SPEECH THERAPY: 52 Pick-Me-Ups to Get You through Many of Life’s What-the-Fucks

by The Captain

Incorporating sound advice with humor that both cuts and heals, The Captain’s tone is straightforward, witty, and most real.

An entertaining, empathetic, and easy-to-understand collection of life lessons — spoken directly from personal experience and sh*tty situations — The Captain’s Speech Therapy is the relatable literary therapy that we all need from time to time.

We all deal with bad days, unfortunate occurrences, and hard times that leave us feeling frustrated, annoyed, and defeated. Whether you're struggling with a stressful situation at work, you've just stepped in dog sh*t, discovered you're being cheated on, or found yourself woefully stranded on a desert island, every chapter offers tough love and insightful social commentary to help you survive the ordeal before it ruins your mood, your day, or years of your life.

AND 45 MORE . . .

With each page of this uniquely conversational book, you'll feel as though you're having a conversation with The Captain himself — or, at the very least, having a back-room talk with your wise old uncle who just doesn't give a f*ck.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Humor

114 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was a joy. A self-improvement book for normal people. Easy to read, broken into short chapters and filled with The Captain's lifelong tidbits on dealing with a variety of issues.

Focus on improving your life in whatever aspects are within your control; doing so will make the uncontrollable shit feel a hell of a lot more bearable.

I particularly liked this comment about social media.

We fall for the illusion of their perfection —instead of remembering the fact that we’re all disgustingly human.

It's very lighthearted in places, and then it'll smack you upside the head with some brutal truth.

Our pets allow us to be our most authentic selves. They make us better because they show us who we are when we’re not guarded, fake, or concerned with our reputation. Pets make us pure and honest.

This book would make an excellent coffee table book, a housewarming gift, or the perfect bathroom book.

[Lauren Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Captain is back with easily digestible reminders of not only how fucked life is but how you can navigate the treacherous waters with humor and a more positive outlook. This may just be the perfect coffee table book for the person in your life who is purchasing a home that you need a housewarming gift for. You're welcome.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t ever write reviews, but this man’s work has been so incredible for me. Life changing. It’s easy to read, and makes me rethink so much. The insights I’ve taken away have drastically improved areas of my life.

[Unleash The Knowledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Captain is back with another hilarious, yet informative life guide!

SPEECH THERAPY: 52 Pick-Me-Ups to Get You through Many of Life’s What-the-F*cks by The Captain is your perfect holiday gift to that special someone :)

Not much beats the straightforward, witty, and most importantly: real tone from The Captain.

This easy-to-understand collection of life lessons, spoken directly from personal experience and sh*tty situations will literally “Pick-You-Up” off the ground and push you towards having better days!

This uniquely conversational book will cover interesting topics like…

- Butting Heads
- Dealing With A Bad Roommate (been there)
- Getting Quarantined (Again!)
- Losing Luggage While Traveling
- Losing Your Sh*t!
- And much, MUCH more…

111 pages of humor-filled relatable literary therapy at your disposal.

A perfect gift to pass over to your wise old uncle at the holiday table who just doesn’t give a f*ck!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so relatable, nothing less than giving it 5 stars would do for me. Maybe his writing isn't for everyone, but are those people even human? But, but *gasps he uses curse words in his writing! Yes, he does and unless you may be very religious, most people cuss. I fucking do. His words will have you take a step back and breathe just a moment before you implode and look at a situation objectively. It may be bad but you will survive, so calm down and handle it. Its in your best interest to do so. He made me laugh and reminded me we all go through similar shit. I highly recommend this book and also follow his Twitter because he has some golden nuggets of humor and profound insights there too.

Thank you Captain for this book.

[Mel Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines 52 things life can throw at us & how to deal with them in short, easy to read chapters. Humour, a few swear words & 'It happened to me' examples are also used to convey these great messages. I know I had no idea how to deal with life over the past 29 years, since leaving home at 18, and the independent side of me never wanted to, or knew how to ask for help. I will be buying a copy of 'Speech Therapy' for my daughter, who turns 18 later this year for all those times life will throw things at her that will inevitably make her stronger. Hopefully she will pick it up when calling her mum is the last thing she wants to do, and she'll know that whatever she's going through, she's not alone.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 1 out of 5]

*****UNPOPULAR OPINION TIME*****

I am glad this book was brief (thankfully) but it was still a struggle to read and complete. Initially, I thought this was going to be relatable because "The Captain" shares very personal stories about frustration, anger, annoyance and everyday life.....

This was supposed to be a humorous 52 stories of inspirations/WTF anecdotal stories. I found it dry and boring.

Cannot recommend. I was bored.

Thanks to Netgalley, The Captain Harper One for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 4/22/25

[S. M.]

One weekend this book was free on kindle, a kind gift from the writer.
The book is easy and fun to read, it's like receiving advises from a cool, direct, more experienced, wise friend)
Every chapter is about an undesirable situation, and "how we can better choose to think about them". I especially liked the last chapter (Your boat has a hole in it) and the chapters about pets. Also, the little drawings are great ♡♡♡

[Tracey Vuolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witty humorous self help book that reminds you that life has many downs but don’t forget the ups. It raw, real and truthful. Reminds you to control what you can, enjoy the little things and try not to let the hard and dark times consume you. Pick yourself up and keep pushing through! Great house warming gift, leave it on your coffee table for company or even leave it in the break room at work. Something everyone can relate to!

Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog

[Patryk Krasnicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

52 two-page entries on life events, big and small, that cause us frustration, sadness, anger, embarrassment, and overall negative emotions.

The Captain provides some lighthearted and blunt advice on how to deal with these situations and leave them in the rearview mirror. They can be fun reads, but are rarely too helpful.

[Tim Famoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your average self-help book, the Captain just keeps it real and uses so much common sense that I tend to lose focus on at times. The flow of the book was pleasing and I picked up on ideas from each chapter, especially the situations I have never been in.

[Urmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, entertaining and muggiest of wisdom

All in all I’d say teens and young adults should read this book. It carries a very light way of absorbing anguishing situations in life. A great read!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I follow him on social media so I knew what to expect with this book, but some of it was better than I thought it would be. He really has a way of making you see things aren’t so horrible.

[Amanda Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every chapter! The Captain has zero filter and his writing is funny & simple yet so profound. I truly enjoyed this fast read & even sent copies to loved ones I thought would enjoy it & benefit from it. On to F*cking History!

[Amy Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motvation

This book made me laugh, cry and ponder my existence. Thank you! I didn’t know how much I needed this book!

[Bonnie Denslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best therapy!

I NEEDED to read this book, Highly recommended! Well done Captain!!! Love love love this book. I would give it more stars if I could!

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little short stories/advice on different life issues

[Brad Garrigus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Amazing! So many thoughtful lessons packed inside this enjoyable read. The Captain is as genuine as they come and I will be a forever fan of his work!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, it’s not F’ing History, but it is still great. Solid, entertaining, brutally direct (in the best way possible) advice.

[Karey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and easy read. Plucky reminders that while life may be f*cked, it's still possible to navigate through with humour and sanity.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lighthearted but also a kick in the ass to remind yourself to set goals, be a good person and we are all human.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Good advice.

[Betty Utley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of fun for a smile; good advice!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

52 common scenarios, often in metaphor by title, as lighthearted reminders on getting through the less than ideal moments in life.

[Kaiti Kirkpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Captain writes such good advice based on all of his life experiences. And I love that he promotes growth and change, and moves on from that. I feel that.

Yeah I've said and done things that the person I am would not do and say. And that okay, change is good.

I've been reading The Captain for years and I will always support him. He writes funny, honest and relatable books.

[Areeba Siddiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book presents you some unfavourable situations in life and then Mr. Captain gives you advice how we can handle the aforementioned problems. Its a light read but it provides you some pretty good practical life wisdom. Reading this book feels like you're talking to a friend over Beer. I totally recommended it
Solid 5/5 ⭐️

[Karen Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, reflective, wise. Good to get an injection of how to sensibly respond to lifes hardships and frustrations. Short chapters so easy to kindle read here and there. (I just finished it in a restaurant eating solo). Good ole capt is like a no BS uncle.