I loved this book. The affirmations were helpful to me in that they kind of knocked me out of negative/maladaptive thoughts and get curious about my thoughts and beliefs. They are funny, irreverent, and are in beautiful backgrounds. Highly recommend for those who appreciate dry humor and profanity.

I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

Disappointing affirmations by Dave Tarnowski is my kind of book. From the hilarious to the thought provoking with self defamation to negatively empowering statements and even the brutally honest. it is a fast but very entertaining read. If you need a little put me down and brutal honesty in your life you should definitely read this book. I want to thank the author and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Disappointing Affirmations – Dave Tarnowski – 2024 –
Encouraged by psychologists, religious advisors, counselors/therapists and writers of self-help literature the practice of using Affirmations became a socially acceptable and solid form of therapy culture. Most were advised to write affirmations down, and tape to bathroom mirrors to car steering wheels where these words of wisdom can be seen. More recently, Mental health professionals have questioned the practice: “Do Affirmations really work?” and “Are Affirmations that helpful, or just as easily forgotten?”

Novelist Dave Tarnowski, has reached huge success with over 2.2 million Instagram followers and has taken the practice of use of Affirmations to a whole new level. The slim tidy volume of affirmations featuring nature and natural elements is sleek, colorful, humorous, and helpful. With the book, it isn’t necessary for readers to tape affirmations to objects around their homes. As the cover jacket unfolds into an impressive poster, readers are advised: “Have a panic attack. You’ve earned it!” and realistically, “You can do it!” (but probably won’t). Tarnowski, now divorced, shared his own diagnosis with bipolar disorder and ADHD, and has faced crushing depression and disappointments. His book is a reminder for readers not to take ourselves so seriously, and laughter can (usually) be the best medicine ever! Bravo! With Thanks to NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

I enjoyed this so much that I am now following the author on Instagram for more. If the title didn’t give it away, this book is filled with funny non-positivity. I laughed as I read it (it’s a very quick read) and even though it’s not overly positive, it gave me a positive outlook because I felt like I was seen… And maybe I could do something with my life, but after a nap and a wasted day lol...

I’ll be picking up a copy of this for myself when it’s published and may give it to a few friends.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

As someone with persistent mental health issues (mainly MDD and C-PTSD), I get awfully tired of hearing that I should have a positive mindset if I want to get better. Positive affirmations can be great, but they can also be incredibly dismissive when overused or over relied on. Disappointing affirmations, on the other hand, are just blunt enough to be funny without triggering the negative belief that they're true. Reading these helped me feel less alone and less unique in my experiences of depression and anxiety. I felt seen, which is rare these days. My only criticism would be the font color... some photos made the white difficult to see.

This is so painfully true… it highlights how many people think of themselves and removes the blanket of toxic positivity that can sometimes be found in inspirational quotes. It’s a funny yet revealing look into society as a whole.

Full of snarky wit and playful levity, this book pokes fun at a world increasingly consumed by social media, where influencers will go to inscrutable lengths to manufacture the perfect post.

This is such a great idea! It’s a hilarious and fun read that gives validation to the reality of life. The affirmations are spot on and the photos are beautiful. It’s also a great exercise to unleash those negative self thoughts and talk.

For me, reading is a multi-dimensional pursuit. Books can about learning, or fantasy, or immersion, or transportation.
Sometimes, though, books are about laughing. I had no idea that Dave Tarnowski, the author of Disappointing Affirmations had a famous instagram account of the same title.
These affirmations were, as I wrote in the title of this review, hilarious, bleak, a little lonely, and realistically informative at the same time.
The one thing I didn’t think they were, was disappointing. So, in a weird way, Tarnowski let himself down with such a disappointing title to such a hilarious book.
Some stories are complicated. Others can be emotional or real or fantastical, or all of the above.
This book was an effortless jolt of self-help that was turned on his head. I personally have gotten quite a lot from mindfulness and meditation and positivity. However, this was a hilarious take on quote-unquote toxic positivity, where everyone is expected to smile through their problems.
It is a fun book and I hope you give it a read when it is published in a few months in March.

Disappointing Affirmations by Dave Tarnowski did not disappoint (haha).

It’s witty, funny, honest and introspective.

Like the book description says “IT REALLY IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY: People say, “It’s okay to not be okay,” but then it feels like they need you to be okay. This subversively funny book is the perfect way to remind ourselves, or anyone who needs it, that it’s better to deal with our feelings honestly than fall into the “positive vibes only” self-help trap.”

As someone who deals with mental health issues, positive affirmations can be tiring and honestly annoying. Sometimes I want the real grit and honest truth to push me. These affirmations do but in a humorous and comforting way.

Quick easy read. Recommend buying/getting it to have on hand when you just need to push.

Being a fan of this author from his Instagram account, I was so excited to see his DISAPPOINTING AFFIRMATIONS as a book! A book that will make you laugh at loud and at the same time not feel so alone when it comes to negative thoughts one may have about themselves and life. I love and admire how the author can take mental health and put a spin on it while shining light on a dark subject. Everyone needs a break once in a while from their stress, life, expectations, pressures, and this book will do just the trick. Looking forward to getting my own hard copy and others to give as great gifts!

Much gratitude to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of "Disappointing Affirmations" by Dave Tarnowski. I love anything that is snarky, funny, and makes fun of the daily hell that is life. I really appreciated Dave's take on things and would love to purchase a hardcover copy of this for my coffee table when it comes out. Thanks for keeping it real!

I was expecting this to be solely funny, but the introduction got to me. I appreciate the authors honesty and vulnerability to talk about their mental health. I can see how sharing these thoughts are not to promote “toxic positivity” but to show others the thoughts we have in our head during dark or not as “happy” times is something more can relate to than you would initially guess. The acknowledgments page thanking you and for still being here - felt this to my core; I am also thankful for you still being here. A few of my favorite quotes from this book are:
“You’re doing the best you can. Which is pretty sad.”
“The only person you can truly rely on is you. What a fucking nightmare.”
“Stop romanticizing the past. You’ve always been miserable.”
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. That’s what you have insecurities for.”

I received this as an advanced reader copy from net galley for an honest review.

Reading challenge category - Popsugar 2024: published in a year ending in '24

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC ebook.

This was cute and funny and says all of the things that a lot of us think to ourselves or jokingly send memes to our friends. I think a better title would have been "Sarcastic Affirmations" or "Comical Refutations," as I didn't really get the 'disappointment' in them. Maybe it's my dark sense of humor.

I took half an hour and leafed through this book and: some of them hit, were funny, made me realise I was not alone into my feelings, and echoed that one voice in my head.
Paired with some beautiful photos, as well as being simple and hitting right on target.
I follow the Instagram page, and I was curious about the book. Happy to say that the format doesn't divert from the page, which keeps things uniform.

Thank you for the opportunity to review- ARC through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

If you love dark humor and pretty photographs, this book is for you. It’s hilarious and speaks to my xennial adhd soul. It’s great to see one of my favorite instagrams come to life so I will be buying a copy for every single person I know.

This is incredibly funny and incredibly true. I'm not sure which one is my favorite but I'm pretty sure I should be discussing my feelings about most of them with my therapist.

This was just a delightful read and I'm hoping to get a copy or two (one to treasure forever; one to hang up around the house)

Disappointing Affirmations was 100% NOT disappointing! I sat and read all of it in 1 sitting. The imagery was great! It gave it an even more sarcastic feel. I have to be honest, it made me feel better about myself and ability to cop using dark humor! So glad I read these!

I got some good laughs from reading these! I also liked the photos used for each affirmation. Super quick to read which is perfect for in between novels.

I have follow Dave's Instagram account and absolutely love every single post. It's so nice to have them all in a single place, plus a few new ones. This will make a great gift for like-minded friends.