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What's the Rush?

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YouTube creator and mental health expert Joey Kidney come to terms with his own depressions, anxiety, and sadness. He truly documents his dark journey over the last 3 years of his existence. He welcomes the reader into his life, documenting every experience, including his heartbreak, love, loss, hardship, and happy times. Joey's goal in writing the book is to share his journey, the obstacles he's overcome and his often not so straight road to recovery. His message is simple, it might be a struggle to get out of bed, take a shower or brush your teeth, but he hopes that you can decide what you need from this book, and make it your own.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

183 people are currently reading
2141 people want to read

About the author

Joey Kidney

4 books134 followers
Joey Kidney is a social media star who uses his self-titled channels to inspire others to find their own happiness in their everyday lives.

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5 stars
248 (51%)
4 stars
138 (28%)
3 stars
69 (14%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Morgann Book.
326 reviews2,748 followers
February 11, 2024
Wow.

I gave myself a goal of reading at least one non-fiction, self-help, or business book a month and Joey and his team graciously sent over his books. I don't think I've ever read a book like this before - It genuinely felt like I was in his head listening to his thoughts. The style of writing had me finishing the entire book in one sitting.

If you relate to any one the following things, you should read this book <3
- Feeling alone in life
- Going through a heartbreak
- If you feel like you're in a slump
- Feeling like you don't fit in
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Thinking you're never going to find love

This book will not cure your symptoms (but no book can. that's all up to you), but it will make you feel understood. This book will get you thinking. It will alter your perspective. It might also make you shed a couple of tears. But despite it all, it will make you feel seen.

Although I couldn't relate or didn't agree with every aspect of this book, I am extremely glad I read it

TW - the book deals with suicide, depression and some other dark topics.
Profile Image for Mallory.
82 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2020
I started the first 20 pages of this book about 6 months ago when it first came out. I remember going to the book launch for this book and hearing Joey talk about it. I didn't think I needed this book 6 months ago but I needed it now. I read it at a meaningful time. As I'm writing this, the world is different and unpredictable. Sometimes we need a book to bring us back down from our lives and allow us to think about our actions and our lives. This book did so much for me that I can't even begin to understand. I just want to thank Joey for writing it. As I read through the essays and small poems or phrases, I found myself in them. I see myself in the stories of someone else and it feels weird, but I'll end this review by saying that there may not be a right or wrong time to pick up a book, but when you need a book it will find you.

5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Kathi  .
2 reviews
May 21, 2022
I never thought I could read a book which speaks so much from my heart and my soul. While reading this book I cried for the first time in years which was such an relief (even though it happened in the middle of an uni lecture...).
This book doesn't solve depression and anxiety and as far as I know this isn't the intention of this book, but it made me a little bit more calm and gave me the feeling of not being so lonely in this big world.
And in the end, there doesn't has to be such a rush in my life...
Profile Image for Emma Milli.
94 reviews
dnf
February 1, 2024
DNF at 25% from Kindle Unlimited

I saw this book over TikTok advertised to me buy the author himself. And after seeing the front cover I was sold. In addition to seeing this book is only 178 pages, was the cherry on top!

I expected this book to be a fictional story that ends with the overall theme of "Life isn't meant to be rushed...yada yada yada... Enjoy the present." No, it's not. And this is what I get for reading a book blindly, which I will continue to do because what's the fun in being in on it?

When looking back at the book's Goodreads page, after starting the book, I noticed "YouTube creator and mental health expert Joey Kidney.." which made a lot more sense after reading a few pages of this book.
The book is listed as "Poetry" under Goodreads, which I find incredibly confusing, and would say is more of a self-help, memoir-esque type book. I don't know who Joey Kidney is and have never watched his YouTube videos, and as an outsider looking in, I would say this book is a window shopping book. It piqued my interest but isn't worth picking it up. Frankly, I don't really care to hear his story because I am not invested in his content. Plain and simple. I also find this book for the portions read, a bit too "positive" and raised an eyebrow at a few of his statements.

For example,
Saying, "overthinking is natural, and it's healthy" seems like a stretch. Yes, it's normal but I don't know if I would consider it healthy as rumination tends to lead to spirals. So... yeah.

It's a no from me.
Profile Image for Anja Peerdeman.
316 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2025
I read this book after watching Joey Kidney’s videos on Instagram, which is not uncommon, I believe.
If you solely watched those videos to stare the man in his kind eyes,just keep doing that.

But if you close your eyes, just listen to him talk and find value in that, you will absolutely love reading this book too. Kidney writes the way he speaks. Honest and straight to the point.
It doesn’t matter if you recognize your own thoughts and behavior either a lot or just a little, i’m pretty confident you will find something between these pages that will be of help.

I did, anyway.
Profile Image for Taylor Caspell.
27 reviews
October 27, 2024
The source of my many emotion hoodies, Joey Kidney writes with perspectives of life I didn’t realize I would relate to verbatim. Reading these moments in his life and observing his illustrations don’t give an entire picture of how the struggles of life is, but a glimpse into a new way to approach these times with an open mind. Being around the same age of these writings helps me acknowledge all the feelings and challenges I am having are normal, yet unique for every individual.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
4 reviews
March 7, 2023
This book couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. The stories that the author shared in the book were relatable and written in a way that made it understandable. I was also surprised by how quickly I got through the book and enjoyed the style of writing that the author chose.
Profile Image for Sarah.
4 reviews
December 11, 2024
He has a way of saying things perfectly and I connect with his videos & books on such a deep level. This book hit me so hard but in a good way. Everyone should ready this 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Profile Image for Melissa De Cunto.
Author 5 books7 followers
May 24, 2024
Joey Kidney's "What's the Rush" is a captivating and insightful read that truly resonates with the modern generation. This book is more than just a collection of thoughts; it's a profound exploration of life's journey and the importance of savoring each moment.

As an avid follower of Joey's YouTube channel, I was thrilled to dive into his book. From the very first page, Joey's authentic voice and relatable life moments draw you in. It felt like I was reading his videos his signature warmth, honesty, and wisdom shine through every chapter. His reflections on the pressures of today's fast-paced world are both enlightening and comforting, reminding readers that it's okay to slow down and appreciate the small things.

The book is filled with heartfelt stories and practical advice, making it a perfect companion for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Joey's genuine empathy and understanding of the human experience are evident throughout, and he writes with a sincerity that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a close friend. Each chapter is a gentle nudge to live more mindfully, encouraging readers to find balance and joy in their own lives.

Overall, "What's the Rush" is a must-read for anyone seeking a meaningful and uplifting guide to navigating the complexities of life. Joey Kidney has crafted a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come when we slow down and take the time to appreciate the journey. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Sandra Jäger.
1 review
December 27, 2020
I’ve watched Joey Kidney’s YouTube videos for about 3-4 years now which is why I wanted to support him by buying his book.
While reading you can notice how much effort he put into the book. The design seems really niet and in a way reminds me of Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey” if I might say so myself.
However, for me personally, I feel like the writing style of the book on most of the pages is rather poor.
It also seemed to me like he addressed the reader quite a lot and wanted to make him relate to his situation instead of actually telling his story and feelings. I guess, it would’ve been nice for someone who could relate, yet I didn’t at many times.
This is why, despite all, I wouldn’t recommend the book to a friend or would want to read it again.
Profile Image for Kelly McGillis.
45 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2021
Writing doesn’t live up to videos

Unfortunately, Joey is a much better speaker than writer. I would give the vulnerability a 5/5, but unfortunately the execution of the writing lessened the impact of what he was trying to say. Even though the topics are relatable, I just didn’t connect to the writing style. This might be better as an audiobook.
1 review
October 12, 2021
The book I am reading is called What's the Rush, a non-fiction self-help piece written by Joey Kidney. In this book the author documents his dark journey through life and gives insight into depression, anxiety, and overall sadness in life. He tells you how he overcame dark parts in his life. Although it may seem like a very sad book, he also tells warm and happy stories while also giving advice to make you rethink your life and make a change. I would recommend this book if you're a person who struggles with mental illness or looking for their path in life. This book is a very good read.

Kidney writes about his life experiences, good and bad, they all resonated with me and my life experiences so far. He talks about all of life's hardships and misery in your life, while also teaching a lesson to living your best life. The author goes through a lot of dark times, including the loss of his girlfriend and friend. The best part was when he would tell you how he overcame these dark times because it gives you a little hope for yourself if you relate to what he is going through.

I had a very strong relation to what the author was saying. He covers mental illness, breakups, loving yourself, finding your path and many more deep topics, all of which I connect with on a deep level. I felt what he was saying and some of it even spoke to me. My favorite part is that I am familiar with the author and I have watched his videos for a while, so while I read it, I could hear his voice in parts which made it way better. I found everything he said so comforting and I also loved the way he wrote this book and how it flowed. I don't think I really had a least favorite part of the book I think it is pretty well written, and I wish there were more pages. If I could change something though maybe that he covered more topics or dove a little deeper into mental challenges like anxiety, which a lot of people struggle with today.

In the end, almost every part of this book has taught me a lesson whether it be about life now, or my future life. This book had me hooked the moment I read the first page. I admit I am not much of a reader, but I truly read every page and enjoyed every part. This book can give you a sense of comfort, hope, happiness, a little sadness, and made me feel a wide range of emotions while reading. If you are a person who struggles with mental illness, love, or you think life is just too hard right now, I would read this book. I would also recommend this book to anyone who maybe wants insight on how a loved one might be feeling, or you just want to know about what goes on in some people's minds.
8 reviews
June 4, 2024
Looking for a guide to navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and personal growth? Look no further! I recently discovered a compelling non-fiction self-help book tailored for teenagers and young adults.

In this insightful read, the author candidly shares their journey through grief, love, and friendship, offering invaluable lessons and wisdom gained along the way. What sets this book apart is its ability to create a personal connection with the reader, making you feel like you're having a one-on-one conversation with the author.

Highlighted throughout the book is the importance of self-care and self-awareness, emphasizing how crucial it is to prioritize oneself in every situation. Additionally, the captivating artwork adds an aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall reading experience.

If you're seeking guidance and inspiration on your journey to self-discovery and personal growth, this book is a must-read. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on a transformative experience.
Profile Image for Jatin Lalwani.
17 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2020
I am watching his youtube videos since almost 2 years now and everything that he posts is very relatable. I was going to sleep by 12. But something in me made me feel like reading his book. I thought i’ll read a few pages and go to sleep. But here I am. It’s 2 hours and I’m done with the book. I was sleepy but I just couldn’t stop myself from reading more and more. It talks to you. The book talks to you. Joey shares his experiences and opinions about life, love, heartbreak, living alone and talks to the readers directly and gives them hope. He tells us how everything happens for a reason and this too shall pass!

I don’t read biographies much. But this one was very relatable and the perfect thing i could have picked up tonight.
Profile Image for lapetitelyanne .
193 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2022
I read this book for the first time not long after it came out, without writing in it, because I could not relate to the things that Joey talked about in it. Now, rereading it for the second time (and actually writing in it), 2 or 3 years after makes me realize how much I've experienced since the first time I opened the book. I may not have experienced a break up (I'm 19 and have never been in a relationship), but I've experienced the feeling of someone not liking you back, how much it hurts, but I've learned from it. Although, I am still trying to figure out who I really am and that's okay. I'll figure it out along the way while experiencing the highs and the lows of life. :)
Profile Image for gabs (taylor's version).
224 reviews
December 31, 2022
I first found Joey on insta and I LOVED his poetry. I was curious what one of his books would be like and this was not a disappointment! Most books of this sort just sit in the darkness, but this one calls out the darkness and explains how to get out of it. It’s interactive in a way, urging you to scribble in the margins. The vulnerability but also good outlook is refreshing and unique. Both making you feel comfortable and discussing uncomfortable things, it is relatable and REAL. So yeah, I liked it…was a nice little break from the books I normally read. <3
Profile Image for Verča Vili.
1 review
December 21, 2019
I bought this book because of Joey's amazing personality I saw through his videos on Youtube and I was not disappointed.
I connected with what he was saying and I felt like a friend was sitting next to me telling me all those things, making me realise that I matter.
I cried several times reading this book and I am not ashamed to say that.
This book is for everyone who feels alone and feels like nobody will ever understand. Maybe this book will help you.
18 reviews
July 28, 2024
as a young person about to go into college and this part of her life, i feel like this book has helped me become aware of different difficult aspects of what’s ahead and his story has given me confidence that i can face anything. also being in the transition phase between high school and college, (specifically) it has helped me realize and understand how my friendships were ending and it’s okay for them to end if it’s time. thank you so much joey kidney 🫶
5 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2022
This book was great! It is a very different read in more of a vignette style writing. It is a book that really makes you think and help one through whatever they may be going through. The words that Joey wrote have definitely stuck with me and I will be recommending this to my friends that have similar struggles to me!

Thank you, Joey!
Profile Image for Sara Arneberg.
Author 2 books9 followers
November 22, 2023
The audiobook was really nice!

I believe this book came to me at the perfect time. I've felt lonely as ever lately and it really made me feel better and less alone. Joey, the author and also the narrator, has a really soothing voice which makes it a nice listening experience. It feels a lot more authentic when it's the author reading to you.
16 reviews
February 7, 2024
I wish they had half stars because I did enjoy this book definitely not a favorite but was a good self help type of book. I love Joey kidney and think he is a very great writer and just person in general. It was a very quick read and has some amazing points and messages. Would recommend to people who are moving to fast or just struggling in general. (3.5 stars)
Profile Image for Curtis Sanders.
10 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
I love a detailed life story but sometimes this book can be all over the place AND honestly thats life. I appreciate how he gives the readers support tools to cope with anxiety, depression, etc and honestly you cant help but love Joey and cheer him on! He simply helps readers understand that there should be no rush to life because each and every day is a brand new day.
Profile Image for Kuntal Gorai.
27 reviews
December 24, 2025
Pay It Forward Lessons.

Author has portrayed all the life lessons he has/had experienced in a form of journal of various topics. How to live your life and never regret for all the wrong decisions that you made. It just helps you make stronger for the now that you are going to face.
Profile Image for Julia23.
25 reviews
February 26, 2021
just wow. I don't cry that much but this book, wow. It made me realise some things about me and my life. I have to make a change. Everyone should read this book because it is amazing and it describes situations so good. it truly helped me.
Profile Image for molly Johnson.
8 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2022
I bought this book to show some support for Joey, but it turned into more than that this book really helped me and I will definitely read this again. The sketches throughout the book really describe what I was picturing while reading also
6 reviews
September 26, 2024
Incredible book, telling the atory of one persons life in a way for everyone to relate. A book of instalments tell help with the difficult emotions and times of life and it isnt finished there are more books just like life continues.
Profile Image for Matthew.
375 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2025
Appreciate the author for sharing his thoughts and some of his history. I have mixed feelings only because it seemed to have jumped around a little bit, but it was also still connected. It somewhat threw me for a loop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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