Thank you to Tara Schuster for allowing me to read this book early and for writing this book. This book was a wonderful follow-up to her first book, "Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies", which I read at a time that I truly needed the book. As someone who had a trauma-filled childhood and definitely needed to find ways to reparent myself, I appreciate Tara combining her advice and life story with humor sprinkled throughout. I appreciate how she got deeper in this book, and if you are looking for someone who can give real-life suggestions with positivity that feels like it is coming from a big sister, I truly suggest you picking up this book!

A very uplifting read that motivated me to keep going through the tough stuff. I found a lot of inspiration from this book and have recommended it to lots of friends.

Tara Schuster came into my life in the heat of the pandemic in the form of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies. And… damn. For a moment I considered googling how to sue someone for stealing your life story. Schuster really said (but didn’t actually, I’m paraphrasing the entire book) “Here’s how you’re sabotaging yourself, but take my hand, babes, we got this.” I still look back on passages from Lillies for helpful reminders and a good pep talk once in a while.

Naturally, when I heard Schuster was coming out with yet ANOTHER self-help book, I was beyond excited to read it. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (because clearly I couldn’t wait until the end of February).

Just like with Lillies… damn. In GITFD, Schuster takes us through her own experiences during the pandemic - losing her job, doom-spiraling, seeing the past still rearing its evil, anxiety-inducing head, even after putting so much work into herself (see: If It’s Hysterical, It’s Historical). And I FELT that. And I’m sure you feel a similar way, person reading my review. The past three years have been TOUGH, in one way or another, for everyone on this planet.

Schuster excludes the toxic positivity and judgement that surrounds a lot of self-help books. She wraps her wisdom in reassurance that she’s been there, providing helpful practices to better help you acknowledge your feelings to move forward, build healthier habits, and glow within.

If you read any self-help book, turn to Tara Schuster. And I hope you find your f*cking glow, babes.

“Inside of you is the peace, comfort, freedom, and security that will help you weather any storm, that will be a citadel to protect and nurture you when the world is at its worst, or even when it’s just not that great.”

- Tara Schuster, Glow in the F*cking Dark

I had been waiting for this book for so long after reading Buy Yourself the F**king Lilies. Tara writes like your best friend, big sister, realest aunt, and sharpest therapist. Easy to devour with practical pointers to implement in your life.

So, let me start by saying that I appreciate the style of the author, her humor and sarcasm, and her perspective on life especially given the circumstances she's lived through. That said, something about this book just didn't sit well or resonate with me. I think part of the problem is that she begins the book explaining how, despite having an epiphany about life and sharing it with the world in her first book, she still found herself in the throes of a panic attack and her life spiraling out of her control. While I appreciated her honesty, it made me feel a bit like whatever she had to say for the rest of the book couldn't be taken seriously as she clearly didn't come out for the better from her first go-around, if that makes sense. Maybe it's just me, and again I did like her writing style and perspective, I think I just wasn't able to really get into it or take her advice to heart.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

Tara did it again ✨ She’s vulnerable as she explores her own healing and inspires others to start their own healing journey.

I have been on a journey for a few years on my mental health and healing hurts from deep inside. One of the pivotal moments that validated my road was when I read Tara's first book "Buy yourself the f*cking lilies". It was pivotal for me because of how real and intimate she writes, as if you're just having a deep conversation with your best friend over some drinks. It allowed me to actually make a connection with my emotions in a way I hadn't before and I was able to leap off of that progress and do some REAL healing! So of course when she announced her second book, I pre-ordered 2 for good measure. You never know who may want to borrow and what if I don't get it back?? Last month Tara sent out a call for "glow getters" to pre read the book and I immediately signed up, because duh. I have now finished the book and am thoroughly impressed by how raw and real Tara gets. She really places her most vulnerable self out there and chooses to heal and love herself, which just makes you want to heal and love yourself. Glow in the F*cking Dark continues the work from BYTFL and helps you dig even deeper. Its hard but the book is relatable and promotes my favorite trope, which is self acceptance and love, of course. Okay, one of my favorite book tropes. Buy this book right now. It is probably just what you need.

I have recommended this book to so many of my friends! This is the first "self-help" book that I felt was truly helpful!

I started my mental health journey and was immediately recommended her other book, Buy Yourself the F**** Lillies." Even then, she helped me understand my feelings and feel validated. "Glow in the F***** Dark" is every bit as good. She tackles what to do when you've built the routines, gone to therapy and done the work but STILL find yourself in a sh****y plateau! She offers ACTUALLY USEABLE advice and is a great reminder that there is always work to be done. Her writing style is so easy to read and feels like a talk with a friend rather than a self-help book!!!

Tara Schuster can do no wrong for me. This is one of my favorite books to date in the memoir category. I spent a lot of time with this book and I have picked it up again to reread when I felt like I needed it. It's been a constant book that I have recommended to friends. I can't wait for possible more reads from Tara!

Love the concept but the F*cking has been overdone and is too much. The spirit of this book is right but the trend is difficult to get behind except for a linimted audience. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

As a huge fan of her first book, this second one follows along nicely with her great story telling and overall very helpful methods.

What I found most captivating about both Glow and Lilies is Tara's dynamic, almost chatty writing style. Immersing yourself in her books feels akin to exchanging secrets with your closest confidante! Prepare to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from hearty laughter to heartfelt tears, all the while feeling truly understood and acknowledged.

“Glow in the F*cking Dark” by Tara Schuster was the perfect sequel to her “Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies”! I am honored that Penguin Random House reached out to me to review an ebook copy of this book! I've additionally purchased the hardcopy and Audible audiobook. Thank you!

What do I love the most? How f*cking REAL Tara comes off to her readers. She talks directly to us, the reader as if she were our legit friend. As an OG Lillies reader, I was 100% excited that Tara was back with a follow-up on herself as well as even more honest, hysterical, and real-world advice that anyone can and should implement into their everyday lives. If T$ ever writes a book 3, sign me up! Lastly, if you can, check out the audiobook(s) as well - they're self-narrated by Tara Schuster herself!!

This review was also left on Amazon.

Tara's humor and wit is the best. I loved her first book and enjoyed reading this one slowly over time to get the maximum effect of her experiences.

I adore Tara and her writing and look forward to her email newsletters even! Everyone, regardless of if you’re going through some shit or chill, would benefit from her writing. Women maybe more so but it doesn’t matter. It feels like learning together with Tara through hard things.

A story of self-love, however this one missed the mark for me. There might be a few gems that others will find helpful within this book.

Poignant and really endears the reader to the author. Easy and quick to read. Glow in the f*cking dark!

One of the things that separates Tara’s book from other self-help books is the way she talks to you. Reading her books feels a lot more like chatting with a friend than reading. By the end of the book you’re left feeling not only motivated and on top of the world, with new tools to help you to continue to heal your past trauma, but you’re also left feeling like you’ve gained a new bff.

I love Tara Schuster. She has a way of breaking things down in an easy to understand, relatable way. This book is one of the ones I refer back to often.