At first, I would like to thank Netgalley and Nelsonbooks for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.

“Checking In - How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life---and Can Save Yours” by Michelle Williams. Even the title is wonderful! This is such an inspiring book!

When life gets hard, you need to check in. You need to check in with others, and you need to check in with yourself.

Michelle Williams is a Grammy Award–winning singer, but she has been through more than you might be aware of. Anxiety and depression. Planning her own funeral. She needed help. And she realized that. But sometimes, people do not realise, or realise too late. And that is why you need to check in!


I read half of the book, without really realising who Michelle Williams is. From the story, I could definitely tell that she was successful and had a lot of pressure. But I did not realise until later on, how much success she and Destiny’s Child actually had. But maybe this was a good thing. I read the book, like Michelle Williams was just a completely normal human being. Because she is. Even though she might be an award-winning singer, she is a human being just like everybody else. And everybody can go through anxiety and depression.

In this book, Michelle Williams is very honest and truthful in her way of telling her story and helping you!

The book is well written, it has an incredible message, and this is a beautiful book!

So here is my message (and partly Michelle Williams’ as well) for you today: Check in with those around you! Make sure that you and others are doing alright!

“It takes practice to release the hold we have on our stress and anxiety. But God wants us to. He wants us to because he loves us. Because he cares.” - Michelle Williams

Checking In is a book that debuted right on time with May being Mental Health Awareness Month. In true Michelle fashion, she is candid and brutally honest with her mental health journey. I expected to read about her journey with battling mental health and being in the spot light. What I was not expecting was how detailed she was. Part of me applauds the bravery and part of me feels like I want to offer her a hug. As a depression and anxiety warrior myself, I loved everything about this book. I really feel that it wasn’t just for entertainment or education purposes- it’s a book that everyone can read and find themselves with an, “aha moment”. There is nothing that I would change about this book because Michelle gets it and I can tell this was not a rushed book. It takes a lot of vulnerability and soul seeking to put the things that are in this book in black and white. Very good job and I highly recommend. I will definitely purchase and go back and reread because there were things that I need to highlight. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a supporter of Michelle's since she was in Destiny's Child, and still as a solo artist. I'm so proud of her growth as someone that is living with depression and anxiety. She has taking all of her tools she's learned and out it into this book. Anyone that has been following her for years knows how funny she is and how her faith has led her through amazing strife's in life. I enjoyed the book and it's a quick read. You will NOT want to put it down! I actually wished it was longer, I wish her all the best moving forward in her mental health journey and look forward to the journal that's coming!

As a long-standing fan and supporter of Michelle Williams, I was excited to be a part of the team that had an early read of the book. The book does not disappoint; we finally get to experience Tenitra. As whimsical as this seems, we sometimes establish fictitious aspects of what a "celebrity" should or should not experience. Depression is a real thing and I thank her for sharing her story to inspire individuals like myself who dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts in the past. The book is written as a conversation so you feel as though you are talking to her as a true friend in person and not just in your head. I would recommend this book because it reminds me how I continue to over my depressive episodes over the years which are the three pinnacles of this book: Checking in with yourself, Checking in with others, and most importantly, Checking in with God. I am looking forward to great things from Tenitra Michelle Williams.

I highlighted all over this book. Michelle Williams book checking was written very well. You're definitely going to find yourself highlighting full paragraphs on almost every page. Michelle did not just drop some nuggets, she left you with something to get full off of and have long-lasting conversations about. I read her book twice. Most of the self-help books that I've read would drag a scenario on for hundreds of pages just to give you something that you could've Googled however, Michelle gives a more realistic approach to mental health by incorporating some of her own personal experiences that people can relate to. This was Michelle's "8 Mile" #Eminem mic drop moment. She addressed the critics, owned up to her mistakes, shared her embarrassing moments, and most of all let us know that she still learning and growing. Michelle's book checking in is by far the most relatable book I've ever read in my life. It almost felt like she was a distant cousin sending me this long text in physical book form saying ""hey sis i'm checking on you. Let me tell you "how getting real about depression saved my life- and can save yours. " I needed this book!! This is the true definition of the gift that keeps on giving. This book is going to bless so many lives the same way it did mine Thank you Michelle!!! ❤❤❤

Michelle Williams' "Checking In" is a conversational and easygoing read.
At times, you feel like you've pulled up a chair and had coffee with her, just to chat about some of her most personal and professional memories –– lessons in love, family, relationships and career. Other times, feeling like you've been let in on her moments with God and her own daily self-talk.
All in all, she's giving you some wisdom about each instance (how she learned to check-in –– with others, with God, with and for herself), all gained during her experience with depression.
She's honest with herself and encourages the reader to be the same.
Mental health and mental health conditions have been a taboo topic, and that's becoming less and less so because of people like Michelle, people who refuse to be shamed by stigma.
While everyone's story won't and can't be public, her bravery in publicly discussing exactly how depression has affected her and her relationships, and how she's journeyed through time and time again –– with faith, love, family and friends, treatment, and perseverance –– is commendable. And I do appreciate how she reminds us to talk to somebody, the right somebody for you, if or when we struggle.
I admire her for this open self work and for her advocacy.

This was a great read. Michelle used a conversational tone-it made me feel as if I was "checking in" with her. I really enjoyed her self disclosure and use of her life experiences to explain key points. This is definitely material that talks about the "heavy things in a light way," and sends the reader off with information you can put into practice immediately

An amazing read. It’s almost like having a conversion with Michelle Williams. Having had my own battles with depression and anxiety I can relate to Michelle so much. Being a church boy/girl and believing in God however not trusting self. This book give a in-depth look to the things that led to her treatment, and it also provides ways to check in with God, self, then other. Thank you Michelle for your vulnerability and honesty. #checkinginbook #checkingin

I’m not much of a reader as I find myself not being able to focus long enough to finish a book, but this book was certainly an exception! I started the book with the best of intentions and then suddenly, I looked up and an hour had passed and I was on page 106! For probably the first time EVER, I found myself swept away and fully engaged in a book! There were many parts that resonated with me, some so much that I marked the pages to go back spend more time on.

Not only did I relate to much of what Michelle had to say but all of it was delivered in a such a way that I felt like I listening to a good friend of mine. The storytelling was smooth, well paced, and put very simply. There were times that I laughed ( a lot actually), times that I teared up, and many times I was able to look inward and reflect.

Michelle’s personality and eagerness to share and help others definitely comes through on every page; do yourself a favor and get a copy...I guarantee you will be glad you did.

Checking In gives an insightful and engaging look into Michelle Williams' life and how she has managed her mental health. Fans will enjoy learning more about her journey and in the latter chapters, there is a strong push to dig deeper and reflect on the daily issues that we all face that may challenge our abilities to be at our best. The sections on forgiveness and making sure you are checking in with the right people are great reminders in these stressful times. For those who follow Michelle on social media, this book is very much written in her voice and you can "hear" her personality as you read, making it enjoyable and easy to read.

Loved the book! Michelle is genuine, and it shines through in every chapter. I laughed, and I cried. Most importantly I grew. This book opened my eyes to the root cause of things that perpetuate unhealthy habits and thought processes. I struggled with self-sabotage and anxiety for a large portion of my life. Michelle provides some great strategies to help work through the tough times. I also loved the scriptural references throughout. She broke it all the way down, a few times! Honestly, I could go on and on! I am truly thankful for her openness. Baaaabbby! Many will be blessed by this book!

Great read. Loved learning about Michelle’s journey. Her strength and words will help so many struggling with their own metal health and depression.

This book was amazing! First off, when I found out that Michelle was writing a book, but when I found out it was about mental health and checking in with yourself, I was so excited to read! Like Michelle, I am going through a personal growing period and in touch with my feelings. In this book she talks about how scary dark times can be, but ultimately she decides she wants to get rid of those toxic thoughts and be in touch with herself to feel better. This story is raw, honest, and inspiring. I cannot wait to buy books for all the women in my life that need the push to be better!