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The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life
The Happiness Project meets So Sad Today in this "hilariously witty, unflinchingly honest" book from Words of Women founder Lauren Martin, as she contemplates the nature of negative emotions -- and the insights that helped her to take control of her life (Bobbi Brown).
Five years ago, Lauren Martin was sure something was wrong with her. She had a good job in New York, an apartment in Brooklyn, a boyfriend, yet every day she wrestled with feelings of inferiority, anxiety and irritability. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a (charming, successful) stranger who revealed that she also felt these things, that Lauren set out to better understand the hold that these moods had on her, how she could change them, and began to blog about the wisdom she uncovered. It quickly exploded into an international online community of women who felt like she did: lost, depressed, moody, and desirous of change.
Inspired by her audience to press even deeper, The Book of Moodsshares Lauren's journey to infuse her life with a sense of peace and stability. With observations that will resonate and inspire, she dives into the universal triggers every woman faces -- whether it's a comment from your mother, the relentless grind at your job, days when you wish the mirror had a Valencia filter, or all of the above. Blending cutting-edge science, timeless philosophy, witty anecdotes and effective forms of self-care, Martin has written a powerful, intimate, and incredibly relatable chronicle of transformation, proving that you really can turn your worst moods into your best life.
Five years ago, Lauren Martin was sure something was wrong with her. She had a good job in New York, an apartment in Brooklyn, a boyfriend, yet every day she wrestled with feelings of inferiority, anxiety and irritability. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a (charming, successful) stranger who revealed that she also felt these things, that Lauren set out to better understand the hold that these moods had on her, how she could change them, and began to blog about the wisdom she uncovered. It quickly exploded into an international online community of women who felt like she did: lost, depressed, moody, and desirous of change.
Inspired by her audience to press even deeper, The Book of Moodsshares Lauren's journey to infuse her life with a sense of peace and stability. With observations that will resonate and inspire, she dives into the universal triggers every woman faces -- whether it's a comment from your mother, the relentless grind at your job, days when you wish the mirror had a Valencia filter, or all of the above. Blending cutting-edge science, timeless philosophy, witty anecdotes and effective forms of self-care, Martin has written a powerful, intimate, and incredibly relatable chronicle of transformation, proving that you really can turn your worst moods into your best life.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
641 people are currently reading
17216 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Martin
1 book192 followersLauren Martin is a writer and the founder of Words of Women - a popular blog that aims to educate, inspire and transform the lives of its 300,000 followers. Her work has appeared in Elle, Complex Magazine, Bustle and Elite Daily. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
October 29, 2020
I loved the book. At least half of it. It is well-written, well-researched and insightful. And, it's very relatable and witty. If I had access to the print copy, I would have ear-marked the heck of out it.
The Book of Moods by Lauren Martin is part memoir and part self-help. And it's much less of a downer than I imagined reading about someone's mood swings. Each chapter opens with inspiring and funny quotes from well-known female authors and celebrities.
That said, by the end of the book, I was very put off by Martin's many stories involving her freak outs and drama. I went from wanting to root for her (and be her friend) to rolling my eyes. During one of her meltdowns, her husband called her a spoiled brat, and I concur! In fact, I wanted to throw the book across the room several times and tell her to grow up.
But I cannot be too harsh. After all, I was very similar at her age (a late twenty-something). My world revolved around me, myself and I ... plus my many mood swings. Now, with nearly two more decades under my belt (having experienced death, debt, 9/11, divorce, childbirth, recession, alcoholism, a pandemic, social injustice, etc.), I realize just how good my white privileged ass really has it. It's hard to be upset about my zits and cellulite when I live in a safe area, have food to eat, have access to great schools for my kiddo, and easy access to a support group of friends via the internet. A lot of this comes with therapy, maturity and (for some) sobriety.
The second bummer about this book is that it portrays the world from the perspective of a white female. Even the quotes are largely from white women. It makes very little mention, if at all, to those with much less ... and to my recollection, there's no mention to people of color. Ugh. After this year, it just stands out as a big misstep.
As women, if we could just change our perspective and realize how good we really have it, our drama and defensiveness would start to fade away.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Book of Moods by Lauren Martin is part memoir and part self-help. And it's much less of a downer than I imagined reading about someone's mood swings. Each chapter opens with inspiring and funny quotes from well-known female authors and celebrities.
That said, by the end of the book, I was very put off by Martin's many stories involving her freak outs and drama. I went from wanting to root for her (and be her friend) to rolling my eyes. During one of her meltdowns, her husband called her a spoiled brat, and I concur! In fact, I wanted to throw the book across the room several times and tell her to grow up.
But I cannot be too harsh. After all, I was very similar at her age (a late twenty-something). My world revolved around me, myself and I ... plus my many mood swings. Now, with nearly two more decades under my belt (having experienced death, debt, 9/11, divorce, childbirth, recession, alcoholism, a pandemic, social injustice, etc.), I realize just how good my white privileged ass really has it. It's hard to be upset about my zits and cellulite when I live in a safe area, have food to eat, have access to great schools for my kiddo, and easy access to a support group of friends via the internet. A lot of this comes with therapy, maturity and (for some) sobriety.
The second bummer about this book is that it portrays the world from the perspective of a white female. Even the quotes are largely from white women. It makes very little mention, if at all, to those with much less ... and to my recollection, there's no mention to people of color. Ugh. After this year, it just stands out as a big misstep.
As women, if we could just change our perspective and realize how good we really have it, our drama and defensiveness would start to fade away.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2021
The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life by Lauren Martin is an interesting and informative book about dealing with emotions.
The Book of Moods is an excellent book full of honesty. Martin doesn’t try to pretend she is an emotion expert. She gives many real life examples about times she overreacted and couldn’t handle her emotions. Martin describes how she let something small ruin her whole day and how that affected the people around her. This book written from personal experience rather than an expert made it way more relatable. There is useful advice throughout the book. As someone that struggles with moods and emotions sometimes, The Book of Moods was a must read for me. The Book of Moods gave advice with many stories that made it easy to read and kept it interesting. There were times were Martin told a story in a funny and dramatic way that I realized I could relate to. Lauren explains how she stopped having moods control her life and how to use emotions in a good way. I highly recommend The Book of Moods.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for The Book of Moods.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
The Book of Moods is an excellent book full of honesty. Martin doesn’t try to pretend she is an emotion expert. She gives many real life examples about times she overreacted and couldn’t handle her emotions. Martin describes how she let something small ruin her whole day and how that affected the people around her. This book written from personal experience rather than an expert made it way more relatable. There is useful advice throughout the book. As someone that struggles with moods and emotions sometimes, The Book of Moods was a must read for me. The Book of Moods gave advice with many stories that made it easy to read and kept it interesting. There were times were Martin told a story in a funny and dramatic way that I realized I could relate to. Lauren explains how she stopped having moods control her life and how to use emotions in a good way. I highly recommend The Book of Moods.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for The Book of Moods.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
January 22, 2021
I am too far from my 20s to gain anything from this book. Martin seems very attentive to how she thinks others might be thinking of her, and she tells herself stories about their disdain till she's an anxious wreck. The author's tone is drenched in privilege and seems unaware of it. Her descriptions of her anxieties are not relatable to me, and I was not feeling sympathetic as she made her way deeper into her navel as the book progressed.
October 9, 2020
As an avid and longtime follower of the Words of Women instagram account I was thrilled when I heard that Lauren was writing a memoir. She was kind enough to send me an advanced copy and I can honestly say that I devoured it in one sitting!
I was familiar with Lauren's writing style from her brilliant newsletters, website, and instagram so I was not surprised to find the prose in her memoir to be eloquent and relatable. I loved the quotes sprinkled throughout the book's sections (follow her instagram for more since that is her speciality) and was especially moved by how vulnerable and honest Lauren was since I could identify with so many of the "moods" she examines.
I highly recommend this book... my dog-eared copy will have a permanent place on my nightstand!
I was familiar with Lauren's writing style from her brilliant newsletters, website, and instagram so I was not surprised to find the prose in her memoir to be eloquent and relatable. I loved the quotes sprinkled throughout the book's sections (follow her instagram for more since that is her speciality) and was especially moved by how vulnerable and honest Lauren was since I could identify with so many of the "moods" she examines.
I highly recommend this book... my dog-eared copy will have a permanent place on my nightstand!
December 9, 2020
The Book of Moods provides an incredibly accurate and relatable look at something so many of us deal with, our moods. And what are moods you ask? Lauren Martin explains it so perfectly on her Words of Women Instagram post that I had to share it here...
"When I talk about #moods I don’t just mean generic emotions. I don’t mean angry or sad or stressed. I mean those feelings we have that we can’t explain. The suffocating feeling at the end of the day when you don’t know what you want or need but you need something to stop whatever is going on inside. I mean the restlessness you feel even though you don’t have anywhere to go. I mean the horrible feeling of looking in the mirror and feeling ugly even though yesterday you thought you looked great. I mean the feeling that something is wrong when everything is right and good and as it should be. These are moods. These feelings that come up and take hold and we don’t know why or what to do about them."
Everyone has these patterns of self-doubt, worries, and emotional triggers, but they can also feel so isolating because they really can come out of nowhere. Backed with research, personal stories, and self-reflection -Martin provides insight on how to better understand your own emotions, and stop them from becoming moods that can stop you in your tracks.
No matter how grateful we are for all the good things we have in our lives, everyday life is also made up of so many of the in-between moments of struggle and self-doubt. Instead of looking at these moments as a way to self-sabotage, we can use them as a powerful vessel to help us reflect, forge ahead, and ultimately transform ourselves and our paths forward.
What I loved most about this book is Martin's honesty. Lauren Martin is most definitely in a different stage of life than me, but even if many of our daily struggles are different, we have something we common, we experience these kinds of emotions. It doesn't matter how old you are or how many truly difficult situations you have endured, even when you regularly reflect on how fortunate you are in so many ways, there are going to be moments you just feel down.
Her quotes and anecdotes and advice normalize how you can be rocking along with work, an important project, etc, and then one small comment can make you question everything. We all have inner struggles and recognizing that these are a thing, can help us acknowledge them and then continue to move forward.
While I read this book on my kindle, as soon as I finished I pre-ordered a physical copy because it is the perfect book to highlight up the wazoo because there is just so much insight here. While we will never be able to control life or the people around us (wishful thinking right?) we do have the power to choose how we react. Emotions are a useful tool when we hold them, reflect on them, and then ultimately let them propel us ahead.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in change for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read this and other book reviews at genthebookworm.com
"When I talk about #moods I don’t just mean generic emotions. I don’t mean angry or sad or stressed. I mean those feelings we have that we can’t explain. The suffocating feeling at the end of the day when you don’t know what you want or need but you need something to stop whatever is going on inside. I mean the restlessness you feel even though you don’t have anywhere to go. I mean the horrible feeling of looking in the mirror and feeling ugly even though yesterday you thought you looked great. I mean the feeling that something is wrong when everything is right and good and as it should be. These are moods. These feelings that come up and take hold and we don’t know why or what to do about them."
Everyone has these patterns of self-doubt, worries, and emotional triggers, but they can also feel so isolating because they really can come out of nowhere. Backed with research, personal stories, and self-reflection -Martin provides insight on how to better understand your own emotions, and stop them from becoming moods that can stop you in your tracks.
No matter how grateful we are for all the good things we have in our lives, everyday life is also made up of so many of the in-between moments of struggle and self-doubt. Instead of looking at these moments as a way to self-sabotage, we can use them as a powerful vessel to help us reflect, forge ahead, and ultimately transform ourselves and our paths forward.
What I loved most about this book is Martin's honesty. Lauren Martin is most definitely in a different stage of life than me, but even if many of our daily struggles are different, we have something we common, we experience these kinds of emotions. It doesn't matter how old you are or how many truly difficult situations you have endured, even when you regularly reflect on how fortunate you are in so many ways, there are going to be moments you just feel down.
Her quotes and anecdotes and advice normalize how you can be rocking along with work, an important project, etc, and then one small comment can make you question everything. We all have inner struggles and recognizing that these are a thing, can help us acknowledge them and then continue to move forward.
While I read this book on my kindle, as soon as I finished I pre-ordered a physical copy because it is the perfect book to highlight up the wazoo because there is just so much insight here. While we will never be able to control life or the people around us (wishful thinking right?) we do have the power to choose how we react. Emotions are a useful tool when we hold them, reflect on them, and then ultimately let them propel us ahead.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in change for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read this and other book reviews at genthebookworm.com
January 4, 2021
This book was emotionally exhausting. You go from rooting for the author to realizing she spends most of this book behaving like a spoiled child who was never taught to play well with others.
October 21, 2020
As a psychologist who specializes in Women's Mental Health, I'm absolutely loving this book!!! Lauren provides an incredibly accurate and relatable depiction of what so many women struggle with. She humanizes and normalizes the extremely common (but often shame-inducing) patterns of self-doubt, worry and cyclical mood shifts. I highly recommend this book to any woman who feels "too moody" feels stuck, needs a pick-me-up or wants to gain insight.
January 25, 2021
"The Book of Moods" has been the most helpful book I've read in a while. It's not a self-help book, and it's not a memoir. It's this perfect hybrid of: here's what's happening to you, here's how I can help you through it, and here's what you need to know. This book has shifted my whole mindset on moods, being aware of my moods, and see how they can change quickly. Whether I'm getting frustrated washing dishes or having a hard day with kids, this book is a great reminder that it's better to make the best out of life—in any given moment. I was so thankful for the mindfulness boost this book gave me!
If you would like to see my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/lau...
If you would like to see my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/lau...
March 30, 2022
Lauren Martin successfully used her blog to explore how moods affect all aspects of our lives. The topics discussed are:
The Mood:
-Past and Future
-Beauty
-Work
-Friends
-Family
-The Body
-Unforeseen Circumstances
In each of these sections of the book, the mood is described, analyzed and shows how these aspects can be transformed. For more, please see my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/E73T59PnGHc
The Mood:
-Past and Future
-Beauty
-Work
-Friends
-Family
-The Body
-Unforeseen Circumstances
In each of these sections of the book, the mood is described, analyzed and shows how these aspects can be transformed. For more, please see my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/E73T59PnGHc
July 28, 2022
Where do I begin? With a compliment: there were a lot of truly lovely sentiments in this book. The overall theme spoke to me and I did takeaway from great pieces of advice and words of wisdom and general things to work on my own moods.
However, here are my criticisms. Too lazy for full sentences:
* examples are atrocious and overly revealing and distracting
* author takes too much blame for her moods and fails to consider that people should take ownership for their shit instead of internalizing everything
* Overly using quotes. Like this situation did not immediately make you think of some obscure Anais Nin quote
* The book seems to replace therapy for the author and while writing is therapeutic and cathartic it should not be the only means of working through your moods
* A lot of TRUTH about moods and acknowledging them and dealing with them but advice nears toxic-positivity and is not that helpful.
* You cannot write about the success of taming your moods when you are clearing demonstrating on the pages that you have not worked through some of these feelings to the extent you think you have.
* I am so wary of books like this that seem to provide scientific facts yet fail to cite sources
* “Our dreams are there to do a job — to do the emotional processing for us, to clean up the emotional baggage we didn’t deal with throughout the day” WHAT
* Truly just another version of Moody Bitches by Julie Holland
* This woman is also lowkey obsessed with letting a zit ruin her life
However, here are my criticisms. Too lazy for full sentences:
* examples are atrocious and overly revealing and distracting
* author takes too much blame for her moods and fails to consider that people should take ownership for their shit instead of internalizing everything
* Overly using quotes. Like this situation did not immediately make you think of some obscure Anais Nin quote
* The book seems to replace therapy for the author and while writing is therapeutic and cathartic it should not be the only means of working through your moods
* A lot of TRUTH about moods and acknowledging them and dealing with them but advice nears toxic-positivity and is not that helpful.
* You cannot write about the success of taming your moods when you are clearing demonstrating on the pages that you have not worked through some of these feelings to the extent you think you have.
* I am so wary of books like this that seem to provide scientific facts yet fail to cite sources
* “Our dreams are there to do a job — to do the emotional processing for us, to clean up the emotional baggage we didn’t deal with throughout the day” WHAT
* Truly just another version of Moody Bitches by Julie Holland
* This woman is also lowkey obsessed with letting a zit ruin her life
May 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Five years before writing this book, Lauren Martin had a great job, apartment, and boyfriend … and she was miserable. She should’ve been happy but she couldn’t stop focusing on everything negative: anything that could stress her out and leave her irritated and ready to lash out was taking over her life and jeopardizing her work and personal relationships.
Why was she constantly moody and depressed?
The Book of Moods covers Lauren’s journey of self awareness to discover what was causing her to miss out on happiness. Her observations are unflinchingly honest as most of the personal anecdotes she shares doesn’t put her in a great light but I think most women will find at least one personal example that she shares relatable.
There’s nothing new or groundbreaking about emotions here but I did appreciate the look at universal triggers women face and how the author learned to work through them.
(Spoiler alert: A lot of this growth seems to happen by simply growing up/maturing and getting to know yourself)
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Five years before writing this book, Lauren Martin had a great job, apartment, and boyfriend … and she was miserable. She should’ve been happy but she couldn’t stop focusing on everything negative: anything that could stress her out and leave her irritated and ready to lash out was taking over her life and jeopardizing her work and personal relationships.
Why was she constantly moody and depressed?
The Book of Moods covers Lauren’s journey of self awareness to discover what was causing her to miss out on happiness. Her observations are unflinchingly honest as most of the personal anecdotes she shares doesn’t put her in a great light but I think most women will find at least one personal example that she shares relatable.
There’s nothing new or groundbreaking about emotions here but I did appreciate the look at universal triggers women face and how the author learned to work through them.
(Spoiler alert: A lot of this growth seems to happen by simply growing up/maturing and getting to know yourself)
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
December 30, 2020
What a wonderful self-help book! It was researched, raw, rare, funny, personal, and very very truthful. There were moments of wonderment and empathy, and then anger and understanding. So much of me was reflected in this book. I came across the author by chance and what a serendipitous meeting it was!
My only complaint is that the author can seem (as another reviewer, Jill, has pointed out) to be very blind to her own white privilege. Additionally, there are very few quotes by women of colour; I mean I would chose Toni Morrison over Margaret Atwood any day. Some instances made it seem that they were meant to stand out — not everyone can relate to friends in Paris and studying in Madrid, and at those times I though to myself: really, you couldn’t think of any other mundane/universal example except this?
Although, I still highly recommend this. I am glad I am knocking off my 2020 with such an uplifting and empowered book.
My only complaint is that the author can seem (as another reviewer, Jill, has pointed out) to be very blind to her own white privilege. Additionally, there are very few quotes by women of colour; I mean I would chose Toni Morrison over Margaret Atwood any day. Some instances made it seem that they were meant to stand out — not everyone can relate to friends in Paris and studying in Madrid, and at those times I though to myself: really, you couldn’t think of any other mundane/universal example except this?
Although, I still highly recommend this. I am glad I am knocking off my 2020 with such an uplifting and empowered book.
December 27, 2020
As I was reading this book, I kept stopping and thinking to myself, "do I even like this book, should I keep reading this"? Which of course, wasn't a great sign. I did finish the book, it took me longer than I usually take to read a book, and it was a small book, but it really wasn't grabbing me. I have read several self-help books in the past and I usually get something out of them or they are written with great humor. This book really didn't have either. The author goes thru these "moods", which are separated by chapter, and which all of us will recognize in some form or another and discusses them as if they are great revelations. But while the author is going thru her struggles she does not mention if she was currently taking medication or seeing a therapist - both of which I definitely think she qualified for - in my unlicensed, purely unprofessional opinion. That's why I found this book questionable, what exactly was she trying to say? Her boyfriend, who later became her husband, is a saint, based on how she describes her comments and treatment of him.
I will say the best chapter of the book is the last. The chapter is titled "Unforeseen Circumstances". There is where I most saw myself in the book, unfortunately, and was quite comforted to know that someone else out there can be thrown off by such seemingly minor "unforeseen circumstances" that are a normal part of life.
If you are one of those people that does not believe in medication or counselors/psychologists/therapists, etc. than this book would be for you. It will acknowledge your feelings and tries to offer basic ways to help deal with these "moods". Otherwise....
I will say the best chapter of the book is the last. The chapter is titled "Unforeseen Circumstances". There is where I most saw myself in the book, unfortunately, and was quite comforted to know that someone else out there can be thrown off by such seemingly minor "unforeseen circumstances" that are a normal part of life.
If you are one of those people that does not believe in medication or counselors/psychologists/therapists, etc. than this book would be for you. It will acknowledge your feelings and tries to offer basic ways to help deal with these "moods". Otherwise....
April 10, 2021
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be your regular self-help book with some 'oohs and aahs' in the middle while reading it. But boy was I wrong!
Reading this book felt like talking to an older sister who has been through what you are going through. She has been through it all - the overthinking, the overreactions fueled by PMS and just your regular "why is life so unfair only to me", "why is my skin not as gorgeous as that girl I saw in the restaurant", "why my life has come to a stand still" - just the stuff that you are probably going through now too or have gone through before.
But in no way does she talk about it all in a boastful way. She shares her embarrassing truths, confrontations and explores them with you while giving you the space to reflect on your own.
This book doesn't preach, doesn't come as a 'teaching' either. It's just "Hey Gurl, did you think about it like this?" and in just that makes you feel empowered too. I am sure by the end of this book, you will feel like you understand yourself a bit better too.
P.S: There are a few truth bombs about Princess D too and I kid you not, in that moment I realised how much of a human she was too and how media is the biggest tool at everyone's disposal.
Reading this book felt like talking to an older sister who has been through what you are going through. She has been through it all - the overthinking, the overreactions fueled by PMS and just your regular "why is life so unfair only to me", "why is my skin not as gorgeous as that girl I saw in the restaurant", "why my life has come to a stand still" - just the stuff that you are probably going through now too or have gone through before.
But in no way does she talk about it all in a boastful way. She shares her embarrassing truths, confrontations and explores them with you while giving you the space to reflect on your own.
This book doesn't preach, doesn't come as a 'teaching' either. It's just "Hey Gurl, did you think about it like this?" and in just that makes you feel empowered too. I am sure by the end of this book, you will feel like you understand yourself a bit better too.
P.S: There are a few truth bombs about Princess D too and I kid you not, in that moment I realised how much of a human she was too and how media is the biggest tool at everyone's disposal.
January 12, 2021
This was SO GOOD and not at all what I expected. This book is about all the different areas of life and how to have a better attitude within them. Our author was SO relatable and used so many examples of her own bad attitudes and how she flipped them, I found this very practical and great. I think me being able to relate to her so much was a big part of the reason I loved this but I would say its a great read for anyone to try.
December 7, 2020
A couple years ago I started following Words of Women on Instagram and signed up for the weekly newsletter. It quickly became one of my favorite corners of the Internet; I liked how vulnerable and honest Martin’s writing was, how relatable and less alone it made me feel to hear inspiration and advice from female writers, poets, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. Martin wrote about experiences, emotions, moods, that I struggled with as well but was often too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about. The Book of Moods is an extension of this concept: how to better understand your emotions and stop them from becoming moods — moods that sit within you for days, that sabotage your happiness and life, and prevent you from leaning into gratitude and acceptance.
Life is of course the births, the deaths, the marriages, the traumas, the big things, but ultimately, life is a series of quotidian moments that we have to survive, and sometimes it seems so hard. The Book of Moods is a reckoning with this fact; that no matter how perfect you find your life, there are going to be zits, long lines, delayed trains, rude coworkers, and a gorgeous woman in the elevator with you when you’re bloated from your period and on day 4 of greasy hair. We can either let ourselves be prey to our worst impulses, our brain’s default mode of being possessed by our emotions and moods, or we can learn how to reprogram ourselves, and transform.
It’s easy to write these instances, these moods off as bourgeois, silly-girl problems, and you wouldn’t be wrong necessarily, but I think you would be dishonest. I’d like to think I was above going into a week-long spiral because I realized my hair thinned out, or I was too mature to make a below-the-belt comment to my mom just because she mentioned I looked tired one day, but I’m not always above it all, and it feels like weight being lifted off my shoulders when other women talk about this shame, humiliation, irritability, these moods that are just part of being a woman. I’d rather talk about it, work on it, and transform, than act like these things don’t happen.
I’m over halfway through my twenties now and so much of this decade has for me been about getting to know myself, learning to be honest with myself, and working on myself. The Book of Moods is Martin’s journey through that. It’s a book of quotes and anecdotes and advice, that is actually applicable, never patronizing, and concise. Publication day is tomorrow and I hope you’ll read it. I’ve carried this book around with me the last couple weeks, underlining much, sending pictures of pages to friends; it’s earned it’s place on my nightstand, something I’ll return to when I need to be snapped out of a mood. P.S. — I’m gifting a couple copies to friends and cousins for the holidays, a perfect gift even for non-readers! Thank you so much to Lauren for sending me an early copy to read.
Life is of course the births, the deaths, the marriages, the traumas, the big things, but ultimately, life is a series of quotidian moments that we have to survive, and sometimes it seems so hard. The Book of Moods is a reckoning with this fact; that no matter how perfect you find your life, there are going to be zits, long lines, delayed trains, rude coworkers, and a gorgeous woman in the elevator with you when you’re bloated from your period and on day 4 of greasy hair. We can either let ourselves be prey to our worst impulses, our brain’s default mode of being possessed by our emotions and moods, or we can learn how to reprogram ourselves, and transform.
It’s easy to write these instances, these moods off as bourgeois, silly-girl problems, and you wouldn’t be wrong necessarily, but I think you would be dishonest. I’d like to think I was above going into a week-long spiral because I realized my hair thinned out, or I was too mature to make a below-the-belt comment to my mom just because she mentioned I looked tired one day, but I’m not always above it all, and it feels like weight being lifted off my shoulders when other women talk about this shame, humiliation, irritability, these moods that are just part of being a woman. I’d rather talk about it, work on it, and transform, than act like these things don’t happen.
I’m over halfway through my twenties now and so much of this decade has for me been about getting to know myself, learning to be honest with myself, and working on myself. The Book of Moods is Martin’s journey through that. It’s a book of quotes and anecdotes and advice, that is actually applicable, never patronizing, and concise. Publication day is tomorrow and I hope you’ll read it. I’ve carried this book around with me the last couple weeks, underlining much, sending pictures of pages to friends; it’s earned it’s place on my nightstand, something I’ll return to when I need to be snapped out of a mood. P.S. — I’m gifting a couple copies to friends and cousins for the holidays, a perfect gift even for non-readers! Thank you so much to Lauren for sending me an early copy to read.
January 23, 2021
I want to preface this by saying I've been a long time subscriber (and fan) of Lauren's newsletter and Words of Women IG page, which is what prompted me to support her writing career and purchase the book. I love her style of writing-- casual yet relatable-- and her stories in her newsletters always seem so... human, and unassuming. I really had no idea what the book was about before I read it. I assumed it was about her personal experiences since that's what she primarily wrote about in her newsletters, and I was down to read more about her life.
I'll say, I do think this book is probably helpful and useful to women in their early 20's, since it is essentially a self-help book with digestible life advice. With that said, while the majority of her science-backed sections were interesting and illuminating (there's some real gems there), the overall advice seems pretty basic. Not in a bad way, but basic as in if you've lived a lot of life, this advice probably isn't new to you. So, in that regard, it may not offer too much value, which wasn't too big of a deal for me because I was interested in reading more about her personal life. But this is where I struggled the most.
Her telling of her stories paint her (past self) as an insufferable person. Props to her for sharing such intimate and vulnerable stories of her life in such an honest manner-- I know it's difficult to face our true selves in the mirror, let alone write a book about it. I understand that these stories are of her past self, and she has changed (thus the structure of the book), but it was hard to maintain the perspective that she is a changed person when story after story, she comes off as an emotionally unregulated individual. As a fellow empath and highly sensitive person, I can understand her "moods" and sensitivity, and perhaps it was the way she decided to paint herself in these stories (perhaps to over-exaggerate her undesirable traits), but it was exhausting, and at points annoying, to read about her overreactions to seemingly regular situations.
Again, I want to reiterate that I do enjoy Lauren's writing style, and am a fan of her work, but this book just wasn't it for me. If she does publish another book, I'd be more than down to read it! I just think her portrayal of her past self was difficult to read without feeling annoyance or irritation.
I'll say, I do think this book is probably helpful and useful to women in their early 20's, since it is essentially a self-help book with digestible life advice. With that said, while the majority of her science-backed sections were interesting and illuminating (there's some real gems there), the overall advice seems pretty basic. Not in a bad way, but basic as in if you've lived a lot of life, this advice probably isn't new to you. So, in that regard, it may not offer too much value, which wasn't too big of a deal for me because I was interested in reading more about her personal life. But this is where I struggled the most.
Her telling of her stories paint her (past self) as an insufferable person. Props to her for sharing such intimate and vulnerable stories of her life in such an honest manner-- I know it's difficult to face our true selves in the mirror, let alone write a book about it. I understand that these stories are of her past self, and she has changed (thus the structure of the book), but it was hard to maintain the perspective that she is a changed person when story after story, she comes off as an emotionally unregulated individual. As a fellow empath and highly sensitive person, I can understand her "moods" and sensitivity, and perhaps it was the way she decided to paint herself in these stories (perhaps to over-exaggerate her undesirable traits), but it was exhausting, and at points annoying, to read about her overreactions to seemingly regular situations.
Again, I want to reiterate that I do enjoy Lauren's writing style, and am a fan of her work, but this book just wasn't it for me. If she does publish another book, I'd be more than down to read it! I just think her portrayal of her past self was difficult to read without feeling annoyance or irritation.
September 22, 2020
Moods. We all have them…but it’s always seemed to me that being ‘moody’ is such a negative thing. Well, the author just flipped that term on its head. Lauren teaches us all that wee can harness our moods and use them to our benefit. Her vulnerability, and honesty (especially when it feels inconvenient) is captivating. She does what Gloria Steinem suggests to be the most feminist thing we can do as women, and that is to tell our own, HONEST stories. This book is a jolt of realness from someone who knows what she wants to say and isn’t afraid to say it.
Similar to a great comedian who can point out something about our daily life we don’t realize is funny until they frame it, Lauren has this very unique ability to unpack feelings, emotions, and MOODS, that I don’t or can’t find words for.
It’s an emotional gut lunch, made palatable and enjoyable by Lauren’s storytelling. She takes you through her own journey and self-awareness, which in turn allows you to reflect on your own. So many anecdotes and quotes in The Book of Moods made me feel seen as a millennial woman. I highlighted something in every chapter.
Similar to a great comedian who can point out something about our daily life we don’t realize is funny until they frame it, Lauren has this very unique ability to unpack feelings, emotions, and MOODS, that I don’t or can’t find words for.
It’s an emotional gut lunch, made palatable and enjoyable by Lauren’s storytelling. She takes you through her own journey and self-awareness, which in turn allows you to reflect on your own. So many anecdotes and quotes in The Book of Moods made me feel seen as a millennial woman. I highlighted something in every chapter.
September 15, 2023
Not as much new things for me but really good to listen to. There were so many situations she described I could relate to. I'm really prone to get into moods and explode in people's faces, especially lately due to overwork and exhaustion.
I was hoping to hear more about unfounded moods that don't have a clear trigger or reason/base. Although it seems to address it, the solutions seem to be the usual: know your triggers, adjust expectations, change your perspective and dont forget to sleep and eat well to be able to get a handle on your moods.
Still would recommend to any moody person, who wants to feel seen and understand their moods better.
I was hoping to hear more about unfounded moods that don't have a clear trigger or reason/base. Although it seems to address it, the solutions seem to be the usual: know your triggers, adjust expectations, change your perspective and dont forget to sleep and eat well to be able to get a handle on your moods.
Still would recommend to any moody person, who wants to feel seen and understand their moods better.
October 23, 2022
5 stars are not enough for one of the most outstanding books I had read ever since I started reading!!!!!! It is VERY hard for me to read psychology/self-help/mental health books that are purely scientific from cover to cover or purely about the author's life and how what happened to them can teach us how to deal with life's daily struggles. HOWEVER, this incredible book surprised me. Lauren Martin decided to write a book about every bad mood she ever had, and let me tell you something: the number of times I was able to relate to all chapters and sub-chapters is crazy. Not that she and I have the same lifestyle, but that we are both humans who have been victims of our own thoughts and emotions. The chapters are perfectly titled/divided, the style of writing is fascinating, and the quotes will resonate with you for a long time. A MUST-read for everyone. 100/10.
January 7, 2022
This was the ideal book to start the new year with. I kept thinking, while reading, where have you've been all my life?
I just enjoyed every word of it. It's not a self help book, not a memoir, but a hybrid kind of book. Lauren, the author, tells us about the moods of women. Not the dry theory, but based on events in her life, on what happened to her, what the mood is telling her and how to react on it. When I read the book, the whole time I thought: 'hey, that's about me! That's my mood!'
The book made me understand why I react in a certain way on a certain situation and how I can change my reactions. I still got a long way, but if Lauren could've done it, I certainly can too.
I just enjoyed every word of it. It's not a self help book, not a memoir, but a hybrid kind of book. Lauren, the author, tells us about the moods of women. Not the dry theory, but based on events in her life, on what happened to her, what the mood is telling her and how to react on it. When I read the book, the whole time I thought: 'hey, that's about me! That's my mood!'
The book made me understand why I react in a certain way on a certain situation and how I can change my reactions. I still got a long way, but if Lauren could've done it, I certainly can too.
March 2, 2021
It’s hard to know how to describe this book other than that I feel so seen. Lauren Martin has struck a perfect balance between relatable memoir and an accounting of popular science of the brain and human psychology. I often regularly experience the out-of-body feeling that is a cognizance of my own worst moments and emotions yet a helplessness to pinpoint the complexities of the “why” behind them. I’ve come to accept existential angst as my good friend but this book has been revelatory in ways I can’t fully comprehend or explain. The resonance I’ve found reading “The Book of Moods” has made me feel less alone and undoubtedly has given me so much more food for thought.
December 8, 2020
The author perfectly captured what so many of us consistently feel and allow to rule our lives. Somehow even though every woman experiences the struggles that the author writes about, the author wrote a memoir that feels extremely intimate. The self-care and scientific bits made this a book that can help even the most skeptical woman to not allow her moods to control her life anymore.
November 30, 2020
This book came at the perfect time for me. My moods have been all over the place during our California pandemic lockdowns AND I'm pregnant. It's hard not to identify with my moods sometimes or give them more meaning than they deserve. This book does a great job of breaking down pretty much every mood I've ever had and getting down to what the moods are actually trying to tell you. I read a lot of self-help books, and this one was just such a breath of fresh air because of all the stories. They brought a lighter vibe to my heavier feelings and made me feel less alone when I needed it most. I kept hearing myself say "yep, that's me" as I read Lauren's words. Highly recommend.
April 12, 2022
The only thing this book did was put ME in a mood. It’s the most selfishly indulgent written book I’ve ever read. There’s no talent in the writing and the points that it tries to construe are amateurish and vain. It’s an echo chamber of self love/positivity quotes from Instagram put into paragraphs.
I thought this book might go into deeper scientific or psychological perspectives on moods and relationships. It doesn’t.
Spoiler/ she feels ugly when she has a spot on her chin and it makes her anxious and question beauty standards in society. That’s the book. That’s it.
I thought this book might go into deeper scientific or psychological perspectives on moods and relationships. It doesn’t.
Spoiler/ she feels ugly when she has a spot on her chin and it makes her anxious and question beauty standards in society. That’s the book. That’s it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
A right book at the right time. I came across this book through Words of Women on Instagram. The book was very relatable and unapologetically honest. The author describes various “moods” or anxiety and talks about how changing her outlook helped her better deal with stressful situations. I docked off a star because the details of this transformation were rather abstract.
February 7, 2021
I’m not sure this book offers an abundance of useful ideas but it’s SO COMPLETELY relatable that I felt normal. I felt like I was okay and doing okay and was going to be okay. I haven’t read a book in so long that made me feel like I’m not a shitty wildcard. I loved it.
January 12, 2021
100% the right book at the right time for me
February 7, 2021
Book: "The Book of Moods" by Lauren Martin
Genre: Self-Help
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blogger's Note: Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Have you ever read a book and felt truly seen? "The Book of Moods" was that kind of read for me. This was the non fiction title that should have been required reading during the pandemic. With mental stress at an all time high and fatigue setting in relating to this horrendous COVID 19 situation, this book was comforting, illuminating and incredibly insightful.
Author Lauren Martin opens the book by explaining what moods are, where they come from and how they can impact our daily lives. Then she breaks down seven common mood categories that people tend to struggle with. The categories included are: the past/future, beauty, work, friends, family, body, and unforeseen circumstances. For each of these moods, she describes the mood, explains what the mood is telling you and then discussed common issues that can be resolved through behavior or attitude adjustments. The sequencing of chapters and the flow of information was very logical, easy to follow and made for relaxed reading.
The author came across as extremely honest. She notes in the book that triggers will never completely disappear, so aiming for that goal is a waste of time. I appreciated that concept as a reader. It allowed me to rid myself of the notion of perfection, and settle on the concept of doing what I can to alleviate a mood or trigger when I am able to do so. This transparency might not have been popular with some readers, but I found that people are more likely to be able to adapt the concepts discussed in the book successfully with an accurate gauge of this idea. What is important however is that we understand the moods and the triggers that cause them. This gives us the best fighting chance to stand up to these moods and dictate for ourselves how we want to emotionally proceed. This idea of controlling perception and our reactions is a difficult one but extremely interesting! This book definitely left me feeling challenged to do better in regards to my own moods.
I would like to note that I connected with certain sections more than others. For me, the beauty chapter was one that I could have done with less information on while the work chapter probably could have been doubled. After finishing the book, I realized that I had made so many sticky notes that there were still some hidden away, tucked into pages of the work chapter. Each of those post its with wonderful tidbits of information that I found vital to my daily work/life balance. One of my favorite snippets of wisdom came from that chapter. Martin notes on the importance of stepping away from work during rest times and truly taking a break. I had never stopped to think about that before reading that section. How many of us sit down during lunch and completely stop? Do you go outside to eat your lunch? Do you have a chat with a coworker about something other than work? This all relates back to mood and can impact behavior during later parts of the day.
This book was a win for me. I needed this book and it certainly found its way to me at the perfect time!
Recommendation: Pick this one up if you're a Moody Judy or if you just want to know more about moods, triggers and how to live a more stress free life.
Genre: Self-Help
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blogger's Note: Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Have you ever read a book and felt truly seen? "The Book of Moods" was that kind of read for me. This was the non fiction title that should have been required reading during the pandemic. With mental stress at an all time high and fatigue setting in relating to this horrendous COVID 19 situation, this book was comforting, illuminating and incredibly insightful.
Author Lauren Martin opens the book by explaining what moods are, where they come from and how they can impact our daily lives. Then she breaks down seven common mood categories that people tend to struggle with. The categories included are: the past/future, beauty, work, friends, family, body, and unforeseen circumstances. For each of these moods, she describes the mood, explains what the mood is telling you and then discussed common issues that can be resolved through behavior or attitude adjustments. The sequencing of chapters and the flow of information was very logical, easy to follow and made for relaxed reading.
The author came across as extremely honest. She notes in the book that triggers will never completely disappear, so aiming for that goal is a waste of time. I appreciated that concept as a reader. It allowed me to rid myself of the notion of perfection, and settle on the concept of doing what I can to alleviate a mood or trigger when I am able to do so. This transparency might not have been popular with some readers, but I found that people are more likely to be able to adapt the concepts discussed in the book successfully with an accurate gauge of this idea. What is important however is that we understand the moods and the triggers that cause them. This gives us the best fighting chance to stand up to these moods and dictate for ourselves how we want to emotionally proceed. This idea of controlling perception and our reactions is a difficult one but extremely interesting! This book definitely left me feeling challenged to do better in regards to my own moods.
I would like to note that I connected with certain sections more than others. For me, the beauty chapter was one that I could have done with less information on while the work chapter probably could have been doubled. After finishing the book, I realized that I had made so many sticky notes that there were still some hidden away, tucked into pages of the work chapter. Each of those post its with wonderful tidbits of information that I found vital to my daily work/life balance. One of my favorite snippets of wisdom came from that chapter. Martin notes on the importance of stepping away from work during rest times and truly taking a break. I had never stopped to think about that before reading that section. How many of us sit down during lunch and completely stop? Do you go outside to eat your lunch? Do you have a chat with a coworker about something other than work? This all relates back to mood and can impact behavior during later parts of the day.
This book was a win for me. I needed this book and it certainly found its way to me at the perfect time!
Recommendation: Pick this one up if you're a Moody Judy or if you just want to know more about moods, triggers and how to live a more stress free life.
January 10, 2021
I think that this came out in 2020 WAS SO PERFECT because I know she was working on it for years. When my self-esteem has been at my lowest, this made me feel understood, and by someone I respect. I follow her Words of Women account but did not expect her book to be SO. GOD. DAMN. RELATABLE. It delves into what we all feel as women, at some time or another, but its NOT "self-helpy." It's more like talking with your really smart girlfriend over cocktails, who says, "I've been there. I still feel it sometimes. Trust me. This is what I learned..."
**Edit: I saw another review that condemned the author for complaining, considering her socioeconomic privilege. I had a therapist tell me, "There is no hierarchy of sadness." I've tried telling myself that I shouldn't be depressed because people have it far worse than me, and guess what... that just makes you still depressed but also guilt-ridden. This book is a woman who knows she can be moody, and wanting to conquer that. In order to help the world, you must first help yourself, and while I recognize my privilege, I am so grateful for this exploration of taking your own thoughts seriously enough to get ahold of them.
**Edit: I saw another review that condemned the author for complaining, considering her socioeconomic privilege. I had a therapist tell me, "There is no hierarchy of sadness." I've tried telling myself that I shouldn't be depressed because people have it far worse than me, and guess what... that just makes you still depressed but also guilt-ridden. This book is a woman who knows she can be moody, and wanting to conquer that. In order to help the world, you must first help yourself, and while I recognize my privilege, I am so grateful for this exploration of taking your own thoughts seriously enough to get ahold of them.
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