What do you think?
On Our Knees: Loving Your Life Even When You Hate What's Happening
From the New York Times best-selling author of Pussy comes a radical curriculum for claiming your full radiance—by first claiming your darkness.
You have been strong for so long. You have managed, adapted, optimized, and soldiered on. You have said I'm fine so many times that you've almost convinced yourself it's true.
But you know what's happening. The world is crumbling. Your carefully constructed life may be too. And somewhere inside you, a voice you've been trained to ignore is asking a question you're not sure you're allowed to What if surrendering is not defeat—but the most powerful thing you have ever done?
In On Our Knees, the New York Times best-selling author of A Reclamation faces this question head-on. On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning—with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself—in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life.
Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes—Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and more—Mama Gena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest That surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
Inside this book, you will
Why the word Fine is formaldehyde for a woman's soul and the pleasure practice that breaks the spell The erotic science behind why pleasure is not indulgence, but the most radical act of healing available to women todayTen goddess archetypes—each a map for a different kind of heartbreak, rage, exile, the mother wound, the longing for loveThe "Courtesan's Journey"—Mama Gena's most powerful teaching on eroticizing your darkest material into unstoppable forward momentumEmbodied "Initiations" at the end of every chapter—rituals to move what's stuck in your body and alchemize grief, rage, and loss into powerWhy the collapse you are living through right now is not punishment—it is the making of the most turned-on, most sovereign woman you have ever been
This is not a book about surviving your life. It is a book about being undone by it — and discovering, in that undoing, a feminine power so ancient, so vast, and so shockingly alive that nothing will ever look the same again.
This audio product contains a PDF with supporting material, and the PDF is available to download.
You have been strong for so long. You have managed, adapted, optimized, and soldiered on. You have said I'm fine so many times that you've almost convinced yourself it's true.
But you know what's happening. The world is crumbling. Your carefully constructed life may be too. And somewhere inside you, a voice you've been trained to ignore is asking a question you're not sure you're allowed to What if surrendering is not defeat—but the most powerful thing you have ever done?
In On Our Knees, the New York Times best-selling author of A Reclamation faces this question head-on. On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning—with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself—in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life.
Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes—Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and more—Mama Gena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest That surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
Inside this book, you will
Why the word Fine is formaldehyde for a woman's soul and the pleasure practice that breaks the spell The erotic science behind why pleasure is not indulgence, but the most radical act of healing available to women todayTen goddess archetypes—each a map for a different kind of heartbreak, rage, exile, the mother wound, the longing for loveThe "Courtesan's Journey"—Mama Gena's most powerful teaching on eroticizing your darkest material into unstoppable forward momentumEmbodied "Initiations" at the end of every chapter—rituals to move what's stuck in your body and alchemize grief, rage, and loss into powerWhy the collapse you are living through right now is not punishment—it is the making of the most turned-on, most sovereign woman you have ever been
This is not a book about surviving your life. It is a book about being undone by it — and discovering, in that undoing, a feminine power so ancient, so vast, and so shockingly alive that nothing will ever look the same again.
This audio product contains a PDF with supporting material, and the PDF is available to download.
Audible Audio
Published August 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 30, 2026
On Our Knees is an empowering read that explores women's sexuality through a lens of self-discovery and confidence. While not every aspect of the book resonated with me, I appreciated its central message of embracing female sexuality without shame.
One of my favourite elements was the inclusion of goddesses from different cultures and religions. As a history major, I found myself intrigued by some of the figures and stories I wasn't familiar with. I ended up Googling several of them to learn more about their historical and cultural significance, which added an unexpected educational element to the reading experience.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and its perspective. It offers an interesting blend of empowerment, mythology, and spirituality that many readers may find inspiring. While it wasn't a perfect five-star read for me, it's definitely worth picking up if you're interested in exploring these themes.
One of my favourite elements was the inclusion of goddesses from different cultures and religions. As a history major, I found myself intrigued by some of the figures and stories I wasn't familiar with. I ended up Googling several of them to learn more about their historical and cultural significance, which added an unexpected educational element to the reading experience.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and its perspective. It offers an interesting blend of empowerment, mythology, and spirituality that many readers may find inspiring. While it wasn't a perfect five-star read for me, it's definitely worth picking up if you're interested in exploring these themes.
August 9, 2026
On Our Knees is one of those books where my response became almost as interesting to me as the book itself.
Regena Thomashauer uses the mythology of different goddesses alongside memoir, psychology and reflections on women's lives to explore pleasure, trauma, surrender, sexuality, power and reconnection with the self.
The mythology was probably my favourite part. I have read a lot of mythology, yet many of these stories were completely new to me. I loved being introduced to myths centred on women and female experience that had somehow escaped my previous reading, and I often found myself wishing for even more time with the goddesses.
I was particularly impressed by Thomashauer's understanding of trauma. She doesn't over-explain it. She can describe the way a child's nervous system learns vigilance, or how love, home, fear and chaos can become intertwined, and trust the reader to understand the significance.
Her exploration of pleasure challenged me much more than I expected. The book doesn't present pleasure simply as sex or as an antidote to suffering. Instead, it asks whether experiencing pleasure fully also requires us to become capable of facing pain rather than numbing ourselves against it. Pleasure becomes part of embodiment and reconnection with the self.
I also appreciated that Thomashauer doesn't pretend that individual empowerment can magically overcome the realities women live within. She discusses those realities directly and supports them with data. Her version of reclaiming power isn't really about controlling what happens to us; it is about changing our relationship with ourselves within circumstances we may not be able to control.
Interestingly, the book also made me interrogate my own prejudices. I sometimes found Thomashauer self-aggrandising, then caught myself wondering whether I was judging her fairly. Was she actually overstating herself, or was I uncomfortable with a woman speaking so unapologetically about her own authority? I still don't entirely know. I rather like that the book made me ask.
My main criticism is that it gradually becomes very autobiographical. I enjoyed many of Thomashauer's personal stories, but there were a lot of them, and some of the connections back to the goddess myths felt loose. Eventually I found myself wanting more mythology and less autobiography, and I think the book could have been tighter overall.
But I'm leaving it with something I didn't have when I started: a changed perspective and greater curiosity about some of the parts of myself I haven't yet explored.
I didn't need this book to persuade me of everything it believes to get something valuable from it. In the end, perhaps its greatest success was making me notice the places where I resisted it — and wonder why.
Regena Thomashauer uses the mythology of different goddesses alongside memoir, psychology and reflections on women's lives to explore pleasure, trauma, surrender, sexuality, power and reconnection with the self.
The mythology was probably my favourite part. I have read a lot of mythology, yet many of these stories were completely new to me. I loved being introduced to myths centred on women and female experience that had somehow escaped my previous reading, and I often found myself wishing for even more time with the goddesses.
I was particularly impressed by Thomashauer's understanding of trauma. She doesn't over-explain it. She can describe the way a child's nervous system learns vigilance, or how love, home, fear and chaos can become intertwined, and trust the reader to understand the significance.
Her exploration of pleasure challenged me much more than I expected. The book doesn't present pleasure simply as sex or as an antidote to suffering. Instead, it asks whether experiencing pleasure fully also requires us to become capable of facing pain rather than numbing ourselves against it. Pleasure becomes part of embodiment and reconnection with the self.
I also appreciated that Thomashauer doesn't pretend that individual empowerment can magically overcome the realities women live within. She discusses those realities directly and supports them with data. Her version of reclaiming power isn't really about controlling what happens to us; it is about changing our relationship with ourselves within circumstances we may not be able to control.
Interestingly, the book also made me interrogate my own prejudices. I sometimes found Thomashauer self-aggrandising, then caught myself wondering whether I was judging her fairly. Was she actually overstating herself, or was I uncomfortable with a woman speaking so unapologetically about her own authority? I still don't entirely know. I rather like that the book made me ask.
My main criticism is that it gradually becomes very autobiographical. I enjoyed many of Thomashauer's personal stories, but there were a lot of them, and some of the connections back to the goddess myths felt loose. Eventually I found myself wanting more mythology and less autobiography, and I think the book could have been tighter overall.
But I'm leaving it with something I didn't have when I started: a changed perspective and greater curiosity about some of the parts of myself I haven't yet explored.
I didn't need this book to persuade me of everything it believes to get something valuable from it. In the end, perhaps its greatest success was making me notice the places where I resisted it — and wonder why.
July 31, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
This was such an empowering read. I really enjoyed it from page one. I love how it centers on a subject that society tells us not to ever talk about. I love how the author introduces us to the different goddesses and how powerful sexuality truly is. I loved how the book was very direct and didn’t hold back. This book will not be for everyone but it was truly an amazing read.
This was such an empowering read. I really enjoyed it from page one. I love how it centers on a subject that society tells us not to ever talk about. I love how the author introduces us to the different goddesses and how powerful sexuality truly is. I loved how the book was very direct and didn’t hold back. This book will not be for everyone but it was truly an amazing read.
August 9, 2026
I could not get enough of this audiobook! The author narrates it herself, and she does an amazing job emphasizing the main points and bringing her message to life.
I actually preordered a physical copy because I know I’ll want to refer back to it whenever I need a little reminder of empowerment and self-love. The author does a wonderful job explaining divine femininity, incorporating historical references and personal anecdotes that make the book both insightful and relatable.
Overall, this is a great addition to anyone’s bookshelf who could use a little boost of confidence, empowerment, and self-love!
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this ARC!
I actually preordered a physical copy because I know I’ll want to refer back to it whenever I need a little reminder of empowerment and self-love. The author does a wonderful job explaining divine femininity, incorporating historical references and personal anecdotes that make the book both insightful and relatable.
Overall, this is a great addition to anyone’s bookshelf who could use a little boost of confidence, empowerment, and self-love!
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's been ten years since Pussy came out, and Mama Gena is finally following it up!
Honestly, I'm sure that's all most SGs will need to hear. Personally, all I needed to see was her name on the cover, and I was sold.
But if you need more...
If you've been waiting forMama Gena Regena Thomashauer to write a memoir, then your wish has finally been granted, because that's really what this is. It's framed beautifully, but ultimately, it's largely a walkthrough of much of her life (some things she's been open about previously, some things we've seen during her time in the public eye, some much more vulnerable shares). Those who have followed her work for a long time might love the chance to connect with her on a deeper level; those who have struggled with her work might appreciate the alternate lens through which to view it. Those who learn best through connection might feel that some of the practices and concepts she teaches finally feel real when shared through her example.
That said, if you're not in one of those groups—if a memoir isn't what you're looking for right now—then this might not be the book for you. If you're new to Regena Thomashauer's work, then even if the frame behind this book resonates, I would still probably recommend starting with a different one of her books ("Pussy" or "School or Womanly Arts" would be the obvious suggestions, but whichever one calls to you is probably a good choice) because this book is largely written as if readers already understand a lot about Regena Thomashauer's work and practices (while brief explanations are included for the basic practices, they aren't broken down to the degree they are elsewhere, and you may still stumble on certain terminology that is never explained). This largely feels like a book for long-time followers of Regena Thomashauer's work, and honestly, that's kind of nice.
That being said, the memoir weaves in the stories of various goddesses—some discussed at length, some more briefly—and that will either set it apart of feel like a dealbreaker for many readers, I think. Mama Gena draws connections between her life (and our lives) and the stories of the goddesses, showing us what we can learn from their examples and offering us practices ("initiations") to implement those ideas. Personally, I grappled with this aspect. I believe that it was meant as a loving tribute, but at times, it felt as if the book was taking a stance of "the people who worship this deity get it wrong—but I know the truth." It feels disrespectful of the goddesses themselves to pick and choose just parts of their complex stories to share while otherwise divorcing them from the theology and culture they're tied to. It felt as if the goddesses were being flattened into commercialized caricatures, and while lines like "Did Kali ever get PTO?" could certainly make them feel relatable to those who hadn't been introduced to their traditions, I'm just not sure this was the best venue for it. The book would have been strong enough without this element, and it honestly would have felt more focused without it.
Ultimately, I'm glad I read this, but it's not a book that I'll personally ever need to come back to. As someone who was at the final Mastery and sometimes has complicated feelings about that event, I found it cathartic to learn about the behind-the-scenes (the story of the final Mastery is explored quite a bit in this book), and I think that's what I needed to get out of the book. Perhaps you'll need something else, and I hope you find it!
---
🎧 I listened to the audiobook edition, and it was great to hear Mama Gena's words in her own voice—it felt like the next best thing to being at one of her events. That said, probably because of the necessary cadence differences required for an audiobook recording, the audiobook doesn't have quite the warmth and energy that other Mama Gena recordings do (I guess I'm particularly comparing it to the Womanly Arts Bootcamp recordings, which I think are AMAZING). Sometimes it also sounds as if she's a bit lost or tripped up while reading, which can be a bit distracting—but note that I listened to an ALC, so it's possible those issues may be edited out before official publication! That said, I know that's not always the case, especially with author-read books, so if that sort of thing might be a deal-breaker for you, pick up a print copy to treasure instead. :)
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC! All opinions are, of course, my own.)
Honestly, I'm sure that's all most SGs will need to hear. Personally, all I needed to see was her name on the cover, and I was sold.
But if you need more...
If you've been waiting for
That said, if you're not in one of those groups—if a memoir isn't what you're looking for right now—then this might not be the book for you. If you're new to Regena Thomashauer's work, then even if the frame behind this book resonates, I would still probably recommend starting with a different one of her books ("Pussy" or "School or Womanly Arts" would be the obvious suggestions, but whichever one calls to you is probably a good choice) because this book is largely written as if readers already understand a lot about Regena Thomashauer's work and practices (while brief explanations are included for the basic practices, they aren't broken down to the degree they are elsewhere, and you may still stumble on certain terminology that is never explained). This largely feels like a book for long-time followers of Regena Thomashauer's work, and honestly, that's kind of nice.
That being said, the memoir weaves in the stories of various goddesses—some discussed at length, some more briefly—and that will either set it apart of feel like a dealbreaker for many readers, I think. Mama Gena draws connections between her life (and our lives) and the stories of the goddesses, showing us what we can learn from their examples and offering us practices ("initiations") to implement those ideas. Personally, I grappled with this aspect. I believe that it was meant as a loving tribute, but at times, it felt as if the book was taking a stance of "the people who worship this deity get it wrong—but I know the truth." It feels disrespectful of the goddesses themselves to pick and choose just parts of their complex stories to share while otherwise divorcing them from the theology and culture they're tied to. It felt as if the goddesses were being flattened into commercialized caricatures, and while lines like "Did Kali ever get PTO?" could certainly make them feel relatable to those who hadn't been introduced to their traditions, I'm just not sure this was the best venue for it. The book would have been strong enough without this element, and it honestly would have felt more focused without it.
Ultimately, I'm glad I read this, but it's not a book that I'll personally ever need to come back to. As someone who was at the final Mastery and sometimes has complicated feelings about that event, I found it cathartic to learn about the behind-the-scenes (the story of the final Mastery is explored quite a bit in this book), and I think that's what I needed to get out of the book. Perhaps you'll need something else, and I hope you find it!
---
🎧 I listened to the audiobook edition, and it was great to hear Mama Gena's words in her own voice—it felt like the next best thing to being at one of her events. That said, probably because of the necessary cadence differences required for an audiobook recording, the audiobook doesn't have quite the warmth and energy that other Mama Gena recordings do (I guess I'm particularly comparing it to the Womanly Arts Bootcamp recordings, which I think are AMAZING). Sometimes it also sounds as if she's a bit lost or tripped up while reading, which can be a bit distracting—but note that I listened to an ALC, so it's possible those issues may be edited out before official publication! That said, I know that's not always the case, especially with author-read books, so if that sort of thing might be a deal-breaker for you, pick up a print copy to treasure instead. :)
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC! All opinions are, of course, my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I appreciated the author's honesty and vulnerability throughout this audiobook. I specifically chose the audio format because there is something uniquely powerful about hearing an author narrate their own story. It creates a deeper connection to the material, allowing listeners to experience the book in the author's own voice and emotional cadence.
Many of the reflections resonated with me, particularly those surrounding a childhood marked by emotional distance, silence, self-blame, and the lingering effects of living in a constant state of fight-or-flight. The book thoughtfully explores how easily years can pass while we remain disconnected from ourselves and the world around us, hiding behind avoidance, silence, and carefully maintained emotional barriers. It also examines how intimacy can come to feel conditional or transactional when we carry unresolved wounds.
The discussions around sexuality and selfconnection were especially compelling. Regardless of gender, these subjects are often burdened by shame, discomfort, and self-avoidance. The author makes it clear that empowerment is not a destination that simply arrivesit is a process that requires intention, reflection, and work.
One of the book's central themes is the exploration of various goddesses and the lessons they embody, including Aphrodite, Freya, Amaterasu, Kali, Demeter, Lilith, Inanna, Psyche, and Pachamama. Readers are encouraged to discover which goddess speaks most deeply to them and use that connection as a starting point for their own journey of self-discovery.
As I listened, I found myself wondering whether there would be a stronger sense of intersectionality woven into the discussion. For me, that element never fully emerged. By the end, I was left feeling somewhat outside the conversation, as though I had not quite found my place among these goddesses. Perhaps the ones featured simply were not the voices meant for me, or perhaps there is another goddess still waiting to be discovered.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Many of the reflections resonated with me, particularly those surrounding a childhood marked by emotional distance, silence, self-blame, and the lingering effects of living in a constant state of fight-or-flight. The book thoughtfully explores how easily years can pass while we remain disconnected from ourselves and the world around us, hiding behind avoidance, silence, and carefully maintained emotional barriers. It also examines how intimacy can come to feel conditional or transactional when we carry unresolved wounds.
The discussions around sexuality and selfconnection were especially compelling. Regardless of gender, these subjects are often burdened by shame, discomfort, and self-avoidance. The author makes it clear that empowerment is not a destination that simply arrivesit is a process that requires intention, reflection, and work.
One of the book's central themes is the exploration of various goddesses and the lessons they embody, including Aphrodite, Freya, Amaterasu, Kali, Demeter, Lilith, Inanna, Psyche, and Pachamama. Readers are encouraged to discover which goddess speaks most deeply to them and use that connection as a starting point for their own journey of self-discovery.
As I listened, I found myself wondering whether there would be a stronger sense of intersectionality woven into the discussion. For me, that element never fully emerged. By the end, I was left feeling somewhat outside the conversation, as though I had not quite found my place among these goddesses. Perhaps the ones featured simply were not the voices meant for me, or perhaps there is another goddess still waiting to be discovered.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2026
On Our Knees is a thoughtful and deeply personal book about what it means to stop pretending that everything is fine. Regena Thomashauer shares her own experiences with loss, grief, anger, and uncertainty while encouraging readers to look honestly at their own struggles.
One of the main ideas in the book is that surrender does not mean giving up. Instead, it can be a way to let go of control and make room for healing and personal growth. Thomashauer shows that difficult experiences can sometimes lead us to discover a stronger and more authentic version of ourselves.
The book uses ten goddess figures, including Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, and Psyche, to represent different emotional experiences. These figures help explain subjects such as heartbreak, anger, loneliness, family wounds, and the desire for love. Thomashauer connects these stories to real-life struggles, making the ideas feel meaningful and relatable.
Another important part of the book is its focus on pleasure. Thomashauer explains that pleasure is not something to feel guilty about. Instead, it can help women reconnect with their bodies, heal emotionally, and regain confidence. The activities and rituals at the end of each chapter give readers a chance to apply the book’s ideas in their own lives.
Thomashauer’s writing is honest, emotional, and sometimes intense. Her openness makes the book powerful, although some readers may find the spiritual and sensual language difficult to connect with. This is not a typical self-help book with simple instructions. It is more of a personal and reflective guide to healing and self-discovery.
Overall, On Our Knees is a meaningful book for anyone who has felt overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected from themselves. Its main message is that falling apart does not always mean failure. Sometimes, it can be the first step toward becoming stronger, more confident, and more in touch with who you really are.
One of the main ideas in the book is that surrender does not mean giving up. Instead, it can be a way to let go of control and make room for healing and personal growth. Thomashauer shows that difficult experiences can sometimes lead us to discover a stronger and more authentic version of ourselves.
The book uses ten goddess figures, including Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, and Psyche, to represent different emotional experiences. These figures help explain subjects such as heartbreak, anger, loneliness, family wounds, and the desire for love. Thomashauer connects these stories to real-life struggles, making the ideas feel meaningful and relatable.
Another important part of the book is its focus on pleasure. Thomashauer explains that pleasure is not something to feel guilty about. Instead, it can help women reconnect with their bodies, heal emotionally, and regain confidence. The activities and rituals at the end of each chapter give readers a chance to apply the book’s ideas in their own lives.
Thomashauer’s writing is honest, emotional, and sometimes intense. Her openness makes the book powerful, although some readers may find the spiritual and sensual language difficult to connect with. This is not a typical self-help book with simple instructions. It is more of a personal and reflective guide to healing and self-discovery.
Overall, On Our Knees is a meaningful book for anyone who has felt overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected from themselves. Its main message is that falling apart does not always mean failure. Sometimes, it can be the first step toward becoming stronger, more confident, and more in touch with who you really are.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't think I'd ever been in the company of a truly free woman until I read this book.
It also hit me — seeing how wildly different the author's life choices have been from mine — just how small and prescribed I'd been playing this whole time. Her life doesn't look like anything I was taught a life was supposed to look like. And experiencing her life across the pages made me realize I'd been coloring inside lines nobody even made me agree to. I just followed them. But being free means you stop asking if it's allowed — and start asking yourself what you actually want.
Somewhere in there I'd also decided that enough inner work would make life calm down. It hasn't. And for years I made that mean something was wrong with me.
But watching someone with this big of a presence and this high of a profile go through genuinely devastating stuff completely broke a belief I didn't even know I had: that if you're successful, your life will get very easy and maybe the pain will stop.
On Our Knees killed that belief. It made me realize: no, this is just how life is AND that you don't have to grit your teeth and suffer through it — you can actually find ways to love your life even when it's gone truly, madly, deeply WRONG.
Total game changer for me.
For the chronic overthinkers and the ones who make everything mean something about themselves and their worth: read this. It'll break the loop.
It also hit me — seeing how wildly different the author's life choices have been from mine — just how small and prescribed I'd been playing this whole time. Her life doesn't look like anything I was taught a life was supposed to look like. And experiencing her life across the pages made me realize I'd been coloring inside lines nobody even made me agree to. I just followed them. But being free means you stop asking if it's allowed — and start asking yourself what you actually want.
Somewhere in there I'd also decided that enough inner work would make life calm down. It hasn't. And for years I made that mean something was wrong with me.
But watching someone with this big of a presence and this high of a profile go through genuinely devastating stuff completely broke a belief I didn't even know I had: that if you're successful, your life will get very easy and maybe the pain will stop.
On Our Knees killed that belief. It made me realize: no, this is just how life is AND that you don't have to grit your teeth and suffer through it — you can actually find ways to love your life even when it's gone truly, madly, deeply WRONG.
Total game changer for me.
For the chronic overthinkers and the ones who make everything mean something about themselves and their worth: read this. It'll break the loop.
August 13, 2026
On Our Knees Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Book: On Our Knees
Author: Regena Thomashauer
Genre: Non-Fiction / Self-Help / Memoir
Medium: ALC
Goodreads synopsis excerpt: On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning - with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself - in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life. Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes: Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and Mor, Regena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest: that surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
Review: What a phenomenal, thought-provoking, sometimes uncomfortable book about claiming your radiance and your darkness as a woman. It feels sacred and ancient to take this book in.
There is no better way to encapsulate the book than with her own excerpt: “This isn’t about becoming more sexual, it’s about being more sensitive to being alive. And from that place, desire doesn’t have to be chased, it rises.” She discusses gratitude, sexuality, and the return of our power.
As a mythology-lover, a young woman coming into my own skin, and someone wanting to chase, hone, and understand feminine joy, grief, and every emotion in between, I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more. Regena has such a natural, approachable, and kind way of highlighting her highs and lows in life, where being a woman lead her to her future, and ways in which she puts the lessons from mythological women into practice.
I’ve included some of my favorite quotes below that will convince just about anyone to pick up the book.
“The goddess doesn’t demand you surrender before you’re ready, she meets you where you are.”
“Every time we outsource our authority we dim the very light we are meant to lead with. Pleasure does not ask you to obey, it asks you to remember.”
“I must turn against the world… (but) the war was never against the world, it was against forgetting who she was.”
“When one woman rises she carries her lineage with her.”
I would like to thank NetGalley, Regena Thomashauer, and Hay House LLC publishing house for an advanced listener copy of this book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Book: On Our Knees
Author: Regena Thomashauer
Genre: Non-Fiction / Self-Help / Memoir
Medium: ALC
Goodreads synopsis excerpt: On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning - with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself - in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life. Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes: Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and Mor, Regena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest: that surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
Review: What a phenomenal, thought-provoking, sometimes uncomfortable book about claiming your radiance and your darkness as a woman. It feels sacred and ancient to take this book in.
There is no better way to encapsulate the book than with her own excerpt: “This isn’t about becoming more sexual, it’s about being more sensitive to being alive. And from that place, desire doesn’t have to be chased, it rises.” She discusses gratitude, sexuality, and the return of our power.
As a mythology-lover, a young woman coming into my own skin, and someone wanting to chase, hone, and understand feminine joy, grief, and every emotion in between, I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more. Regena has such a natural, approachable, and kind way of highlighting her highs and lows in life, where being a woman lead her to her future, and ways in which she puts the lessons from mythological women into practice.
I’ve included some of my favorite quotes below that will convince just about anyone to pick up the book.
“The goddess doesn’t demand you surrender before you’re ready, she meets you where you are.”
“Every time we outsource our authority we dim the very light we are meant to lead with. Pleasure does not ask you to obey, it asks you to remember.”
“I must turn against the world… (but) the war was never against the world, it was against forgetting who she was.”
“When one woman rises she carries her lineage with her.”
I would like to thank NetGalley, Regena Thomashauer, and Hay House LLC publishing house for an advanced listener copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On Our Knees by Regena Thomashauer
I would like to thank @netgalley for the opportunity to connect with @mamagena and listen to her work.
It has been a wild experience and I highly recommend it.
Blurb:
In On Our Knees, the New York Times best-selling author of Pussy: A Reclamation faces this question head-on. On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning—with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself—in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life.
Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes—Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and more—Mama Gena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest chapter: That surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
My thoughts 💭
At the beginning this book may sound beyond your wildest dreams and even you may feel tempted to say this is not for me. However, the more you listen, the more you find an affirmation that reaches your soul at this present moment in time.
Women are not used to claim their own power, their own identity and their own unique divinities. On Our Knees is a wild and powerful experience to put yourself to the test and find your feminine power and strength.
I personally loved how @mamagena included the Pachamama in this book as we celebrated our Mother Earth at the very beginning of this month. It was a superb chapter!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I would like to thank @netgalley for the opportunity to connect with @mamagena and listen to her work.
It has been a wild experience and I highly recommend it.
Blurb:
In On Our Knees, the New York Times best-selling author of Pussy: A Reclamation faces this question head-on. On Our Knees is Regena Thomashauer's reckoning—with loss, with darkness, with the goddess, and with herself—in the most daring, most intimate, and most essential book of her life.
Weaving her own raw, unsparing story with ten goddess archetypes—Aphrodite, Kali, Inanna, Lilith, Psyche, and more—Mama Gena reveals the hidden curriculum of every woman's darkest chapter: That surrender is not the end of power. It is the doorway to it.
My thoughts 💭
At the beginning this book may sound beyond your wildest dreams and even you may feel tempted to say this is not for me. However, the more you listen, the more you find an affirmation that reaches your soul at this present moment in time.
Women are not used to claim their own power, their own identity and their own unique divinities. On Our Knees is a wild and powerful experience to put yourself to the test and find your feminine power and strength.
I personally loved how @mamagena included the Pachamama in this book as we celebrated our Mother Earth at the very beginning of this month. It was a superb chapter!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
September 8, 2026
I really enjoyed parts of On Our Knees, and I think there are some genuinely powerful ideas throughout this book. I especially appreciated the message around not always having to be “fine” and allowing yourself to actually sit with the difficult parts of life instead of constantly trying to push through them.
There were definitely moments that made me stop and think, and I liked the idea of looking at darkness, grief, anger, and difficult seasons as something we can learn from rather than something we always have to immediately overcome.
That said, I did find some of the book a little hit or miss for me. Some of the concepts really resonated, while other parts felt like they went a little further than I personally connected with. I think this is one of those books where your experience is probably going to depend a lot on where you are in your own life when you read it.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Regena Thomashauer herself, and I thought that worked really well for this type of book. There was something about hearing the author talk through these ideas in her own voice that made it feel more personal.
Overall, a thoughtful read with some really interesting ideas and plenty to take away from it.
There were definitely moments that made me stop and think, and I liked the idea of looking at darkness, grief, anger, and difficult seasons as something we can learn from rather than something we always have to immediately overcome.
That said, I did find some of the book a little hit or miss for me. Some of the concepts really resonated, while other parts felt like they went a little further than I personally connected with. I think this is one of those books where your experience is probably going to depend a lot on where you are in your own life when you read it.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Regena Thomashauer herself, and I thought that worked really well for this type of book. There was something about hearing the author talk through these ideas in her own voice that made it feel more personal.
Overall, a thoughtful read with some really interesting ideas and plenty to take away from it.
September 15, 2026
On Our Knees is one of those books that women everywhere, of all ages, will be recommending for years to come. Regena Thomashauer takes the concept of surrender, which can so easily sound passive, weak, or even uncomfortable, and completely reframes it. She makes it feel powerful, intentional, and freeing. The book is raw, honest, vulnerable, and incredibly real, but it’s also very easy to read. There’s no dense self-help language or complicated theory to wade through. It feels much more like sitting down with a smart, honest, wild and free friend who is willing to say the things we don’t always say out loud.
What I especially loved is how much this book challenges the idea that women have to constantly hold everything together, push harder, control more, and prove themselves. It really made me think about my own "on our knees" moments in my life. It offers a completely different way of looking at power and how women can access it when we stop fighting so hard against ourselves and allow ourselves to surrender.
There are so many passages in the book that I highlighted and immediately wanted to talk about with someone else! You won't regret taking the time to read. Definitely one I’ll be recommending!
What I especially loved is how much this book challenges the idea that women have to constantly hold everything together, push harder, control more, and prove themselves. It really made me think about my own "on our knees" moments in my life. It offers a completely different way of looking at power and how women can access it when we stop fighting so hard against ourselves and allow ourselves to surrender.
There are so many passages in the book that I highlighted and immediately wanted to talk about with someone else! You won't regret taking the time to read. Definitely one I’ll be recommending!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book spoke to my soul! Regena's wisdom and storytelling transported me into places in my heart and lived experiences that I had been aching to feel and understand better. I found myself drinking in every word as she so compassionately shared her personal stories of devastation, discovery, reclamation, transformation, and healing. Regena spoke to me on all levels - as a woman, mother, business owner, sister, daughter, lover, and friend. The stories and exercises are helping me heal from years of trauma and exhaustion to reclaim and embrace my radiance and energy again. Also, I loved learning more about the goddesses and what powerful guides and energy they provide to infuse power, perspective, and meaning into our modern world of being a woman. I feel tapped into an ancient, sacred power of what it truly means to be feminine and how I can grow through the pain to transform it into pleasure and passion to fuel my next chapter. This book is life-changing! I am sharing it with my community so we can continue to transform ourselves and our world to be more awakened, inclusive, reverent, kind, encouraging, safe, and accepting of women. I'm even going to read it again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The moment I heard Regena read the introduction, tears started streaming down my face. Her words painted a visceral image that my body recognized ... and I finally felt seen and understood in the experience I had been living for over a year around my business. "On your knees" was the unconscious bowing that I did every time I chose to follow the quiet voice inside that insisted that what I was being taught around "the best way to market" would not work for me; the bone deep gratitude when sisters would show up in support of a leap I needed to take; the agonizing choice to let go of yet another assistant, and to thus delay a launch, because ideal credentials did not mean they were the person to bring my vision to fruition.
Regena is a legendary teacher who through her own lived experience helps women to own the fullness of ourselves as the undeniable forces of nature that the world is waiting for. I often devour books in a single sitting. This one is so rich and nuanced that I have been sipping it like fine wine.
Regena is a legendary teacher who through her own lived experience helps women to own the fullness of ourselves as the undeniable forces of nature that the world is waiting for. I often devour books in a single sitting. This one is so rich and nuanced that I have been sipping it like fine wine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is very difficult for me to give a star review for. I don't think I have ever related less to someone than I have to Regena, and I found myself in judgment for a lot of the portions where she speaks directly about her life. However, it was counterbalanced by moments of extreme gratitude for these blind spots in my own life that she revealed through her exploration of the different goddesses.
I did enter into this book expecting a more 'self-help' approach. There are elements, but if, like me, you are going in blind, I would mention it is more of a memoir. While I do not think I will ever be empowered by most of the things the author is, I can appreciate the guts to put it out there. Maybe it is this drastic difference that has kept me pondering this book.
Even as I write this review, I am not sure how to summarise exactly what I think about it. There were parts that challenged and even repulsed me, but also moments in which I felt so profoundly seen and comforted. I am not sure there is more you could ask for in a book than that.
I did enter into this book expecting a more 'self-help' approach. There are elements, but if, like me, you are going in blind, I would mention it is more of a memoir. While I do not think I will ever be empowered by most of the things the author is, I can appreciate the guts to put it out there. Maybe it is this drastic difference that has kept me pondering this book.
Even as I write this review, I am not sure how to summarise exactly what I think about it. There were parts that challenged and even repulsed me, but also moments in which I felt so profoundly seen and comforted. I am not sure there is more you could ask for in a book than that.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
While I am a staunch feminist and firmly believe woman should empower themselves in anyway they choose, I don't think I am the exact right audience for Mama Gena. I love that she and many other woman find power in goddesses, sexuality, and the divine feminine, but it leans a bit too spiritual for me personally. That being said, I think Thomashauer has a great message here for self acceptance and self love and abandoning the beliefs that make women feel shame for their bodies and sexuality. I also love that she makes a point to mention that these messages and spaces she's created are for ALL women, including lesbians, trans women, and women of color. The guided initiations were cool to listen to, but I do have to add that I laughed out loud during the Amaterasu initiation when this woman says, very seriously, with the meditation music in the background, that the best song to dance naked to for freedom and truth is Khia's My Neck My Back. I love that for her.
My two critiques of the book are that it is quite lengthy and repetitive, and that it feels a bit more like a memoir/sales pitch than a self help book. The author mentions her classes pretty frequently and looking on her website it seems she offers a class to become a "certified pleasure coach" so that you can lead your own classes in a "highly profitable way," which veers a little too close to MLM territory for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House Audiobooks for the ALC.
While I am a staunch feminist and firmly believe woman should empower themselves in anyway they choose, I don't think I am the exact right audience for Mama Gena. I love that she and many other woman find power in goddesses, sexuality, and the divine feminine, but it leans a bit too spiritual for me personally. That being said, I think Thomashauer has a great message here for self acceptance and self love and abandoning the beliefs that make women feel shame for their bodies and sexuality. I also love that she makes a point to mention that these messages and spaces she's created are for ALL women, including lesbians, trans women, and women of color. The guided initiations were cool to listen to, but I do have to add that I laughed out loud during the Amaterasu initiation when this woman says, very seriously, with the meditation music in the background, that the best song to dance naked to for freedom and truth is Khia's My Neck My Back. I love that for her.
My two critiques of the book are that it is quite lengthy and repetitive, and that it feels a bit more like a memoir/sales pitch than a self help book. The author mentions her classes pretty frequently and looking on her website it seems she offers a class to become a "certified pleasure coach" so that you can lead your own classes in a "highly profitable way," which veers a little too close to MLM territory for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House Audiobooks for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thomashauer touches on so many subjects that are "forbidden" to talk about--trauma, shame, pleasure. There's so much I resonated with and wished I could have read at an earlier age. This is a great read for women of all ages, especially women who are ashamed to talk about womanhood in all its forms.
The spirituality and mythology in this book adds such a cool perspective on women's vulnerability and sexuality. I went down a rabbit hole to learn more about some of the goddesses Thomashauer mentioned. It was such an interesting addition, and I found myself wanting more near the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The spirituality and mythology in this book adds such a cool perspective on women's vulnerability and sexuality. I went down a rabbit hole to learn more about some of the goddesses Thomashauer mentioned. It was such an interesting addition, and I found myself wanting more near the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was an amazing introduction to the divine feminine! It was easily approachable and provided great examples of how the divine feminine can show up in daily life. I loved how the author’s stories, and the stories of her students, made the myths and archetypes covered so much more accessible and easy to understand. The focus on deepening your relationship with different goddesses as you go through life was fascinating and meaningful.
This book also made a great audiobook. I enjoyed hearing the teachings from the author’s own voice and felt she did a great job narrating. The audiobook was easy to listen to and easy to follow along with, and once I started it I couldn’t stop listening.
This book also made a great audiobook. I enjoyed hearing the teachings from the author’s own voice and felt she did a great job narrating. The audiobook was easy to listen to and easy to follow along with, and once I started it I couldn’t stop listening.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a beautiful and powerful read that really made me reflect. I loved the honesty and vulnerability throughout the book and the reminder that we don’t have to hide the difficult parts of ourselves. The message of embracing change, surrender, and personal growth really resonated with me.
This book gave me a lot to think about, and I found myself returning to certain passages because they felt meaningful and uplifting. A truly impactful read that I know I’ll carry with me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book gave me a lot to think about, and I found myself returning to certain passages because they felt meaningful and uplifting. A truly impactful read that I know I’ll carry with me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read this book, I realized that I had a subconscious belief that if I did enough healing and deconditioning work, my life would stop being so challenging, that the chaos would stop. Related: that belief made me question myself every time something challenging happened, like it was an indictment on me, personally. Reading On Our Knees made me realize that no, this is just how life is. AND that we don't have to suffer through it with gritted teeth, that we can find ways to love our life even when it's gone wildly awry. This was an absolute game changer for me. DEFINITELY go read it if you're an anxious over thinker because it will snap you of that in the biggest of ways.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the most raw, vulnerable, honest and authentic look into the life of the most prolific leader of the new feminine movement. This work digs deep into the pleasure revolution and reclamation started by Regena Thomashauer! She is the Master and the Mistress of uncompromised pleasure and calls for women to reach for pleasure even when our lives are insane. This is revolutionary. It is out front, and just like all her other books she is way ahead of the zeigeist. A MUST READ.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this book and was reminded of the life-altering time I had in the live Mastery room with Mama Gena. I was a woman of my time who didn't receive tools for my own liberation, and doing so started me on a path that is still evolving, 9 years later. That this book exists in the world and makes the tools accessible to even more women in this time holds me in sisterhood with all of us as we remove that jar of spiritual pickles off the shelf again. Read it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An incredibly important and powerful book. We are all on our knees at some point, and we have been taught to shame ourselves and see it as evidence that we did something wrong, we are being punished, or that it's evidence we have lost our way. Instead, this book invites a different story, one that will have you weeping with feeling fully seen, held and guided through the darkest times, knowing that Goddess never left your side.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In progress reading this in advance copy! I have spent years in the Mastery classroom and doing other classes with Regena, and I love the way this book gives us more and more layers. Not just Mama Gena the teacher but Regena the woman, her process, her thoughts and feelings, her lived life. The roadmap to how to get through the ruptures and raptures and back again, breath by breath. I love memoirs from powerful women that tell us the HOW of their stories. Such an important book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't usually write reviews. But for this book I could not, not write a review. It is truly a masterpiece! The author shares her depth and wisdom and emotional landscape like no other book Ive ever come across. I literally have been hanging off of every word. It is so exquisitely written. I felt moved by it. If you are a woman of any age you this is required reading. I cannot recommend it enough!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Heartfelt throughout. Regina’s book resonated deeply with me and moved me to tears multiple times. The power of women rising above the things that knock them down time and again; the power of sisterhood and the power of doing what feels true to you. The experience of reading this book reverberates and stays with you…..it changes the way you see yourself as a woman, it changes the way you see women…
September 6, 2026
Love Mama Gena. Doing her Mastery program changed my life. So she can do no wrong in my book, but this one is mostly a repurposing of Pussy and her previous books. There’s some new material and what’s new is good. The Mother Wound chapter is worth the price of the book alone. It felt a little hard to follow at times - confusing timelines etc., but there are some passages that I will return to over and over.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I laughed. I cried. I cursed. My brain exploded with insights a couple of times. And I was left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all the crap that's been hard in my life, especially the last few years.
I loved the book. I want all of my girlfriends to read it. I want all women to read it, actually.
I loved the book. I want all of my girlfriends to read it. I want all women to read it, actually.
Currently Reading
August 24, 2026I have only started reading my advanced copy, and this book has brought me to tears. So powerful. The chapter on Mothers and Daughters rings so true. The book comes out officially on August 25. Pre-order a copy at your favorite local book store, and you will be invited to a live stream of the book launch on August 25, 7:30-9 pm EDT. Go to mamagenas.com for details.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am absolutely loving the book and learning more about how I am feeling and how to move through the hard times with support. Regena Thomashaur has knocked it out of the ball park and the book is so very needed by Women everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews