I love that this ADHD book for women has a title that tells the reader everything! I have been curious about ADHD, and just knowing I’m not alone, and it’s not a problem I have to navigate by myself, is reassuring. I enjoyed how Lewis structured the book, incorporating stories and science. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Late diagnosed at nearly 40, always wondered why I was so different to others and I used to feel awful at not being able to do the things they could so easily. This book was like a breath of fresh air and helped me understand my condition, thanks to netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this book. I felt like this book was speaking directly to me. I have been suspecting that I have ADHD and ended up highlighting half the book. I like how the author organized this book and the various subjects that she spoke about. I like that she talked about all types of relationships: workplace, friends, partners, sexual relationships, etc. When she would start each chapter, she gives a summary of what each chapter would be about and then she does the take aways at the end. I felt like this book was very relatable and was written differently then other ADHD for women getting diagnosed as adults.

You Are Not the Problem is an incredibly validating and compassionate look at ADHD in women, particularly those who are diagnosed later in life. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, much of what Liz Lewis discusses in this book resonated deeply with my own experiences.

Lewis thoughtfully explores many of the challenges that are often overlooked in conversations about ADHD—masking, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the cultural expectations placed on women to succeed in every area of life while appearing effortlessly put together. The discussion of the “Triple Bind” in particular felt especially insightful and helped frame many of the pressures that ADHD women navigate daily.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this book is that it does not present ADHD as something that needs to be “fixed.” Instead, Lewis focuses on helping readers understand their neurological differences with compassion and context. The blend of personal stories, research, and cultural analysis makes the book both informative and accessible, while maintaining a warm and supportive tone.

For readers who have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life—or who suspect they may be navigating similar challenges—this book offers both validation and perspective. I found it incredibly relatable and encouraging, and I believe it fills an important gap in the current ADHD nonfiction landscape.

You Are Not the Problem is informed by a beautiful mix of research and lived experience. The chapters are organized well with clear theses and structure. This book will be great for women on their journey of understanding how their works and ultimately building self-compassion. It’s so rare that motherhood and adhd is discussed and this book did a fantastic job of unpacking the complexities. I rated 4 stars because the author incorrectly used the term “anti social” despite defining the term “pro social” correctly earlier in the book. When we are discussing subject matter such as ADHD, it is very important to be precise in our language.

This book is a helpful overview of ADHD and how women can be affected, and what women with ADHD should know about the condition. I’ve read a lot of these books but this was the first that acknowledged that not all women are CIS and some NB and Intersex people would also choose woman as their gender. Oftentimes there’s tips for dealing with your husband (when relationships with any spouse, not specifically a husband can struggle) and an assumption you have children. Great to read chapters on perimenopause and menopause as the hormonal influence is still so misunderstood. Great work! Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an eGalley.

4⭐️

Informative book, but I did feel that the information included was rather basic and surface level. I did like the overall message though, and did relate to that a lot

As a librarian, I have to recommend You Are Not the Problem by Liz Lewis to anyone curious about ADHD in women, especially those diagnosed later in life. This book is a compassionate, eye-opening guide that completely flips the script on the shame so many women feel for “struggling to keep up.”

Lewis combines science, real stories, and cultural insight to explain things like masking, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and the impossible pressures of the “Triple Bind.” What I love most is that it doesn’t try to make you “fix yourself.” Instead, it helps you understand your neurological differences, challenge unrealistic expectations, and reclaim space for yourself—with humor and empathy along the way.

If you’re ready to see ADHD not as a flaw but as part of your unique wiring, this book is a must-read. It’s validating, empowering, and full of insight that stays with you long after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As a 36-year-old newly diagnosed with ADHD, I found many of the insights in You Are Not the Problem by Liz Lewis really interesting and validating. Lewis explains aspects of ADHD in a way that feels accessible and compassionate, and I particularly appreciated her openness and sense of humour throughout the book. There were moments where I felt completely understood — especially when she talks about the reality that our to-do lists never truly end.

That said, some of the “takeaways” felt a little like common sense or things many people with ADHD may already know. I occasionally found myself wishing the lessons were more than surface level.

I was especially interested in the sections about motherhood. As a relatively new mum navigating ADHD, I would have loved even more exploration of this area. Of course, every experience is different, and no author can perfectly reflect every reader’s situation, but it was the part I found myself most wanting to expand on.

Overall, this is a warm, supportive read that will likely resonate with many people newly exploring an ADHD diagnosis, even if some elements felt familiar.

Recommended for readers who are newly diagnosed with ADHD or looking for a compassionate, relatable introduction to understanding their brains.