Sometimes You Should be Late: The quiet rebellion of slowing down in a world obsessed with speed

by Alex Snider

242 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy book to read and I especially liked the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. It did challenge me to think about my views on time and reflect on times when I was too attached to my own or someone else’s punctuality.

I’ve enjoyed the author’s Substack writings for quite a while and this felt like an extension of that; they are very well written and captivating posts. I also thought it was a unique take on mindfulness since it focuses on the fast or slow nature of presence instead of just being present, like most mindfulness books.

The writing did feel a bit prescriptive at times and I would have liked to see fewer, but more in depth stories about how the author focused on making time more relational.

[Mara W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Copy. This is a thoughtful and encouraging read. It offers practical reminders to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and reaffirms going against the pressure to always be busy. The writing is engaging, relatable, and full of insights that are easy to apply in everyday life. I enjoyed the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

*Sometimes You Should Be Late* was such a timely read for me. I think I picked it up at exactly the right moment because the message of slowing down, paying attention, and questioning the constant pressure to always be productive really resonated.

What I liked most was that this wasn’t another book telling me how to optimise my schedule or squeeze more into my day. Instead, Alex Snider takes a step back and asks a much bigger question: what are we actually rushing towards, and what are we missing when we’re always focused on being efficient? I really appreciated the reminder that being present for people, noticing small moments, and making space for what matters can sometimes be more important than sticking perfectly to the plan.

I enjoyed the way the author combined stories, research, and reflections on everyday life. There were definitely moments where I found myself thinking about my own habits and how often we prioritise being “on time,” productive, or useful over simply being present.

I think this book will especially appeal to readers who feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to achieve, be busy, or always be improving themselves. It’s a gentle reminder that a meaningful life isn’t necessarily built around doing more.

My only reason for not rating this higher is that, because the central message is quite focused, some ideas felt familiar by the later sections. I also think readers looking for practical strategies or a step-by-step guide might be disappointed, as this is much more about reflection and changing the way we think about time.

Overall, this was a thoughtful and calming read that encouraged me to pause and reflect on where my attention goes and whether it aligns with what I actually value. A book I’m glad I read, and one I think I’ll return to when life starts feeling too rushed.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Actual Rating = 3.75 stars)

Sometimes You Should Be Late explores how time management helps us be more emotionally present and available.

I’m connected to the author on LinkedIn, so when he posted about searching for beta readers for his upcoming book, I said yes. I’m glad I did. Sometimes You Should Be Late challenges you to think about how you manage your time. Yes, maybe you’re always punctual, but are you always emotionally present? What could you do to get more out of your interactions with people so that you’re not rushing through life? The author offers suggestions for experimenting with how to manage your time better so that you’re making more time for connections. It’s not always going to be an easy book to read, because you’re going to reevaluate the lessons you learned about time management from family, friends, and employers, but it is worth it to understand why you feel so rushed and frazzled.

[Allison Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super inspiring yet practical guide to actively choosing at what pace we want to live our lives. I know I tend to say or do things I regret when I think I’m running late… The lessons in this book helped me extend more grace to myself and others. It counters the productivity culture talking point that being on time is respectful of others. This book helped me understand that running “late,” other than being a Western capitalist invention, can be a sign of someone needing to slow down to show compassion for themselves or others. It’s a provocative idea that once you understand it isn’t all that provocative at all, just human.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful book about our relationships to time and each other, and how we can improve both of these relationships by being more mindful about when and how we should rush or slow down. Not only does it weave anecdotes with research, it's simultaneously a guidebook with concrete actions you can try.

This review is for an ARC (my first!), thank you Alex for trusting me with your work and congratulations on your first book!

[Tammy Ritterskamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This was a quick, self-reflecting read that gave me some good food-for-thought around my relationship to time and how it impacts me and those around me. At times, I felt like the author was regurgitating quotes or passages from other books too much. I found the personal narratives to be more impactful in illustrating the concepts than quotes from other writers.