial, I found myself alternating between laughter and grim recognition. Watters’ description of “winning while also losing so very hard” perfectly encapsulates the paradox of achieving societal milestones (e.g., a PhD) while feeling emotionally adrift. Her chapter on dating as a behavioral experiment resonated deeply, as did her admission of rewriting narratives to justify life’s detours. However, the memoir’s focus on upper-middle-class struggles may limit its relatability for readers facing more acute socioeconomic challenges.
Constructive Criticism
-Scope: The memoir occasionally privileges witty introspection over structural analysis, sidestepping broader critiques of late-stage capitalism that shape millennial disillusionment.
-Pacing: At 152 pages, some themes (e.g., identity shifts post-PhD) feel underexplored, leaving readers craving more depth .
- Diversity: While Watters’ voice is compelling, the narrative centers on a homogenously privileged experience, missing opportunities to intersect with race, class, or disability perspectives .
Summary Takeaways:
- A millennial Eat Pray Love—if Elizabeth Gilbert had a PhD and a dark sense of humor.
- For anyone who’s ever googled ‘Is my life a failure?’ at 2 AM.
- Watters doesn’t just write a memoir; she diagnoses a generation.
As someone who once equated professional achievement with self-worth, Watters’ account of her “spirals” hit close to home. Her description of academic burnout as the quiet unraveling of a life script mirrored my own post-graduate identity crisis. The memoir’s darkest moments—like her admission of performative competence—felt like reading my own journal .
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the advance copy. This book is a lifeline for those navigating the gap between expectation and reality .
Final Verdict
A 4.5/5—whip-smart and emotionally incisive, though narrowly focused. Watters’ blend of science and storytelling makes this memoir essential reading for millennials, even as it leaves room for more inclusive narratives .
Rating: 4.5/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Sarah Watters’ debut memoir, This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be, is a piercing examination of millennial disillusionment, blending behavioral science insights with darkly comic self-reflection. As a PhD holder in behavioral science, Watters deconstructs the sticky stories of success and self-worth that plague her generation, framing her personal struggles (career uncertainty, relational turbulence) through a lens of cognitive dissonance and societal conditioning . Her prose oscillates between academic precision (a brain full of spirals) and raw vulnerability, creating a narrative that feels both intellectually rigorous and intimately relatable.
The memoir’s strength lies in its refusal to offer pat solutions. Instead, Watters interrogates the off-script nature of adulthood with unflinching honesty, though some sections could benefit from deeper exploration of systemic pressures beyond individual psychology .
Reactions & Emotional Impact
Reading this as a fellow millennial, I found myself alternating between laughter and grim recognition. Watters’ description of “winning while also losing so very hard” perfectly encapsulates the paradox of achieving societal milestones (e.g., a PhD) while feeling emotionally adrift. Her chapter on dating as a behavioral experiment resonated deeply, as did her admission of rewriting narratives to justify life’s detours. However, the memoir’s focus on upper-middle-class struggles may limit its relatability for readers facing more acute socioeconomic challenges.
Constructive Criticism
-Scope: The memoir occasionally privileges witty introspection over structural analysis, sidestepping broader critiques of late-stage capitalism that shape millennial disillusionment.
-Pacing: At 152 pages, some themes (e.g., identity shifts post-PhD) feel underexplored, leaving readers craving more depth .
- Diversity: While Watters’ voice is compelling, the narrative centers on a homogenously privileged experience, missing opportunities to intersect with race, class, or disability perspectives .
Summary Takeaways:
- A millennial Eat Pray Love—if Elizabeth Gilbert had a PhD and a dark sense of humor.
- For anyone who’s ever googled ‘Is my life a failure?’ at 2 AM.
- Watters doesn’t just write a memoir; she diagnoses a generation.
As someone who once equated professional achievement with self-worth, Watters’ account of her “spirals” hit close to home. Her description of academic burnout as the quiet unraveling of a life script mirrored my own post-graduate identity crisis. The memoir’s darkest moments—like her admission of performative competence—felt like reading my own journal .
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the advance copy. This book is a lifeline for those navigating the gap between expectation and reality .
Final Verdict
A 4.5/5—whip-smart and emotionally incisive, though narrowly focused. Watters’ blend of science and storytelling makes this memoir essential reading for millennials, even as it leaves room for more inclusive narratives .
July 18, 2025
Synposis (NetGalley blurb): "This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be is a sharp, self-aware look at identity, change, and what it takes to rewrite the narrative when it no longer fits."
The author, a PhD behavioral scientist, has written something unique here. Blending witty, self-deprecating reflections on her own life with insights from her work and those of other behavioral scientists, Watters’ memoir will resonate with anyone who isn’t quite sure how they got where they are. Bonus points if your Inner Critic tells you that whatever happened, it’s probably your fault. Although I’m well past my 30s (likely the target audience), I saw myself in many of her thoughts, and her insights on the stories we tell ourselves are comforting.
The author uses a lot of wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation throughout the book. If you don’t think she’s funny or if you just don’t vibe with humor in nonfiction, this won’t be for you. She does lean a little too heavily into this, but I think she’s funny and I enjoyed this aspect.
The only other thing I’d say is that, despite being a fan as you can probably tell, I finished reading with a little bit of a sense of whiplash. Moving quickly between her memories and the behavioral insights was a good choice (this makes everything flow without feeling choppy or getting boring), but I think stronger segues or connections between points and/or chapters would make the book better.
[Thank you to Life to Paper Publishing for making this book available as Read Now on NetGalley!]
The author, a PhD behavioral scientist, has written something unique here. Blending witty, self-deprecating reflections on her own life with insights from her work and those of other behavioral scientists, Watters’ memoir will resonate with anyone who isn’t quite sure how they got where they are. Bonus points if your Inner Critic tells you that whatever happened, it’s probably your fault. Although I’m well past my 30s (likely the target audience), I saw myself in many of her thoughts, and her insights on the stories we tell ourselves are comforting.
The author uses a lot of wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation throughout the book. If you don’t think she’s funny or if you just don’t vibe with humor in nonfiction, this won’t be for you. She does lean a little too heavily into this, but I think she’s funny and I enjoyed this aspect.
The only other thing I’d say is that, despite being a fan as you can probably tell, I finished reading with a little bit of a sense of whiplash. Moving quickly between her memories and the behavioral insights was a good choice (this makes everything flow without feeling choppy or getting boring), but I think stronger segues or connections between points and/or chapters would make the book better.
[Thank you to Life to Paper Publishing for making this book available as Read Now on NetGalley!]
July 30, 2025
“This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be” by Sarah Waters offers something rare: a voice of introspection in a generation obsessed with projection. While many of her peers chase the holy grail of influencer fame—hawking products and personas for viral validation—Sarah chooses instead to turn inward. With curiosity and courage, she examines her own past, inviting readers to reflect on their own life choices with similar candor.
At 35, single, smart, and by many standards “privileged,” Sarah is quick to dismantle the idea that privilege guarantees a charmed life. Earning a PhD, enduring heartbreak, navigating disillusionment—none of these are softened by a comfortable background. If anything, she shows that privilege comes with its own set of expectations, blind spots, and burdens. She doesn’t ask for sympathy. What she offers instead is honesty—sharp, funny, and refreshingly self-aware.
This isn’t a self-help book, nor is it a sensational tell-all. It’s something better: a memoir of substance from a woman who chooses meaning over metrics and writes in a voice that feels both grounded and generous.
Yes, privileged lives matter—as all lives do—but what gives any life depth is the willingness to reflect, reassess, and grow. That’s what Sarah Waters gives us. And that’s what makes this memoir quietly powerful.
At 35, single, smart, and by many standards “privileged,” Sarah is quick to dismantle the idea that privilege guarantees a charmed life. Earning a PhD, enduring heartbreak, navigating disillusionment—none of these are softened by a comfortable background. If anything, she shows that privilege comes with its own set of expectations, blind spots, and burdens. She doesn’t ask for sympathy. What she offers instead is honesty—sharp, funny, and refreshingly self-aware.
This isn’t a self-help book, nor is it a sensational tell-all. It’s something better: a memoir of substance from a woman who chooses meaning over metrics and writes in a voice that feels both grounded and generous.
Yes, privileged lives matter—as all lives do—but what gives any life depth is the willingness to reflect, reassess, and grow. That’s what Sarah Waters gives us. And that’s what makes this memoir quietly powerful.
August 20, 2025
"Not Yet Married, Not Settled, and Not Sorry"
This is not how I thought life in my mid-30s would look like. Society sets a solid standard for women—married with kids by this age—but Sarah Watters, a professor of behavioral science, challenges that expectation in her memoir. Brokenhearted and without a place to live, Sarah invites us into the reality of being a mid-30s woman who looks perfect on LinkedIn but feels vulnerable at heart. Mixing behavioral science with personal reflections, she shows us the messy truth behind the polished surface.
Chaotic and hilarious, the way Sarah pours out her feelings is both unique and entertaining. At times, though, it leans too heavily on inner monologue instead of reflection, making parts of the narrative feel unstructured and overthought. Still, her reflections resonate deeply with single women in their 30s—especially those caught in the turmoil of balancing career and love life. Reading this feels like talking with a best friend who truly understands the weight of being “not yet married” and “not yet settled.”
What makes the book more compelling is how Sarah weaves behavioral science into her storytelling, offering insights that make readers stop and think about how these patterns play out in our own lives, often unconsciously.
Overall, This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be is a messy yet relatable read, with humor, honesty, and heart. If you’re looking for a book that blends science with raw, unfiltered reflections, this one might be your perfect next pick.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Watters, and Life to Paper Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange of honest review
This is not how I thought life in my mid-30s would look like. Society sets a solid standard for women—married with kids by this age—but Sarah Watters, a professor of behavioral science, challenges that expectation in her memoir. Brokenhearted and without a place to live, Sarah invites us into the reality of being a mid-30s woman who looks perfect on LinkedIn but feels vulnerable at heart. Mixing behavioral science with personal reflections, she shows us the messy truth behind the polished surface.
Chaotic and hilarious, the way Sarah pours out her feelings is both unique and entertaining. At times, though, it leans too heavily on inner monologue instead of reflection, making parts of the narrative feel unstructured and overthought. Still, her reflections resonate deeply with single women in their 30s—especially those caught in the turmoil of balancing career and love life. Reading this feels like talking with a best friend who truly understands the weight of being “not yet married” and “not yet settled.”
What makes the book more compelling is how Sarah weaves behavioral science into her storytelling, offering insights that make readers stop and think about how these patterns play out in our own lives, often unconsciously.
Overall, This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be is a messy yet relatable read, with humor, honesty, and heart. If you’re looking for a book that blends science with raw, unfiltered reflections, this one might be your perfect next pick.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Watters, and Life to Paper Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange of honest review
September 6, 2025
This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be by Sarah Watters is a memoir about processing change and where we are in life and societal expectations and the pressure we apply to ourselves as well as the pressure applied to us from others.
It’s a series of essays and reflections that I found to be honest, relatable as a millennial, reflective, and thought provoking. I also enjoyed the humor throughout the memoir and the conversational tone of the chapters.
I think there are many millennials, especially after the pandemic, considering similar questions that Watters poses and reflects on in each chapters (about how where they are in life, adapting to change, and anxieties about change).
The memoir considers how we adapt to change and how we can use change as opportunities for evolution and growth.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy memoirs and essays.
Thank you to Sarah Watters, Net Galley and Life to Paper Publishing for the opportunity to read and review!
I received a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It’s a series of essays and reflections that I found to be honest, relatable as a millennial, reflective, and thought provoking. I also enjoyed the humor throughout the memoir and the conversational tone of the chapters.
I think there are many millennials, especially after the pandemic, considering similar questions that Watters poses and reflects on in each chapters (about how where they are in life, adapting to change, and anxieties about change).
The memoir considers how we adapt to change and how we can use change as opportunities for evolution and growth.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy memoirs and essays.
Thank you to Sarah Watters, Net Galley and Life to Paper Publishing for the opportunity to read and review!
I received a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 24, 2025
(3.5/5 ⭐) what a memoir! i really thought that this was gonna be a bore at first because throughout reading the first chapter i was thinking, how does this relate to the blurb or the title??? but then when chapter 2 rolled in i was like "now THIS is what i signed up for". it read like a Substack essay, which was very pleasant and easy to read over the course of a week and i very much resonated with the self-deprecating humor and tone of the author's writing. even as a Gen Z-er, i didnt find the book to be overpoweringly "Millennial" if you get what i mean. with that being said, i did sort of felt like considering this is a memoir, its a very (if i can call this about a person's life) mundane/normal memoir whereby the author is just sort of regurgitating what i know and feel about careers, relationships, family, friends, and life in general. but sprinkled in self-flagellation and ironic Millennial humor. tl;dr, if she has a Substack, you bet your ass im subscribing to it, but as a memoir... idk
(thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the book's e-arc!!)
(thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the book's e-arc!!)
July 18, 2025
I didn’t plan to find myself in my late 30s as a woman in recovery, unmarried, with a dog for a daughter, my little brother crashing in the next room, and still regularly spiraling over what I’m “supposed” to be doing with my life. But here I am—and reading "This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be" felt like someone finally turned on a light in the room I’ve been sitting in alone.
Sarah doesn’t just name the messy, quiet truths so many of us carry—she invites a conversation around them. This book is thoughtful, funny, smart as hell, and so needed. It doesn’t try to fix anything. It just meets you where you are. And sometimes, that’s everything.
Sarah doesn’t just name the messy, quiet truths so many of us carry—she invites a conversation around them. This book is thoughtful, funny, smart as hell, and so needed. It doesn’t try to fix anything. It just meets you where you are. And sometimes, that’s everything.
July 18, 2025
I didn’t plan to find myself in my late 30s as a woman in recovery, unmarried, with a dog for a daughter, my little brother crashing in the next room, and still regularly spiraling over what I’m “supposed” to be doing with my life. But here I am—and reading This Is Not How I Thought It Would Be felt like someone finally turned on a light in the room I’ve been sitting in alone.
Sarah doesn’t just name the messy, quiet truths so many of us carry—she invites a conversation around them. This book is thoughtful, funny, smart as hell, and so needed. It doesn’t try to fix anything. It just meets you where you are. And sometimes, that’s everything.
Sarah doesn’t just name the messy, quiet truths so many of us carry—she invites a conversation around them. This book is thoughtful, funny, smart as hell, and so needed. It doesn’t try to fix anything. It just meets you where you are. And sometimes, that’s everything.
July 22, 2025
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to start this out by saying that this book was just not for me. It all came across as very out of touch, I guess? That's not the best description, but it just felt like the author was both trying to say "you should know that different experiences of life are normal" and kind of "woe is me." Very over-explained in a lot of instances, to the point of making it hard to read, and could've been much shorter in length. That all being said, the points made in this book were good, but were approached in an interesting way.
I'm going to start this out by saying that this book was just not for me. It all came across as very out of touch, I guess? That's not the best description, but it just felt like the author was both trying to say "you should know that different experiences of life are normal" and kind of "woe is me." Very over-explained in a lot of instances, to the point of making it hard to read, and could've been much shorter in length. That all being said, the points made in this book were good, but were approached in an interesting way.
August 2, 2025
The title of this book seemed to set the tone for an interesting and introspective read.
In most memoirs, in order to grip your audience, you either need to be famous or hook us with a good story. This promises the latter, but after a bit, it did feel a bit aimless and self-focused. Yes, EVERYONE’S story looks different despite what they may have expected. The writing was good, although I did get a bit weary of the internet speak and the crossed out lines. Overall, not for me.
Thank you to Life to Paper Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
In most memoirs, in order to grip your audience, you either need to be famous or hook us with a good story. This promises the latter, but after a bit, it did feel a bit aimless and self-focused. Yes, EVERYONE’S story looks different despite what they may have expected. The writing was good, although I did get a bit weary of the internet speak and the crossed out lines. Overall, not for me.
Thank you to Life to Paper Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
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