When Life is Not Peachy: Real-life lessons in recovery from heartache, grief and tough times

by Pip Lincolne

When life has taken a difficult turn, our heart is aching and we're only just holding it together, it's easy to question everything. Who even am I, and how will I keep going? We need someone in our corner to travel this journey with us and help keep our spirits up.

This book is a gentle guide for navigating loss, grief or other sad times - a resource both for those who are downhearted and those supporting a loved one. With thoughtful advice on dealing with friends and family; healthy tips for eating and exercise when you don't feel like it; and a just-keep-yourself-going '101' for when you're feeling very low. It's the bolstering force we need to feel a bit closer to ourselves, or find a bit of peace.

For years Pip Lincolne has had a dedicated readership through her blog Meet Me At Mike's and frankie magazine. She wrote When Life is Not Peachy during some tough times of her own, in the hope that what she learned might help someone else feel a little better some day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Grief

264 pages, Hardcover

Published June 23, 2020

About the author

Pip Lincolne has been writing stories and poems since she was a wee gal. She's the author of seven books and writes at Meet Me At Mike's.

Reviews

[Matilda (booksinwildplaces) · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5-2 stars

Might help some people, just wasn't my cup of tea.

I felt quite disengaged when reading When Life Is Not Peachy because of the style of writing (very, very casual) and content (very textbook). Although this book might help some people that don't really know where to start, for me, it was a lot of common sense and most of the information Pip supplied could be found from a quick Google search or chat with the GP.

I would recommend this to people that are going through a non-specific rough time. But if you are going through loss of a loved one, trauma or any other specific issue then this book might be a bit too blasé for you.

[Sian Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my mum this month and bought myself this book. It guided me through my grief in such a restorative way. It reassured me that I was doing ok and gave me ideas to help myself. It also inspired me to start cooking for myself again which was a huge achievement. I can’t wait to make tortellini soup for my friends.

I loved this book and would very quickly buy more copies for friends or family that find themselves in a bit of a sad slump.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Life is Not Peachy is kind of like the perfect cup of tea, a Valium and visit from your favorite aunty rolled into a book. Though Pip never actually tells you what to do, this book is full of very sensible, achievable ideas if you need somewhere to start, which is a good salve in a storm: whenever my life falls apart, I’m always desperate for someone to make even the smallest of decisions for me. Equally, the book (particularly the second half) could be used as a self-care resource when times are brighter, or to give you some help in helping others.

This book would serve excellently as a guiding light in a crisis - but please note it works under the assumption that the person in crisis is still privileged enough to have a roof over their head, enough money to pay the bills and at the very least, one kind person to call on the phone. (I am aware that it’s not intending to step into a more serious situation, but as a professional sad person who looks after sad people as their profession, I felt the need to mention this!)

[Krystelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so gentle. It does it's best to make sure the reader is at ease as much as possible, and it has so much delicacy. I wish I could say it was a realistic book in terms of most of our lives, but it's not. Self care goes out the window when you work 20 plus hours a day into the inevitable breakdown, and it feels like this book was written for people with the time. With that said, those who do have the time deserve this. We all deserve these kindnesses, these books that tell us everything will be okay and that sleeping through the worst parts of your life will make it alright. There's a lot to be learnt here from that, and to those who can use this book, it is perfect and wonderful.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seriously wonderful book that helps. I picked this book up because I've been having a rough time, not only did it give me lots of helpful advice about how to feel better and heal, but it made me feel like I wasn't alone. Thank you Pip xx

[Yvonne Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

There couldn't be a better time for this book to pop up in this not so peachy world! It obviously came from some pretty heavy personal times experienced by Pip and she's extremely generous and honest here, sharing her learnings while she put herself back together. Always a beautiful writer, it feels like you're having a big juicy chat with your bestie over a cuppa or a wine as you read this book, or even as you flip to chapters which jump out at you based on what you're going through at the time. Pip has a smart way of gathering research and input from many sources, too - giving this book an incredible depth, so it really does become the encyclopaedia of putting the PEACHY back in your life.

[Reannon Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. Of course it’s good for those people having a hard time but I think the advice, ideas & guidance is good for us all. It’s so practice & gentle. Pip’s writing style is friendly & comforting, never do you feel like Pip is being bossy or condescending , you only ever feel like she’s cheering you on, rooting for you to be ok. This is one of those books you’ll reach for again & again over the years.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are feeling a little blue, you need to read When Life is not Peachy. You will have a supportive friend with some good advice and many helpfull tips to help you find a happier you. Cheap therapy ...

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and practical advice for anyone going through a tough time.
Pip’s words are nurturing, comforting and reassuring and so very good for your soul.

[Katherine San Diego · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of the practical advice in this book, and the kindness with which it was written.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip's latest book is just what we need at this point in time. I mean - 2020, whew!

Life is not peachy right now, and Pip gently helps readers through the heaviness of such uncertain days with a mix of practical, lived experience and the wisdom of professionals including psychologists.

This is a beautiful book to gift to someone going through hard times, and a comforting book to have on your bedside table when you need a dose of wise encouragement from a trusted author/pal.

Get it! It's a beautiful book.

[Tamara]

This was nice. Pip Lincolne writes in a very empathetic, gently funny, and encouraging way. I'd wanted to read it because I'd heard about it, but realised it really is for people in more acute 'hard times' than chronic ones. So I'm not in the place that this book is written for people who are in, but I have been in it before, and she writes accurately about it. I did find helpful, understanding, and hopeful things in here - including a good playlist that I forgot to copy! I'll need to find it again.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for myself but ended up gifting it to a friend with a teenage daughter who has been going through a rough time. This is the message that she sent to me when the book arrived in the post:
"Couldn’t have come at a better time... I was going to ring you but ended up giving [daughter] cuddles and cry-time... Ah, life! Imagine if we couldn’t share it, in all its mess and beauty."
Thanks for helping us navigate the mess and the beauty Pip.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and enjoyable read. Lots of helpful tips, tricks and insights. It’s a must-have companion for dealing with all of life’s ups and downs. Think of it like a helpful tool box for all the shitty times in life. Pip writes in such a loving, down-to-earth (but also informative) way, too - it’s like a warm hug from a friend when you need it the most.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Do some drawing or colouring in. You don't have to show it to anyone. Speak with a pompous accent to yourself about how interesting and unexpected your work is. Do that."

I've loved Pip's writing style for a while, and this book was no different. It felt like a warm hug and like a glimmer of hope.

[Felicity M · Rating 5 out of 5]

After discovering the author of my current fav email newsletter slash blog, had also written real life books, I immediately put them all on hold and borrowed them all from my local library !!
Loved them all, so great! May need to add them to my collection

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, helpful book, filled with beautiful advice for when you really are not feeling the best. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s feeling down, whether from a breakup, depression, chronic illness... Pip’s advice is non-patronising, gentle, charming, and calming.
I’ve already given two copies of this book as gifts, I love it.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing!!
There is so much content within this book, and surprisingly a lot of the content is original. A lot of the times with books like this it's the same old stuff (meditate, eat better, have a bath, sleep, try yoga etc.) but this book really does go into detail. (It did recommend a hot bath quite a lot though!!!)

There is so much to take away from this book, and I like the personal element to the book too. Pop Lincolne writes about her own story as well as recommending so many other things.

The only reason I haven't given this book 5*, is because I think the big chunks of writing might be a tad overwhelming if you are in the depths of depression. I know I personally struggle to read and focus for decent periods of time when I get in that state.

I thoroughly recommend this book. The layout is great, and the little boxes within each section are super useful. I really liked the section at the end with the playlist of uplifting and positive songs. I was lucky enough to be sent this book for an honest review, but since reading this electronic review copy; i have now ordered myself a physical copy for when it comes out!!!
YOU SHOULD TOO!!
Not only will this help you in a time of need, but it can also help you to be a pillar of support for a loved one. This is not a down-and-out book, but a positive look at recovering and getting yourself back on track.

[Michelle Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is probably more of a 4.5 but I didn't want to lower my rating of this book because I think its contents is really important.
I'm recently dealing with the passing of my mum and this book has helped me navigate some of the feelings and emotions that have come with that. I'm lucky that such a book as this exists.
I can see myself returning to it frequently to learn more and to remind myself how to heal.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gentle, understanding tone made this a soothing, reassuring read and just what the world needs right now.

[little read book co · Rating 3 out of 5]

i picked up this book at a local bookstore in the earlier part of 2020 (15/3/20), just before our lives were upended with the threat of covid. here's what i wrote at the time -

'i'm feeling anxious, overwhelmed, unsure, frustrated and worried right now. there is so much uncertainty in the air. not just about the spread of the virus but about jobs, income, planned events, school, life, business and more. my head feels like it's going to explode but my anxiety needs to feel in control right now and i must know ALL of the updates.

as my travel plans have now been cancelled, i decided to pop into a bookstore yesterday to treat myself to a brand new book and i decided that pip lincolne's new book was the perfect read to snuggle up with when everything feels too much'.

when life is not peachy is like a warm hug during rough times, like a much-needed friend. the cover is absolutely gorgeous. i recommend this book as a gift for anyone going through a hard time.

3 stars ⭐️



sarah 💘
little read book co

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yvonne gave me this book after the passing of my most beloved father, and also knowing I have been dealing with mental health issues for many years.
Thank you Yvonne and thank you Pip,
I felt like my best friend wrote this book especially for me!
Not only is the content amazing, making me realise the words written were describing exactly my feelings, realising I’m not the only one feeling these off the radar emotions, that is was also ok to feel this way, it’s quite normal and it will get better. This book is also aesthetically pleasing, just having the book on my bed side table made me happy. It’s presented so beautifully.
No psychological and medical mumbo jumbo that you need to feel more depressed about, in this book, great self help references and easy to absorb and reading and suggestions.
Put your prettiest nightwear on, get under the doona with your fur babies, your favourite drink or bag of lollies, I did all of them, and spoil your self with this book.
Trust me….. you are going to be motivated to feel better💗

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

35. When life is not Peachy • Pip Lincolne // This. Would have to be one of the BEST self help books I have ever read 🙌 It was SOOO relatable and it was like speaking to myself.. LOVED IT! (Just to clarify.. I mean the way it’s written 😅) it’s super informal which makes it so enlightening and easy to take in. It really is what it says.. a warm hug but in book form. Two lines that reached out most was.. ‘eff this.. you don’t deserve this shit.. I’m in your corner’ + ‘someone else’s pain doesn’t magic away your own. A dose of perspective doesn’t erase suffering.’ So many valuable gems within this book and I 100% will read it again ❤️ 5/5⭐️ #abookthatwillmakeyousmarter
*** thank you Libbee 😘 ***

[Kirsten Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this out from the library but wish I’d bought my own copy to underline sections across every other page!

I really enjoyed Pip’s writing style and her genuine understanding of how difficult it can be to take the steps needed to get better when you are going through difficult experiences. She helps to break them down and take it a step at a time, like simple tips for adding nutrition into your diet when you don’t feel up to cooking.

Although at points I did feel as though I was reading sections which I already knew and was aware of, especially if like me, you read a lot of self development books, there were many moments I almost became emotionally as I felt she was speaking to me.

I’d pick this up again and buy for others getting over a difficult time.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip makes it just ok to be not ok, and along the way she provides a generous spread of tips, gently, that make it possible to find your way back.
This is the kind of book to read if you need a hand, or if you have ever needed some support but can’t ask for it. , Its a perfect book to give to someone who likes to work it out for themselves, privately, and mostly for our girls, who might need it in the future.
Pip’s writing is like a song you’ve heard since childhood, it hits the mark so perfectly, you’re left wondering if you’ve heard it before? So sweet, so right the words come with invisible déjà vu.

[Michelle Nagakanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gentle and practical book. I can imagine it would be very helpful for people who are recently facing such loss or heartbreak. Even if not, this book is still a warm cup of tea, a cozy and comforting reminder to take care of yourself. A lot of tips in here aside from some that are based on the writer's personal experience are also from licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Many of these tips actually resemble my therapist's.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is indeed like sitting down with a close friend and sharing a cup of tea while you muddle your way through your “hard time” then as you get to the end you have a big hug to help put the pieces back together again. This book came at the perfect time for me and I’m pretty sure I will reread it in the future.

[Annie Gunks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book was OK, but the last half really just was a bit too all over the place just shotgunning things to help lift your mood. Was recommended as a grief book, but really there are better ones out there. This just doesn't sit well with working through the loss of a loved one.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only made it through 166 pages. I lost interest & maybe it wasn't really for me. It didn't have any benefits at all for me. Having said that; I'm not reallty in the throws of a big major trauma/ event. This book may help a lot of other people. I was just not 1 of them.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I resonated with what Pip had to say, and she packed quite the punch. Her warmth it felt like a tender hug when you're struggling to process difficult emotions. It also had a way of making me realise spending more time on self care isn't selfish.