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People Pleaser
“You’re so desperate to make everybody else happy that you’ve forgotten what makes you happy. You’ve not just forgotten it, you’ve abandoned it, on a bonfire full of all your other hopes and dreams. A bonfire you’re too scared to light in case the neighbours report you to the council.”
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Olivia Greenwood has been trying very hard to please people for a very long time.
But today is going to change Olivia in a big way. A soul-crushing career disappointment, a fiery young woman with a chip on her shoulder and a cigarette in her hand, and one single blue hallucinogenic gummy all lead to a raucous night out and one hell of a hangover. And when Olivia wakes up the next morning, it seems she’s unable to please anyone but HERSELF.
So who actually is Olivia Greenwood, when she’s not trying to be what everyone else wants her to be?
---
Olivia Greenwood has been trying very hard to please people for a very long time.
But today is going to change Olivia in a big way. A soul-crushing career disappointment, a fiery young woman with a chip on her shoulder and a cigarette in her hand, and one single blue hallucinogenic gummy all lead to a raucous night out and one hell of a hangover. And when Olivia wakes up the next morning, it seems she’s unable to please anyone but HERSELF.
So who actually is Olivia Greenwood, when she’s not trying to be what everyone else wants her to be?
- GenresFiction
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 8, 2026
I loved this. Genuinely funny with relatable characters, it really resonated with me as a lifelong people pleaser.
The main character, Olivia, has spent her life seething with resentment while trying to keep everyone else happy. It made for some uncomfortable situations at the start of the story as every aspect of Olivia’s life is unraveling, from her relationship with her children, CrossFit obsessed husband, overbearing mother, alcoholic father and lightweight sister but when a much deserved promotion doesn’t go her way and she is fobbed off by her lecherous and misogynistic boss Olivia goes off on a bit of a bender.
This is where I really began to enjoy the ride as, once Olivia recovers from the world’s worst hangover, she suddenly finds she’s unable to lie, with her dark sense of humour and candid observations creating lots of witty yet relatable conversations with her family and colleagues. I really felt like I was on a journey with Olivia as she came to terms with aspects of growing up and her past that were still casting a long shadow over her parenting, her family relationships and her sense of professional worth. It’s uplifting to read about someone tackling those struggles and finding a new and creative ways of handling people that’s true to themself.
I feel like I’ve been in a warm and friendly place as I’ve read this, I enjoyed her humour, her relationship with her children and parents and particularly her relationship with her husband, Nick. It’s rare to read a book with so many relatable characters in it. There are some darker themes of control underlying this, but I felt they were well balanced and managed as Olivia navigated through them.
Really enjoyable read, my thanks to netgalley for the advance read.
The main character, Olivia, has spent her life seething with resentment while trying to keep everyone else happy. It made for some uncomfortable situations at the start of the story as every aspect of Olivia’s life is unraveling, from her relationship with her children, CrossFit obsessed husband, overbearing mother, alcoholic father and lightweight sister but when a much deserved promotion doesn’t go her way and she is fobbed off by her lecherous and misogynistic boss Olivia goes off on a bit of a bender.
This is where I really began to enjoy the ride as, once Olivia recovers from the world’s worst hangover, she suddenly finds she’s unable to lie, with her dark sense of humour and candid observations creating lots of witty yet relatable conversations with her family and colleagues. I really felt like I was on a journey with Olivia as she came to terms with aspects of growing up and her past that were still casting a long shadow over her parenting, her family relationships and her sense of professional worth. It’s uplifting to read about someone tackling those struggles and finding a new and creative ways of handling people that’s true to themself.
I feel like I’ve been in a warm and friendly place as I’ve read this, I enjoyed her humour, her relationship with her children and parents and particularly her relationship with her husband, Nick. It’s rare to read a book with so many relatable characters in it. There are some darker themes of control underlying this, but I felt they were well balanced and managed as Olivia navigated through them.
Really enjoyable read, my thanks to netgalley for the advance read.
December 9, 2025
People Pleaser is funny, heartfelt and painfully relatable in all the best ways. Bryony Gordon has created a heroine who feels so familiar you could swear you have met her at work, at brunch, or even in the mirror.
I loved the humour most of all. Olivia’s voice is razor sharp and genuinely hilarious. I caught myself smirking and chuckling at her dry observations and the unfiltered commentary running through her head. It gives the book a lively energy that makes it very easy to read.
The relatability struck a chord too. Every woman has been made to feel small or has softened herself to fit in at some point. We are shaped by the era we grew up in and Olivia Greenwood’s experiences felt spot on to me. I am ten years younger than her and still found myself nodding along. Watching her character arc unfold and seeing her rediscover who she is was refreshing and comforting.
The side characters were another highlight. They are messy, funny, warm, and a painfully accurate representation of real family dynamics. They added a lot of heart to the story.
It is written in third person which is not usually my preferred tense but I am making an effort to embrace it because some stories are simply better suited to it and I don’t want to miss out on brilliant books.
If you love character-driven stories full of wit, heart, and honest reflections on womanhood, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Thank you to Bryony Gordon, to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC ahead of its release in April 2027.
I loved the humour most of all. Olivia’s voice is razor sharp and genuinely hilarious. I caught myself smirking and chuckling at her dry observations and the unfiltered commentary running through her head. It gives the book a lively energy that makes it very easy to read.
The relatability struck a chord too. Every woman has been made to feel small or has softened herself to fit in at some point. We are shaped by the era we grew up in and Olivia Greenwood’s experiences felt spot on to me. I am ten years younger than her and still found myself nodding along. Watching her character arc unfold and seeing her rediscover who she is was refreshing and comforting.
The side characters were another highlight. They are messy, funny, warm, and a painfully accurate representation of real family dynamics. They added a lot of heart to the story.
It is written in third person which is not usually my preferred tense but I am making an effort to embrace it because some stories are simply better suited to it and I don’t want to miss out on brilliant books.
If you love character-driven stories full of wit, heart, and honest reflections on womanhood, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Thank you to Bryony Gordon, to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC ahead of its release in April 2027.
April 8, 2026
Entertainingly empowering!
Olivia, a 44-year old journalist, has spent her entire life being a ‘people pleaser.’ Staying silent, saying yes when she really means no, keeping the peace, actually going out of her way to help others both in her personal and professional life. Olivia has been doing absolutely everything to please others, but she was displeasing herself in the process.
Until one Friday evening out after work changed everything…..
This one night out upends Olivia’s whole life and so begins a journey of personal discovery, growth and freedom.
Olivia Greenwood is FRANK, FEARLESS AND FABULOUS.
“We can’t spend our lives moulding ourselves into the kind of people who endlessly help others but always abandon themselves.”
“You can’t make people love you by being a doormat. They just step all over you even more.”
The characters are amusing yet relatable; and woven into the story is the stark reminder that no family is perfect. Whether it be childhood trauma, grief, mental illness or addiction; we’re all human and just trying to survive the ups and downs of life.
Be more Olivia……don’t be a people pleaser!
May this book give readers permission to be themselves!
Olivia, a 44-year old journalist, has spent her entire life being a ‘people pleaser.’ Staying silent, saying yes when she really means no, keeping the peace, actually going out of her way to help others both in her personal and professional life. Olivia has been doing absolutely everything to please others, but she was displeasing herself in the process.
Until one Friday evening out after work changed everything…..
This one night out upends Olivia’s whole life and so begins a journey of personal discovery, growth and freedom.
Olivia Greenwood is FRANK, FEARLESS AND FABULOUS.
“We can’t spend our lives moulding ourselves into the kind of people who endlessly help others but always abandon themselves.”
“You can’t make people love you by being a doormat. They just step all over you even more.”
The characters are amusing yet relatable; and woven into the story is the stark reminder that no family is perfect. Whether it be childhood trauma, grief, mental illness or addiction; we’re all human and just trying to survive the ups and downs of life.
Be more Olivia……don’t be a people pleaser!
May this book give readers permission to be themselves!
May 5, 2026
This isn’t my usual type of book, but after attending a book event I decided to give it a go and I’m so glad I did! People Pleaser is an easy, light‑hearted read with some surprisingly poignant messages. Olivia is incredibly relatable and likeable, and I really enjoyed the characters and how they were portrayed.
The book explores our relationships with our parents, how these shape the way we parent, and the pressures women navigate every day. It manages to be empowering while still keeping things fun. The story moves at a good pace, and at its heart it’s about women reclaiming their sense of self with plenty of giggles along the way.
An enjoyable, effortless read; one I’d definitely recommend!
The book explores our relationships with our parents, how these shape the way we parent, and the pressures women navigate every day. It manages to be empowering while still keeping things fun. The story moves at a good pace, and at its heart it’s about women reclaiming their sense of self with plenty of giggles along the way.
An enjoyable, effortless read; one I’d definitely recommend!
May 4, 2026
“The old Olivia would be at her desk, dutifully snacking on seaweed while apologizing for existing. Good riddance to her.”
An inspiring story written with wit and self-deprecating humour about how it’s never too late to right a wrong and stand up for yourself and your beliefs.
People Pleaser does something quietly important: it exposes the normalized, exploitative and coercive behaviours so many women recognize but rarely see named on the page. The finale is delicious.
Oh, and I will never look at Manchester City the same way again. IYKYK.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy through NetGalley.
An inspiring story written with wit and self-deprecating humour about how it’s never too late to right a wrong and stand up for yourself and your beliefs.
People Pleaser does something quietly important: it exposes the normalized, exploitative and coercive behaviours so many women recognize but rarely see named on the page. The finale is delicious.
Oh, and I will never look at Manchester City the same way again. IYKYK.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What happens when a female finds her voice. Instead of being a people pleaser at the expense of her own happiness and wellbeing Olivia stands up for herself at work, at home and within the family.
It's not about making everyone else feel bad but seeing the bigger picture and balancing all the needs as well as your own.
Resentments are unearthed and dealt with and a way forward that is good for all are found.
A brilliant book that I really enjoyed.
Not my first book that I have enjoyed by Bryony, she is rapidly becoming one of my go to authors.
It's not about making everyone else feel bad but seeing the bigger picture and balancing all the needs as well as your own.
Resentments are unearthed and dealt with and a way forward that is good for all are found.
A brilliant book that I really enjoyed.
Not my first book that I have enjoyed by Bryony, she is rapidly becoming one of my go to authors.
May 19, 2026
Perfect holiday book with all the things to remember for women of a certain stage - it’s ok to put their needs forward ….
April 29, 2026
Read this in one sitting. A mirror to a life led putting everyone else before yourself and keeping the peace when not afforded the same curtesy. Loved this book and I will be braver, louder and take up the space I deserve!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was really lifted for me by the main character, Olivia, and her people pleasing ways. I - and I suspect many others - found her almost painfully relatable, and for that reason alone, the book is worth reading.
The plot was less of a strength, an easy read but veering at times into the slightly silly, and perhaps not always that nuanced in its 'men bad, women good' message. But worth it to spend some time with Olivia!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The plot was less of a strength, an easy read but veering at times into the slightly silly, and perhaps not always that nuanced in its 'men bad, women good' message. But worth it to spend some time with Olivia!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 7, 2026
The premise of this book sounded promising - a woman who spent her life pleasing everyone else except herself decides one day to rebel - her family, her work, her friends all see a new person. Olivia works in a newspaper office, and today is the day she expects to hear of her big promotion. Of course, she doesn't get that, but is sidelined to a ridiculous non-job, organising a party for the paper's 100th anniversary by her mysoginistic boss. Then she meets Rose, who opens her eyes and makes her re-evaluate how she is living her life.
Rose was quite a mysterious character, a shadowy catalyst for change, but change certainly happened to Olivia's life. Her relationship with her parents was perhaps the hardest to read.
I found some of the writing a bit laboured, pushing the 'people-pleasing' element a little far. Her interaction with her family, and how she improved it, was heartening to see and if the comeuppance of the dreadful Stephen was a little contrived, we were all cheering to see her attempt it.
Overall an interesting and unusual read, full of pathos and revenge! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rose was quite a mysterious character, a shadowy catalyst for change, but change certainly happened to Olivia's life. Her relationship with her parents was perhaps the hardest to read.
I found some of the writing a bit laboured, pushing the 'people-pleasing' element a little far. Her interaction with her family, and how she improved it, was heartening to see and if the comeuppance of the dreadful Stephen was a little contrived, we were all cheering to see her attempt it.
Overall an interesting and unusual read, full of pathos and revenge! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and found a lot of it very relatable. The title alone appealed to me straight away! Being a people pleaser myself, I felt like this story held up a bit of a mirror at times.
The pace of the book is fast, which made it easy to read, although at times it did feel a little jumpy. I think a bit more depth in places would have helped me connect even more with the story. That said, I really enjoyed following Olivia’s journey and found many of the conversations between her and her daughter particularly thought-provoking. Some of the dialogue really hit home more than I expected.
I had read reviews describing it as funny, witty, and heartfelt. While there are definitely those elements, for me it felt a bit more reflective than humorous because of how much I related to it.
The only small thing I found slightly confusing at times was the names. Nina and Tina felt quite similar and I occasionally had to pause to remind myself who was who especially when I picked the book back up.
Overall, I loved the premise and really enjoyed the book. It’s one I would definitely recommend to friends, especially anyone who recognises a bit of themselves in the idea of being a “people pleaser”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The pace of the book is fast, which made it easy to read, although at times it did feel a little jumpy. I think a bit more depth in places would have helped me connect even more with the story. That said, I really enjoyed following Olivia’s journey and found many of the conversations between her and her daughter particularly thought-provoking. Some of the dialogue really hit home more than I expected.
I had read reviews describing it as funny, witty, and heartfelt. While there are definitely those elements, for me it felt a bit more reflective than humorous because of how much I related to it.
The only small thing I found slightly confusing at times was the names. Nina and Tina felt quite similar and I occasionally had to pause to remind myself who was who especially when I picked the book back up.
Overall, I loved the premise and really enjoyed the book. It’s one I would definitely recommend to friends, especially anyone who recognises a bit of themselves in the idea of being a “people pleaser”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 30, 2026
I don't even know where to begin here!
Ok, well, I absolutely adore Bryony's writing style, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, so I had a feeling I'd love this book. I was not disappointed at all!
Olivia (not Liv) seems to have it all; the perfect family, the perfect job, the perfect life. But a night out with a new, younger colleague results in Olivia waking up and no longer being able to people please. She can't be nice if she isn't genuinely feeling it. She can't do and say what has always been expected of her, and the consequences are life changing.
This book is about self discovery, self love, family dynamics and a.lot of growth and healing. Beautifully written with the slightly naughty humour you'd expect from Bryony. Utterly brilliant and a must read for every woman out there!
Ok, well, I absolutely adore Bryony's writing style, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, so I had a feeling I'd love this book. I was not disappointed at all!
Olivia (not Liv) seems to have it all; the perfect family, the perfect job, the perfect life. But a night out with a new, younger colleague results in Olivia waking up and no longer being able to people please. She can't be nice if she isn't genuinely feeling it. She can't do and say what has always been expected of her, and the consequences are life changing.
This book is about self discovery, self love, family dynamics and a.lot of growth and healing. Beautifully written with the slightly naughty humour you'd expect from Bryony. Utterly brilliant and a must read for every woman out there!
February 6, 2026
Being a recently reformed people pleaser myself, and a similar age to the protagonist Olivia, I really identified with both her and her story. She tries so hard to make everyone else happy, that she has forgotten who she is and what she wants. After a major career disappointment leads to a heart-to-heart with a young woman who has no qualms about challenging everything, Olivia decides that maybe she needs to concentrate on the only person she can really please - herself. I really enjoyed this book and found the premise really interesting. Even if I hadn’t had so much in common with Olivia, she is still a character I would have rooted for. The difficult relationship she has with her parents gave this story even more depth. I liked the character progression we see through the book, but felt that the ending wrapped things up a bit too easily. I especially found the part with her and her mother a bit clunky and oversimplified.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and thought Olivia was a great character.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and thought Olivia was a great character.
May 3, 2026
I laughed out loud at this book and was recommending it to friends from 3 chapters in. Olivia Greenwood is so used to behaving in the way she thinks she should that her life hasn't gone the way she wanted it to. After being let down by her boss Olivia meets a young woman from her office who spends a drunken evening telling Olivia some much needed home truths.
The story that follows is Olivia discovering who she is if she stops pulling her punches and says how she really feels. This is a book of realisations as Olivia takes stock of her life to date and comes to terms with the reality of situations she had seen through a lens of emotional repression.
I loved this book so much, it was a heartfelt, emotional and hilarious look at mid-life and a book i will continue to recommend to anyone who listens.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story that follows is Olivia discovering who she is if she stops pulling her punches and says how she really feels. This is a book of realisations as Olivia takes stock of her life to date and comes to terms with the reality of situations she had seen through a lens of emotional repression.
I loved this book so much, it was a heartfelt, emotional and hilarious look at mid-life and a book i will continue to recommend to anyone who listens.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2026
Olivia is polite to a fault, she always tries to support and please those around her but Olivia is on the edge. When she doesn't get the promotion she expected she ends up having a lost evening and finding epiphany. Now Olivia is a people displeaser obsessed with good sex and sticking it to the man but along the way she re-evaluates her relationships at home and at work.
There are aspects of this book that raise it far above the usual dross of 'perimenopause chick lit'. For a start Olivia is very annoying but also quite relatable in her wanting to please everyone apart from herself. her family relationships are also very relatable but the work elements are a little too forced at times. However, the 'me too' strand really saves this and this reader was rooting for her at the end.
There are aspects of this book that raise it far above the usual dross of 'perimenopause chick lit'. For a start Olivia is very annoying but also quite relatable in her wanting to please everyone apart from herself. her family relationships are also very relatable but the work elements are a little too forced at times. However, the 'me too' strand really saves this and this reader was rooting for her at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a hugely entertaining and genuinely laugh-out-loud read, but it also carries a thought-provoking message beneath the humour. Olivia is such a great character and when 'the worm turned' I wanted to stand up and applaud.
Olivia's story really hammered home the way so many women are conditioned to smooth things over, avoid conflict, and put everyone else first. It's a very funny yet insightful read. I'm now off to take a leaf out of Olivia's book! 😂
My thanks to the Penguin Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC In exchange for an honest review.
Olivia's story really hammered home the way so many women are conditioned to smooth things over, avoid conflict, and put everyone else first. It's a very funny yet insightful read. I'm now off to take a leaf out of Olivia's book! 😂
My thanks to the Penguin Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC In exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2026
Olivia Greenwood is a textbook people pleaser, at work, at home, with strangers she encounters, she just needs to make everyone happy and she never wants to cause a fuss. But what about her happiness???
However when she is passed over for her dream job and has a bizarre night out with a random ‘colleague’, her mindset completely changes and for the first time, in as long as she can remember, she puts herself first and starts to give truthful feedback to all around her.
A fabulous read, which definitely rang true to me in elements of my life, sometime hilarious, sometimes heart wrenching, this story is about reaching your wits end and finding a way to make things better.
Highly recommended, you won’t want to set it down.
However when she is passed over for her dream job and has a bizarre night out with a random ‘colleague’, her mindset completely changes and for the first time, in as long as she can remember, she puts herself first and starts to give truthful feedback to all around her.
A fabulous read, which definitely rang true to me in elements of my life, sometime hilarious, sometimes heart wrenching, this story is about reaching your wits end and finding a way to make things better.
Highly recommended, you won’t want to set it down.
April 22, 2026
Olivia Greenwood, I LOVE YOU!
After decades of being treated like a doormat by her family and her colleagues, belittled by her mother and seemingly forgotten by her husband, a chance meeting with a feisty Gen Z colleague gives Olivia perspective. And lots of it.
Sick of trying to constantly please everyone else, a brand new Olivia finds herself with no filter and begins voraciously voicing what we’re all thinking as women, but often don’t have the guts to speak out loud.
This incredible book is tender, funny, raw, heartbreaking and jam-packed with love and understanding from the most unexpected people.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Bryony Gordon and Penguin for an ARC of this book.
After decades of being treated like a doormat by her family and her colleagues, belittled by her mother and seemingly forgotten by her husband, a chance meeting with a feisty Gen Z colleague gives Olivia perspective. And lots of it.
Sick of trying to constantly please everyone else, a brand new Olivia finds herself with no filter and begins voraciously voicing what we’re all thinking as women, but often don’t have the guts to speak out loud.
This incredible book is tender, funny, raw, heartbreaking and jam-packed with love and understanding from the most unexpected people.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Bryony Gordon and Penguin for an ARC of this book.
May 6, 2026
A feel good bit of fun!
Yes, things were sometimes too convenient, but less than perfect plotting doesn’t detract from how fun and indulgent it felt to watch a female main character tell people exactly what she thought unapologetically. This deconstructed forced female acquiescence in an easy fashion and had me laughing aloud and kicking my feet fairly often. Fan of Olivia Greenwood I’d like to be her.
Yes, things were sometimes too convenient, but less than perfect plotting doesn’t detract from how fun and indulgent it felt to watch a female main character tell people exactly what she thought unapologetically. This deconstructed forced female acquiescence in an easy fashion and had me laughing aloud and kicking my feet fairly often. Fan of Olivia Greenwood I’d like to be her.
February 3, 2026
This is only the second book I have read by Bryony Gordon and I found it enlightening relatable
People pleaser epitomises the middle aged women who are juggling work, marriage, home, parents etc etc, trying to please everyone and in doing so totally neglecting yourself!
Olivia a middle aged mum, wife and dutiful employee is passed over for a promotion at work and given a token newly formed job title and this is the catalyst for change!
Olivia decides enough is enough and ably abetted by a random stranger in a pub,she drinks her worries away fortified by a helpful gummy, galvanised by a new found confidence and attitude she has an epiphany and things start to change both at home and work with some hilarious mis haps along the way!
Funny frank empowering and relatable
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
People pleaser epitomises the middle aged women who are juggling work, marriage, home, parents etc etc, trying to please everyone and in doing so totally neglecting yourself!
Olivia a middle aged mum, wife and dutiful employee is passed over for a promotion at work and given a token newly formed job title and this is the catalyst for change!
Olivia decides enough is enough and ably abetted by a random stranger in a pub,she drinks her worries away fortified by a helpful gummy, galvanised by a new found confidence and attitude she has an epiphany and things start to change both at home and work with some hilarious mis haps along the way!
Funny frank empowering and relatable
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
May 6, 2026
A hilarious and surprisingly tender gem—People Pleaser by Bryony Gordon completely won me over. The writing is effortlessly engaging, with a cast of characters that's layered, flawed in all the right ways, and relatable. Starting with the MC. Oh, Olivia Greenwood...
I don't even know where to begin, but you all have to read her "epiphany". It's a chef’s kiss. It hits you with that perfect mix of clarity and chaos, makes you laugh out loud and wince in recognition at the same time. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh this much. It’s easy, sharp, well-timed.
A book that gets under your skin while making you snort—what more could you want? It's going to stay with me, I'm sure of it, and I hope Bryony Gordon continues on this fiction journey.
I don't even know where to begin, but you all have to read her "epiphany". It's a chef’s kiss. It hits you with that perfect mix of clarity and chaos, makes you laugh out loud and wince in recognition at the same time. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh this much. It’s easy, sharp, well-timed.
A book that gets under your skin while making you snort—what more could you want? It's going to stay with me, I'm sure of it, and I hope Bryony Gordon continues on this fiction journey.
May 2, 2026
Olivia Greenwood has spent her life pleasing others until a work night out to celebrate her mentee getting the job she herself has coveted for decades. She meets Rose, an employee she has not met before and goes drinking with her and taking a drugged gummy.
The Olivia who wakes up the next morning is a different version, one who has completely run out of f***ks to give. She starts to say, do and dress without filters and no longer bows down to expectations. She tries without fail to find Rose and wonders if she imagined her.
The book takes us through the subsequent weeks at work, home and journeys for Olivia and while entertaining they are so out of character it can be a bit difficult to imagine or believe without consequences. It was slightly too long for me. The last third had the most substance so I was glad I persevered.
Overall an enjoyable book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC.
The Olivia who wakes up the next morning is a different version, one who has completely run out of f***ks to give. She starts to say, do and dress without filters and no longer bows down to expectations. She tries without fail to find Rose and wonders if she imagined her.
The book takes us through the subsequent weeks at work, home and journeys for Olivia and while entertaining they are so out of character it can be a bit difficult to imagine or believe without consequences. It was slightly too long for me. The last third had the most substance so I was glad I persevered.
Overall an enjoyable book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC.
April 15, 2026
A very relatable book!
Olivia thinks and has always thought that the only way to get on in life is to be a people pleaser, to make sure that everyone is happy, however, she has an epiphany and realises that she’s totally wrong.
A story of misogyny, self enlightenment, and women standing together.
An excellent book!
Olivia thinks and has always thought that the only way to get on in life is to be a people pleaser, to make sure that everyone is happy, however, she has an epiphany and realises that she’s totally wrong.
A story of misogyny, self enlightenment, and women standing together.
An excellent book!
April 22, 2026
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This was a complete departure from the books I would usually read but I am so glad I read it. I will be recommending it to everyone I know.
Read
April 26, 2026I love Bryony Gordon and really enjoyed her previous non-fictiont titles, so I was very excited to read this one. Olivia's is a thought-provoking story, with funny moments and plenty of wisdom. It reminded me of Lucky Day by Beth Morrey, and made me think twice about my own behaviours. At times, it feels like Gordon is trying to tackle too many issues at once, but nevertheless, the result is a heartfelt story about the importance of being yourself and not behaving like a doormat.
May 9, 2026
Must read
I enjoyed every minute of this story. The humour, the seriousness, the tongue in cheek, there was a fabulous vibe throughout. I highly recommend this book and hope you find it as unsustainable as I did.
I enjoyed every minute of this story. The humour, the seriousness, the tongue in cheek, there was a fabulous vibe throughout. I highly recommend this book and hope you find it as unsustainable as I did.
March 15, 2026
I was excited to read this book as I have long been an admirer of Bryony Gordon, her book ‘Glorious Rock Bottom’ was a superb read, albeit not fiction like People Pleaser. After the first chapter of me thinking the book was going to be boring, the whole thing turned around and Olivia, the people pleaser……….was no more. From then on in I couldn’t put it down. As with Glorious Rock Bottom, I love the style of writing, I was making excuses to sit down and read. I loved the character of Olivia and Rose and can’t help wondering if part of the author is in Olivia.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who knows they are a people pleaser or anyone who’s even considered that they might be……..this book might just change your thinking and encourage you to ‘be more Olivia!’
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who knows they are a people pleaser or anyone who’s even considered that they might be……..this book might just change your thinking and encourage you to ‘be more Olivia!’
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
April 25, 2026
A warm, funny and relatable read about the pressure of always trying to keep everyone else happy. Written with honesty and humour, it balances laugh-out-loud moments with deeper emotional themes. Thoughtful, entertaining and full of heart, this is an uplifting story about learning to value yourself and set boundaries.
April 29, 2026
A book that every women born in the 80s should read. I loved reading every word of this book and sadly identified with so many parts of Olivia's story.
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