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Life: What Nat to Do
Free yourself from crappy clichés telling you how to live your life.
Forget what you should do.
This is what NAT to do. Some advice suits certain people more than others.
Some advice is . . . redundant waffle. And Nat's What I Reckon refuses to let it slide! Ya see, Nat's got a loud mouth and a taste for taking the piss out of stuff—it's how he lives, laughs, and loves. Now, his target's the tired old life advice he's had enough
Man up. Good vibes only. No pain no gain. Carpe diem. What a punish! Nat has zero qualifications as a philosopher or life coach, and he doesn't feel like becoming either one anytime soon. But as someone who has struggled to find the ray of positivity in most days of his life, he knows what it's like to feel the relief from a moment of joy. So buckle up for Nat's unrequested take on pushing back against expectations and rolling through life with some laughs and kindness like a real, righteous ratbag!
Forget what you should do.
This is what NAT to do. Some advice suits certain people more than others.
Some advice is . . . redundant waffle. And Nat's What I Reckon refuses to let it slide! Ya see, Nat's got a loud mouth and a taste for taking the piss out of stuff—it's how he lives, laughs, and loves. Now, his target's the tired old life advice he's had enough
Man up. Good vibes only. No pain no gain. Carpe diem. What a punish! Nat has zero qualifications as a philosopher or life coach, and he doesn't feel like becoming either one anytime soon. But as someone who has struggled to find the ray of positivity in most days of his life, he knows what it's like to feel the relief from a moment of joy. So buckle up for Nat's unrequested take on pushing back against expectations and rolling through life with some laughs and kindness like a real, righteous ratbag!
216 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2023
19 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Nat's What I Reckon
6 books35 followersComedian and mental health advocate Nat’s What I Reckon rocketed into global prominence with his isolation cooking content. Nat has delivered a well-received talk for TEDx Sydney in which he examined the perception of success, was an ambassador for the Big Anxiety festival and has shared his coping technique (“taking the piss”) on the Stand Up For Mental Health showcase for ABC TV. Nat’s first and second books were awarded Booktopia’s Favourite Australian Book Award with Nat donating the prize money to mental health charity Beyond Blue. Both books have been shortlisted in the prestigious Australian Book Industry Awards. With a message of inclusivity, positivity and never punching down, Nat’s positive impact on the mental health of millions cannot be underestimated.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 9, 2023
This guy is great! I own Nat’s Death By Jar Sauce, and only happened to randomly stumble across this title on audio. I listened to it in a day while doing a laborious work task, and boy was he good company.
I do have the habit of being a little bit anti the normal pants about everything, so I guess that’s my shit. . And of course, I do like to hear that.
Nat talks about silly affirmations – don’t listen to these, of course they won’t help. They’re for tossers ha ha. He talks about being a good listener, sometimes we aren’t equipped to know how to help but just being there sometimes is enough.
He has gone through much physically and mentally, and he encourages others to run to the beat of their own drum and ask for help when they need it. He speaks to the reader so he is sure they know they matter as an individual. His wife also makes a little cameo, and his issues of sexuality, the patriarchy and fairness are covered. He's a bit judgey like me, I resonate.
He’s ran into many people over the years that have certainly hindered and not helped, but the honesty in which he tells his story is very Nat-esque. To the point, no holds barred and swearing like a trooper, this author/speaker/creator/mental health advocate wants folk out there to know it’s ok not to be ok, and to listen to those they need to and to stay away from the rest.
I listened to this audio book on the Indyreads platform via The State Library of NSW, at 1.25 speed, narrated seamlessly by the author. Recommended.
I do have the habit of being a little bit anti the normal pants about everything, so I guess that’s my shit. . And of course, I do like to hear that.
Nat talks about silly affirmations – don’t listen to these, of course they won’t help. They’re for tossers ha ha. He talks about being a good listener, sometimes we aren’t equipped to know how to help but just being there sometimes is enough.
He has gone through much physically and mentally, and he encourages others to run to the beat of their own drum and ask for help when they need it. He speaks to the reader so he is sure they know they matter as an individual. His wife also makes a little cameo, and his issues of sexuality, the patriarchy and fairness are covered. He's a bit judgey like me, I resonate.
He’s ran into many people over the years that have certainly hindered and not helped, but the honesty in which he tells his story is very Nat-esque. To the point, no holds barred and swearing like a trooper, this author/speaker/creator/mental health advocate wants folk out there to know it’s ok not to be ok, and to listen to those they need to and to stay away from the rest.
I listened to this audio book on the Indyreads platform via The State Library of NSW, at 1.25 speed, narrated seamlessly by the author. Recommended.
November 17, 2022
What a fucking legend. Seriously. This book really resonated with me, and made me feel less alone with my mental health struggles. Like, shit, other people are like this? And feel the same way about it as I do? It’s a corker and had me laughing out loud. Highly recommend the audio book too.
February 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book for what it is...another person's take on mental health and how he deals in a world that he sometimes struggles to feel a part of. I applaud Nat for his ability to be uniquely and unashamedly himself. I will always be a fan.
December 1, 2022
The first of Nat's vids that I stumbled across was his Ted X talk: Don't Dress for Success. At the time I was struggling with my writing and how it would be received—should I be writing personal things about my sexuality? Does it fit in with the rest of my story about Orcs and death metal? My sexuality is something I've always struggled with; it's been a source of anxiety and isolation.
Then here's this dude—a metalhead like me, opening up about his mental health struggles.
Nat speaks my language. His message is to be true to yourself, be kind, and it's OK to have a meltdown once in a while. He takes a difficult and sensitive topic like mental health and makes it approachable.
I no longer question whether I should be including asexuality in my writing. I need to include it. I want it to be an approachable topic. I want to break down misconceptions and shed some light in my own way.
Nat's work for mental health is a source of help and inspiration, and I highly recommend this book.
Then here's this dude—a metalhead like me, opening up about his mental health struggles.
Nat speaks my language. His message is to be true to yourself, be kind, and it's OK to have a meltdown once in a while. He takes a difficult and sensitive topic like mental health and makes it approachable.
I no longer question whether I should be including asexuality in my writing. I need to include it. I want it to be an approachable topic. I want to break down misconceptions and shed some light in my own way.
Nat's work for mental health is a source of help and inspiration, and I highly recommend this book.
July 14, 2023
I came across Nat when one of his videos was suggested to me on TikTok, I was instantly in love with his personality and way of explaining things, so when I saw he had a book out I raced to get it, I was not disappointed the way he explained mental illnesses and talked about his personal experiences it just felt like he was talking straight to me. Nat is such an inspiration and after reading this I have fallen more in love with this legend. Highly recommend =)
January 8, 2023
In a world PERMEATED by Toxic Positivity, there is a remedy. His handle is Nat's What I Reckon.
If trite, "nursery-rhyme level" cliches get up your nose, read this book.
In Nat, we have a champion of raging contempt for the one-size fits all advice that fills the cultural
airwaves. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", "Everything happens for a reason", "Live, Laugh, Love". And he will make you laugh as he destroys these thoughtless, uncompassionate "solutions" bandied about like the phony, marketing slogans that they are.
As someone who has dealt with and is currently dealing with both physical and mental health issues, Nat has received a shitload of vacuous advice and is in his element skewering them all. He rages
at the "weak-tea explanations for life" that mitigate real suffering.
I laughed till I cried. Nat is funny. But he is also kind, poignant, compassionate, inclusive, and intolerant of bullshit.
Terrific.
If trite, "nursery-rhyme level" cliches get up your nose, read this book.
In Nat, we have a champion of raging contempt for the one-size fits all advice that fills the cultural
airwaves. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", "Everything happens for a reason", "Live, Laugh, Love". And he will make you laugh as he destroys these thoughtless, uncompassionate "solutions" bandied about like the phony, marketing slogans that they are.
As someone who has dealt with and is currently dealing with both physical and mental health issues, Nat has received a shitload of vacuous advice and is in his element skewering them all. He rages
at the "weak-tea explanations for life" that mitigate real suffering.
I laughed till I cried. Nat is funny. But he is also kind, poignant, compassionate, inclusive, and intolerant of bullshit.
Terrific.
January 15, 2023
Genuinely wholesome book about mental health and generally trying to live a comfortable life, thinly disguised as a book about dumb sayings. Hilarious and kind of heartwarming, and the combination of Nat's unique way with words and his reassuring and empathetic approach to problems is on show at its fullest here.
My only gripe personally is that I found myself beginning to lose interest in the sayings themselves and wanting him to just continue the trajectories of subjects he was talking about rather than bullet pointing them with new topics, but I think this is a testament to the entertainment value and grip of Nat's ranting, story-telling and hypotheticals.
Final thaught: Get this one into your skull champ.
My only gripe personally is that I found myself beginning to lose interest in the sayings themselves and wanting him to just continue the trajectories of subjects he was talking about rather than bullet pointing them with new topics, but I think this is a testament to the entertainment value and grip of Nat's ranting, story-telling and hypotheticals.
Final thaught: Get this one into your skull champ.
November 22, 2022
The most amazing "self-help" book I have read/listened to in such a long time! I listened to the entire audio book in one day and was sad when it came to an end. Nat is the honest ratbag we love to hate because he knows where it hits hard and continues to poke us until we're begging him to stop! Do yourself a favour and definitely add this one to your read/want to read list by the end of 2022.
December 27, 2022
I will never stop shouting about how much I love Nat. He’s just such a fucken genuine GOOD guy. This had me cackling, wincing, feeling the feels, flailing in emphatic agreement, and annoying those around me by reading out quotes and sending pictures to my mates. He just knows exactly how to speak to my soul.
December 29, 2022
If you don’t like swearing or logic, this book isn’t for you. Picture someone standing in a coffee shop railing on the cliche quote hanging on the wall for all it’s short sightedness and hypocrisy. That’s this books vibe. And it’s so wonderfully refreshing. Highly recommend. Especially if you’re a dude or have ever struggled with your mental health.
January 21, 2023
I've always been a huge supporter of Nat. His honestly and openness about his mental health struggles are a breath of fresh air. I feel everyone should give this book a read as the topics covered are real life struggles with a lightheartness that will make you smile. Much love to Nat - hoping this isn't his last book!
October 3, 2023
A bit more of Nat as we know him. Loud, funny, entertaining, clever, and unapologetically himself! Some good advice too! If you've watched Nat before and now reading his book, his voice and mannerisms will come through. I got the audiobook read by Nat, so it was even more authentic.
Want to read
December 30, 2022No rating yet as I haven't started reading it! This was a Christmas gift.
April 17, 2023
Nat continues to be an engaging writer. This one is all about mental health and how to maintain it.
June 28, 2023
I love Nat.
He could write about toilets and there function and I would still buy it!
He could write about toilets and there function and I would still buy it!
July 7, 2023
Nat you nailed this, Champion. Giving your take on mental health and how to look after yourself and your mates. So many bits of this book I could relate to. Bloody good
September 23, 2023
Always a buzz to hear the author read their own book for the audio version. Perfect tone
October 6, 2023
A fun short read. Don't read it however, if you don't tike the F word.
January 8, 2025
A refreshing take on mental health struggles that's not the usual anecdotes blowing smoke up your ass.
January 9, 2025
I adored the hot takes in this audiobook. Was grateful for themes like gender equality, peer pressure and mental illness. I cried twice because I felt seen which bumped up the rating.
November 26, 2022
Love this, loved on a personal level but also as a mental health clinician. I wish I could afford to buy a stack of copies and give them to all my patients, especially the young adults.
January 21, 2023
Its full of swears and Australianism but it's a solid book counteracting the psudeo happyism that exist in the self health world. It's enjoyable but not for everyone and maybe too chaotic for everyone.
Also there is some incredible illustrations in and around the book
Also there is some incredible illustrations in and around the book
June 1, 2023
I didn't necessarily agree with everything that Nat had to say (all in good light 😄), however this book made me laugh out loud a few times, easy read. His other two books are on my list to buy.
February 11, 2023
Great homely advice as usual, but I feel he may have re-tread older material here as some of what he discusses seems familiar (from his yellow book). Regardless, he's on point about a few things in this work, especially people telling you to cheer up or man up. Like most people, Nat has been subject to hearing "simple solutions" to complex problems that aren't worth anyone's time of day. Good stuff.
January 25, 2023
Nat's what I reckon gives good advice without being saccharine. Many a chapter I laughed out loud but many a chapter I held close to my heart too. He's a realist but he's heart-warmingly humble and down to earth too. He judges yes but he also recognises not everyone likes the same things and that's okay. Well done Nat on such a well written book and I look forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews