And Now For The Good News...: The much-needed tonic for our frazzled world

by Ruby Wax

'This book couldn't be more needed right now!' Nigella Lawson

'Ruby has a uniquely vibrant and clever way of thinking' Elizabeth Day

'The antidote to all Covid angst' Kathy Lette
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Bestselling author and comedian, Ruby Wax, uses her iconic wit and expertise to equip readers with a positive roadmap for a kinder, brighter world and better mental health.

As we begin to see the green shoots of a post-pandemic world, Ruby Wax's clever and witty And Now for the Good News is the blueprint we all need for achieving a kinder, more compassionate world.

Brimming with practical learnings, Ruby gives readers the opportunity to create lasting positive change and provides us all with a much-needed tonic for better mental health and wellbeing.

She has spent the last three years speaking to the people who are spearheading the latest innovation and influencing a brighter future for humanity. From the communities being designed to eradicate loneliness and the companies putting their employees' happiness first, to the impressive AI technology teaching children with learning difficulties and taking literacy levels higher than ever before. And Now for the Good News distils her inspiring findings into key practical takeaways for all.

Ruby's here to provide us all with a positive roadmap for a brighter world and most importantly, for better mental wellbeing.
___________________________

'A fantastic tonic for the universal malaise' Ian McKellen

'Ruby can always be guaranteed to lift your spirits!' Annie Lennox

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Audiobook, Health, Book Club

229 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

Ruby Wax arrived in Britain in 1977 to pursue an acting career. She says "I really could never find my niche. I was a terrible actress, I couldn't sing, I couldn't do characters, I couldn't do an English accent and I lived in England, so I was narrowing it down".

She met French and Saunders at a party and worked alongside them a number of times, on television in Happy Families, at charity events such as Hysteria and notably the sitcom Girls on Top. Ruby played Shelley Dupont, a stereotypically loud American dying for a career in show-business. Not a huge hit, Girls on Top nevertheless gave the trio the chance to find their feet in comedy.

Ruby eventually got a chat show after drunkenly interviewing Michael Grade (who was head of Channel 4 at the time) in a tent at the Edinburgh festival. She subsequently made a range of programmes, many revolving around her as an interviewer. Her popularity in terms of comedy came from her interviewing technique: she was always forthright, brash and loud, conforming to the British stereotype of an American. Her physical appearance matched this image, with red hair and blood-red lipstick.

In 2002 Ruby Wax wrote her memoir, How Do You Want Me?, which became a bestseller.

Her 2010 stand-up show Losing It deals with her experience of bipolar disorder. She founded Black Dog Tribe in 2011 in response to the audience reaction from her theatre show. In September 2013, she graduated from Kellogg College at Oxford University with a master's degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy. She had previously earned a postgraduate certificate in psychotherapy and counselling from Regents College in London.

These days she promotes understanding of the brain and campaigns for greater mental health awareness and destigmatisation.

- summarised from Dawn French Online, Wikipedia and her website

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may well be wondering why on earth someone would write a book about good news when the world is in the grip of an unrelenting pandemic. I would argue that this is exactly the right time! Ruby Wax began preparing this book long before Covid but the timing is excellent. How many times have you/I sat in front of the TV news and felt gloomier and gloomier as bad news is all that’s reported. I’d love a good news broadcast but if you want to feel better about things generally then this well researched book which demonstrates in a multitude of ways that there are ‘green shoots’ of positive change, is a really good bet. She says in the introduction that she aims to zone out negativity and see the sunnier side in the near future and I think she achieves her aim. It’s funny at times, she’s clearly done a huge amount of research (I especially like the sections where she gives historical background) and many of the green shoot ideas are admirable. She looks at several pertinent topic areas from Urban Planning to Business, Education to Food, Technology and she finishes with World Savers and as I read I learned so much. Who knew for example, how much good conglomerate Unilever do? Those who know me will not be surprised that the section on Education particularly interested me. The Chinese system versus Finland? Robots versus happy children? I’ll take the Finnish system any day and would love it adopted here. It works too as Finland is high up in the world league tables. I love the point that the author is making but it needs a whole mindset rethink and that starts with all the varying forms of media. The green shoot ideas gives grounds for cautious optimism and the point she finishes on is a slam dunk. Where would we have all been during Covid lockdown without Technology and human compassion ? It is invaluable as we use Zoom, FaceTime, Online Education platforms, the tech that allows people to work from home, the compassion of the many volunteer helper schemes and the Thursday night clap for the NHS, for the many who kept us going in so many ways and those who risked their own lives to save those in desperate need??? Those are more than green shoots.

Overall, there is serious food for thought in the message she gives here, it’s well written and very accessible and extremely thoughtful. Just a final thought about good news - remember how fantastic it felt as a nation during the 2012 Olympics????

With thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Life and especially to Ruby Wax for the ARC for an honest review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world may feel like a scarier place than ever and 2020 has definitely been a year we can collectively write off, but Wax also reminds us in her straight-shooting and humorous manner that there are still things to be thankful for. In And Now for the Good News Ruby has investigated how recent and new developments in technology, education, business, health, food and social change are turning our world into a better place than it’s ever been. Drawing on brand new research, compelling case studies and exercises to reframe your thinking, this is your guide to embrace change.

Filled with hope, actionable tips and memorable facts, And Now for the Good News will inspire you to look at the world around you with a renewed sense of optimism. It will also empower us to take action to make the world a kinder, better place. An accessible, informative and surprisingly compelling read from the very beginning, I can't think of a single person who should not be reading this compassionate, heartening and life-affirming book right now to regain a positive outlook on life, its struggles and the fact that adversity can be overcome. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Penguin Life for an ARC.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-help guide along the lines of ‘The Power of Positive Thinking‘ crossed with ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ seems a little over-optimistic in our present dystopian world!
It’s a pity the publisher didn’t hold this back until after the ‘pandemic’ crisis struck, for a better targeted approach.
However, as a great devotee of Jewish humour, I am always entertained by Ruby Wax and this is no exception.

Thanks go to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.

[Beachcomber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this via NetGalley in return for an unbiased review. I'd requested it because who doesn't need a little good news right now, and I thought Wax might be an interesting writer, in the same way I'd enjoyed Susan Calman's book on happiness. Sadly I didn't quite enjoy Wax's book in the same way. It felt too scattered - lots of talking and faffing, digressions and jokes, and then almost as an afterthought, some examples of people developing new projects/ideas. The history of food or ramblings on mindfulness in education weren't good news, just filler. Lots of people seem to have liked the book, which I'm happy about, but sadly it wasn't for me and I raced through to try and finish it.

[Silje Katrine Hoven · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so disappointed in this, because the book and the author were recommended by several people. And I couldn't even get past the first chapter because I was so frustrated. I don't understand what this book is supposed to be. Is this supposed to be educational? Is this her diary? During the first ten minutes of the audiobook Ruby Wax makes claims like: "The point of people is to mingle", and "when we laugh we spurt hormones onto each other". She says this without a single reference to actual science. Are these things real to her because she feels it is? If so, this is the absolute definition of pseudoscience and should be noted as such. As a lover of books on evolutionary biology and human expression this was just infuriating to listen to and for the sake of my own mental health I will stop now.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, what an uplifting and hopeful book. I adore Ruby Wax and all her books, so I was always pretty much going to be a fan, but this was slightly different than what I was expecting but pleasantly so, a lovely surprise to be surprised. This book covers the whole world of issues, literally from world hunger to the dodgy politicians, education and meditation. It’s a light tone but very direct at points and as always an amazing advocate for mental health awareness. This book is engaging, inspiring and overall this leaves you with a feeling of optimism which we all need at the moment.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion


Review left on goodreads and Amazon

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always loved how brutally honest Ruby Wax was and this was no exception.

Ruby discusses her travels as she seeks out the good news rather than focusing solely on the bad news that is always portrayed by the media. She discusses topics such as education, business and technology and also relates them back to her own personal experiences.

It was actually refreshing to learn about all the great things that are happening in the world. I learned a lot not only about current events but about past history too! I also loved Ruby's humour throughout, she really is one of a kind!

I loved the additional details at the end relating the topics back to our current situation in lockdown and how we can view it in a more positive light.

A great read if you want to escape the current doom and gloom!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for providing me with a copy to read.

[Nick Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moments of insight, some interesting asides from Wax as she here discusses ways in which folk could be happier and how diverging from the profit-driven, results-driven, immediate and consumerist ways in which many of us now live, it could reap benefits. The author is a fan of mindfulness and has researched the field of psychology and sociology, and I don't disagree with what she says, I've a lot of respect for this and her heart is in the right place. I just didn't find it particularly engaging or convincing - there's a slightly disorganised style, odd biographical tangents, it ends up feeling like Wax was saying that she found some specific examples of happier, more sustainable, more balanced and altruistic behaviour and wondered why everything couldn't be like that - which felt a bit naive and idealistic.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn, sorry, not one for me this. It was like reading a really boring text book. I wasn’t sure what the book was about when I chose to read it, but assumed from the author that it would be hilarious. Unfortunately I was totally wrong and I just found it an uninteresting collection of ramblings about a variety of topics – business, education, technology. There were an astonishing number of facts, which shows the author has obviously done a lot of research, but none that I will remember sorry. Think I’ll stick to novels in future.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and inspiring in places however something felt missing for me.

[Coco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I was expecting from this. Mainly a distraction from the pandemic and indeed a little bit of good news for once. I think I listened to a podcast with her on + jumped on Amazon afterwards in a punt for some positivity.

I knew I wasn’t going to get deep scientific or social analysis in a book by Ruby Wax but every time a topic is introduced, it feels glossed over + missing any actual substance bar a few facts here + there that I’m not sure whether I believe.

More detail on everything is needed but it’s a decent enough, quick, light-hearted read as a glimpse into a some practices that help you to stop feeling like the world is doomed.

Will be delving into the bibliography for the extra information + insight that I’m looking for on the topics covered, especially the ecovillages!

[Emily Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was good, certainly a good read for the current climate and to see the different things which are being created to help the Planet and all who Inhabit it. However I wouldnt read another Ruby Wax book, I wanted to read about the good things in the Planet not get a political rant in some parts. Disappointing that it couldnt of been kept out would of got 5 stars otherwise.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a truly positive and joyous read. In her book – And Now for the Good News – Ruby Wax looks at world problems and really manages to show how a) they impact our mental health and b) how we can do something about it – both our mental health and helping fix the problems within the world.

If I am honest, I was expecting sardonic wit and humour. The sort of thing you are used to getting from Ruby Wax in her humourous guises. However, what I got was a lot of humour but equally a lot of real life advice. It is not surprising that she had been awarded degrees for her work in mental health.

And Now for the Good News is genuinely uplifting. Wax doesn’t shy away from the darker more difficult topics but equally she makes you see the positivity that life has to offer. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

And Now for the Good News… by Ruby Wax is available now.

[Shelley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really refreshing, brutally honest and hilariously funny, this book was an absolute tonic for these difficult times.

The book covers a wide range of issues, and ways in which good humans are making steps to solve them.

Now for the Good news is filled to the brim with interesting ideas, issues to explore further, and inspiration to get involved. Marvellous stuff.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for an ARC of this book. And Now For The Good News is available from all good bookshops.

[Peter Holz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly no literary masterpiece. However, in the current time of death and destruction, which has made abundantly clear how incredibly selfish, stupid and superstitious many people are, I can certainly do with a smattering of optimism and a few examples of people who are kind, selfless and making a genuine effort to turn things around. Reading their stories makes me want to lift my own game. The section describing conditions in refugee camps certainly gives me pause to reflect the next time I want to whinge about my first world problems. Storm? Three days without electricity? Bah! These people spend most or all of their lives without power, in every sense of the word.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I want to gift a copy to everyone I know - and to complete strangers too! I am a huge fan of Ruby Wax’s books, so accessible and always the perfect mix of science, personal disclosure, real life examples and humour. This book should be prescribed on the NHS, a balm for our souls in these troubled times. It only took me so long to finish cos I read lots of fiction at the same time. Loved it.

[Kimothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can all agree 2020 has been one heck of a year and having previously read books by Ruby Wax i knew it would be interesting,informative and imbued with some humour. I was not disappointed and found this book to be very much what was needed to give you some thoughts and persepective on everyday life, and living through 2020.

[Gráinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Ruby, and I really like her books. Her writing style is light, funny (as expected) and simultaneously highlights the more important elements in the topics she’s address. Here it’s all about the green shoots and reasons for hope. This is not a turgid but weighty tome, but a light read that makes you think about what else you could do and what more you might actually like to do.

[Tish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this a bit of an odd book, it's marketed as good news book, the synopsis says that's what it is.

But it mostly bad news 😂, I was looking for a pick me up, it's why I picked THIS book up 😭.

It's my first time reading Ruby though, I loved her writing, she made me cackle, if I was wanting to read a book about why everything is a bit shit I'd have probably loved it haha!

[Alanna Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here: https://theresnoenjoymentlikereading....

[Rhiannon Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to see what’s going on in the world atm that’s good and noteworthy and ruby has a hilarious sense of humour that shines through

[Eloise Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't get into - but just personal. It wasn't awful just didn't love it! Really love ruby wax though!

[Lyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just live listening to Ruby Wax and this was great in audio book.

Very inspiring.

[Andrea Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read in a world on edge and changing rapidly. Ruby brings factual history of where we got to where we are today and then gives positive things happening around the world for the future, along with a touch of humour.

[Pam Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

And Now For The Good News... :To the Future with Love by Ruby Wax looks at different things like education and food to see what the good thigns are that are coming, or are here already, just not in a big way, yet.

Ruby Wax compares the difference between schooling in China and Finland, such as in China where mental health issues bring shame to familes, versus in Finland where they discuss how stories make them feel and why people do things.

There is also some suggested apps, and a mindful meditation to do with your phone where you chuck it out of a window, off a cliff, into the sea, your choice.  And that sums up the book.  It's written with a playful tone but is there with a serious message.

Ruby Wax is public about her struggles with mental health, and so has been writing books to help others, and started  Frazzled Cafes , which during Covid-19 is hosting online support meetings, and pre Covid-19 hosted in person meetings.  Maybe it will again.

 And Now For The Good News... :To the Future with Love  was published on 17th September 2020, and is available to buy from  Amazon ,  Waterstones  and your  local independent bookshop .

You can follow Ruby Wax on her  website ,  Twitter  and  Facebook .  

I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to  Penguin Books .

[Lilithcarter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received the ARC digital copy of the book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

I requested the book back in august and took me a little time to catch up with my TBR and I was really looking forward to reading something light pack with good news. Unfortunately I didn't like the writing style, it's a bit messy, super fast paced, packed full with information that the speed of the writing didn't allow me to digest before being thrown a joke. I felt I was being attacked so I had to put it down many times before I could finish it,
The style of the book made me think of that one friend you have that is nice and witty that talks for an hour straight and told you the whole childhood story just to say "yes Im ok"
The long sentences, long paragraphs, the very little use of comas and full stoped, made me a bit anxious, so I didn't enjoy that at all. The sense of humour got on the way of actual good information, and on top of that, along the book there are witty racist jokes sprinkle around that just made my eyes roll.
The only redeeming part of the book is that the author is aware of her white privilege. She makes sure you know she steals toiletries from hotels to give to refugees, she shops on Amazon, (even when she's fully aware of their poor ethic), she talks her way into places, lies about her abilities and gets away with it. I'm not sure how many of her jokes are based on reality or just jokes too ridiculous to be true.
Also I'm not sure who is the target audience of the book, some parts read very light and even over explained, that made me think this is for the older generation who lost touch with technology and aren't informed. But having so much I formation delivered in a speedy way, made think it was for YA as they can take all of that in without many problems.

If you'd like to read good news, please go somewhere else. I'd recommend My life on our planet by David Attenborough (just the second half of the book)

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the good news parts, but each one is introduced by a lengthy description of how badly the world is doing. The author also introduces these one-line jokes interspersed throughout the book and to be honest many completely missed the mark for me and actually felt annoying rather than funny. But like I said, I did enjoy the bits where there were actually good news.

[Pam Saunders · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this based on the title but it was like reading like someone’s diary, erratic at that too. It was all me, me, me. Not so much about the good news. Plus it has dated. Skipped through to the end as she promised that was where the good news was. Umm.

Apologies for the brutal review Ruby, but it wasn’t for me.

[Jen]

DNF audiobook about 2 hours into it. Well made points and some funny writing but lots of bad news/facts to wade through before each of the good news parts. Not the sort of book I want now but I would listen to other books by this author.

[Anuradha Sarup · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to read a book to know what kind of books are not your thing ...