This book was interesting because it blends sociology, psychology, and philosophy to prove how important nostalgia is. There are numerous studies cited throughout the book that support the author's thesis that nostalgia is important for not just the past but also for building a better future.
Nostalgia is good for us psychologically, for the most part, and there are exercises and summaries in the book to help adapt the information to our own lives.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review

This was a fascinating book! It speaks of the various ways nostalgia can help us to live more meaningfully: keeping in touch with our childhood, our loved ones, our dreams, but also shaping the values and lifestyle and building blocks of our future. Really insightful and interesting!

Past Forward is an interesting, science-based book about nostalgia. Dr. Routledge argues that nostalgia is more than being stuck in the past. Instead, nostalgia is beneficial as it is prosocial and helps people move forward, no matter what they are dealing with in their lives.

The author goes through various studies and argues that nostalgia is much more than us reminiscing on the past. Each chapter is broken up well enough that the points comes across clearly and are explained well, without being bogged down with academic jargon.

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique take on what nostalgia is and what it does for people. If you find the concept of nostalgia fascinating, this book would be a perfect way to learn about and approach nostalgia in a way you may not have before.

Clay Routledge's "Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life" is a revelatory journey through the corridors of our memories. He has reshaped my understanding of nostalgia -- a powerful tool for forming a richer, more purposeful present and future.

Routledge, a pioneering psychological researcher, unveils the transformative potential of nostalgia, debunking misconceptions and offering a cache of evidence-based insights and practices. Rather than a sentimental retreat into the past, nostalgia emerges guiding us toward a more grounded, connected, and resilient existence.

Routledge melds scholarly rigor with practical wisdom. He dissects nostalgia, revealing its role in fortifying our sense of self, fostering deeper connections, and fortifying our psychological resilience in the face of modern-day stressors. By harnessing the power of cherished memories, I found myself on a path toward discovering enduring values and charting a purposeful life trajectory.

Routledge's composition is informative and transformative. I felt urged to embrace nostalgia not as an escape but as a means to innovate, create, and envision a more fulfilling future. Each chapter is woven with scientific research, anecdotes, and actionable strategies, guiding readers toward a more mindful engagement with their nostalgic reflections.

"Past Forward" offers a roadmap for leveraging nostalgia as a guiding force toward a more resilient and meaningful existence. With Routledge's guidance, you will discover that nostalgia isn't about dwelling in the past; it's about harnessing its essence to craft a brighter, more purposeful tomorrow. This book has aided me to embrace nostalgia as a catalyst for personal growth, connection, and a more fulfilling life.

"A compelling exploration into the transformative power of nostalgia, illuminating its role in shaping a more grounded and purposeful existence."

"Routledge's insightful narrative unveils nostalgia as a guiding compass, leading us toward resilience, deeper connections, and a more enriched life."

"An enlightening journey through the realms of memory, offering a scientific yet heartfelt perspective on using nostalgia as a tool for personal growth and meaning."

"Discover the untapped potential of nostalgia with Routledge's blend of research and practical wisdom, offering a roadmap to a more mindful and connected present."

"In 'Past Forward,' experience nostalgia as a transformative force guiding us to a more fulfilling and hopeful future."

I never really thought about nostalgia in this way. I was interested in the book because I tend to ruminate often on my childhood and have often wondered if escaping to old memories now and again when life becomes difficult is healthy. It seems that it is! It’s nice to know that there are, indeed, benefits, to indulging in a bit of nostalgia. This book was very well researched. The author went into great detail, covering a wide range of angles regarding the subject of nostalgia. The book is a bit dry, being that it’s an academic read, but I feel like I’m walking away from it with a much wider view regarding a subject I never before realized was so nuanced.

Past Forward will be published on November 5, 2023. Sounds True Publishing provided an early galley for review.

Nostalgia has always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. And as I get older, it becomes a comfortable, warm blanket that I turn to more often. Therefore, the subject matter of this book very much spoke to me.

Routledge has spent considerable time studying this field, and his presentation of the findings comes across in a highly professional/academic manner that is still approachable. I especially appreciated his use of summary notes at the end of each chapter that give a bulletized recap.

Past Forward is an interesting take on the often overlooked benefits of nostalgic thought. It gives an ample description, from the beginnings of our understanding of nostalgia as an illness, to the latest research-driven conclusions about its effect on areas such as self-worth, relationships and even tackling fear and difficult situations or illnesses that affect our self-perception.

It reads more like a research paper than a narrative non-fiction, but it did include fascinating new perspectives on nostalgia.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

There was a lot of interesting information here, but I found that each chapter could have been condensed into the summary points at the end without losing much. I also would have liked to have seen some practical exercises on how to work on enhancing these practices.

I was really intrigued by the description of this book, as somebody who is really interested in sociology, psychology, and anthropology, but also as a therapist. Overall, this was an interesting read. However, I felt the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. And I would’ve loved for it to have a little bit more guidance on practical use in someone’s life today. The author talks about how studies support the various benefits that nostalgia can have upon different areas of our life, and does reference it as a tool for certain things as well, but I felt like it was missing a little something. However, I do think that people that are interested in this topic might really enjoy this book.