Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Know Yourself: A Book of Questions

Rate this book
Part-book, part-game, this collection of 165 insightful questions is a fun, surprising path to deeper self-knowledge.
What do you think about before you fall asleep?
What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?
When have you stood up for yourself?

Questions to inspire you to reflect, questions to reveal memories and ideas, questions to tap into your sense of adventure, and questions to point the way to your inner strength. This whimsical illustrated collection presents a wonderfully unexpected way to learn more about yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Best of all, there are no right answers—only the imperative to stay curious, stay honest, and stay open.

206 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2019

23 people are currently reading
572 people want to read

About the author

Irene Smit

25 books51 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
36 (47%)
4 stars
22 (28%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
2 stars
9 (11%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,911 reviews33 followers
March 7, 2019
With journaling the latest trend, there has been a slew of books like this, as well as several free lists available on-line. However, this book stands above the norm.

The book itself is visually arresting. With bright colors, patterns and hand-written questions, everything "pops" at you! The wide variety of questions contained in these pages range from simple to complex, fun to serious, some that you answer immediately, and others that give you pause.

Whether you use this as a tool for journaling, to get to know yourself better, or to share with someone and compare answers, this book will help you define what's important to you, what you'd like to have more/less of in your life, and help put your life in perspective. You may very well find you don't like some of the answers, and choose to change course.

It is wise to examine our paths now and then, where we've been, where we are, where we're headed. This book will help you do just that!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions here are my own.

This book will be available to the public on April 2, 2019.
Profile Image for Kimberly Taylor.
36 reviews
June 3, 2019
Beautiful book by the editor's of Flow Magazine. Lists many journaling questions. Beautiful book, paper, lettering etc. Very artistic. Right up my alley. Loved it!
Profile Image for Sheri.
234 reviews16 followers
April 6, 2025
This is an excellent little book that I highly recommend for everyone! There are terrific life questions to ask yourself or your mate. It's also a great way to get better acquainted with friends, family or someone you're dating.
Profile Image for Ela The Queer Bookish.
277 reviews32 followers
February 23, 2019
I'm so happy journaling is become more popular because it can really help you sort out yourself - regardless of if you've got mental health problems or not. And sometimes it's a nice way of looking back at good memories too.

But sometimes there is no inspiration and you're sitting there, staring at the blank page... and nothing happens. Of course you can start writing how you don't know what to journal about and sometimes there's something opening up inside you through this. But do I want to start my entries every so often this way? I do not.

Also there are themes one should journal about but shys away from because they are painful or you don't want to know what conclusion you will come to so you just don't start working on them at all.
And then some issues you just don't think off at all.

And this is where Know Yourself comes into play. Usually I'd be like "yeah well... there are lots of good prompts online that you get for free." But in this case... you not only get interesting prompts but the pages are so beautifully designed... they could be used for wall decoration or in your planner - if you use one. Also it's less work gathering prompts if we're honest.

Last Words: I may be tempted to get the print copy as well...

Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Profile Image for Jonesy.Reads.
630 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2019
I really enjoyed "Know Yourself", a fun little book meant to inspire self-reflection. Each page is artfully done in bright colors and eye-catching designs with a single question to answer about yourself. Each one is beautifully hand written in India Ink with a round brush by Milou Curvers. It was enlightening to sit and go through a few questions when I had a spare moment to sit and reflect.
899 reviews18 followers
March 9, 2019
each pages has just one question on it that fills the page. Font and pages change colour. It feels like it can be a book of journal prompts or to ask family or friends.
Profile Image for Barbara.
987 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2019
I picked up Know Yourself: A Book of Questions, a Flow Book written by Smit & Van Der Hulst, for a recent college grad. I coupled the book with Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven. Know Yourself is the whimsical one of the pair. It’s filled with unique and quirky questions to stimulate thought and discussion. I love Flow Books and this one did not disappoint. In fact, I’m going to pick up another copy for myself. It’s a book to be ready slowly, perhaps one question a day. It’s great for a gift!!!
Profile Image for Deborah.
10 reviews10 followers
February 10, 2020
I really enjoyed reading and answering the questions in this book, and getting acquainted with myself.
2,107 reviews61 followers
December 12, 2018
I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

I tend to find books described by the author/publisher as inspirational to be lacking substance.
This one did say "inspire", and I missed it, so my fault. I picked up this book expecting a few dozen deep questions that I'd have to ponder. Instead I got over a hundred questions centered around inspiration and creativity. These questions were good for self discovery but not focused enough to be too useful for self improvement.

None of these things are necessarily bad. In fact I think the target audience will finds this to be a great book. It is lovingly created,beautiful to look at and well designed. If you've enjoyed "War of Art" give this book a shot.
Profile Image for Indy.
1,127 reviews42 followers
August 1, 2019
A book of various questions about life and favourites, which inspire you to reflect, questions to reveal memories and ideas, questions to tap into your sense of adventure, questions to point the way to your inner strength. This whimsical illustrated collection presents a wonderfully unexpected way to learn more about oneself, a friend, or a loved. Best of all, there are no wrong answers - only the imperative to stay curious, stay honest, and stay open. Great for getting to know new friends and ice-breaking.
Profile Image for Anya.
858 reviews47 followers
December 15, 2018
Know yourself is exactly what the title is about: getting to know yourself.
This book is colored throughout with vibrant pages and beautiful pattern.
You'll find one question per page that you can ponder over. This would also work as sort of party game to get to know someone else.
A beautiful book throughout!
Some answers will surely surprise you.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Mutated Reviewer.
948 reviews17 followers
April 2, 2019
Know Yourself is something completely different than I've read lately. Full of interesting questions, you really do get to know yourself better, and I think that's something that more people could use. I'm not even really sure what to say about this book, other than it's cute and informative.

Check out my full review here!

https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,719 reviews36 followers
August 29, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I wanted to use this with my journal and that is what I have been doing. I have not answered all of the 165 questions. I have done a few. I love how colorful each of the pages the questions are. There are some blank pages. I guess you could write your own questions there or note. I found the book fun and it could be used as a game among friends. 
Profile Image for Brenda Robson.
12 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2019
So my partner decided to get this book while we were at an Etsy market. We found it interesting and decided to read to each other every night before we sleep. It’s a very fun Q&A book as we’ve discovered more about ourselves and each other. This book can be read from time to time again as situations and experiences might change the answers. A very nice and relaxing book to have on one’s shelf!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,642 reviews90 followers
December 1, 2018
This book will help you know yourself better and could serve as journal prompts. I'd actually enjoy reading through it with other people, using the questions as conversation starters. I enjoyed the colorful and crisp layout.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.
19 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and how it made me think.
Profile Image for Jaz☆.
2 reviews
January 7, 2025
Bought this book on a whim to answer the questions daily in my diary and just really reflect on some stuff in my life :)
Profile Image for Kris.
3,578 reviews70 followers
June 6, 2025
This is very cute, and each question has a fun, artsy page, but the questions are not particularly ground-breaking.
Profile Image for Abby.
129 reviews
September 12, 2024
Series of questions to ask oneself. I was bored and read all the questions at once, probably would be more helpful to ponder on each question, maybe even write them down.
Profile Image for Amanda.
293 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2018
An excellent book of journal prompts to know yourself better.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karma.
245 reviews
May 30, 2019
This book is full of questions you would love answering, especially in a group. It's best to get the hardcover or paperback edition. The illustrations are quirky and add to the appeal of the overall message.

I received a free copy from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
1,494 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2018
Thanks to Workman Publishing Company for the ARC!

The title says it all: "A Book Of Questions".
It's a very colorful book, with beautiful decorations. Each page brings a new question that will help you to know yourself better. Some of them are very simple (like, "What makes you laugh?"), but you'll need to reflect a bit more to answer others (like, "What have you recently changed your mind about?").

I had the chance to read a digital copy, so I only answered in my head. I recommend you to get a hardcover/paperback edition, so you can actually write your thoughts on the pages. It must be interesting to keep this book for a few years, then read it again later and see what has changed.

Very nice work.
Profile Image for Sunshyne.
322 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2018
Very great self help, self discovery book. The questions are silly, fun and serious. It’s a great book.
78 reviews
January 7, 2019
I love this book. It was so much fun to answer the 164 question. I laughed, I was surpirised and I learned more about myself. What fun I had. I would highly recommend this book.
516 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2019
This book provides personal questions on each page. It is a wonderful lead to starting a journal. I buy beautiful journals and their pages remain blank. I do not know how to start or what to say.

The book Know Yourself gives a thoughtful question for the reader to ponder, write about or use to begin a conversation with others.

I loved this book. It has great prompt and beautiful pages.


I received an ARC from Workman Publishing Company through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
Profile Image for Khristi Snelling.
4 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2019
I loved the layout of this book. It would be great for journaling! The pages are bright colors, with awesome statements that could lead into creative writing prompts, Journal entries and/or even drawing/ collage entries. There are several pages that are blank so you can put your entries in it. hope it comes in paperback so that I can use it for that.
Profile Image for Christine Leiser.
51 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2019
Cute book! I would definitely recommend this to a tween, teen, or young adult looking to get started on the path of self exploration, or interested in expanding their writing ideas and practices. Good writing prompts and a colorful, delightful book. Very pleasing design aesthetic.
Profile Image for Leanetta Scott.
153 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It was full of questions that help me get to know me — a better me. It is good because it makes you actually sit down and figure out important things about yourself and which helps you correct what you think needs work.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.