Read Yourself Happy by Daisy Buchanan

5 Stars May 15, 2025

My review

5/5 stars

The author explores the value of reading a book for easing anxiety in various areas of life, in an impassioned and positive way.

I really enjoyed the breadth of life areas that the author explored with this book. She explored how books could help with sexuality, mental health, panic and anxiety, healthier relationships and more. I've been an avid reader all of my life and it was so comforting to read through the pages of someone else who clearly values the importance of books in all areas of a happy life. The passion with which the author did this seeps through the pages and actually felt a little infectious as I was reading.

I found the reading experience to be a very positive one. The tone was very warm, gentle and inviting, making me not want to put it down. I found the conversational and approachable style of writing very easy to read - so much so that I read the book in two short sittings.

The book recommendations that were included at the end of every chapter were a lovely touch. I felt pride in seeing some of the books that I'd read included (because it made me feel oddly validated) and found myself intrigued to find out more about some of the other books that I wasn't previously aware of.

Book blurb

You’ve recognized (like millions of us) that you're anxious. So, what now?

Daisy Buchanan doesn't have the answer – but she's found something to soothe her incessant questioning. When Daisy first felt worry consume her as a child, she turned to the wonder of reading. Somehow, as a grown-up (or a person trying to be one) she turned to food, alcohol and online shopping instead, but these momentary highs made her feel lower still. Eventually diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, she returned to reading and soon discovered that losing herself in a good book helped her find so much her confidence through characters, her sexuality through racy romps and more and more peace with every page.

In READ YOURSELF HAPPY, Daisy Buchanan - writer, broadcaster and host of the You're Booked podcast - combines her own journey, the wisdom of the characters, writers and literary worlds she has loved and the advice of experts to help you read yourself calmer, read yourself romantic, read yourself free from addiction and so much more. This book will help you form one of the healthiest habits you already have at your fingertips.