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Your OCD Will Hate This Book: A Proven System to Overcome Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Take Back Your Life
Brought to you by Penguin.
Do you have unwanted thoughts or urges? Do you feel driven to do things just to feel okay? And is all of this taking up way too much of your time?
Welcome to the OCD club nobody wants to join. But the good news is there is a way out and this book will show you how. Drawing on a highly effective, evidence-based treatment called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), you’ll be introduced to a step-by-step plan that has helped thousands of people to take their life back – and now you can too. You’ll
How OCD works on the brain so you are one step aheadA symptom tracker to find out what you’re dealing withWhat your core fear is and how to connect to your valuesSelf-compassion strategies to manage setbacksSee this book as your very own OCD coach and therapist, supporting you every step of the way throughout your recovery. It’s time to stop living by OCD’s rule and break free.
Nathan Peterson 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Do you have unwanted thoughts or urges? Do you feel driven to do things just to feel okay? And is all of this taking up way too much of your time?
Welcome to the OCD club nobody wants to join. But the good news is there is a way out and this book will show you how. Drawing on a highly effective, evidence-based treatment called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), you’ll be introduced to a step-by-step plan that has helped thousands of people to take their life back – and now you can too. You’ll
How OCD works on the brain so you are one step aheadA symptom tracker to find out what you’re dealing withWhat your core fear is and how to connect to your valuesSelf-compassion strategies to manage setbacksSee this book as your very own OCD coach and therapist, supporting you every step of the way throughout your recovery. It’s time to stop living by OCD’s rule and break free.
Nathan Peterson 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 28, 2026
I’ll start off by saying that this a great resource for those who are struggling with OCD and want an accessible place to start in treating their OCD. As someone who struggled with OCD for most of my life, the treatment in here is very practical and accessible, and yes, it does work. It is a practice! As said in this book, it’s a marathon and not a sprint. There are times when you may take a few steps backwards, but the continued forward projection, is what matters. In saying that, this did feel a little clinical at times, and at first, the tone of this book came across kind of condescending. I’ve never watched any of the authors videos on this topic and I’m sure he has the experience with treating OCD, but the way this is written comes across as almost…superior? Maybe that’s not the right word. And maybe it IS just my OCD that’s causing me to perceive it that way. It was off putting to say the least. I’m sure he meant it as playful to make the reader comfortable, but personally, I didn’t care for it. The information is great and I think this is a great resource for those struggling with OCD. I’d recommend to those who are new to therapy or are starting out in their treatment for OCD.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 1, 2026
Fantastic read. Before you get a diagnosis I don't think you'll ever understand what this feels like. I finally feel like i can be in control again. Thank you for this book.
October 6, 2026
Nathan Peterson's Your OCD Will Hate This Book takes a direct and encouraging approach to one of the most difficult experiences associated with obsessive compulsive disorder: feeling trapped by unwanted thoughts, urges, and behaviors that can consume time and interfere with everyday life. Rather than presenting OCD as an abstract psychological concept, the book is framed around the reader's desire to regain control and stop allowing OCD to dictate how they live.
One of the book's strongest features is its focus on Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, an evidence based treatment approach for OCD. The book presents ERP through a step by step framework intended to help readers understand how OCD works, identify what they are dealing with, recognize their core fears, and begin connecting recovery work with their personal values.
The inclusion of a symptom tracker gives the book an especially practical dimension. Instead of simply reading about OCD, readers are encouraged to examine their own experiences and develop a clearer understanding of their symptoms. The emphasis on core fears and values further moves the discussion beyond simply reducing distress toward considering what kind of life the reader wants to reclaim.
Self compassion is another important element of the book's approach. Recovery from OCD can involve setbacks, uncertainty, and discomfort, making the ability to respond to those experiences with patience rather than self criticism an important part of the broader message. The concept of the book functioning as an OCD coach and supportive guide also gives it an accessible and personal quality.
The book is likely to be especially meaningful for readers living with OCD who want a structured introduction to ERP and practical tools for understanding their symptoms. It may also interest family members, caregivers, mental health professionals, and readers seeking a clearer understanding of how OCD can affect thoughts, routines, decision making, and quality of life.
At 320 pages, the book provides room to explore both the psychological mechanisms behind OCD and the practical process of working toward recovery. Its publication in 2026 also places it within an increasingly important conversation around accessible mental health education and evidence based approaches to psychological wellbeing.
An encouraging and practical guide that combines evidence based OCD treatment principles with structured exercises, self compassion, and a powerful invitation to reclaim life from obsessive compulsive disorder.
One of the book's strongest features is its focus on Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, an evidence based treatment approach for OCD. The book presents ERP through a step by step framework intended to help readers understand how OCD works, identify what they are dealing with, recognize their core fears, and begin connecting recovery work with their personal values.
The inclusion of a symptom tracker gives the book an especially practical dimension. Instead of simply reading about OCD, readers are encouraged to examine their own experiences and develop a clearer understanding of their symptoms. The emphasis on core fears and values further moves the discussion beyond simply reducing distress toward considering what kind of life the reader wants to reclaim.
Self compassion is another important element of the book's approach. Recovery from OCD can involve setbacks, uncertainty, and discomfort, making the ability to respond to those experiences with patience rather than self criticism an important part of the broader message. The concept of the book functioning as an OCD coach and supportive guide also gives it an accessible and personal quality.
The book is likely to be especially meaningful for readers living with OCD who want a structured introduction to ERP and practical tools for understanding their symptoms. It may also interest family members, caregivers, mental health professionals, and readers seeking a clearer understanding of how OCD can affect thoughts, routines, decision making, and quality of life.
At 320 pages, the book provides room to explore both the psychological mechanisms behind OCD and the practical process of working toward recovery. Its publication in 2026 also places it within an increasingly important conversation around accessible mental health education and evidence based approaches to psychological wellbeing.
An encouraging and practical guide that combines evidence based OCD treatment principles with structured exercises, self compassion, and a powerful invitation to reclaim life from obsessive compulsive disorder.
August 24, 2026
As someone who has struggled with OCD for over 16 years and has been through more therapists than I can count on both hands, I'm always looking for a way to get a better handle on my OCD, intrusive thoughts, and the time and energy that have been taken from me because of my OCD. TV and film might make OCD look like a fun little quirk, but as someone who lives with it each and every day, I can tell you, it's no picnic and it can be a living hell. I can also tell you not every person with OCD is someone who is washing their hands for 2 hours a day (no judgement here, but that seems to be the standard for what people think of those with OCD).
This book was recommended to me by my psychiatrist, and I immediately placed an order for it on Amazon. When my psychiatrist talks, I listen! The best part about this book is the conversational tone that Nathan Peterson takes when talking to you, the reader. It makes the book fun (yes, treating your mental illness can be fun), funny, and relatable. He's not looking to bore the reader with a bunch of numbers, stats, and useless information. While there is nothing wrong with that for some people, sometimes you just want someone to talk to you like a human being who knows what you are going through and has practical, everyday tools that can help you overcome your OCD.
It might sound corny or cliché to say a book makes you feel seen and heard, but that is 110 percent the case here. He also has a QR code with worksheets. You aren't going to read a book on OCD and suddenly become cured overnight. No such book exists. However, this is the best book on the subject because Nathan is a straight shooter. There are no shortcuts with OCD. You have to put the work in, consistently, day in and day out. However, he reminds you of what OCD has taken from you, why you are worth it, and how you can do it.
This is the playbook on OCD and how to cure it. It's up to you to do the rest. It starts with reading this book, which gave me the confidence and the push to tackle my OCD and get it under control so it doesn't take anymore of my life away from me. If you, too, are struggling with OCD, I can't recommend this book enough. It's absolutely perfect, and I loved the writing style and the examples used in the book.
This book was recommended to me by my psychiatrist, and I immediately placed an order for it on Amazon. When my psychiatrist talks, I listen! The best part about this book is the conversational tone that Nathan Peterson takes when talking to you, the reader. It makes the book fun (yes, treating your mental illness can be fun), funny, and relatable. He's not looking to bore the reader with a bunch of numbers, stats, and useless information. While there is nothing wrong with that for some people, sometimes you just want someone to talk to you like a human being who knows what you are going through and has practical, everyday tools that can help you overcome your OCD.
It might sound corny or cliché to say a book makes you feel seen and heard, but that is 110 percent the case here. He also has a QR code with worksheets. You aren't going to read a book on OCD and suddenly become cured overnight. No such book exists. However, this is the best book on the subject because Nathan is a straight shooter. There are no shortcuts with OCD. You have to put the work in, consistently, day in and day out. However, he reminds you of what OCD has taken from you, why you are worth it, and how you can do it.
This is the playbook on OCD and how to cure it. It's up to you to do the rest. It starts with reading this book, which gave me the confidence and the push to tackle my OCD and get it under control so it doesn't take anymore of my life away from me. If you, too, are struggling with OCD, I can't recommend this book enough. It's absolutely perfect, and I loved the writing style and the examples used in the book.
September 30, 2026
A very thorough guide to beating OCD. The author's experience counseling people shines through, because he really gets the fear associated with ERP treatments, and he helps break down the readers' defenses through well-reasoned explanations and examples. This book also has an unusually broad representation of different obsessional themes, even as the author emphasizes that what matters isn't the theme, but the underlying mechanism of OCD. The book clearly shows how you can defeat any variety of OCD by facing your fears, stopping compulsions, and learning to shrug off the intrusive thoughts.
This book's organization of ideas flows well, with each chapter building on the foundation laid before it. I also like how the author included sample conversations with a representation of a client. I found it helpful that you can follow this single person through their whole treatment process, instead of reading random, unrelated vignettes about different patients.
Although some people found the author's tone off-putting, that's just a matter of personal taste. I enjoyed the sometimes sarcastic tone, since I have found a similar sense of humor helpful in dealing with my OCD.
I wish that the publisher had included the worksheets in each chapter or within an appendix, instead of linking to QR codes every time. I would have liked to read through the worksheets as part of the book, and since web content changes and isn't permanent, these worksheets may disappear someday. I think that all treatment-focused content should be included in books like these, instead of being an ephemeral, external resource.
I recommend this book to people who are struggling with OCD, regardless how long they've been dealing with it or how familiar they are with the topic. This book has helpful perspectives for anyone with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, regardless where they are in their healing journey or how many other OCD books they've read.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book's organization of ideas flows well, with each chapter building on the foundation laid before it. I also like how the author included sample conversations with a representation of a client. I found it helpful that you can follow this single person through their whole treatment process, instead of reading random, unrelated vignettes about different patients.
Although some people found the author's tone off-putting, that's just a matter of personal taste. I enjoyed the sometimes sarcastic tone, since I have found a similar sense of humor helpful in dealing with my OCD.
I wish that the publisher had included the worksheets in each chapter or within an appendix, instead of linking to QR codes every time. I would have liked to read through the worksheets as part of the book, and since web content changes and isn't permanent, these worksheets may disappear someday. I think that all treatment-focused content should be included in books like these, instead of being an ephemeral, external resource.
I recommend this book to people who are struggling with OCD, regardless how long they've been dealing with it or how familiar they are with the topic. This book has helpful perspectives for anyone with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, regardless where they are in their healing journey or how many other OCD books they've read.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As we rely more on social media, google searches, and AI, I have seen OCD symptoms creep up in my patients. There are so many subtle ways to do checks/seek reassurance/behave compulsively. I think many social media accounts give bad advice, masquerading as good advice, that perpetuate the OCD cycle. I was so excited to receive an advance copy of this book for review; it was fantastic! This book is clear, uses humor, and helps people understand the neuroscience behind OCD. It is very accessible for the general population, but would also be helpful to clinicians who have heard about ERP or are just realizing that things they thought were "normal anxiety" are actually OCD. I will definitely recommend this book to clients and colleagues alike. I work as a therapist in private practice, but also in an urban college setting. The informal way this is written would definitely appeal to both populations, but particularly millennial or gen Z college students. Peterson uses humor and metaphor in the same way I do in session, so I think this book would feel like a natural extension of the work we do. I love when a workbook is approachable and can supplement the work we already do in session. From an equity and access standpoint, this book makes treatment for OCD so available, regardless of a patient's insurance or financial resources. Thanks to Net Galley and Dutton Plume for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I’m not finished reading this yet but I wanted to review it anyway. I was diagnosed with OCD many years ago. I have done this ERP therapy with my therapist in the past. And I was fairly successful. It is something that you have to keep at it. Unfortunately I have slacked and now I have fallen back into my old patterns. I really like how he dives in and explains the different types of compulsions. There were things I recognized that I thought was just my anxiety. Turns out it’s my OCD. He explains the steps really well. And gives examples for all kinds of compulsions. I highly recommend this book and ERP therapy. It really does help.
August 23, 2026
This spring I was having what I call a "shame attack." An internet search led me to some information about OCD, and suddenly my whole life made sense. I knew I had had religious OCD as a kid, but I thought I had outgrown that. Turns out my OCD had grown with me and morphed many times over the years into responsibility OCD, relationship OCD, real event OCD, and all the variations on a theme of scrupulosity. So I bought this book! And it has been life-changing. This is a very practical guide to treating OCD. It's very accessible/readable. It was exactly what I needed. I was lucky it came out just a few weeks after I had this self-realization breakthrough. Thanks, Nathan Peterson!
September 14, 2026
Nathan is the best resource for accessible OCD treatment. His book is a good entry point for people starting on their journey towards both discovery, acceptance, and ultimately, recovery. While I don’t think there’s anything new in this book that I haven’t read from other resources, I think that Nathan always has exceptional delivery and a good attitude that makes recovery feel possible. For OCD, this is like 8/10 of the battle - believing that you can tolerate the uncomfortable. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook. While this doesn’t replace treatment by a trained professional, I think this is an excellent tool in any person’s arsenal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this is a great resource and will use it personally and professionally. I’ve read and used a lot of OCD books/workbooks and this one’s success lies in its effortless readability and friendly tone. When I’m struggling I don’t want to turn to my academic resources, I want to turn to something that feels like a friendly push in the right direction. This book provides a realistic and supportive guide through ERP and I think everybody affected by OCD should give it a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2026
automatic five stars. i’ve spent years of my life battling OCD and one of the very best tools i’ve ever had is nathan peterson’s youtube channel. when i was really in the thick of it, i probably watched every video he’d ever made at least three times. i’ve been in recovery for a few years, but i recently hit a rough patch, so i knew i had to read this book. honestly, i already knew pretty much everything in it, but it was good to remind myself of the basics. would def recommend to anyone newly diagnosed
September 22, 2026
Not sure this was actually helpful. In a lot of cases I get it and can definitely use it for the mental repetitions. However, my issue is clutter. I already have areas in my house that are allowed to build up and I ignore (ie my husband's dresser). The idea of being okay with things getting messier does not work for me. The idea of my house looking like a hoarder stresses me out. Thus, the book caused me to go on a verbal rant and clean half my house. Apparently, I'd rather live with a certain level of OCD than adjust to living in a mess. It's okay to have standards.
October 9, 2026
A truly life-changing resource that makes ERP methods available to anyone. It comes with a downloadable PDF workbook. I am in ERP therapy and decided to use this book as supplemental material, and I found it to be so thorough that I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't have insurance for ERP therapy as a helpful alternative. The author is a little bit repetitive and uses a bit too many metaphors, but otherwise this book is incredibly solid and accessible to anyone experiencing OCD or wanting to learn more about it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
While reading, it feels like I'm talking to a friend who knows me so well. I've also been more aware of some OCDs I have.
Will work through them through the help of this book. Hopefully, I'll be more comfortable and less anxious when dealing with them.
While reading, it feels like I'm talking to a friend who knows me so well. I've also been more aware of some OCDs I have.
Will work through them through the help of this book. Hopefully, I'll be more comfortable and less anxious when dealing with them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the best book I’ve ever read on OCD and Exposure & Response Prevention. I’m not an OCD specialist so I don’t see a lot of clients with OCD. But, if I did have a client and we suspected they might have OCD, this would be the first resource I’d offer. Even without any other training, I feel like I could be a decent support partner for someone who wanted to try this on their own, using the book. (Obviously with severe OCD, a trained professional would be better). This book is super detailed, so you can make a hierarchy list of your obsessions/compulsions, plan exposures, plan responses, and know how you’ll prevent compulsions. He helps you plan for regular practice and also plan for maintenance when you’re doing better. Every detail is covered here, so if you want to know more about OCD, or you have clients who could benefit, this is the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am an OCD specialist and certified in ERP. This book was wonderful! So digestible and easy to follow. Great read for OCD clients (I wish I had this when I was starting my own OCD treatment) and for clinicians. I will definitely be recommending this book to all my OCD clients going forward,
August 24, 2026
love Nathan’s YouTube videos & I loved his book. Practical action based steps for OCD recovery.
September 1, 2026
Very interesting I did not know what I was gonna think about this at first, but I quite enjoyed reading it a lot of interesting stuff in this book
September 8, 2026
A great primer on ERP for clients and clinicians.
September 19, 2026
This book was either ghost authored or heavily edited by AI and after reading a couple of chapters I had to stop.
Read
September 26, 2026
These thoughts don't define me, and they don't deserve my fear.
unfortunately this was pretty helpful
unfortunately this was pretty helpful
October 11, 2026
Helpful information. I didn't love the narrative.
October 13, 2026
Brilliant book . Worth a read will need to re-read the tips to help myself . Love this guys YouTube and insights into ocd therapy
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews