The Yes Woman: How to reclaim your power by finally saying No.

by Grace Jennings-Edquist

In a world that teaches girls to become Yes Women, learning to say 'no' is a radical feat.

For most of her life, Australian journalist Grace Jennings-Edquist had been keen to please. From school to career, in her appearance, friendships, and even everyday interactions, she was always anxious not to disappoint. Becoming a mother finally tipped her over the edge and she wound up in a psych ward. Grace could no longer avoid the truth: she was chronically addicted to saying yes. And she was not alone.

Grace discovered that, in a phenomenon that crosses class, culture and sexuality, Yes Women are everywhere and there's a bit of Yes Woman in just about everyone. Interviewing scores of people in Australia and overseas, both ordinary women and experts, Grace gained a deeper understanding of the patriarchal origins of the Yes Woman, and developed a plan to seize control of her own life.

The Yes Woman is a practical guide to recognising your own Yes Woman tendencies, measuring their cost on your health, and resisting that need to please. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Self Help

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this book made me angry is an understatement, angry at the patriarchy! The book is written so well and is a perfect perspective as to what it is to be like as a woman in society. It incorporates intersectional feminism as it’s key voice and is absolutely a must read for anyone - not just people who feel as though they might say yes too much.

[Madison Delmenico · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

[Kate thebooklover]

The Yes Woman is a practical guide to recognising your own Yes Woman tendencies, measuring their cost on your health, and resisting that need to please. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.

This book is a memoir / self-help book, detailing ways to overcome burnout and learning to say no without the guilt. Like all self-help books there will be bits you can really relate to and things you will take away from what you’ve read and implement them in your day to day life. Even though I know I am definitely not a yes woman I am certainly not afraid to say no to things there were still some great tips I will take away that’s for sure.

I did have to google “hip dips” as I’d never heard of them... but other than that, this was a well written book that all women should read.

[Bella Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yes Woman is a book a would recommend anyone who struggled to say no reads however, to proceed with caution.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book where it talked about statistics and all of the factors that contribute to making women yes women. However, I felt at times the book missed the mark for me and was not aimed at my age group and a more middle aged audience.

Although there was some wonderful advice that it think is so valuable there were massive areas where I couldn’t relate and found it redundant for me.

Therefore, it think thsi book is great because there is a little something for everyone but also at times it felt repetitive but the overall message was very important and well written.

[Tessa Cartledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continually surprised me (pleasantly) as I could relate to just about every example provided as to why “yes women” are the way that they are and the certain areas where “yes women” struggle to speak out. I found this book incredibly informative and loved how it provided straightforward, practical advice that I can actually put into practice.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I came across this book, but I found it really interesting. Why society is set up for women to be ‘nice’, and how to change it. A good mix of systemic and individual impacts and actions.

[jenkamichiko Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book and have written two pages of notes.

However, I would love to read this book as a paper copy and am considering buying it as there are plenty of studies and statistics presented that may come in handy for my own book project.

[Jessica Offer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a Yes Woman but it was super interesting to read about them!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated with me through and through. Thank you Grace for writing this book - it helped my understand myself so much better.

[Kristin M von Ranson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Well-written, thoughtful, feminist, engaging; it made me think. Well worth the read.

[KezzyBear]

How to say no with no apologies

[Lauren Stark]

Listened to audio version.