Hope Is a Verb: Six Steps to Radical Optimism When the World Seems Broken

by Emily Ehlers

Amid political, social, and environmental anxieties, the need for humor, hope, and meaningful action has never been greater . Hope Is a Verb is the beautifully simple solution for not only how to create change but how to stay sane while doing it.

Through this creative guidebook, readers will work to live in alignment with their values, examine their relationships with the planet and their community, and be inspired to act, both in their personal life and collectively. Emily Ehlers, creator of the cult favorite Instagram account @ecowithem, offers the following six-step process that reframes the current global mood as an invitation to realize change, rather than  dwell in despair. Using her experience as a environmental activist, Ehlers offers ways for readers to change their perspective as a path to overcome challenges. A light in a dark place, a friend when you're feeling alone, a roadmap out of overwhelming situations, for those feeling less than secure and safe, Hope Is a Verb points to a world of opportunity and stability that’s achievable and surprisingly simple.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2021

Reviews

[Emily Ehlers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be a little weird if I didn’t endorse my own book, right?!

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

Hope is a Verb is an empowering, inspirational and much-needed book for the times in which we live, now more so than ever. Emily Ehlers is an author, illustrator and environmentalist with sound humour and an uncanny knack for sparking hope within people whose reserves of it are running on empty. As the pun-loving creative behind the beloved Instagram account @EcoWithEm_ , she shares ideas and illustrations that focus on planetary health, human happiness and the massive overlap between the two. She covers a wide range of topics that concern anyone who wants to live their life in a way that has a positive impact on people and the planet. She is passionate about sustainability, regenerative practices, beluga whales, rewilding, inclusivity, feminism, conscious creativity and cutting waste in all its forms (food, plastic, energy - all the things!). Emily is best known for finding light in the heaviest of issues and inspiring people to do good things in the world.

An accidental mental health advocate, she has wrestled with anxiety, rebels against the social-media-driven obsession with perfection and talks openly about her own inner world (which is ever-so ADHD). We can all put our hands up and say that at some point in time we have become overwhelmed about all the problems facing us and our world. If we simply ‘hope’ with wishful thinking that things will get better, nothing happens, but Ehlers reminds us that hope is a verb and what a powerful reminder it is. Her beautiful new book is full of illustrations, actions and information about how we can ensure we beat fear and issues that seek to overwhelm and are always able - even after the hour’s panic we’ll inevitably feel along the way - to muster our next action and move forward. It includes a little bit and about the author’s background, how her journey as an environmentalist unfolded and what inspired her to write her very first book.

It then moves on to guidance on how to not lose hope and instead how to choose hope, tips on how we can make a difference in our environment and how to Think Global and Act Local. There are plenty of self-care tips provided throughout and helpful hints on how to embrace who you truly are, how to overcome self-doubt, why you shouldn't change who you are as as an individual as well as wider and more general mental health tips and how to avoid burnout when you are trying to do good things in the world. Ultimately, this book teaches readers that hope isn’t just something you HAVE it’s something you DO. This is particularly important because it makes the word actionable. A great addition to any library, Hope is a Verb is packed with excellent information to help you live through the tough times, centre yourself and be the best person you can possibly be at all times. Highly recommended.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has got to be the most appealing and deeply detailed book on resilience, overcoming trauma and more than that, accepting the pain and healing through it. I a trying my best to capture everything that resonated with me in this book and I loved most the layout for in six chapters the author covers everything from being in a state of panic to finding your path and accepting your people. It's a fun and encouraging read, deeply moving too.
Thanks Netgalley for this eARC.

[Emily Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light-hearted, joyful, relatable, thought provoking, with just enough comic relief to make you laugh a little when you need it most. It read like a workbook at times but also a graphic novel with fun images and flow charts. The perfect read best paired with your first cup of coffee in the morning to start your day with hope.

[Withmanyroots]

A beautiful message that needs to be shared

[Z | maybetwoorthree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Is a Verb is by far the most colorful nonfiction/self-help book that I've read. The illustrations are admirable and looking at the colorful pages made me feel like I am reading a children's book but with a serious content. Reading this was a fun experience! The artist in me (self-proclaimed lol) was definitely satisfied.

I admire how this book gets its readers involved by providing few pages to answer and reflect on. I found the activities helpful in a sense that it gave me an opportunity to pause and ponder over the topics discussed. The book dwelled on six steps explaining how "hope" is not something that we should just wait on, but something that we should actually work on. This book is definitely helpful toward knowing yourself, discovering what you truly value, figuring out how your talent/hobby could be helpful, etc. However, I felt like it lacked impact on the discussion of one's relationship to his/her community. Maybe this could be saved for another book? Yay!

Overall, this book is such an enjoyable read and I would definitely reread it every now and then!

[Bella Peardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

i now often refer back to this book to ignite and generate the shine that i need in desperate times. The illustrations captivate ones eye through the purest intricate detail. Thank you for creating a book that we all need ✨

[Lyndal Kilgannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, beautifully illustrated book that is easy to digest and small steps to implement action (should you wish). A great gift for a friend or someone who is feeling a bit down or dejected.

[Waqas Mhd · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lovely little book. a quick read to lift your mood and fill you with positivity.

having said that, the book might seem a bit superficial and lacking in depth to some, i certainly had same thoughts about whether is this realllly a helpful book? it does provide a quick reminder in small doses for having a positive attitude towards life.

it certainly lacked the detailed discussion due to the format of the book and some pages did feel like fillers.

but still instead of just going through it, if take your time and ponder on each page really you should be able to get the most out of it.

[adaynasmile · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The pictures are fun. The artistry within it is creative. But it just lacked in substance. Nothing was new or revolutionary in the book.

Anxiety is an issue for many people, and I do think some of these tips can help deal with the day to day. But I think this book is far too superficial to truly be a helpful book for anyone really dealing with anxiety and depression.

I also had issues with the last chunk of the book when it started in on the typical "woke" talking points of privilege, BLM, "allies," etc. Separating people into categories (or identities) does nothing to help build people up, increase their confidence, and diminish anxiety. In many ways, it simply creates more.

[Bea (beansbookshelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

This was such a fun read! This book makes us think about our lives, how to face challenges and how we perceive the world around us. It helps us with anxiety, depression and other issues. The illustrations are simply wonderful and fun, it mixes so well with the story. It turned the book even more engaging than it already was!

[Noor-hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't it common in our daily lives, as we read the news headlines and hear the state of the world and most of the times we feel like we want to make an impact but most of the times we aren't sure where to start? Especially in these pandemic times with all the social and environmental issues we'd love to help in some way.

Hope is a verb by Emily Ehlers is a fantastic cathalist to change by defining 6 steps on how to spring into action. That's the meaning behind the title, as if hope is not a passive word, but as active like a verb that can lead us to become an agent of change. Ehlers does that by presenting the content of this book with fantastic illustrations that include pieces of knowledge and information valuable for everyone who wants to be part of a change.

The book is kicked off by mentioning her personal example of being involved in different causes and how there might be a burnout involved by being unable of doing it all. I enjoyed how the author is empathic in the content, as the illustration encompass perfectly the bits of wisdom and guidance added on each one of the steps.

As a Sustainability professional, I loved to see the definition of sustainability with a great illustration of the world in a three-legged stool, where each of the legs represents one of the three pillars of society: economy, environment and social equity. I loved how Ehlers represented us individuals having three pillars that need to be taken care of: mind, body and soul. Also, the bit where she highlights the importance of storytelling and the power of stories was truly endearing, since this bit works reinforcing the idea that when we create new stories and open the door to new possibilities and potentially better endings. This perspective is truly empowering as a reader.

The format is user-friendly, so this book works like a good source of help when needed. I think it has a lot of inspirational content that is sorely needed nowadays, both the content and the coloring gives you a good boost of inspiration to focus on any quests one might have, as well as providing ideas for any endeavours that could be pursued. Definitely recommend it!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Beautifully simple" is the most accurate part of the blurb. The pictures are very pretty (esp. the metaphorical map of the layers of the brain used in the chapter about fight, flight, freeze, or figure it out) but the text is so simple I don't know if it would actually help anyone.

I didn't need all the advice about getting to know myself, my values, my value. And if I had friends, so that I could "ask five friends to describe you in three words" or if I knew how I could use my "skills and strengths to help the issues that residents most strongly" I'd probably not even be looking at this.

What I was looking for is that 'how.'

I do like a couple of suggestions.
"List three people you see doing good in the world.
"List three things that give you hope."
What I want is help finding those things.

I also liked the reminder that all of us have three inner structures: mind, body, and soul. Even an atheist needs to support the soul, eg by listening to music, or cuddling an animal, or discovering new places, etc.

I don't know if I'd recommend it to any of you. I'd have to know you much better. But feel free to check it out; it might just click for you.

[Jay Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3
Re-Read Factor: No

"Hope is essential for us to live our lives to their fullest potential."

Hope Is a Verb: Six Steps to Radical Optimism When the World Seems Broken serves as a beginner's guide to optimism and acts as a personal catalyst for change. It promotes solutions to common problems each individual faces at some point in their lives-- anxiety, fear, depression, and more. If we're always looking for the darkness, we'll never see the light, and this book truly embodies that sentiment. That being said, the book does not offer anything mind-blowing but rather restates common notions to these problems.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is certainly beautiful. The illustrations and diagrams are stunning, and really make you think. I'm not quite sure how the contents of this book actually relate to the title. I enjoyed reading, and as I said previously, it really is a beautiful looking book, but feel like the contents is a bit all over the place.
The reason I didn't give this book the full 5* is not having a solid point. I felt that the book covered too much, and therefore didn't have a solid idea. I definitely got a lot from it, and it made me reevaluate things in my life, but I just think it was too broad in its content - and too far removed from the title of the book.
I enjoyed it, but it wasn't what it says on the tin.

[Aubrei K (earlgreypls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

4⭐️!!! I am so surprised at how much I loved this little book. I worried that this would be another self-help book centered around toxic positivity, but it ended up being a literal piece of art that explored the nuance that comes with becoming a hopeful person in a sometimes hopeless world. This is almost a graphic novel, with beautiful illustrations on nearly every page. I read it in one sitting, and I will definitely be buying a physical copy.

This would be a great gift/ coffee table book. I would recommend it to anyone who feels anxious and burdened by the change they want to see in the world but feels like it is impossible to make an impact. I really appreciated the author's notes regarding her privilege as a cisgender white woman, systemic issues that can make hope difficult, and the discussions on the importance of voting, allyship, and being imperfect.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book on hope and how to have more of it. I really loved the illustrations! There are a lot of good tips and exercises to help you find your purpose and craft your story. So many of us live with the programming of how we SHOULD be and we tell ourselves stories of how we are that may be negative. One thing that really stuck with me is: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito!" We all can effect change even if it's in small ways. No one is too small to make a difference, and that can give you hope!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book. When I first opened it, I wondered if it was for adults or kids... but the more I looked through I understood (and delighted in the fact) that it was for both.

This is a foundational book; I can see that it sets the scene for people who are overwhelmed at the mess of the world, but want to be part of good change. I love it so much, and wish more parents would read it and then read it with their kids too.

[Giada Andolfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo testo di nonfiction, scelto in uno dei momenti peggiori della mia vita, è stato ciò che mi ha spinto a scrivere la mia storia. Stanca di subire gaslighting, che mi venga urlato dietro anche quando dico la verità e di esser fatta passare per pazza quando sono l'unica sana di mente in questa casa, mi è servito. Mi ha ridato speranza.

Quel testo, ora, è la mia denuncia.
E non sarebbe mai nato senza la spinta che mi ha dato HOPE IS A VERB.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Hope is a Verb: Six Steps to Radical Optimism When the World Seems Broken’ by Emily Ehlers is an ebook of ways to act to change things.

Things can feel helpless in our world, but this book shows steps of action that can be taken. Step One: Stop Freaking Out shows how to battle back against your lizard brain and the reactions it makes. Step Five: Just Start gives the reader a kickstart to just move in a direction.

Along with inspiring text, there are fun illustrations to reinforce the message. I found it a fun and inspiring read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous and inspiring and a nice summary of so many of my thoughts. It's a bit fluffy and kinda like reading an Instagram feed, but it has a good flow, some decent exercises, and sometimes you just need a bit of pretty inspiration to get out there and do something. It'd be a lovely gift for people new to activism/making change.

[Mags (mbooksbycandlelight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a great reminder of many of the basic things we already know about mental health, being positive and focusing on what is really important. In my opinion, the highlights here are the illustrations and the design choices, not that the text isn’t important, but without the graphical elements it wouldn’t be half as interesting or fun.

I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. Hope is hard. Especially in a time like this. This book walks you through simple steps on how you can alter steps in your life to bring hope and light into your life. It is not fake, full of empty promises or anything like that. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a cute cute book!!! wasn't really 5 stars in my opinion but I would definitely recommend it to everyone, it has such important messages that everyone should hear and many good practices for a positive mindset and better mental health!! picked this up at GOMA when I went to see the gallery and I am so glad that I did!! really enjoyed this book

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein super schön illustriertes Buch mit inspirierenden und motivierenden Kapiteln die einen auf Positives besinnen. Auch zeigt es wie man durch Dankbarkeit und Gutes tun zufriedener wird.
Besonders positiv sind mir die diversen und inklusiven Illustrationen aufgefallen, die sehr mein Herz erwärmt haben.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! This book covers some big concepts and ideas but they are all made easy to comprehend with Em’s amazing infographic illustrations that are fun, witty and incredibly clever. This is the perfect book for anyone who cares for the environment but aren’t sure what to do next.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book with practical steps and lots of food for thought. The images are stunning and the highlight of the book. I read it in one sitting and will re-read it to do the activities step by step.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in strange times. I'll be the first to admit that I've been adrift in a sea of hopelessness. 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘈 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘣 gave me a concrete set of doable steps to help get my hope back and to make hope part of my day to day life. 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘈 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘣 is a much needed read during these times of uncertainty.

[Daniel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book which it did encouraged me to never give up hope that the world deserves me in it. Gave me insight on what ways I can get involved in my world and feel included. I recommend this book to anyone who feel this world may be tough at times but you can make it a better place.

[Jo Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about hope delivered with humour and practical steps to inspire deeper thinking and positive action. Wish it had a playbook to go with it or online resources.

It is one of the most beautifully illustrated and designed books I have read. Thanks Emily.