I’m fairly sceptical about ‘self help’ books in general. So often they can be overly sweet, full of motivational quotes disconnected from ‘real life’ and packed with pseudo psychological mantras about empowerment and authenticity. But I have to say actually enjoyed this book. It takes an interesting focus about listening to your inner GPS and strives to help you tune into that, whilst noticing - but screening out negative reactions to - the lives of those around you. Each chapter covers a different aspect relating to being audacious, and takes the reader through a journey which effectively addresses the doubts, tensions and challenges of meeting each one. The personal examples are well integrated and don’t veer into self over-congratulation or humblebragging, instead supporting the reader to reflect on their comparable circumstances. There is a clear push towards action, and at the end of each chapter readers are given a set of questions to reflect to put the learning into practice. So, despite my reservations, I not only enjoyed this book but found myself taking on board many of the messages, and I’m sure I’ll be putting some of the principles into practice.

So much praise for this book! I absolutely tore through it with relish and it was just, on the whole, a fantastic book to read.

Even if you don’t think you need this book, you do! I can guarantee there will be something in it for you and something that you can take away. Whether it’s feeling behind on where you think you should be, have fallen into the trap of comparing yourself to others or never quite feeling like you’ll match up to things, there is an awful lot you can take away from this book. You will find your Big Deal Energy in this!

It’s written in such a gloriously easy to read manner and it is so so entertaining. I seriously adore how this book was written. There’s a fantastic balance of humour, the authors own experiences, advice, life lessons and fun in this book. It’s really great and I actually barked out with laughter at several points along the way. Right from the beginning, I warmed to it immediately and loved going through the pages.

It really builds you up and has you nodding along, feeling empowered and like you could strut around a boardroom with sass (I’ve never been in a boardroom and not sure I ever will.. but that’s not the point!).

Reading this book really feels like a discussion with a friend. Like she’s giving you advice and she’s making you laugh and you feel great and happy and like you can take on the world. You can get through the things that scare you, take you out of your comfort zone and do all those things that grow you as a person.

There’s actionable points and a great section at the end of every chapter called the Big Deal Diary, taking you from a place of passive reading to a call to action!

It’s a book for everyone, no matter what you do in your life or what you want to work on, it’s a book that has something in it for you. And any book that gets me thinking and gives me a takeaway is definitely deserving of five stars from me!

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I am usually not a huge non-fiction reader but this was a fantastic self-help book. I felt empowered as a woman reading this, a great post-lockdown book to boost your confidence!

Would recommend to a friend.