The Secret to Happy: How to build resilience, banish self-doubt and live the life you deserve

by Vicky Pattison

The debut self-help book from Vicky Pattison, on how to quash your inner doubts, overcome fear and live a happier life.

"If there's any woman out there who is feeling like they're going through things on their own, or they're worried that they're not achieving what they should be, or feeling or looking how they should, I want this book to let you know you're not alone."

In over a decade on television, Vicky Pattison has had her fair share of ups and downs, from her rise to fame on Geordie Shore to her public break-up with her fiancé, her body confidence issues and debilitating anxiety. In The Secret to Happy , Vicky opens up about her darkest moments and shares the pearls of wisdom and hard-won lessons she's picked up along the way - to overcoming heartbreak, ending toxic relationships and managing her mental health - to help you find inner strength, accept imperfections and be true to yourself.

Brave, honest and insightful, with Vicky's trademark Geordie humour, The Secret to Happy is an empowering and uplifting guide to help you find your own kind of happiness, whatever that looks like.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

Vicky Pattison is an English television personality, fashion designer, reality television participant, columnist, writer, media personality and model. She is best known for appearing on the MTV show Geordie Shore from 2011 to 2014, Ex on the Beach from 2014 and her own show Judge Geordie since 2015.

Reviews

[Rebecca Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to on Audible and so blooming glad I did. I didn’t realise just how much I needed this book, and some of the information within it hit closer to home than I thought it would. First experience of listening to this was great and it won’t be the last, looking forward to listening again and even debating buying a physical copy. A written version of the best friend/cheerleader/life coach we all need in life, especially on the blue days.

[Bookishgamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much!

Vikki is down to earth and self deprecating while she talks you through some of the highs and lows of her life and career, offering advice on how to be happy.

Has really helped me through a down patch, would 100% read more from her on this subject

[Carole Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first introduction to reading after so many years break and it was the perfect choice.
Totally not what I expected. Loved hearing more about Vicky’s life and the changes to her mindset and lifestyle to be who she is now.
Loved it and love her.

[Stefania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad but this wasn’t what I was looking for. I had no idea who Vicky is and I though the book was just one of the usual self-help book I like to read. In reality it’s some kind of autobiography of this television girl, where she talks about her life, her struggles, what she learnt. Very interesting if you already know Vicky Pattison.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always thought Vicky was great, from her Geordie Shore days, to the jungle, to loose woman. She's always seemed such a tough and resilient women. She's also hilarious, which just adds to her likeability.

This book is a cross between a self-help book and a small part of an autobiography of Vicky's life/career. The highs and the lows. Lots of words of wisdom throughout, lead by experiences in Vicky's life that have shaped her to who she is now.

I listened to this on audible, and it's read by Vicky, which definitely adds to the book, rather than reading it in my voice.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and the positive vibe it gives, it does not preach, and reads very comfortably

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read, an uplifting vibe throughout with a deeper dive into her life and the challenges that we all face! I listened to the audio book and it was lovely hearing it from the author herself.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not a ‘manual’, not a ‘recipe’ book, not even a ‘this worked for me, why don’t you try it’ - just ‘These are some of my experiences; they might resonate. If they do, take what you will.’ There are some light bulb moments, there are some flickers of recognition, there is some (not much,for me) incredulity - and I will ‘take what I will’.
On the whole, I’m not a fan of reality TV, so I was only aware of Vicky as ‘that loud, drunk Geordie’, so this book wouldn’t normally have hit my radar. However, having seen Vicky’s interview with Beth Rigby and her recent documentary I revised my opinion and decided to check out this book - I’m pleased I did.
One (relatively small) issue - I’m trying to remember myself to avoid inappropriate, usually derogatory, use of gendered terms such as ‘cow’ or ‘bitch’ and I did find this a bit jarring here, but I also recognise that it’s a longstanding practice that might take a while longer to ditch altogether.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annoyed

I’ve only got to 17% of this book and had to put it down. I am a male and have paid for this book, reading it and the constant reference to us women this, us girls that is really starting to grate on me.
Why oh why do people feel the need to do this. Yes, I understand you are a female and most of your readers will be too. Not all of them are and it’s irritating reading a book I’ve paid for that is telling a story to “us girls” and not a buyer in general of the book.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

My god what a book - absolutely did not expect to love this book so much but I honestly couldn't put it down. As a previous Geordie shore watcher from Newcastle - it's been amazing to see how Vicky has grew as a person and reading about certain parts of her personality makes me relate to her completely. Her advice and guidance is incredible and puts so much in perspective.

I couldn't reccomend this book enough - it gives you a totally different outlook on life.

Would give it ten stars if I could!

[Kelly Lou 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE a strong independent woman!! Especially one that can admit her mistakes and learn from them!!! Yes Vicky!! This is the kind of book all women should be reading…. I will be recommending it to my clients 💗 As a mindfulness coach this is the kind of content to be focusing on for sure 🕊️ The personal activities each chapter too have been performed in my journal and I will be keeping an eye on those as I grow and level up ✌️☀️

[Kelly 華梨 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should not be advertised as a “how to” as it is more like a biography. I did not know who Vicky was and I don’t mind her telling her story as part of motivation for writing this book, except it just kept going on. She sounds like a likable person and I’m all here for the positivity and life lessons, but it does get very repetitive. I liked the bulletpoints takeaway after every chapter but this also means the whole book could have been reduced to about 5 useful pages in total.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice easy read and a chance to get to know Vicky a bit better as she shares her highs and lows in this book. Vicky has always been an amazing advocate for mental health and wellbeing, and it was nice to get an insight into her thinking and what’s made her who she is today. Bit repetitive in parts but that just shows her passion for what she believes in and her wanting to share her experiences with readers. An autobiography cross self help book with loads of relatable quotes and thinking.

[ᴠɪᴏʟᴇᴛ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sure that this book will help a very specific group of women. I am not one of those women. I finish every book I pick up out of concept. This might have been the first one that I was tempted to leave unread. The author seemed sincere enough but her focus was for someone very different than myself.

[Kate Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me by surprise- I had pre ordered when feeling particularly meh last year and completely forgot about it. An uplifting, feel good, easily digestible book about being a women in 2022.

[Emily Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable read

If you’ve followed Vicky on instagram this is just like an extension of that. Reading it was just like sitting down and having a convo with your best friend. Openly honest which is a rare read nowadays

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't realise just how much I needed this book! All throughout I was thinking 'yep, that's literally me' this read makes you realise you're actually not alone and that infact there are loads of other people who experience the same life crap as yourself. Vicky wrote this very well and I'm definitely glad I picked it up

[Caroline Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging

Down to earth account of many different life events and how to turn everything into a positive. Some great quotes highlighted which I will refer back to at times as well.

[Taylor Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a recent diagnosis of PMDD I needed anything that could bring me comfort. I was aware that Vicky suffered from the same condition and was delighted when this book cropped up on the kindle deals. Vicky is very honest about everything and I appreciate this so much.

[Tayla Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read full of anecdotes and advice of how to increase your self-confidence and make positive changes to your life. With a writing style as though Vicky is in the room talking with you over a cup of tea.

[Wulan Suci Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self discovery, light hearted and an easy to read book. Telling a story about the author life challenges and obstacles with some tips and the end of each chapter. Overall ok to read but not so serious book, however apart from positivity, I am missing the depth & information density of the book

[Jess Cram-Rossiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

Enjoyed this book. Gave me quite a bit to think about.

[ANNETTE RAVEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried, I laughed, I’m resided to be my best self and stop counting other people’s sprinkles! Thank you Vicky, I loved it

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! Really relatable, made me re think a few things in my life. I will be reading it again and recommending to friends.

[Jade Dilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read and loved how truthful it was.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea who Vicky was until I picked up this book (I liked the cover 😂) and didn't expect it to be so relatable!

[Hally Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a raw book. Great read.

[Sarah Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, a bit repetitive, nothing to write home about

[Freya Lenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read- started reading physical copy a while ago then finished on audio book

[Laura Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Its more of an autobiography kind of book, but it definitely has some really helpful tips and strategies in there that Vicky says she uses herself. Once I started listening to it I was definitely hooked.