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You Matter.: Learning to Love Who You Really Are
Transform the way you live your life with a message of unexpected hope, radical joy, and deep connection.
You matter. Not because of what you earn or how you look or what you've achieved, but because you are inherently valuable. Author Matthew Emerzian takes this seemingly simple premise and shows readers how truly understanding their own worth will change every aspect of their lives. You Matter is a call to empathy and a joyous celebration of the value of each and every person.
The book is structured into three sections, each of which expands the concept in ever widening ripples. In the first section, "I Matter," readers come to terms with their own worth, in "You Matter" that awareness expands to acknowledge and celebrate the value of the people around us, and finally in "We Matter" Emerzian explores the power of a thriving community with those around us. Each chapter features exercises, journal prompts, and conversation starters to help readers dive deeper.
Author Matt Emerzian is the founder of Every Monday Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Every week 1.2 million people--from elementary school children to employees at national corporations--engage with ideas and concepts from Every Monday Matters.
You Matter is a manifesto of self-esteem and call to action for people to find their meaning and live fully--and change the world while doing so.
You matter. Not because of what you earn or how you look or what you've achieved, but because you are inherently valuable. Author Matthew Emerzian takes this seemingly simple premise and shows readers how truly understanding their own worth will change every aspect of their lives. You Matter is a call to empathy and a joyous celebration of the value of each and every person.
The book is structured into three sections, each of which expands the concept in ever widening ripples. In the first section, "I Matter," readers come to terms with their own worth, in "You Matter" that awareness expands to acknowledge and celebrate the value of the people around us, and finally in "We Matter" Emerzian explores the power of a thriving community with those around us. Each chapter features exercises, journal prompts, and conversation starters to help readers dive deeper.
Author Matt Emerzian is the founder of Every Monday Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Every week 1.2 million people--from elementary school children to employees at national corporations--engage with ideas and concepts from Every Monday Matters.
You Matter is a manifesto of self-esteem and call to action for people to find their meaning and live fully--and change the world while doing so.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2020
27 people are currently reading
1982 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 26, 2019
If Brent from The Good Place ever wrote a self-help book instead of a Chip Driver mystery, it might turn out something like this one. It's more of a memoir about writing a different self-help book and starting a "movement." Actually, it sounds like the author and another person and also the author's dad came up with a list of ideas based on the author's therapist's advice, and published it as Every Monday Matters. When a reader of that book assists someone contemplating suicide, the author says, "I never dreamed of writing a book, let alone one that would literally save somebody’s life." Way to take allll the credit there, brah.
Further off-putting moments occur when he brags about knowing the Kardashians and how many TED events he's done. He writes at length about a young man with autism he met through swimming, who needed frequent reassurance that they were friends; he then says he hasn't talked to him in three years. But apparently feels comfortable using his story for the book without permission?
Here's the quote that made me annotate "Oh no he didn't" in my Kindle and start skimming:
'The more we judge others, the more we believe others must be doing the same thing to us. So we have created this false sense of always being judged, which only pulls us away from our authentic selves. Sorry, women, you really have this down to an art.'
There are frequent promises that the book is going to convince you that you matter, only to resume telling you the author's life story, with some journal prompts tacked on the end of each chapter. Unless you're doing field research on narcissists, there are likely better books out there for you.
Further off-putting moments occur when he brags about knowing the Kardashians and how many TED events he's done. He writes at length about a young man with autism he met through swimming, who needed frequent reassurance that they were friends; he then says he hasn't talked to him in three years. But apparently feels comfortable using his story for the book without permission?
Here's the quote that made me annotate "Oh no he didn't" in my Kindle and start skimming:
'The more we judge others, the more we believe others must be doing the same thing to us. So we have created this false sense of always being judged, which only pulls us away from our authentic selves. Sorry, women, you really have this down to an art.'
There are frequent promises that the book is going to convince you that you matter, only to resume telling you the author's life story, with some journal prompts tacked on the end of each chapter. Unless you're doing field research on narcissists, there are likely better books out there for you.
January 24, 2021
You Matter by Matthew Emerzian is a very mis-marketed book, in my personal opinion.
This book was listed as a "Self-Help" book so I was super intrigued by it. The title alone made me feel like I was gonna be pumped up Richard Simmons style by a dude who figured out how to love himself. Yeah... not so much.
This book is more about why Matthew Emerzian matters and how he became a "better" person. 95% of this book is just hearing his story and how he did all the amazing things he's done in his life. There are great journal prompts and thought keys, but those are only about 1 page per chapter at most. Those were where this book did, the Matthew Emerzian story didn't make sense for this book. Sure, you can have a whole bunch of testimonies for why things worked, but that should only be the example not the whole story.
If Matthew made this book to boast about how awesome he is and why he thinks he's a good person, then this book is perfect! If this was actually designed as a self help book, then it's quite the marketing failure. I can't see how people will get help out of it other than the journal blurbs. But those are only maybe 20 pages of the book... So can this really be labelled as self help?
I don't recommend it unless you're looking for a biography bragging about the author with a pinch of self help in it.
One out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was listed as a "Self-Help" book so I was super intrigued by it. The title alone made me feel like I was gonna be pumped up Richard Simmons style by a dude who figured out how to love himself. Yeah... not so much.
This book is more about why Matthew Emerzian matters and how he became a "better" person. 95% of this book is just hearing his story and how he did all the amazing things he's done in his life. There are great journal prompts and thought keys, but those are only about 1 page per chapter at most. Those were where this book did, the Matthew Emerzian story didn't make sense for this book. Sure, you can have a whole bunch of testimonies for why things worked, but that should only be the example not the whole story.
If Matthew made this book to boast about how awesome he is and why he thinks he's a good person, then this book is perfect! If this was actually designed as a self help book, then it's quite the marketing failure. I can't see how people will get help out of it other than the journal blurbs. But those are only maybe 20 pages of the book... So can this really be labelled as self help?
I don't recommend it unless you're looking for a biography bragging about the author with a pinch of self help in it.
One out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
November 13, 2019
Trigger warnings: murderers/ criminals, suicide,
This is not a self help book. It’s more like a memoir with journal prompts. Nonetheless I enjoyed it up until chapter 13. He had me up until this point, but I completely disagree with what he’s preaching in this chapter. First, anyone who works in the mental health field will tell you NEVER use the word “commit” when referring to suicide. It’s either “complete” or “considering” or even “died by suicide” It invalidates a persons feelings and makes the individual who is considering suicide feel wrong for their feelings/like a criminal.
I’ve ultimately decided I’m so uncomfortable with this part I have removed my review and am just going to lower my rating for this book to a one star. This is just my opinion, and I encourage you to read the book for yourself and come to your own conclusions.
Besides this one chapter I enjoyed the beginning of the book. The ending of the book was self pontificating in my opinion. I can’t explain, but after chapter 13 it started to rub me the wrong way. I do think the journals are nice, but this is not a life changing book. Please keep in mind I read an ARC of this book and the content of the book may change.
This is not a self help book. It’s more like a memoir with journal prompts. Nonetheless I enjoyed it up until chapter 13. He had me up until this point, but I completely disagree with what he’s preaching in this chapter. First, anyone who works in the mental health field will tell you NEVER use the word “commit” when referring to suicide. It’s either “complete” or “considering” or even “died by suicide” It invalidates a persons feelings and makes the individual who is considering suicide feel wrong for their feelings/like a criminal.
I’ve ultimately decided I’m so uncomfortable with this part I have removed my review and am just going to lower my rating for this book to a one star. This is just my opinion, and I encourage you to read the book for yourself and come to your own conclusions.
Besides this one chapter I enjoyed the beginning of the book. The ending of the book was self pontificating in my opinion. I can’t explain, but after chapter 13 it started to rub me the wrong way. I do think the journals are nice, but this is not a life changing book. Please keep in mind I read an ARC of this book and the content of the book may change.
December 1, 2019
An interesting and very well written mix of memoir and self help book. This book came in the right time in my life that I am suffering from anxiety and it was exactly what I need to read. This book motivate the reader to change their life and see themselves in a different way. I highly recommend it
December 5, 2019
You Matter is a manifesto of self-esteem & call to action for people to find their meaning and live fully and to change the world while doing so. The book is set up into three sections - "I Matter", "You Matter" and "We Matter", with journal prompts, exercises and conversation starters to help you dive deeper.
The message of this book is clear - You Matter and you need to hear it and hear it often. This book was very helpful for me as a person with anxiety. I related to it. The author's stories are really great for explaining his thought process behind the book. It's definitely a memoir and a self-help book in one. It's well written and an all around great book. I'll be buying a hard copy of it on release day!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The message of this book is clear - You Matter and you need to hear it and hear it often. This book was very helpful for me as a person with anxiety. I related to it. The author's stories are really great for explaining his thought process behind the book. It's definitely a memoir and a self-help book in one. It's well written and an all around great book. I'll be buying a hard copy of it on release day!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2019
I was very fortunate to win an advance copy of this book! The universal ideas in this book are genuine, thought-provoking, and inspirational. I am moving forward and know that I matter to myself, my family, my students, my friends, and my community. I was so inspired that I wrote a grant for books for Kindergarten-3rd grade students for $800 and it was fully funded in one day! So many kids will benefit from having books in their home libraries. They will acquire skills that will enable them to read all kinds of books! I am donating this book to our local Friends of Goodall Library in Ogallala, Nebraska for others ro read and live their lives to the fullest! Thanks again to Matthew Emerzian and St. Martins Press.
February 20, 2020
You Matter is a memoir, self pat on the back, by a man who says he wants to help others learn how to pat themselves on the back as well (thus its inclusion in the self-help genre).
Matthew Emerzian may in fact have genuinely turned his life around, and if so, I'm very happy for him. I also understand his excitement and zeal in wanting to help others. But in reading this book, I felt it had a strong tone of self-aggrandizing, and that grew to be really irritating. For me, this definitely skewed the balance of the book, making it more about Emerzian's story than about helping others. Not what I was looking for.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Opinions stated here are my own.
Matthew Emerzian may in fact have genuinely turned his life around, and if so, I'm very happy for him. I also understand his excitement and zeal in wanting to help others. But in reading this book, I felt it had a strong tone of self-aggrandizing, and that grew to be really irritating. For me, this definitely skewed the balance of the book, making it more about Emerzian's story than about helping others. Not what I was looking for.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Opinions stated here are my own.
December 4, 2019
I loved this book! I spent the entire time reading it doing a deep dive into who I am and the decisions I make on a daily basis and want to strive now to live my daily life a little more like Matt. He has such an awareness of the world and the people around him and the stories he told all either warmed my heart and or gave me a giggle. I really love how the book is broken down into the different chapters of "I Matter, You Matter, and We Matter" and how we are given tips for our own daily lives. I think if we can all incorporate these ideas and really the concept of WE MATTER, we would live in a much better world.
August 13, 2020
Memoir of a poor little rich boy with some journal prompts for good measure. No, wait he’s not little as he does describe himself as 6’3” with broad shoulders from years of playing water polo. Eye roll. The whole basis of the book is that since he was superficial and unfulfilled, everyone else must be as well. So of course we will benefit from hearing about his privileged upbringing, high-profile Hollywood career, and panic attack midlife crisis. He then regales readers with disjointed stories and banal platitudes. He clearly thinks very highly of himself for someone who tells us repeatedly that “it’s not about you”. Not recommended.
February 6, 2020
You Matter is about learning about how to love yourself, but also about loving others. I enjoy reading self-help books like these, not because I necessarily need a self-help book, but because I like learning new ways to better myself and how to better treat others. I say ‘these type of self-help books’ because they are not just about bettering yourself, you also get to learn about how the author figured out all the things they are trying to teach you. You get to learn about them and why they want to share what they have learned.
Each chapter of this book has one or two stories from the author, a way to take action, a journal prompt, and a conversation starter. The stories he tells about himself and the things he’s been through help you better understand what each chapter is about. The author gives you ways to help you take action and help others take action toward taking steps towards bettering yourself. Each journal prompt makes you think and dig deep into yourself. The conversation starters help you to include others in your journey.
I enjoyed learning about Matthew Emerzian very much. He talks about all the people that have changed his life and the lives that he has changed. He talks a lot about his wife and their marriage. The main thing he talks about the most is how it’s not about us, it’s about loving ourselves through loving others and I think that’s beautiful.
I highly recommend this book, whether you think you need it or not.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each chapter of this book has one or two stories from the author, a way to take action, a journal prompt, and a conversation starter. The stories he tells about himself and the things he’s been through help you better understand what each chapter is about. The author gives you ways to help you take action and help others take action toward taking steps towards bettering yourself. Each journal prompt makes you think and dig deep into yourself. The conversation starters help you to include others in your journey.
I enjoyed learning about Matthew Emerzian very much. He talks about all the people that have changed his life and the lives that he has changed. He talks a lot about his wife and their marriage. The main thing he talks about the most is how it’s not about us, it’s about loving ourselves through loving others and I think that’s beautiful.
I highly recommend this book, whether you think you need it or not.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2019
You Matter is a quick read that will make you smile, laugh at times and think about your life. The book begins with the experience that lead the author to reconsider the way he was living and the journey towards healing. The answer he found was: you matter but it's not all about you.
The book is divided into three main parts: I matter, you matter and we matter.
As I read, I kept bookmarking pages to go back to later because they resonated with me or because I want to give them some more thought. No, the concepts are not groundbreaking. We all know, intellectually, that we matter. We also know, intellectually, that we are all equally valuable, but how often do our actions reflect that knowledge?
Emerzian encourages his readers to learn to value themselves, value the people around them and value community. He also encourges his readers to make changes in the way they live.
I'm not sure about calling this book a self-help book.
I enjoyed "You Matter"! I'm grateful to St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader's digital copy.
The book is divided into three main parts: I matter, you matter and we matter.
As I read, I kept bookmarking pages to go back to later because they resonated with me or because I want to give them some more thought. No, the concepts are not groundbreaking. We all know, intellectually, that we matter. We also know, intellectually, that we are all equally valuable, but how often do our actions reflect that knowledge?
Emerzian encourages his readers to learn to value themselves, value the people around them and value community. He also encourges his readers to make changes in the way they live.
I'm not sure about calling this book a self-help book.
I enjoyed "You Matter"! I'm grateful to St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader's digital copy.
May 1, 2020
Points I connect with: community is important, superficial gains are short highs and don’t bring real happiness (“fool’s gold”), “we beat ourselves up more than we love ourselves” - this keeps us from loving other people or letting other people love us, leads to further isolation, depression and not loving our most honest and truthful lives - “you have to be a friend to have a friend.”
Things I found off-putting: author can’t stop talking about himself, how influential and inspirational he is, the important keynotes he’s given, how many celebrities he knows, the great deeds he has done, or just how cool his life has been. I suppose this comes off more as a memoir (I guess?) than an actual self-help book.
The author should have just stuck with the original message and eliminated the later half of the book. A lot of the writing comes off as pointless and I found it difficult to push through until the end and was generally uninterested. Yes, everyone matters. This book may or may not help you in understanding that.
Things I found off-putting: author can’t stop talking about himself, how influential and inspirational he is, the important keynotes he’s given, how many celebrities he knows, the great deeds he has done, or just how cool his life has been. I suppose this comes off more as a memoir (I guess?) than an actual self-help book.
The author should have just stuck with the original message and eliminated the later half of the book. A lot of the writing comes off as pointless and I found it difficult to push through until the end and was generally uninterested. Yes, everyone matters. This book may or may not help you in understanding that.
February 11, 2020
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review*
I enjoy a good self help book as much as the next person, but unfortunately this was more of a memoir, and more of a "here are things that I have done in my life that don't really relate to self help". I found the stories not very engaging and go more and more off topic throughout the book.
Most of the book can be summed up in "spend time with other people and make them feel like they matter, and then you will feel like you matter".
I did like that he had practical tips and challenges at the end of each chapter, but overall this was not what I was hoping from for this book.
I enjoy a good self help book as much as the next person, but unfortunately this was more of a memoir, and more of a "here are things that I have done in my life that don't really relate to self help". I found the stories not very engaging and go more and more off topic throughout the book.
Most of the book can be summed up in "spend time with other people and make them feel like they matter, and then you will feel like you matter".
I did like that he had practical tips and challenges at the end of each chapter, but overall this was not what I was hoping from for this book.
April 27, 2020
Honestly, I was utterly bored by this book. Perhaps I could try again but so much was just anecdotes of this rich and famous man’s amazing life and how I could apply his lessons to my life. It wasn’t meaningful for me and following a reading of the wedding dress anecdote, I just wanted to scoff. He set in place a marriage by his wife offering a wedding dress...no consideration that his three trips to Costa Rica could have paid for the entire wedding, no doubt. Entitlement. I couldn’t get past the entitlement.
February 20, 2020
I received an ARC through NetGalley, provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Transform the way you live your life with a message of unexpected hope, radical joy, and deep connection.
You matter. Not because of what you earn or how you look or what you've achieved, but because you are inherently valuable. Author Matthew Emerzian takes this seemingly simple premise and shows readers how truly understanding their own worth will change every aspect of their lives. You Matter is a call to empathy and a joyous celebration of the value of each and every person.
The book is structured into three sections, each of which expands the concept in ever widening ripples. In the first section, "I Matter," readers come to terms with their own worth, in "You Matter" that awareness expands to acknowledge and celebrate the value of the people around us, and finally in "We Matter" Emerzian explores the power of a thriving community with those around us. Each chapter features exercises, journal prompts, and conversation starters to help readers dive deeper.
Author Matt Emerzian is the founder of Every Monday Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Every week 1.2 million people--from elementary school children to employees at national corporations--engage with ideas and concepts from Every Monday Matters.
You Matter is a manifesto of self-esteem and call to action for people to find their meaning and live fully--and change the world while doing so.
Review:
I have been studying psychology for 6 years. As a graduate student, this book was right up my alley. It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea but it was mine. The book to some may read like essays but it was very informative on a subject that is near and dear to my heart - letting everyone know that they do, in fact, matter. The author encourages readers to look at themselves, look at their own experiences, and realize their worth. I can see reading this one again and/or having others read this one!
Synopsis:
Transform the way you live your life with a message of unexpected hope, radical joy, and deep connection.
You matter. Not because of what you earn or how you look or what you've achieved, but because you are inherently valuable. Author Matthew Emerzian takes this seemingly simple premise and shows readers how truly understanding their own worth will change every aspect of their lives. You Matter is a call to empathy and a joyous celebration of the value of each and every person.
The book is structured into three sections, each of which expands the concept in ever widening ripples. In the first section, "I Matter," readers come to terms with their own worth, in "You Matter" that awareness expands to acknowledge and celebrate the value of the people around us, and finally in "We Matter" Emerzian explores the power of a thriving community with those around us. Each chapter features exercises, journal prompts, and conversation starters to help readers dive deeper.
Author Matt Emerzian is the founder of Every Monday Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Every week 1.2 million people--from elementary school children to employees at national corporations--engage with ideas and concepts from Every Monday Matters.
You Matter is a manifesto of self-esteem and call to action for people to find their meaning and live fully--and change the world while doing so.
Review:
I have been studying psychology for 6 years. As a graduate student, this book was right up my alley. It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea but it was mine. The book to some may read like essays but it was very informative on a subject that is near and dear to my heart - letting everyone know that they do, in fact, matter. The author encourages readers to look at themselves, look at their own experiences, and realize their worth. I can see reading this one again and/or having others read this one!
October 25, 2019
I matter, this is a message that all of us need to hear at some point in our lives.
My life has been a huge roller coaster ride from the time I was diagnosed with GAD. I, therefore, could relate to author's panic attacks and how he was compelled to write Every Monday Matters.
This book has a simple message - We matter but it's not all about us.
This is an important message. It was made even more poignant through the stories that the author shared. He certainly has lived an interesting life - such an eclectic group of friends. He talks about his friends with such love that I wish I could meet most of the people that he mentioned.
The lessons are very important - be authentic, be a good friend and care about serving others. I think I needed this at this point in our life.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book.
My life has been a huge roller coaster ride from the time I was diagnosed with GAD. I, therefore, could relate to author's panic attacks and how he was compelled to write Every Monday Matters.
This book has a simple message - We matter but it's not all about us.
This is an important message. It was made even more poignant through the stories that the author shared. He certainly has lived an interesting life - such an eclectic group of friends. He talks about his friends with such love that I wish I could meet most of the people that he mentioned.
The lessons are very important - be authentic, be a good friend and care about serving others. I think I needed this at this point in our life.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book.
December 7, 2019
I'll start with a caveat, that being I swore off self help books some years ago, and in particular organizational pep-talks. (Who Moved My Cheese?, Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results). All empty talk.
But this was a well put together book with exercises akin to those given in a conference. He is not overly syrupy and admits it is not an easy sort of transformation. Seems that he has been there/done that with the subjects on which he speaks. And some simple things might actually make a difference. Things that seem to be in short supply in some circles today: Be Aware, Be Present, Be Loving, Be Honest, Be Creative and Be Selfless (not a full list). If you are younger and trying to figure things out, especially having just left home or college, this book might give you a boost.
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But this was a well put together book with exercises akin to those given in a conference. He is not overly syrupy and admits it is not an easy sort of transformation. Seems that he has been there/done that with the subjects on which he speaks. And some simple things might actually make a difference. Things that seem to be in short supply in some circles today: Be Aware, Be Present, Be Loving, Be Honest, Be Creative and Be Selfless (not a full list). If you are younger and trying to figure things out, especially having just left home or college, this book might give you a boost.
who
October 4, 2019
Amazing book. Life-changing! I suffer from anxiety and this was just the book I needed, just at the right time. Highly recommend for everyone whether you suffer from anxiety or not. This is a how-to life your life to the fullest book.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The book is coming out in Feb. 2020, cannot wait! I will be buying a hardcopy!
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The book is coming out in Feb. 2020, cannot wait! I will be buying a hardcopy!
December 4, 2019
This is a wonderful book about the power of friendship and living authentically. It helped me recognize how important it is to be intentional in everything I do -- everything has a purpose and meaning and shapes your life even in the smallest of moments. I loved the stories the author shared and his call to actions and convo starters. It truly sparked a light in me! I highly recommend the read :)
December 18, 2019
This is a great book about realizing how much you matter to the world and then taking that realization out into the world and making it about the world and the people in it. it is broken down into 3 sections that allows a focus on each step of the process. The realization that came to to the author is told in small stories and then brought around to make his point effectively. A good book on your place in this world.
October 22, 2019
This is a memoir that wants to be a self-help book.
Author Matthew Emerzian describes his own struggles with anxiety and depression with open honesty.
Sections at the end of each chapter - take action, journal prompt and conversation starters - are the "self help" part, with questions to inspire you to delve deeper into your own thoughts and actions.
Author Matthew Emerzian describes his own struggles with anxiety and depression with open honesty.
Sections at the end of each chapter - take action, journal prompt and conversation starters - are the "self help" part, with questions to inspire you to delve deeper into your own thoughts and actions.
December 30, 2019
i win this book. i know some people that need to read this book. you matter , some peoples cannot think they can change the direction of the life they have if something not right.a quick read, that make you smile and make you think for yourself.
December 5, 2020
Sometimes reading a book like this requires timing. You will like this book if you need it at this time in your life, but if not then the book is mediocre.
I felt this was more of a memoir than anything. There were many name drops and Emerzian pats himself on the back throughout the entire book. It read as, “I’m a great person and I make a difference in many peoples’ lives because I chose to care about them. Good job Matthew.”
Though he has some good points and I do believe in his message that we all need more compassion and need to be kinder to one another to really love ourselves, I don’t think this was the best way to share the message. It didn’t feel genuine the way I would expect a book like this to feel.
Also, please do not slap anyone’s ass or touch them anywhere without permission... this part of the book made me uncomfortable. Obviously he knows these people really well, but when he invites the reader to slap asses and touch elbows I think he really needs to explain the circumstances where that would be okay... which for me is virtually never. When you touch a person you are encroaching on their autonomy. Don’t do this. Some people handle physical touch differently than others.
I felt this was more of a memoir than anything. There were many name drops and Emerzian pats himself on the back throughout the entire book. It read as, “I’m a great person and I make a difference in many peoples’ lives because I chose to care about them. Good job Matthew.”
Though he has some good points and I do believe in his message that we all need more compassion and need to be kinder to one another to really love ourselves, I don’t think this was the best way to share the message. It didn’t feel genuine the way I would expect a book like this to feel.
Also, please do not slap anyone’s ass or touch them anywhere without permission... this part of the book made me uncomfortable. Obviously he knows these people really well, but when he invites the reader to slap asses and touch elbows I think he really needs to explain the circumstances where that would be okay... which for me is virtually never. When you touch a person you are encroaching on their autonomy. Don’t do this. Some people handle physical touch differently than others.
March 27, 2020
A decent self-help book. It was a good reminder of self-worth and the value of self.
November 19, 2019
It's literally just another self-help book. It serves it's purpose.
January 15, 2020
I think that the best thing about this book is its title. I recommend that if you are browsing self-help books and this book sparks your interest that you purchase the print copy, rather than the kindle version. The whole purpose of this book is in its title: You matter. The author constantly reminds his audience of this phrase. I have not read many self-help books like this, so I don't know if repetition is common for this this type of book (personally, I was not a big fan of it). But I recommend the print version because then you will get that visual/phrase "you matter"... even if you don't even read the book! I read the kindle version of this book, but I think I would have enjoyed this book better in print.
I generally enjoyed the positive outlook that the author, Matthew Emerzian, has on life that he is trying to push on to his readers ('push' sounds negative, but I feel this is really an accurate way to phrase it. It's why I don't like repetition!)
Part memoir/ part self-help, this book asks us to think about what makes us unique. It talks about finding value in helping others. It talks about how everyone comes to their path of life differently, and how it is important to embrace it. The highlight of this book was reading about the relationships between people and considering how I can incorporate more positive interactions with others in my life as well.
People who are looking for a journaling/self-reflective approach will really enjoy this book. I was not looking for this, and honestly spent only a few minutes on each prompt before moving on. I enjoyed many of the author's stories, but since this is part memoir, it felt like a lot of the "you matter" stories ended up as the author's way of saying "I matter."
There were a few stories that rubbed me the wrong way. For one, the author talks about befriending an autistic man at his local swimming pool and how this man made such an impression on him. From his story, it sounds like they lost contact after the author moved- but it also sounded like their relationship started by text message, and that he should have been able to reach out before including the story in his book. It's probably weird of me to nit-pick at stories since Emerzian is using them to prove his points. At the same time, as a reader we only get these brief interactions and I wanted to know, "...but what happened to that person? What happened to the relationship later? What about those people you only met briefly and now claim to have a better life?"
I would consider this book a 3.5 rounded down to a 3- I definitely think that a book like this can inspire others to be better, which makes it an important read, but it wasn't the type of book I enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I generally enjoyed the positive outlook that the author, Matthew Emerzian, has on life that he is trying to push on to his readers ('push' sounds negative, but I feel this is really an accurate way to phrase it. It's why I don't like repetition!)
Part memoir/ part self-help, this book asks us to think about what makes us unique. It talks about finding value in helping others. It talks about how everyone comes to their path of life differently, and how it is important to embrace it. The highlight of this book was reading about the relationships between people and considering how I can incorporate more positive interactions with others in my life as well.
People who are looking for a journaling/self-reflective approach will really enjoy this book. I was not looking for this, and honestly spent only a few minutes on each prompt before moving on. I enjoyed many of the author's stories, but since this is part memoir, it felt like a lot of the "you matter" stories ended up as the author's way of saying "I matter."
There were a few stories that rubbed me the wrong way. For one, the author talks about befriending an autistic man at his local swimming pool and how this man made such an impression on him. From his story, it sounds like they lost contact after the author moved- but it also sounded like their relationship started by text message, and that he should have been able to reach out before including the story in his book. It's probably weird of me to nit-pick at stories since Emerzian is using them to prove his points. At the same time, as a reader we only get these brief interactions and I wanted to know, "...but what happened to that person? What happened to the relationship later? What about those people you only met briefly and now claim to have a better life?"
I would consider this book a 3.5 rounded down to a 3- I definitely think that a book like this can inspire others to be better, which makes it an important read, but it wasn't the type of book I enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2020
5 stars
You Matter is a self-help book on understanding your own worthy, valuing your uniqueness, and finally realizing all you have to offer the world. It is divided into three different sections; "I Matter," "You Matter," and "We Matter." At the end of each chapter, the reader will find exercises, journal prompts and conversation starters that will help with fully grasping who and what truly makes the reader happy.
This book and its stories made me smile, laugh, cry, dream, and above all else believe in myself. It is definitely up there on my list of favourite self-help books I have read over the years. I felt a connection to the message this book is conveying and felt I could relate. After a rough 2019, this book allowed me to see a clearer vision of the intentions I outlined for 2020 of living a more fulfilling life and practicing gratitude. I want to live my life, and so this book helped me to realize how to align with what matters in my life. Too many of us stand on the sidelines and watch life pass us by. There were also lots of realizations about human nature, as we often turn the other cheek and avoid seeing things. But we need to actually be the change. In my opinion, this book is superbly put together, and is written in layman's terms, so that anyone can relate.
"What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will mater is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matter doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstances but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters." - Michael Josephson
I would recommend this book everyone! However, especially to those doubting their place in the world. I specifically think the exercises, prompts and conversation starters are all super helpful and an added bonus to this. Sometimes we may not like the answers, but that is all part living a fulfilling life.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You Matter is a self-help book on understanding your own worthy, valuing your uniqueness, and finally realizing all you have to offer the world. It is divided into three different sections; "I Matter," "You Matter," and "We Matter." At the end of each chapter, the reader will find exercises, journal prompts and conversation starters that will help with fully grasping who and what truly makes the reader happy.
This book and its stories made me smile, laugh, cry, dream, and above all else believe in myself. It is definitely up there on my list of favourite self-help books I have read over the years. I felt a connection to the message this book is conveying and felt I could relate. After a rough 2019, this book allowed me to see a clearer vision of the intentions I outlined for 2020 of living a more fulfilling life and practicing gratitude. I want to live my life, and so this book helped me to realize how to align with what matters in my life. Too many of us stand on the sidelines and watch life pass us by. There were also lots of realizations about human nature, as we often turn the other cheek and avoid seeing things. But we need to actually be the change. In my opinion, this book is superbly put together, and is written in layman's terms, so that anyone can relate.
"What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will mater is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matter doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstances but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters." - Michael Josephson
I would recommend this book everyone! However, especially to those doubting their place in the world. I specifically think the exercises, prompts and conversation starters are all super helpful and an added bonus to this. Sometimes we may not like the answers, but that is all part living a fulfilling life.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
Some people will connect well with this book and take much from it, whilst others will find it irritating and not as much a self help book but a biography of sorts. I am a mixture of both and found it at times helpful and uplifting and at others misguided and assumptive.
Overall it is worth a read but not necessarily hitting all the right notes for me.
Overall it is worth a read but not necessarily hitting all the right notes for me.
July 15, 2020
This did feel more like a memoir than a self-help book. The idea that we all matter is a good message, but I am not sure the stories in each chapter were able to convey what the author was trying say. At times it felt like he was saying, "Oh I did this cool thing, so be brave (or present, authentic, etc.)," but the focus was on the cool thing he did and not the message.
October 26, 2019
You Matter.: Learning to Love Who You Really Are by Matthew Emerzian is a self-help book to help readers discover their meaning and live a more fulfilling life. The title is powerful and important to remember, "You [I] Matter." I added the "I" because it's important to put in a personal context.
The vivid description of his panic attack is powerful from his sense of dread, tunnel vision, and heart racing. I was drawn to this book because I often feel I don't matter. In going through my life transition, I thought it would be good to gain some strategies to begin to put myself first.
What resonated was his section on the emotional and mental heart, that vulnerable place deep inside us that we so often keep hidden.
Mr. Emerzian wanted to write this book to share his experiences and resources, and his mission is "to help people know how much and why they matter."
Overall, the book was pretty good, but not anything that I haven't read before. I felt You Matter was more memoir and talking about his experiences and only small sections on "Take Action" prompts and activities. I enjoyed the first part of the book, but then noticed myself skimming the later chapters due to the self-commentary. I would have liked to see more resources and more exercises to dig deeper into self-reflection.
The vivid description of his panic attack is powerful from his sense of dread, tunnel vision, and heart racing. I was drawn to this book because I often feel I don't matter. In going through my life transition, I thought it would be good to gain some strategies to begin to put myself first.
What resonated was his section on the emotional and mental heart, that vulnerable place deep inside us that we so often keep hidden.
Mr. Emerzian wanted to write this book to share his experiences and resources, and his mission is "to help people know how much and why they matter."
Overall, the book was pretty good, but not anything that I haven't read before. I felt You Matter was more memoir and talking about his experiences and only small sections on "Take Action" prompts and activities. I enjoyed the first part of the book, but then noticed myself skimming the later chapters due to the self-commentary. I would have liked to see more resources and more exercises to dig deeper into self-reflection.
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