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A Book That Loves You: An Adventure in Self-Compassion
Slow down, celebrate the flaws, own the good stuff, and focus on learning to love and appreciate yourself. These themes of self-compassion and self-care are hugely popular, and Flow® has a unique and creative take on them. Now, following A Book That Takes Its Time , with 205,000 copies in print, A Book That Loves You offers a message that will resonate in its Be sweet to yourself, no matter what kind of day you’re having. (In fact, the challenging days are the days you’ll most want to pick up the book.)
Discover the comforting effects of a daily ritual, like drinking tea. Why it’s okay—and even beautiful—to stumble now and again. Embrace the art of being alone. Release the reins on your schedule. And learn to love yourself with all your imperfections—including your over-productive mind. The book combines Flow ’s signature scrapbook-like look and feel, focus on mindfulness, and high production standards. Sprinkled throughout the essays, illustrations, and sayings are paper “goodies,” designed to help readers put what they read into A “slow down” sticker puzzle, a pullout “My Own User Manual” map, a DIY flower to assemble and enjoy.
It’s a delightful gift for yourself or someone you care about—a book to peruse and engage with, using creativity and intention.
Discover the comforting effects of a daily ritual, like drinking tea. Why it’s okay—and even beautiful—to stumble now and again. Embrace the art of being alone. Release the reins on your schedule. And learn to love yourself with all your imperfections—including your over-productive mind. The book combines Flow ’s signature scrapbook-like look and feel, focus on mindfulness, and high production standards. Sprinkled throughout the essays, illustrations, and sayings are paper “goodies,” designed to help readers put what they read into A “slow down” sticker puzzle, a pullout “My Own User Manual” map, a DIY flower to assemble and enjoy.
It’s a delightful gift for yourself or someone you care about—a book to peruse and engage with, using creativity and intention.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 4, 2023
This beautiful book has postcards, stickers, small posters, removable journal booklets, and a dozen other adorable things included! You can write lists, read poetry, make a collage, write in your thoughts, or make a paper flower. There are articles about slowing down, treating yourself with compassion, finding meaning in your life, and enjoying solitude.
There are inspirational stories, beautiful artwork, and famous quotes. You'll find common sense advice about how to connect with nature, how to take time to do nothing, how to be vulnerable and connect with others, how to navigate the ups and downs of life, and how to be more grateful.
You can sketch or doodle, cook up a new recipe, send a postcard to a friend, or take a photograph. There are dozens of activities that you can choose from!
There are so many opportunities for writing in this book. There are lists, journal prompts, questions, and a whole bunch of space for writing in your thoughts. I especially love the removable journals, little sticker puzzle, and postcards and little banners. Each one of these is like a special treasure that you discover as you flip through the pages!
I adore the lovely designs in this book. There are a lot of different styles of artwork, but it's all colorful and peaceful. There is a nostalgic and retro feeling to the art that I really like. There are also some truly gorgeous photos in big page spreads that really catch your eye.
I am so impressed with the design and content of this sweet book. It's really positive and fun! The writing is encouraging, and you can jump around to the different activities depending on what interests you.
It sort of feels like a magazine with all the articles, but it's also like a craft book, and a journal, and a quote book. This book has everything!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
There are inspirational stories, beautiful artwork, and famous quotes. You'll find common sense advice about how to connect with nature, how to take time to do nothing, how to be vulnerable and connect with others, how to navigate the ups and downs of life, and how to be more grateful.
You can sketch or doodle, cook up a new recipe, send a postcard to a friend, or take a photograph. There are dozens of activities that you can choose from!
There are so many opportunities for writing in this book. There are lists, journal prompts, questions, and a whole bunch of space for writing in your thoughts. I especially love the removable journals, little sticker puzzle, and postcards and little banners. Each one of these is like a special treasure that you discover as you flip through the pages!
I adore the lovely designs in this book. There are a lot of different styles of artwork, but it's all colorful and peaceful. There is a nostalgic and retro feeling to the art that I really like. There are also some truly gorgeous photos in big page spreads that really catch your eye.
I am so impressed with the design and content of this sweet book. It's really positive and fun! The writing is encouraging, and you can jump around to the different activities depending on what interests you.
It sort of feels like a magazine with all the articles, but it's also like a craft book, and a journal, and a quote book. This book has everything!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 9, 2023
A book that loves you! I love the title and I love this book too!
Love everything about this book. From the quotes, the advice and the artworks. There a lot of nice craft that you can actually take out like postcards, bookmarks, quote cards. It even has the journal writing section where you can write your thoughts based on the questions provided.
I also love that I don't have to read this book in orderly manner. I can skip to last chapter or based on what interest me. This book contains 7 chapters in total.
This book mainly talks about self compassion. Embrace the art of being alone. Release the reins on your schedule. And learn to love yourself with all your imperfections—including your over-productive mind.
I love that this book combines Flow's signature scrapbook-like look and feel, focus on mindfulness, and high production standards.
Thank you Times Reads for sending a copy of A Book That Loves You in return for an honest review. This book is available at all major bookstores.
Love everything about this book. From the quotes, the advice and the artworks. There a lot of nice craft that you can actually take out like postcards, bookmarks, quote cards. It even has the journal writing section where you can write your thoughts based on the questions provided.
I also love that I don't have to read this book in orderly manner. I can skip to last chapter or based on what interest me. This book contains 7 chapters in total.
This book mainly talks about self compassion. Embrace the art of being alone. Release the reins on your schedule. And learn to love yourself with all your imperfections—including your over-productive mind.
I love that this book combines Flow's signature scrapbook-like look and feel, focus on mindfulness, and high production standards.
Thank you Times Reads for sending a copy of A Book That Loves You in return for an honest review. This book is available at all major bookstores.
December 27, 2022
I love all the paper crafts and most of the articles in these books by Flow.
February 8, 2023
I completely felt the love of the book and I so loved it back. I am a huge fan of all the Flow books and magazines and this one is no exception.
The book is first and foremost just so beautiful to look at and flip through with the gorgeous illustrations and hard covers. The articles are also all quite well written in a real down to earth way. It sometimes does feel like you are just listening to a friend talk. I took my time with this. Reading an article or two every morning or winding down in the evening. Always brings a gentle calm and something meaningful to think about.
A gentle read for these harsh times.
The book is first and foremost just so beautiful to look at and flip through with the gorgeous illustrations and hard covers. The articles are also all quite well written in a real down to earth way. It sometimes does feel like you are just listening to a friend talk. I took my time with this. Reading an article or two every morning or winding down in the evening. Always brings a gentle calm and something meaningful to think about.
A gentle read for these harsh times.
February 24, 2026
A Book That Loves You: An Adventure in Self-Compassion
By Irene Smit and Astrid Van Der Hulst
Published by Workman Publishing
Goodread's Rating: 4.53/5
My Rating: 5/5
"When you go on a journey, the road appears... Rumi."
After several years of refraining from purchasing expensive hardcover book, an exception was made for this one. The cover seemed almost sentient in its insistence with its bright, inviting, impossible to ignore, and soon found its place atop the bedside table, softly radiant.
For a poet, writer, and amateur artist, the pleasure begins even before the first exercise unfolds. The embossed cover with its tactile indulgence of 125gsm paper, printed in full colour from opening page to glossary and credits, transforms the reading experience into something almost ceremonial ritualistic. It is a book that understands the sensuality of paper, from the weight, the texture, and the subtle authority of well-considered design.
Within its pages lies an array of thoughtfully curated activities, from guided reflections on self-acknowledgment & celebration, postcards, spaces for drawing and gluing, punch-out 3D flowers, sketch book, sticker puzzle, and more. Interspersed among these invitations are selected articles from Flow magazine, lending intellectual texture to the playful exercises.
What emerges is not merely an activity book for adults, but a carefully crafted exploration of self-compassion through artistry & reflection. It feels less like a workbook and more like a gentle, aesthetically refined, and subtly persuasive companion. A volume that invites return, perhaps even collection.
By Irene Smit and Astrid Van Der Hulst
Published by Workman Publishing
Goodread's Rating: 4.53/5
My Rating: 5/5
"When you go on a journey, the road appears... Rumi."
After several years of refraining from purchasing expensive hardcover book, an exception was made for this one. The cover seemed almost sentient in its insistence with its bright, inviting, impossible to ignore, and soon found its place atop the bedside table, softly radiant.
For a poet, writer, and amateur artist, the pleasure begins even before the first exercise unfolds. The embossed cover with its tactile indulgence of 125gsm paper, printed in full colour from opening page to glossary and credits, transforms the reading experience into something almost ceremonial ritualistic. It is a book that understands the sensuality of paper, from the weight, the texture, and the subtle authority of well-considered design.
Within its pages lies an array of thoughtfully curated activities, from guided reflections on self-acknowledgment & celebration, postcards, spaces for drawing and gluing, punch-out 3D flowers, sketch book, sticker puzzle, and more. Interspersed among these invitations are selected articles from Flow magazine, lending intellectual texture to the playful exercises.
What emerges is not merely an activity book for adults, but a carefully crafted exploration of self-compassion through artistry & reflection. It feels less like a workbook and more like a gentle, aesthetically refined, and subtly persuasive companion. A volume that invites return, perhaps even collection.
November 27, 2022
Workman publishing gifted me this book in exchange for an honest review. I have been looking for a good self care book that really forces me to sit down and think. I really enjoyed this one because I can do things in pieces and not have to complete everything at once. I like that this book doesn't make you feel guilty and isn't too heavy like some other books.
April 7, 2024
I loved this book! I tore out pages to include on a vision board. I worked on projects. I'm writing a review of each chapter on my blog at Katie the Creative Lady each week during part of March and all of April.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2024
this book is adorable truly. it talks about all aspects of self love and overcoming hardship ever so gently. it includes little activities and interactive self care suggestions. its a good read for sure!
January 29, 2025
This book comes with some paper goodies inside as others from Flow Magazine do. Also, it isn’t only about what the title says, it goes beyond. It’s like a sturdy magazine regarding self-care and awareness.
March 15, 2025
A great Barnes & Noble find on the $10 table! Such a delightful book- I thoroughly enjoyed perusing its colorful pages- interesting thought-provoking short articles, fun activities for self-reflection and creativity, small notebooks- lots to explore and enrich. I bought several more for gifts!
March 25, 2023
Loved this book! It’s calming, peaceful, and full of stories and pictures that will bring you joy.
December 31, 2025
Practicing Hygge. So calm and relaxing. I love the articles and the paper and activities to help you find your flow.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews