Big Feelings: How to be Okay When Things Are Not Okay

The illustrations in this book are absolutely delightful and manage to convey complex psychological states with incredible simplicity. Liz and Mollie have a way of making you feel seen without being overly clinical or cold. I found the section on 'uncertainty' particularly grounding during a chaotic month at work. It’s a beautiful resource for anyone who feels like they are drowning in their own head. While some might find the vignettes a bit personal, that vulnerability is exactly what makes the book feel like a warm hug from a friend. It’s less of a textbook and more of a companion for those messy, 'not okay' days. Truly, it provides a practical roadmap for exploring emotions that we usually try to hide or ignore.

Finally got around to reading this after seeing the authors’ work on Instagram, and it lived up to the hype. The chapter on perfectionism hit me right where it hurts, explaining how our need for control often leads to total paralysis. I appreciated that they include trigger warnings for heavier topics like despair—it shows a level of care often missing in the self-help genre. It’s a candid, vulnerable look at the human experience that feels both comforting and informative. The writing style is conversational yet backed by enough citations to feel credible. If you've ever felt like your emotions were too 'big' for the room, this is your permission slip to just exist with them.

This book arrived at exactly the right time in my life. We live in such a capitalist, productivity-focused world that treats burnout like a personal failing rather than a systemic issue. Liz and Mollie’s honest assessment of how hard it is to 'juggle' being human right now was so validating. The illustrations aren't just decorative; they actually help you visualize the internal tug-of-war that happens when you're overwhelmed. It’s a comforting read that reminds you that your 'big feelings' are actually just signals. I’ve already recommended it to three friends who are also feeling the weight of the world lately. It’s truly a must-read for anyone who has a heart.

Ever wonder why you can't articulate the knot of anxiety in your stomach? This book acts as a translator for those messy internal states. I loved the way they structured each chapter: debunking myths, sharing personal experiences, and then offering concrete coping mechanisms. It felt very steady and calming to read. Unlike other books that preach toxic positivity, this one encourages you to actually sit with the discomfort of things like regret and uncertainty. The vulnerability of the authors makes the advice feel earned rather than lectured. It is a beautiful, insightful resource that I’ll definitely be returning to whenever life feels a bit too heavy to carry alone.

I’ve struggled with burnout for years, and the way this book breaks down 'big' emotions into manageable chunks was incredibly helpful. The authors move through seven specific feelings, including often-overlooked ones like regret and perfectionism. Each chapter debunking common myths about these states felt like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. My only gripe is that the resource list is heavily US-centric, making it less practical for international readers. Still, the core lessons on navigating despair and anger are universal enough to resonate across borders. It’s a very readable, empathetic guide that doesn't demand you 'fix' yourself overnight, which is a relief in this high-pressure world.

Not what I expected, but still a decent and insightful read. I found some of the strategies a bit hollow at first, especially the parts about 'sitting with' your feelings without much direction on what happens next. However, as I kept reading, the cumulative effect of the book was quite powerful. I did appreciate the distinction between comparison and 'malice envy.' It gave me a new vocabulary for feelings I previously couldn't name. It’s a light, visually appealing read that serves as a good introduction to emotional literacy. While it won't replace professional therapy, it’s a great supplemental tool for those moments when you just need to feel less alone in your struggle.

After hearing so much buzz about Liz and Mollie's previous work, I picked this up hoping for more of that trademark visual wit. It didn’t disappoint on that front! The way they tackle 'despair' was surprisingly profound for a book that looks this approachable. They don't try to 'positive vibe' your way out of dark moments. Instead, they offer actionable steps that feel realistic even when you're at your lowest point. Some of the vignettes about their own careers felt a little repetitive or niche, but the overall message of normalizing 'not being okay' is so necessary right now. It’s a solid, beautiful addition to any self-development shelf.

As someone who usually avoids self-help because it feels too 'woo-woo,' I was pleasantly surprised by the practical nature of this book. The authors tackle 7 specific emotions—uncertainty, comparison, anger, burnout, perfectionism, despair, and regret—with a mix of personal stories and research-backed insights. They do a great job of dismantling the myth that negative emotions are something we need to 'cure.' My favorite part was the section on anger; it helped me realize that suppressing it actually makes the feeling grow. While some examples felt a bit shallow, the overall framework for navigating difficult seasons is very well-constructed and easy to digest for a general audience.

To be fair, the advice here is solid, but the target audience seems a bit narrow. If you don't fall into the category of a corporate professional, many of the work-related anecdotes might fall flat or feel a bit unrelatable. I found the chapter on 'comparison' to be the strongest, while the one on 'regret' felt a little too simplistic for my taste. The illustrations are definitely the highlight—they are smart, on point, and provide a nice break from the text. It’s a good introductory book for someone just starting their self-improvement journey. It provides clear, actionable steps toward self-improvement without being overly dense or academic, even if it borders on pop-psych at times.

Frankly, I found it hard to get past the tone of privilege that permeates most of the personal vignettes. When a primary example of the 'big feeling' of regret is missing out on a piece of used furniture, it makes it difficult to take the advice seriously when you’re dealing with actual life crises. It felt very much geared toward a specific demographic of professional, middle-class women who have a very soft safety net. While the illustrations are cute, the actual psychological depth felt lacking. Much of the advice seemed to contradict current research in favor of 'feel-good' pop psychology platitudes. If you’ve done any therapy before, you likely won't find anything new or groundbreaking here.