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I'm Not Mad

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A fiercely funny, feminist debut about mental health, motherhood and female rage, for fans of Caitlin Moran, Celeste Barber and Tanya Hennessy.

Bron Lewis is one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, regularly appearing on Have You Been Paying Attention? and Thank God You’re Here. No stranger to madness – from watching her mother smash a casserole dish through the family dining table while going through ‘the change’, to finding herself singing Tina Arena’s ‘Chains’ at the top of her lungs in public to drown out the sound of her babies’ cries – Bron has experienced her fair share of dark nights of the soul.

Bron was taught as a child, like most other young girls, that it’s expected for women to go mad. When we see a woman lose her footing and, for example, yell ‘MOTHERHOOD IS WAY HARDER THAN THEY BLOODY SAY IT IS’ at a pregnant stranger through four lanes of traffic, we usually look away, laugh into our collars, and thank Christ-on-a-bike that we aren’t as mad as she is. 

If you’ve ever cringed as you watched your mum stumble dramatically through hot flushes, or if you’ve witnessed a family friend fake cancer for a day off, soiled your pants in Kmart, or found yourself struggling through the seemingly unending chapter of becoming a new mum, then this is the book for you. Watch Bron spiral into rage and out of it so you can avoid the same fate.

I’m Not Mad (Anymore) sheds light on the mental struggles women go through silently, from post-natal depression and anxiety to menopause and all the muck in between.

You will laugh, cry and look at your mum in a whole new light.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

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About the author

Bron Lewis

2 books4 followers

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5 stars
148 (60%)
4 stars
75 (30%)
3 stars
19 (7%)
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2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Suz.
1,597 reviews882 followers
April 3, 2026
Thank you publisher, thank you Bron. This book. This time in my life. Madness is THE adjective. Landing in the mail right as the perfect storm of neurospice and HORMONES smashed ME. I knew it was real, of course I did, I just didn’t think it would kick my butt so HARD.

Moving on from the pity party, but it so does suck everything. What helps is the articulation of the effects, what we hide. Hold it in. Don’t whinge. Keeping on keeping on, just carry the whole effing load. Do I look mad? Do I feel mad? Am I meant to care the are both in the affirmative?

I never considered the generational effect of this whole mess (my mum’s womb loss was my menarche..) Bron’s mum suffered terribly, that rippled through everyone, everything. Family, relationships, the next gen of females. Everything. This is BIG T stuff. Scared of the person. Scared of a mother. Love remained, don’t worry about that 💜💚

On top of the madness passed down (I feel I can say it as I am still mad, so I am not paying out on anyone), this story covers birth, pnd, pn psychosis and MH in general, addiction. It is raw.

This has a bit of everything in the realm of women’s health, of more value is affirmation. The sisterhood showing the rest broke we are not, even as the insanity is intense in these stages.

Bron, I effing hate those nurses while you laboured w/hungover hubby.

A fab mix of wryness and storytelling for the collective womanhood. Through experience we can be ok while IN distress and storm. This I hope for in my current battle. A convo this week affirms this (@iamdaniellecolley ). TY. Share the success, we all need it to forge on.

✨ Public platforms are needed on this topic. Recommended, affirming, no BS ✨

*5 secs post review a neighbour I do not know from dot yelled 'WOULD YOU STOP SHINING THE EFFING LIGHT' apparently my deck light bothers the poor chap 'are you talking to me, you might want to communicate with me properly' FFS*
Profile Image for Bianca.
329 reviews25 followers
February 28, 2026
This was a great read, especially as a 5 months postpartum first time mum struggling with motherhood. 4 stars because I’ve come across many of these stories already through Bron’s comedy.
Profile Image for Megg Zee.
110 reviews
Read
March 19, 2026
Please everyone read/listen to this. A masterpiece
Profile Image for Agatha McAndrew.
4 reviews
February 24, 2026
What a book! Beautifully written, clever and witty, laugh out loud in some moments, and tearful in others. Bron is a true story teller and what beautiful stories about her beautiful life she shared in this memoir. Highly recommend, and particularly so to mothers.
Profile Image for Annie Ishmakovich.
70 reviews
March 9, 2026
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy as a part of the Readers Dept, February edition.

Bron Lewis is an Australian ex-teacher turned comedian, featured on the likes of Have You Been Paying Attention, The Project and Thank God You're Here. Lewis has a knack for telling stories, and "I'm Not Mad (Anymore)" is the story of Lewis' life, the times she went mad, and how she got better.

I enjoyed this but found it challenging to relate at times. The novel explores the challenges of growing up with a pre-menapausal mother and being the middle child of 5, but the primary exploration of this is the experience of her three pregnancies and the aftermaths. I appreciate Lewis' desire to connect with mothers who may feel isolated in their post natal mental health struggles, and appreciated her rawness in her storytelling.

In saying that, there were a few times I got a bit lost, and noticed a few pop culture references that may not be relevant in a few years time.

Overall, I can understand why Lewis is a great standup comedian with her ability to remain engaging with her story telling; but I don't think I'm the target audience here.

I would recommend this to new mothers who feel alone in their experiences!
Profile Image for _biancasbookclub .
70 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
I’m Not Mad Anymore by Byron Lewis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s no secret that Bron Lewis is one of my favourite comedians—possibly my all-time favourite. So when I heard she had a book coming out, I reached out to my friends at Affirm Press for a copy. I just knew this was something I had to read—and review.

As a mother myself, I can honestly say it’s the best job I’ve ever had… but also the hardest. Bron doesn’t sugarcoat any of it. She dives headfirst into the messy, chaotic, and beautiful reality of motherhood, and she does it with such honesty.

This book is raw, emotional, and at times it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. Yet in true Bron fashion, there are also moments that had me laughing out loud.

Make no mistake—this memoir is an incredibly important read. I truly believe every mother should pick it up.

So there you go, ladies and gentlemen—I’ve just sorted your Mother’s Day gift. There are no excuses for no gifts on Sunday morning!
Profile Image for Chris Gooch.
29 reviews
April 16, 2026
I’m not going to lie, this is a tough read. It’s a tough read, but such an incredibly important read - especially for men with partners.

Touching on menopause and issues exclusive to women, it provides an honest insight that reinforces just how much we downplay women’s issues and how they are just expected to deal with things.

I actually didn’t know what the book was about when I picked it up. I just love Bron Lewis’s comedy so thought it was going to be a comedic-piece akin to a Frankie Boyle or Jimmy Carr book. I just saw it was by Bron Lewis and bought it without a second thought. There’s humour, but it’s not a comedic book, it is very much a book about womanhood, double-standards, societal norms and menopause, or perimenopause.

A brilliant moment in the book is where Bron Lewis, after painting a terrifying but still endearing picture of her mother, she gives a chapter to her mum to provide the context for the chapter that proceeds it. Written by her mum, told through her own voice.

This took a long time to read because it was a tough listen. Reading about her battles with post-natal depression, difficulties with pregnancy, birth, insecurities, the stresses and pressures of teaching, and a gripping retelling of her youngest child’s inability to wake up as an infant and being trapped in hospital with no answers during the height of Covid-protocols.

I say it is a tough read, but it is so important for any woman to read so that they know they are not alone in their thoughts and troubles in this mostly male-led world. And it is so important for men to read this so that they can understand and empathise with their partners during pregnancy and when raising children. I think it gave me a greater appreciation for everything my wife has done in our life together and it’s made me understand the Herculean effort she puts in every single day.
Profile Image for Catherine.
20 reviews
February 27, 2026
Absolutely hilarious and heartbreaking all at once

I’m 4 months postpartum and this is the first book I’ve been able to complete since my baby was born. And what a book. I couldn’t put it down and I finished it in a day. Bron is a natural storyteller. Her warmth and sense of humour shines through every page, even when describing the darkest moments of her life. Her retelling of her struggles with postpartum anxiety and depression will resonate with so many parents. Thank you Bron for letting us into your life.
Profile Image for Laura D.
5 reviews
March 22, 2026
highly recommend!!! sure it was gut wrenching and emotional and real roller coaster stuff but Bron Lewis is an amazing storyteller (both in the book and in stand up comedy). Her story is heartbreaking and so real and possibly so similar to what all mothers go through. I hope she's doing okay and that any mother struggling at the moment will find this book or at least, know that there's help out there and they aren't alone.
I should also mention there were some funny moments (fans of her comedy won't be disappointed).
Profile Image for Jessica Andrews.
7 reviews
March 21, 2026
I love Bron Lewis and her comedy! She is someone I can relate so closely with and to see the funny side of the chaos of being a working mum and wife is just so great! This is the story of her life and I laughed hard and cried hard (often at the same time)! She delves deep into the impact of female hormones on mental health and how society still has a long way to go in understanding and supporting other women! Everyone should read this - I read it in less than 24 hours! Also if you ever have the opportunity to see her do stand up live - go! She is brilliant!
Loved it!
Profile Image for Jaclyn Kennedy.
1 review
March 10, 2026
A beautifully written book. It was funny, witty and heartwrenching. Bron is able to voice the emotions and feelings that accompany postnatal depression and anxiety with such vulnerability and honesty.
I am so glad that I picked up this book.
Profile Image for Erin Black.
73 reviews
March 10, 2026
Incredible! A book every mum should and needs to read. Incredible vulnerability by the author about her life journey through 1st, 2nd and 3rd baby with so many different hardships through each one. Highly
Recommend.
129 reviews
April 10, 2026
Bron Lewis is a great storyteller, which is why she makes such a great comedian. This is the most honest account of motherhood I’ve ever read and while not everyone’s experience involves post-natal anxiety, a newborn who won’t wake up for a week and a baby who cries for four months straight, this book highlights the common guilt, overwhelm, isolation and anxiety that comes with modern motherhood. I could relate to so many of her anecdotes, even if my experience wasn’t quite as traumatic.

I think this memoir also does women a service in openly talking about things we don’t often talk about, like the impact of menopause, the constant juggle between work, caring for children and caring for ourselves (which often comes last), the sexism we often face in the medical world and the constant guilt that mothers carry from pregnancy onwards, as we are always the ones people look to when something isn’t right with our kids. I’m not sure that I would recommend this book to someone who is about to have a child, however, as it might scare the jeebies out of them.

This book is a wild ride, luring you in with Bron’s hilarious stories from growing up in a large family in country Australia, but simultaneously heartbreaking as she recounts her mother’s own struggles with her relationships, menopause and working while supporting five kids. Towards the end, the jokes peter out as we finish with the worst week of her life.

I’m going to see Bron Lewis’ standup show in a couple of months and I’m excited to see her in person now I have more insight into where she has come from. The only thing I probably would have liked more of in her book was how she transitioned from teaching to comedy, being a mother and high school teacher myself. She also has so many funny stories from her time as a school teacher in her comedy, but I feel like a lot of her experience as a teacher is rushed through rather than looking at what led to her wanting to change careers which I think could have been interesting insights into how difficult the job is with kids.
Profile Image for Mandy Enchantedbookduo.
224 reviews21 followers
March 21, 2026
Rating
5 💎

Quick Summary
This book stirred up powerful childhood memories for me, especially around my mum during menopause, and Bron captures those experiences with such honesty and heart. It’s a beautiful mix of laugh‑out‑loud moments and deeply heart‑wrenching truths that bring very real, very normal struggles vividly to life.

While Reading Thoughts
📒This brought back so many memories from my own childhood, the way Bron describes things were spot on
📒This made me think of some of my own mums actions when she was around menopause age and how as a child I had no idea about menopause so mum did just seem always angry.
📒Bron really lays it all out there and I love this book for bringing so many normal real struggles to life.
📒So many laugh out loud moments in this book that had people looking at me curiously in the lunch room 😂
📒some of this book is heart wrenching so buckle up

Words that linger
🍷Menopause, like all women’s health issues, is treated as an inconvenience to society.
🍷You probably won’t get pregnant if you take these pills, but you might neck yourself. You decide which one is worse.
🍷As adorable as she was, she was still a newborn, and newborns are my least favourite flavour of baby.

Thank Simon & Schuster for the physical copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jessica Rae.
6 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2026
I just finished I’m Not Mad Anymore by Bron Lewis and it is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long time.

As a mum of two who has struggled with anxiety, this book got me in places I didn’t even realise were aching- and then somehow gently soothed them. It captures the joy, the exhaustion, the absurdity and the deep emotional complexity of motherhood so honestly, especially the hormonal and mental health challenges that so many of us quietly carry.

Bron is a brilliant comedian, so the book is genuinely funny, but it’s also incredibly tender and moving. That mix of humour and raw truth makes it feel very real.

I only discovered Bron about 18 months ago, but she will always have a special place in my heart after this book.

I’d recommend this to anyone who is a mother- and honestly, to anyone who knows or loves a mother.

(Side note: listen to the audiobook. It's fabulous)
Profile Image for Zeitverschwender.
64 reviews34 followers
March 2, 2026
I got through the audiobook without crying (until the last 40 seconds)! I loved every second and highly recommend this book to all women and also to all men who want to support their female loved ones through all the rough stages of life.

I admire Bron Lewis as a comedian, but I love her just as much when she starts ranting about the serious or sad
parts of life. She is a treasure and I hope to hear so much more from her, on stage and as an author. Her way of reflecting on situations past has the potential to help anyone through crisis and to help forgive yourself for whatever you wish you’d done differently.
Profile Image for Leith.
60 reviews
April 4, 2026
I paid no attention to the blurb and assumed it was a standard funny memoir from a hilarious comedian, only to quickly realised it was (largely) about menopause and parenting. Despite this, I couldn’t put it down and could clearly hear Bron’s funny, generous and warm voice shine through as she told vulnerable stories about her toughest moments as a teen and then as a mother. It’s beautifully written and will absolutely be recommending to friends with young kids as it’s truly invaluable how honest it was.
Profile Image for Akke Ward.
133 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2026
I love Bron Lewis so I was so interested to learn more about her through this book. And although I am not relating to everything in the book (the majority of medical professionals I have met were generally good though the midwife during birth of my second was a dickhead) she talks so openly and honestly about the struggles of motherhood. I loved listening to her story. And I want to give her a big hug. It’s not your fault, none of it!! I am glad you finally met this one perfect GP who you allowed to help you. Big recommendation for anyone in need of some hard relates during early motherhood.
Profile Image for James Robert.
147 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2026
not what you’d expect

I enjoy Bron’s stand up and was excited to read her book. I hadn’t really looked at what the description was and found myself reading something I haven’t expected. This book is laced with humor, it is an honest and open discussion about the struggle of motherhood from all perspectives.

It’s clear that it took a lot of heart and time being uncomfortable to write, but the payoff was worth it. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Ethan.
517 reviews33 followers
April 1, 2026
A brilliant memoir. While obviously not the target audience (an American man that currently has no children), this was not only endlessly funny, but emotional and relatable as hell. Lewis writes in an incredibly human and honest way. If I ever do have children, it might be a prerequisite for my partner to read this beforehand.
1 review
March 8, 2026
I discovered Bron while I was in Australia on a trip. I guess Facebook’s algorithm worked in my favor because I fell in love with her hilarious videos. I started to follow her, and when she announced her book, I knew I needed to read it.

Wow, it was not what I expected. But, it was so beautifully raw and honest. Being a mother is hard. Being a daughter is hard. Being a wife is hard. Being a teacher is hard! I can relate to all of these things. The book made me cry at times and laugh until I cried at times. Bron is brilliant, strong, and vulnerable. I listened to the book, and I think experiencing it in her voice made it even better.

Her memoir is her tale of hormonal struggles, being a woman, balancing the demands of being a woman, and taking away the stigma of seeking help.

I highly recommend this book, and if I ever get back to Australia, I will most certainly try to get to one of her comedy shows. Fair dinkum!
Profile Image for Lara Murray.
67 reviews
March 17, 2026
As a first time mum, I needed this book. The newborn period is so over romanticised and left me feeling guilty for not being so obsessed with all aspects of motherhood. So much respect for this honest account of navigating parenting and mental health
Profile Image for Tracey.
107 reviews
March 20, 2026
A very raw, open, honest and funny book about the stages in womens lives and how we tend to just soldier on instead of seeking the real help we need.

What an amazing, crazy, risky but satisfying life you’ve had so far Bron!
Profile Image for Kerry Wasley.
39 reviews
March 30, 2026
I dont have kids, but this book is going to make me a better friend to my mates who do. What a beautiful, raw, honest book. Exceptional.

If you're a parent (or even if you're not) you should read this
Profile Image for Lizzy.
25 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2026
Another book that every mother should read. Bron is hilarious and vulnerable and finally just says what every single mum is thinking but too embarrassed/scared/guilt ridden to say out loud. Thank you Bron, fabulous book that I wish had been around when I had my kids!
Profile Image for Ellie.
344 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2026
Oof, what a book that packs a punch in so very many ways. The chapters on motherhood and all its highs and lows were so aptly written. Chapter 24 made my heart ache as did so many others. I admire Bron's vulnerability and candid approach to herself, and life.
Profile Image for Nazz.
142 reviews
May 11, 2026
A true blue insight into the world of womanhood and motherhood... told by a funny ex high school teacher. Definitely had some lols.

I imagine if you were a new mother, this is the kinda book you might need to read to remind yourself that you're doing amazing.
1 review
May 12, 2026
Heartwarming, vulnerable and so fun to read. Exactly as predicted - I laughed, I cried, and I’ll be hugging my babies a little tighter tonight. Thank you Bron for reminding us that we’re not alone in the madness of motherhood.
3 reviews
May 13, 2026
Holy mackerel. I don’t think I’ve loved a book like this in a long time. I laughed, and cried whilst reading it on the bus. I want to give copies to all my friends. And my mum who I suspect is just like Hels.
Profile Image for Kate.
1 review
March 6, 2026
Brilliant. Thank you for sharing so candidly. This is an incredibly helpful book and it will save lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews