An entertaining weekend read, but not a favorite book for me. The author has a pleasant writing style and seemingly authentic tone.

I went with 4 stars because the sub title is A Field Guide, and that put my thoughts into perspective. As a reader of other Geneen Roth books, I found some of the anecdotes and ideas expressed in This Messy Life very familiar, and though it's not an exact repeat, it's more a distillation of earlier ideas, as well as some expanded concepts. At first I was disappointed, then I went back and read the beginning, Geneen is compiling some of the best information in her life to create this "field guide." When I read it from that standpoint, I was so much more engaged by the material. The forward by Anne Lamont is extremely religion-centric, which may be a turn off for some, but the content provided by Geneen is less precise and in your face.
All in all, an inspiring read .

I've read all of Geneen Roth's books and I even live in the same town she lived in for many years, Santa Cruz. I even got the chance to meet her at her Capitola Book Cafe signing. I've always loved her down-to-earth, relatable writing style, and in "This Messy Magnificent Life" she is honest about her recent trials and what she has learned from them. I enjoyed reading her anecdotes from her life and observing how she has changed over the years from focusing on mostly on compulsive eating to life in general. I definitely recommend this book to those who are fans of Anne Lamott (who wrote the foreword), Oprah, Byron Katie, Caroline Myss, and other authors who specialize in spiritual takes on one's life at midlife and beyond.

Even though this book is Christian based and I'm not Christian, I still found it to be a helpful read to accepting yourself as you are. I think this is a good book for women.

When requesting this title I didn't realize that it was Christian based. Of course there's nothing wrong with that with me personally because I am a Christian but my beliefs are very open minded. I appreciate the honesty in this book and it had great writing. I just didn't find it that relatable. My daily struggles are on a different level and not the same as the author experienced. While I think a lot of women can benefit from this honest, well written and positive novel. This book wasn't relatable for me so that is why I am giving it 3 stars.
Thanks so much to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

I have loved her writings since her first book and sitting down to savor this latest volume has been like reconnection with an old friend. One who can say something and you reply, "Me, too!" You can laugh and cry with her and, after reading her words of comfort, you feel less alone in this great big messy world. That you have value, that you belong and she is there for you. She is real. Geneen's books are ones I re-read and this lovely book is no exception.

This book wasn't for me, but I could see how it could be helpful for other women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an ARC of this title. I was fortunate enough to attend one of Geneen's workshops 21 years ago with my mom. It was quite enlightening. It's been years since I've thought about her...which is a shame. This book reminded me how much wisdom she can put in a book. I felt like I learned so much, I absorbed her words into my soul. Read this book....it's worth it.

I have loved and followed Geneen Roth since she first started sharing her ideas about intuitive eating in the 90's. Her approach to life and food has affected a tremendous amount of healing in my life over the years, and this book is no exception. I've been reading it very, very slowly, as it is so rich in flavor and content, that it's taking me a while to digest all of her wisdom properly. I highly recommend this wonderful, wise book for anyone who struggles with any aspect of feeling good about themselves. There is much to ponder here, and much to put into action. Geneen's singular wisdom and sensually descriptive writing style will be meaningful to so many. Great gift idea too! Our lives truly are messy, as the title suggests, yet also truly magnificent, and Geneen shows us how to maneuver gracefully between these two sides of life.

*4.5 stars*

This collection of essays was the perfect read to kick off a new year. Geneen Roth has the kind of insightful, witty, and raw writing style I always find appealing in an inspirational book. She uses storytelling and truthtelling to dig into the heart of each essay to open readers' eyes to their own truths. This book will make you think about (and question) the stories you've created for yourself. Not with judgment or shame, but with honesty and acceptance. She invites you to own every imperfect bit of who you are. Yesterday's mindset doesn't have to be tomorrow's truth, and we can be messy and magnificent at the same time. If you've read and enjoyed Geneen's previous books, you'll enjoy this one.

I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This. Book. I may have highlighted the entire thing and I'm not sorry about it. I love Geneen Roth and this book just totally reaffirmed that devotion. This book is for anyone, but especially for women. I would recommend this with pom poms.

Geneen Roth has a way of breaking it down and busting it open that makes this book an absolute field guide for life. Chapter after chapter will have the reader saying, "me too."