You might know Mallory Ervin from her appearances on The Amazing Race or maybe from beauty pageants like Miss Kentucky or Miss America, or you might know her from her podcast and blog… Or maybe you’ve never heard of Mallory Ervin. Regardless, “Living Fully” is a captivating read about reclaiming your life, fully.

If you feel stuck, trapped, or trying to control it all, this book is for you. Ervin shares practical tips and real life stories about her own journey to living fully. Ervin reveals her own life openly and honestly with readers, everything from her highest highs to lowest lows. Her candor is refreshing and makes “Living Fully” a great read.

In the end, I gave “Living Fully” 3 stars. It was a good read, but I wanted Ervin to dig a little deeper. This book is a beautiful motivator for a wake up call, but at this stage of my life it wasn’t a pep talk that motivated me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I have followed Mallory for quite a while, but to be honest I always get nervous when another blogger, Youtuber or Instagrammer try their hand at a book. They tend to fall flat and have little purpose. With that being said, Mallory really surprised me with her book. Although at times a bit repetitive and redundant, there was some really great wisdom and advice sandwiched in between. The last third of the book is probably the strongest and most useful, but Mallory’s entire story is definitely one to teach perseverance and the search for joy. I highlighted several quotes that I know will be cornerstones for years to come

I had not doubts that I would love this book. From her personal stories to the meaningful advice, I will revisit this book yearly. I will also be gifting this book going forward. Highly recommend.

I picked this book not because I know of the author's very minor celebrity but because my good fantasy friend Jen Hat maker seemingly endorsed it. This is no Jen Hatmaker book. The author is a bit narcissistic , A former Miss Kentucky and Amazing Race contestant who dishes out some tired self help commonalities like balance is good and prescription pill abuse is bad. Nothing really fresh or profound.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

I wanted to read this book because I recognized Mallory from the show The Amazing Race. The Amazing Race has always been one of my favorite television shows, but I found myself especially drawn to the seasons she appeared in. I am not sure what made her stand out amongst some of the best teams like the Harlem Globetrotters or The Cowboys. Perhaps it was her infectious personality or zest for life.

I had no idea that underneath her bubbly demeanor she was struggling with both addiction and anxiety. This book goes to show that you truly never know what a person is going through.

I found this book to be both relatable and practical. I loved hearing about Mallory’s journey of high highs and low lows. She opened up about her most vulnerable moments and biggest accomplishments.

This is a great book for someone who needs to be reminded that you only have one life to live and you should make the most of it.

Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Convergent Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-book in exchange for my honest review!
Synopsis: Mallory Ervin is known for exuding energy, joy, and laughter. But despite her public accomplishments, Mallory is no stranger to battling unhealthy attachments to performance and success. Now​, in her unforgettable debut book, Mallory invites listeners to see how her surprising journey - from achievement and accolades to devastating, never-before-shared lows - guided her and led her to a deeply fulfilling life. In Living Fully, Mallory shares her personal story of overcoming the unhealthy and damaging patterns in her life and shows listeners how to trade this for something completely new and more rewarding. What she discovered was there had always been a different life available to her, one that she had not yet seen. Now she encourages listeners to resist a “just fine” existence and to step into a life they never dared to imagine before.

This self improvement genre of book is not my favorite, but I have been challenging myself to read more in this genre. This book read very conversationally and was like sitting with a good friend over a cozy cup of coffee, discussing life! Compared to other books in this genre, this one is honest and bold, and leaves something every reader can resonate with! Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed the story telling from this book. While I couldn’t connect fully with the situations Mallory found herself in I do believe anyone can take things away from this story. There were valuable lessons for anyone having life struggles. This was a brutally honest look into Mallory’s deepest struggles.

I have followed Mallory on Instagram and was really intrigued by her book launch. This book was such a powerful testimony to someone living fully on the other side of pain. Her story as well as the inclusion of her sister Jade’s story of coming back after loss was a reminder that hard things happen to all kinds of people.

As someone who already knew who Mallory Ervin was and has followed her for a number of years, I must say this book was better than I expected. However, I still see a few issues with it.
I know it is just her perspective, but it all still comes from a place of extreme privilege. I can appreciate her struggle and know it is extremely vulnerable to share her addiction story, but it is quite blatantly obvious in her book that her family was financially well off enough to send her to an upscale facility for many many months. Most people don't have access to that. A lot of people also don't have such a strong and tight-knit support system like she did. Similarly, telling stories of her times at the Miss America pageant, traveling for a tv show pilot to the Maldives, and being on a reality tv show 3 times does nothing for relatability.
Overall, I give it 3 stars because I did bits and pieces of good advice and I truly do appreciate the vulnerability. However, I don't think this read would be as enjoyable for someone who didn't already know who she was.

LOVED this book. I have followed her for a while on Instagram and had no idea what she went through. This was a wonderful book with a great message. Read this book even if you dont know who she is!

What an honest and emotional read! Going into reading this book I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I follow Mallory on social media, and I’m obsessed with her personality and content, so I was excited to read what I thought was more of a biography of her life and get to know her better behind the influencing, but what I got was so much more in this book as way of advice and motivation to change my own life instead. This book is definitely more motivational rather than biographical, although it does include some parts of Mallory’s life that I had no idea had happened or she had gone through – it was this that made her so much more relatable to me though! I found myself agreeing with her as I read chapter after chapter and finding parallels in my life that I didn’t even realize were there! This was a great read, and I definitely look to utilize her advice, thoughts, and words into my daily life.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Another usable resource for inspiration in improving your life.
Let’s be honest, any self-help book is going to recommend similar things for you to do to make your life the best that it can be. This is true with Living Fully and fairly unavoidable. However, Mallory’s storytelling and anecdotes provide a fun read with valuable information throughout. There are several muddy metaphors and slightly convoluted analogies, but the underlying messages still come through.

Even if the advice is not completely new, if this book provides any one person the added inspiration or incentive to make their own life better, it would be well worth sharing and recommending this book.
Great storytelling makes for a fun read, whether looking for advice or not.
Mallory uses her own stories and life experiences throughout the book to illustrate her ideas on “living fully” and what that means. This makes the book almost more of a memoir than a self-help book, so even if you aren’t truly looking for guidance on changing your life, this is still a good read.

I recommend this book for any fans of Mallory’s or anyone who is looking for guidance in changing their life.
Stars 3.5
Would I Recommend? Yes

I was quite surprised to learn so much about Ervin's life and struggles. It's very authentic and conversational advice she includes though some of it will sound familiar as is typical of self-help books. Still, there are great stories here, and so even if readers aren't in search of self-help, they'll find something powerful in the memoir style of Ervin's writing and the sharing of her stories. The first half of the book take some getting through but the last half is where I think Ervin shines.

I think fans of Mallory Ervin will love this book. Non-fiction and memoir readers will appreciate it. 3.5 stars

I have forever loved following Mallory on social media. However, I never knew her deepest struggles and how she came about rising above them. She has written an amazing book about how to live a full life through all the struggles that life can give you. My favorite parts of the book are the stories of dark places but how you can really just shift prospective and realize…your blessings are not your burdens. I really love how you can feel Mal’s personality through these pages, but also feel like your friend is giving you some tough love with a big I’ve got your back hug in the end. Thank you Mallory for being vulnerable so that we can live fully with you.

Such a great and inspiring read. Mallory was so open and honest I couldn’t put the book down. I will definitely be recommending this to others and purchasing it as a gift!

The basic takeaway I can describe from reading Mallory’s personal story is this is the only life you have, so don’t waste it being mundane. Go for the life you dreamed. Yes there will be ups and down and roadblocks, but you don’t want to get to the end of your life and look back with regrets.
I received an ARC from #netgalley and #convergentbooks, but my review is of my own volition.

This quote speaks to me of the overall message of the book, “This is your one life, do not leave it unlived; instead aim to hit it out of the park, curveballs and all.” Mallory Ervin has a gift for writing using imagery and words that hit deep in your soul. She is soo much more than a former Miss Kentucky, Amazing Race contestant and Living Fully Podcast host. You don’t want to put the book down as you learn of her fascinating and unique journey and the blessings and challenges that help to make her shine brightly as who she is today. Mallory’s legacy is to share what she has learned in a very teachable way, to help us to reach our full potential. She gives us very tangible tools and ideas to draw the very best from our souls. This story is autobiography, self-help and spirituality rolled into one. You will laugh and cry as you discover why Mallory Ervin wants us all to believe that “Good enough is not nearly good enough”. I have to get busy discovering myself and my passions so that I can shine a little brighter in this life I’ve been given. And I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook because that will be like having a fireside chat with your best friend. Pick up a copy for yourself and someone you love.

I love this book! Seriously - read it, then read it again. Mallory is a breath of fresh air, her writing makes you feel as though you are sitting across from a friend, having a conversation. This is a book I will most likely revisit annually, as a reminder to live fully!

I have read this wonderful book, Living Fully, twice and am looking forward to enjoying the audio book upon release (already pre-ordered)! I will use it as a resource to read again and again- especially the quotes and areas I highlighted within the book.

I highly recommend this inspirational and positive book to anyone who doesn’t have it all figured out! If you aren’t perfect and there is any area in your life that you might want to improve on- Mallory’s journey and encouraging words can help you accomplish anything you want in your life.

As far as readability and enjoyment this book is top notch! I am a huge fan of Mallory’s and every single fan who follows Mallory, listens to her podcast, and/or watches her Youtube channel will want to read this book.

The only reason I did not give Living Fully a five star review is because the book did lack some information and details that I thought would have better added to the story. Some indications are given about what was going on during the author’s most difficult times, but I was surprised that there was not more advice about the specific struggles of hoarding and substance abuse that the author noted as her rock bottom. Some readers who are struggling with similar challenges might have benefited from that.

A wonderful point that Mallory makes and expands on in Living Fully is that no matter what challenges you are facing in life (such as her substance abuse and hoarding) - you have to deal with what is causing your problems (within) before you can solve those problems. And she offers guidance and solutions to do just that.

I do believe that Mallory wrote this book and was so vulnerable in order to help people. And she has and she will. Each part and chapter is broken down into powerful sections that can be devoured quickly. I hope there are more books in this author’s future for us to enjoy!

I received a free e-copy of Living Fully: Let Go of Unhealthy Attachments, Stay Inspired, and Find Lasting Fulfillment by Mallory Ervin from NetGalley for my honest review.

Absolutely amazing book! So absolutely and brutally honest, emotional, heart-felt, gut wrenching and raw. This is a book that absolutely everyone should read. In the crazy, fast-paced world that we live in today from working, family, a world of perfection, judgement, social media and so much more that we get lost in. How much time do you spend on social media, wondering how many people have looked at your post, liked your post, responded to your post? How much time do you spend doing your hair, make-up, nails, etc? Do these things bring you true joy or are you hiding behind a mask? Mallory takes you into all aspects of her life and helps break down so many things she has been through in order to help others.

I got so much out of this book that I know I will go back and read it again. Thank you, Mallory for this amazing read!!