I enjoyed the topic and resources described by the author. I think the tools are very helpful in improving focus in a very busy world. In my opinion while helpful it often was written in an info dumping manner which made it difficult to stay focused. I found myself enjoying it more as a resource tool, going to relevant sections and using the applicable knowledge. Overall I enjoyed the content and think perhaps if I read it in paperback the visuals would have helped to improve engagement. All that said I still recommend this for any reader looking for strategies to improve focus.

In a world where my brain has at least 17 tabs open at any given time, Dr. Zelana Montminy's Finding Focus felt like exactly what I needed.

I've read plenty of personal development books, and while the content here isn't necessarily groundbreaking, what I appreciate is Montminy's holistic approach to the subject. This isn't another "try harder" productivity guide. She explains why it's hard for us to focus and offers practical solutions. She discusses how digital distractions take our attention and also emphasizes the basics we often ignore: sleep, nutrition, and movement. You cannot focus well if you are tired and depending on caffeine.

If you want to regain mental clarity without making big changes, this book is worth reading.

Thank you to Hachette Books and NetGalley for the eARC."

Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction is exactly the book I didn’t know I needed—until I read it. In a world where every second of attention feels under siege, this book cuts through the noise with clarity, insight, and actionable wisdom. Zelana masterfully blends neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and real-world strategies into a compelling and empowering roadmap for taking back control of our most valuable resource: our focus.

What sets this book apart is its balance—deeply researched but never dry, reflective but grounded in practical application. It doesn’t just diagnose the problem of distraction; it offers tools to build a better relationship with attention, technology, and even our own thoughts. I found myself pausing often, not because I lost interest, but because I needed time to absorb and reflect on the insights.

Thank you to Hachette Books and Zelana Montminy for the advance copy and the opportunity to provide my honest feedback. Finding Focus is a timely and transformative read that I’ll be recommending to colleagues, friends, and anyone feeling stretched too thin by modern life.

Staying focused ina world that is constantly spinning and bombarding us with information, disinformation and cacophony is hard. This book, quite well done, offers stargetgies for maintain balance and focus. Very useful.

I really liked this book. I especially appreciated that it doesn’t frame focus (or the lack of it) as something disordered, but rather as a challenge anyone can struggle with. The author, drawing from her background in psychology and neuroscience, takes a holistic approach that feels both thoughtful and grounded.

It also wasn’t just productivity-focused, which was refreshing. At its core, the book is about being present in your life and learning how to direct your attention toward what truly matters to you. It emphasizes autonomy while also acknowledging the broader influence of our environments.

As a therapist, I’ve already recommended it to several patients, knowing it will resonate with many of them.

Finding Focus was an informative and relevant read, where distractions are everywhere. Between social media and multitasking, this book gets into why that happens and gives ideas on how to stay focused and motivated.

What l enjoyed that it gave tips on the work aspect but it also talked about how to stay on track and reach your goals in your personal life. The pacing was a little slow in parts, but overall, it had a lot of good points.

Finding Focus is definitely worth checking out and is published on 9/16/25.

I’ve read similar books to this in the past ( Stolen Focus by Johann Hari) and excited to read this one. It’s addresses things that in today's world we all experience, which is keeping focused with so many daily distractions. The book offers easy to understand concepts and steps that readers can implement in their daily lives. While the book was good, it for me wasn’t the most groundbreaking and I have read other books that I found more helpful

This book was helpful and insightful. As someone who has read a lot of similar books on this subject, I did not feel like there was anything super unique or new to be learned from this book. It would be helpful for someone who is newer to this topic.

"Finding Focus" is a guide for the terminally distracted ("Is that a squirrel? "). I highlighted many sections. Montminy takes a holistic approach, which makes what could have been a dry read compelling. I am using her perspective on living with intention and find it makes things seem more empowering rather than a chore. I highly recommend this to anyone who struggles with attention or wants to learn more about this subject. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

#FindingFocus

Finding Focus is a thorough and holistic guide to not just focus, but being present in our lives. I expected Montminy to give ideas on how to zone in to work (which she does) but she blew me away with the full body, mind, and life approach she takes. Being able to focus is more than productivity. Montminy wants the reader to live a life of intention so that any given moment is honored with our full attention. I loved that each chapter has a small recap to help the key points sink in. The book ends with a 21 day Guide to Focus. It’s the perfect way to break down the book into pieces that can be translated into new habits.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Finding Focus is an excellent and incredibly relatable guide to reclaiming your attention and improving your overall quality of life. Dr. Zelana Montminy blends science, personal stories, her patients stories and practical strategies to show how improving focus can strengthen your relationships, boost your health, and help you feel more present and grounded in everyday life.

One moment in the book that really hit home was when she describes being so consumed by an email in her car that she didn’t notice her child was calling her. We’ve all had moments like that, this book helps you understand why they happen and what to do about it.

What I loved most is that every chapter ends with a clear summary of the key points. Dr. Montminy understands her audience if you’ve lost focus while reading, she gently brings you back. Early chapters focus on foundational pillars like diet, sleep, and exercise. Then she dives deeper into building habits that foster attention and awareness in your daily life.

The final chapter celebrates creativity as a form of focus, which was such an inspiring and refreshing way to close the book.

The book wraps up with a 21-day focus plan. Personally, I’d stretch it into 21 weeks to really absorb and practice each habit, it’s about long-term change, not just a quick fix. One of her suggestions, like skipping GPS on familiar routes, really stuck with me. It forces you to stay mentally engaged and actually improved my awareness behind the wheel.

Finding Focus is the perfect follow-up read to The Anxious Generation by Johnathan Haidt or Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. If you’re looking to improve your habits, deepen your relationships, and sharpen your mental clarity, this book is a must-read!

Dr. Zelana Montminy’s Finding Focus is not revolutionary in its content—but it’s incredibly useful in its structure. What sets this book apart is the clarity and practicality of its 21-day plan, which offers a grounded and holistic approach to reclaiming attention in a world increasingly designed to fragment it. Montminy doesn’t limit her guidance to mental strategies alone. She considers the full picture—nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and time in nature all play a role in building our “focus muscle.” Her advice to stretch your concentration like a muscle and build endurance over time is one I’ll carry forward—and it’s one I believe will resonate deeply with both teachers and students alike. What’s particularly helpful is her emphasis on aligning daily tasks with long-term vision and values. Instead of simply writing to-do lists, Montminy encourages readers to write lists that reflect priorities—then evaluate them using the 80/20 rule. This mindset shift can powerfully transform the way we work. Other practical tips include using Pomodoro timers, doing brain games off your devices, meditating, working on memorization, and setting boundaries. She also champions classic tools like naps, nature, and active listening—not just for brain health, but for human connection. Her reminder that multitasking doesn’t work, and that self-control improves with practice, feels both timely and timeless. A key quote that anchors the book is John Dewey’s: “We don’t learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” That spirit of mindful reflection is woven throughout. As a teacher, I found this book highly relevant. I plan to use it myself, share it with colleagues as part of professional development, and recommend it to my psychology students. While the material may not be groundbreaking, the organization and accessibility of Montminy’s plan make Finding Focus an excellent guide for anyone serious about regaining their attention—and their creativity.

"Finding Focus" is an insightful and practical guide that addresses the increasingly common struggle of maintaining focus and attention in our modern, distraction-filled world. Author Zelana Montminy draws upon her expertise in psychology and neuroscience to offer a wealth of strategies and techniques for improving concentration, productivity, and overall mental well-being.

While it serves as an excellent companion to Johann Hari's "Stealing Focus," "Finding Focus" stands out for its actionable advice and accessible writing style. Montminy skillfully navigates complex scientific concepts, translating them into relatable and easily applicable tools for readers looking to enhance their ability to focus and thrive in a world saturated with distractions.

Whether you're a student seeking to improve your study habits, a professional striving for better work-life balance, or simply someone looking to regain control over your attention, "Finding Focus" is an invaluable resource that delivers on its promise to help you cultivate a sharper, more resilient mind.

A solid overview of various helpful strategies for finding focus for the casual reader seeking advice. While I would prefer a more evidence-based book, Finding Focus is ideal for the novice.

This is one book that is right on target in what it takes to really get a handle on our brains and what we do with our capacity to think. Want clarity? Check out this book.

Easy-to-follow tips when you need to slow down and focus. An excellent book for students of all ages, but especially university students!

This was a great book that was easy to follow! It had great tips in it. It gives tips on how to silence your brain, how to regain your focus, and how to rediscover yourself. If you feel like your mind is always going a 100 miles per hour I would highly suggest reading this.