What do you think?
The Power of No: A Celebration
A powerful, patriarchy-defying manifesto that will transform your relationship to saying “no”—from the award-winning writer, co-founder of Jezebel, and former New York Times "Work Friend" advice columnist
When was the last time you said “no”? Not, I don’t think so, or maybe, or let me think about it; but a full-throated “NO”? And how often do you agree to do things you don’t want to do? Most of us—especially those who don’t wield traditional modes of power, or, at least, not as much relative to others—often find ourselves navigating around “no” and landing on “okay” or “sure” instead.
The Power of No releases us from our white-knuckled grip on agreeability. In this eclectic yet empowering book, Atlantic contributing writer Anna Holmes explores why it’s difficult for many of us to utter that two-letter word on its own, through an idiosyncratic mix of searing analysis, expert-led research, and stirring insights from the likes of Charlotte Brontë to Shonda Rhimes. From the linguistic, to the societal, to the psychological—from our impressionable childhood to the revelations of middle age—to sex, desire, and bodily autonomy, Holmes playfully traces how “no” shapes our lives and, if exercised properly, can radically change the way we carry ourselves and move about the world.
Equal parts heartfelt meditation and fiery manifesto, The Power of No is a call to embrace the invigorating truth that “no” is a complete sentence.
When was the last time you said “no”? Not, I don’t think so, or maybe, or let me think about it; but a full-throated “NO”? And how often do you agree to do things you don’t want to do? Most of us—especially those who don’t wield traditional modes of power, or, at least, not as much relative to others—often find ourselves navigating around “no” and landing on “okay” or “sure” instead.
The Power of No releases us from our white-knuckled grip on agreeability. In this eclectic yet empowering book, Atlantic contributing writer Anna Holmes explores why it’s difficult for many of us to utter that two-letter word on its own, through an idiosyncratic mix of searing analysis, expert-led research, and stirring insights from the likes of Charlotte Brontë to Shonda Rhimes. From the linguistic, to the societal, to the psychological—from our impressionable childhood to the revelations of middle age—to sex, desire, and bodily autonomy, Holmes playfully traces how “no” shapes our lives and, if exercised properly, can radically change the way we carry ourselves and move about the world.
Equal parts heartfelt meditation and fiery manifesto, The Power of No is a call to embrace the invigorating truth that “no” is a complete sentence.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
160 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Anna Holmes
37 books26 followersAnna Holmes has written and edited for numerous publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, InStyle and The New Yorker online. She is the founder of the popular website Jezebel.com and the 2012 recipient of a Mirror Award for Best Commentary. In 2013 her Twitter account was named one of the top 140 Twitter feeds by Time Magazine, at which point she became incredibly self-conscious and stopped tweeting as much. She is the editor of two books, including the Book of Jezebel. She lives in New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 23, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a collection of quotes and short paragraphs about the word "no," rather than being actual long-form essays. There was no indication in the title or in the description on Goodreads that this was specifically for women, which I think would have been helpful to know going in. I do wish it had gone into a lot more depth about some of these quotes and ideas, and a bibliography would have been helpful. The fragmentary nature of the book made me feel like I was just being bombarded with quotes and tiny stories, rather than leaving me with any major lasting impressions. I did appreciate the brevity of it, however.
The preface was promising, seven or so pages with an overview of "no" and a personal anecdote from the author. I had hoped that the rest of it would be similar, anecdotes mixed in with other perspectives from authors and other thinkers, but it turned out to be much more fragmentary than that. There are certainly some interesting quotes and stories in here, and I appreciated the variety of sources, from old, obviously outdated expectations around women, to more modern feminist takes.
The book is very fragmentary, though, and so it feels choppy as a result, jumping from one topic to another instead of being organized more cohesively. The commentary is often frustratingly brief. There are multiple places where the author includes an extended passage from an obviously outdated or ridiculous perspective, and her only commentary is to quote a particularly egregious phrase from the passage and put a "?!" in disbelief. There is one page that is literally just "Maybe Nancy Reagan was onto something." And nothing else. I wanted more analysis. There is also no conclusion to go with the preface; the book just ends with a list of why we say "no" and then some blank lined pages for notes.
It's short and sweet, but it's far too short and fragmentary to really make a lasting impact. There's multiple times in the book where it feels like the author could have expanded some story of one or two pages into an actual essay, but instead, it just feels like a collection of random notes that were jotted down and put into a book. But it is a good reference containing a variety of interesting quotes, and it's quite easy to get through quickly.
This is a collection of quotes and short paragraphs about the word "no," rather than being actual long-form essays. There was no indication in the title or in the description on Goodreads that this was specifically for women, which I think would have been helpful to know going in. I do wish it had gone into a lot more depth about some of these quotes and ideas, and a bibliography would have been helpful. The fragmentary nature of the book made me feel like I was just being bombarded with quotes and tiny stories, rather than leaving me with any major lasting impressions. I did appreciate the brevity of it, however.
The preface was promising, seven or so pages with an overview of "no" and a personal anecdote from the author. I had hoped that the rest of it would be similar, anecdotes mixed in with other perspectives from authors and other thinkers, but it turned out to be much more fragmentary than that. There are certainly some interesting quotes and stories in here, and I appreciated the variety of sources, from old, obviously outdated expectations around women, to more modern feminist takes.
The book is very fragmentary, though, and so it feels choppy as a result, jumping from one topic to another instead of being organized more cohesively. The commentary is often frustratingly brief. There are multiple places where the author includes an extended passage from an obviously outdated or ridiculous perspective, and her only commentary is to quote a particularly egregious phrase from the passage and put a "?!" in disbelief. There is one page that is literally just "Maybe Nancy Reagan was onto something." And nothing else. I wanted more analysis. There is also no conclusion to go with the preface; the book just ends with a list of why we say "no" and then some blank lined pages for notes.
It's short and sweet, but it's far too short and fragmentary to really make a lasting impact. There's multiple times in the book where it feels like the author could have expanded some story of one or two pages into an actual essay, but instead, it just feels like a collection of random notes that were jotted down and put into a book. But it is a good reference containing a variety of interesting quotes, and it's quite easy to get through quickly.
July 21, 2026
A book every woman needs to read and every mother needs to give her daughter! This was a quick read with lessons and words that will sit with you for along time to come. As babies, "no" is one of our first words but before becoming teens, many of us have stopped using the word for a variety of reasons. Although many of the lessons in the book were ones I was already familiar with, they were great reminders. I read this book at the perfect time...right as school is about to be back in session and the demands will once again begin.
September 15, 2026
A quick, interesting read about saying no. I liked that Holmes debated multiple perspectives of saying no, and why it’s important (for our health, our boundaries, our sense of self). You can tell she has done a lot of research into the topic. I think this is a book everyone, regardless of your gender, should read at some point.
Thank you Canongate Books for sending me a copy ahead of its release.
Thank you Canongate Books for sending me a copy ahead of its release.
September 23, 2026
This was a short read but felt more like it was just a book of quotes that other people said and what others have researched.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
"One can simply go silent. Which is both powerful and terrifying. Silence can say so much." Pg. 51
Theme: Social Science - Women's Studies
Female apes have a much stronger grasp on the concept of "no" than humans. If they're disinterested in a males advances, they simply walk away. (p. 53) Woman would do well to adapt this approach into their own social lives.
The Power of No gently reminds us that the gift of pause isn't just for ourselves, but for all who witness our expression of autonomy—perhaps inspiring others with the courage to do the same. Sometimes, doing nothing makes the loudest statement of all, a pattern we've seen time and time again throughout history. Embracing this boundaries-first mindset also frees up room for the opportunities we genuinely want to say "yes!" to.
"Dear man: please stop asking.
Signed: a Woman." Pg. 70
As a fellow DBT patient, I found this quote delightful, and I was thrilled to see such a critical mental health concept discussed within No. The Sandwich Exercise was equally enlightening, serving as a practical way to integrate non-sexual consent in a safe space—or "building a culture of consent," (p. 111) as stated by Professor Kate Lockwood Harris of the University of Minnesota.
"I'm in a season of no." - Professor Alison Wood Brooks of Harvard Business School on p. 81
Though brief, the inclusion of voices from women of color and discussions of indigenous perspectives felt essential. Throughout this empowering read, specific charts breakdown Why We Don't Say "No," Ways to Say "No," and finally the pinnacle: Why We Say "No." These pages are full of poignant reflection from Holmes herself alongside a diverse cast of women who foster a true sense of solidarity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Rating: 4/5 Stars
"Tits up!" (p. 109) as sexologist Midori would say. This gorgeous hardcover is a quick read primed to be underlined and dog-eared for years to come. It’s the perfect gift for a daughter or sister—or simply a grounding reminder to ourselves of not just The Power of No, but our own innate power, too.
Many thanks to the publisher for the free Goodreads Giveaway copy!
May 29, 2026
3.5 stars. NO IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE. I feel like this book gave me permission to say no, and I love it for that, but some of the structure didn’t really work for me.
The people-pleasing discussion obviously resonated with me so much. And the book specifically mentions little girls becoming aware of society, and societal expectations, around age 8 (that tracked, I agree!) “I am aware of a time, before the age of eight, when I felt more free to put my foot down, to enact boundaries, and to say "no." After that, I began to distrust my own intuition, reject my own needs and wants, and all but collapse into myself.”
The people-pleasing discussion obviously resonated with me so much. And the book specifically mentions little girls becoming aware of society, and societal expectations, around age 8 (that tracked, I agree!) “I am aware of a time, before the age of eight, when I felt more free to put my foot down, to enact boundaries, and to say "no." After that, I began to distrust my own intuition, reject my own needs and wants, and all but collapse into myself.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a very light and easy to read self help book on a word that holds unbearable weight for some.
One of my favorite focuses throughout the book is the divide between men and women when it comes to relationships, boundaries, and the ability to confidently say “no.”
The book challenges the idea that saying no is rude, selfish, or something we should feel guilty about, and instead presents it as an essential part of protecting your time, energy, relationships, and sense of self.
So, say NO to spending hours slogging through other self-help books and say YES to this one. it’s a quick read that could turbo-charge the mental, physical, and spiritual quality of your life.
One of my favorite focuses throughout the book is the divide between men and women when it comes to relationships, boundaries, and the ability to confidently say “no.”
The book challenges the idea that saying no is rude, selfish, or something we should feel guilty about, and instead presents it as an essential part of protecting your time, energy, relationships, and sense of self.
So, say NO to spending hours slogging through other self-help books and say YES to this one. it’s a quick read that could turbo-charge the mental, physical, and spiritual quality of your life.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
“To say “no” to one things is to say “yes” to another: Integrity. Morals. Strength. Courage. Freedom. Beliefs. Time. Bandwidth. Self-care. Mental health. Our communities. Ourselves.”
Celibate sluthood.
“What would please you right now?”
Celibate sluthood.
“What would please you right now?”
September 19, 2026
Super short and not really anything groundbreaking.
August 21, 2026
I highly recommend this book to people who are new to the concept of setting boundaries and saying NO.
While reading like a curated collection of quotes, Anna Holmes’s book powerfully explores the societal pressures that make saying "no" uniquely difficult for women.
I especially liked how she connects this boundary-setting to the vital importance of self-defence and reclaiming physical autonomy.
This book is a necessary reminder that saying "no" is an act of self-care and self-prioritisation.
However, while the book serves as a comforting reminder, it gently reinforces familiar ideas rather than introducing new concepts, making it a lovely refresher though perhaps a bit basic for those already practiced in setting boundaries.
While reading like a curated collection of quotes, Anna Holmes’s book powerfully explores the societal pressures that make saying "no" uniquely difficult for women.
I especially liked how she connects this boundary-setting to the vital importance of self-defence and reclaiming physical autonomy.
This book is a necessary reminder that saying "no" is an act of self-care and self-prioritisation.
However, while the book serves as a comforting reminder, it gently reinforces familiar ideas rather than introducing new concepts, making it a lovely refresher though perhaps a bit basic for those already practiced in setting boundaries.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews