Great self help book by Ro who intersperses her own experiences into the writing. It’s a book which makes you feel a little less alone on those days when you need to hear that. Will definitely work with the techniques in future.

Ro Mitchell's How to Talk to Yourself is a practical and refreshingly down-to-earth guide to bettering one's inner conversation. Rather than dismissing the idea that self-talk is all about positive thinking, the author sets out to teach it as a skill to be mastered. The book is organized around clear, practical exercises that guide readers through the process of becoming aware of and reconditioning bad thought patterns. The writing is clear and compassionate, making the sometimes intimidating topic of self-improvement feel within reach.

She applies real-world examples to demonstrate ideas, revealing how subtle changes in internal talk can make major differences to confidence and happiness. The book is strongest in the areas of self-compassion, asking readers to be as kind to themselves as they would to a friend. Although some may prefer the content to be more detailed than in more scholarly psychology books, the book's strength is its concision and simplicity. For anyone seeking an uncomplicated, no-holds-barred way to quiet that internal critic and cultivate a more positive relationship with themselves, this book is an invaluable resource. It's an easy read with long-lasting effects.

As the author also requested, it took me quite some time to read this book so I could really reflect on myself and everything she is saying.
I first noticed the book because of its beautiful cover – I love the way all the colours come together.
And yes, it is a self-help book, but it doesn’t feel like one. Reading it felt more like having a conversation with a friend, especially since the author addresses the reader directly. That’s why I’m going to call her Ro.

This book doesn’t just describe feelings and emotions in a general sense – Ro shares her own struggles, her own feelings, and the voice in her head. That makes it feel much more personal than the self-help books I’ve read in the past.
Of course, she doesn’t give you a single, big solution – no snap of the fingers and everything is fine – but she helps you understand your situation. She offers small, practical tips on how to feel better and how to deal with those voices in your head.

By the end of the book, I just wanted to be friends with Ro. So if you want to feel less alone and maybe find some new perspectives on how to be kinder to yourself, this is your book.

And to really celebrate finishing the book, I treated myself to some pancakes at a lovely little café.

One question I like to ask myself when I feel my mind is spiralling with appearance anxiety, and one question I’d like you to ask yourself, is this: If nobody else existed on this Earth – would you worry about the things you worry about?

“You are going to be doing life alongside yourself forever; make yourself a friend, a motivator, a cheerleader. You deserve better than to be stuck with somebody who only ever puts you down.”

“The beauty of this life is that even when nobody else does, you can always show up for yourself. You are the one person who can always be in your corner.”

“Let's all be a little more human, silly and awkward - and be okay with it.”

“In an ever-changing world, be your constant. Be your rock. Be the person you can always trust to listen to you with an open heart. Be kind to yourself, always.
This is the only body you will ever live in, so let it be your home.”

This book has come my way at such a perfect moment. I absolutely love how Ro opens up about her own struggles and how techniques and can be applied to your own battles was so insightful. I made so many notes along the way and felt that the key messages and ways of challenging my negative and difficult thoughts linked so well with the guidance I have received from mental health practitioners recently, it really helped me to firm up my own understanding of what is going on ‘upstairs’ and take practical steps to improving myself. Thank you so much Ro, Bluebird Books and Pan MacMillan for sending me the eARC and physical copy, this is already a book I’ve recommended to family and friends and feel I’ll revisit again when I need it.

I don’t read a lot of self-help books but this one called it me. I loved the authors writing style and the telling of her own story throughout the book. I’ll be referring back to this everytime I feel like I need a reminder.

How to Talk to Yourself by Ro Mitchell is a compassionate and empowering guide to changing the way we speak to ourselves, replacing self-doubt with confidence and self-belief.

Ro shares her own recovery journey with openness and vulnerability, making this a book that feels both personal and relatable. She blends her story with practical exercises, thoughtful advice, and gentle encouragement to help readers challenge their inner critic, stop unhealthy comparisons, and build a healthier mindset.

What I loved most was how candid and heartfelt this book is — you can tell how much work, care, and authenticity Ro poured into it. It’s the kind of read that feels like a supportive conversation with a trusted friend, offering both comfort and actionable steps for lasting change.

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I love Ro Mitchell’s online content and so to be able to read and review her book was a privilege and one that I really enjoyed!

I’m not usually one for non fiction or self help books but this one was written from such a warm place that felt safe and understanding as well as informative in how to deal with self criticism and overcoming this.

I was particularly interested in the discussion of comparison of the self with others and found the straightforward but carefully curated advice around this to be really helpful.

Overall, this book was very reminiscent of Mitchell’s internet content and as a result, I found it easy to read but I also found it quite profound in parts and will definitely be trying to implement some of it’s advice into my life. Thank you so much to the author and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I’ve been following Ro for years through her TikToks and YouTube channel, so when I found out she was releasing a book, I was immediately intrigued. Ro has always had this calming, reassuring way of talking about mental health that makes you feel safe, understood, and a little less alone. So I knew I had to read How To Talk to Yourself, and wow, it arrived in my life at exactly the right time.

Unlike so many self-help books I’ve read (and quickly forgotten), this one stayed with me. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed. Ro’s words felt like they were written for me. It was one of the rare times I felt genuinely seen by a book. I found myself nodding constantly, underlining quotes, and adding more annotations than I probably should admit. Every chapter felt like having a deep, honest, late-night conversation with someone who gets it.

What truly set this book apart was its perspective-shifting power. I hadn’t realised how cruel I could be to myself until I read Ro’s gentle but honest reminders. She gave me permission to feel, to acknowledge, and to stop running from emotions I’ve buried for far too long. Even though our experiences aren’t identical, her reflections felt deeply relatable and I know so many others will feel the same.

I loved the personal stories sprinkled throughout; they grounded the lessons and made everything feel human and real. This isn’t just another self-help book filled with vague advice, it’s practical, compassionate, and genuinely healing.

This book is now a permanent part of my mental health toolkit. I know I’ll return to it again and again whenever I need comfort, clarity, or just a reminder that I’m not alone.

I truly cannot wait for release day so I can hold the physical copy in my hands. If you’re looking for a self-help book that actually makes a lasting impact.

This is very different to my usual NetGalley reads, but something I wanted to read in the pursuit of self care. I found this book to be empowering, insightful, and thought-provoking. "How to Talk to Yourself" gives readers a guide to building self-esteem and improving their inner dialogue. The author creates a perfect blend of advice, useable strategies and ways to be nicer to ourselves. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to show themselves more love and compassion.

Always love a self help book - especially one that focusses on the way we speak to ourselves. I have to admit, I'm not very kind to myself!

Unfortunately I found this book to be a little bit 'meh' - it was OK but not one that I'll be recommending or re-reading. It was all a bit vague and wishy-washy. A lot that was just 'common sense'
I think a bit of humour would have helped to make this a more interesting and enjoyable read.

Empowering, insightful, and full of practical wisdom 💭🌸. How to Talk to Yourself is a compassionate guide to building self-esteem and improving your inner dialogue. Ro Mitchell offers gentle, relatable advice for overcoming negative self-talk and cultivating kindness toward yourself. I loved the uplifting tone and accessible strategies. Perfect for anyone seeking personal growth and confidence.

Useful book for anyone like myself who has regular nitpicks arguments with themselves! Presented in a friendly and helpful tone with actual, useable tips.

A bit of a starter kit, this would be a particularly good for young people trying to develop a healthy relationship with themselves. It's a kind and compassionate read with practical tips.

This is a great handbook for anyone who is struggling with issues of self confidence. The book is nicely formatted with easy to absorb information that gives you food for thought.

I haven't finished the whole book yet as I think that self help books are best absorbed slowly but it has been interesting so far.

thoughts not facts. that will forever be one of my favourite lines ive been told in my own past.
i was intrigued by this book because i wanted to see whether books like this had changed. in the past ive avoided them since i used to read them a lot. there was a time when it got quite dark and manipulative to the self help book front. it seemed like they were just recruiting cult like groups. especially ones that somehow or other took you down "changing yourself" or diet talk! it all felt very icky back there in the 90s onwards.
but this one was different. thank goodness. it never felt preachy and it was a kind and more thoughtful approach. it didn't shove "what to do" down your throat but instead said of the writers experience and of things they ave learnt or found out from going on their own journey.
trends have become a toxic thing in today society. so i was also a bit wary of seeing someone from this world making a book. as i have also seen those online simply monetising their platform. but AGAIN i was reassured by Ro that this didn't appear to be the case.
so as a very very cynical to this world reader i applaud Ros approach and found some quiet and useful moments to this book and definitely thing to take away from it.

Drawn by the intriguing title, this excellent book captivated me from the start. Although the author, a mental health advocate, is new to me and I’m not in her target youth audience, her message hit home to me with clarity and resonance and is suitable for all who struggle similarly.

Via personal experience of an eating disorder, and her teens being shaped by gnawing insecurity, people pleasing, and a driving desire to fit in, the author’s gained wisdom as she bravely battles to overcome these challenges really spoke to me.

Because I’ve wasted far too many years paying attention to my own harsh inner critic that developed due to childhood trauma and neglect. But now, thanks to this insightful book, my eyes are open to the deleterious, damaging effects it has caused to my confidence and sense of self-worth over the years.

It would also be helpful for anybody who is hard on themselves and needs an encouragement boost. Ro Mitchell’s caring, sensitive and understanding approach to the reader is like being accompanied by the best of best friends.

This gentle yet powerful self-help guide is one I shall be returning to again and again as I seek to implement the suggestions given within. A must-read for the hurting, the people-pleaser, the neurodivergent, and for those who no longer want to remain enslaved by their inner critic. Grateful thanks to Bluebird and NetGalley for the eARC.

i've been following ro for a while now and have witnessed her recovery journey. it's not my place to speak on it and discuss how other people should feel about it, but i do think she comes from a good place. what started off as an online diary to help keep herself accountable has morphed and grown into a way of helping and inspiring other people.

she's not putting herself on a pedestal and saying every recovery journey has to be identical to hers. hers is shaped by her circumstances, while other people's will inevitably be different. but i do think it's admirable she's aware of this and has used her platform to uplift others and bring some light into something so bleak.

you can tell how hard she worked on this book. she spoke from the heart. she was vulnerable and candid. and sometimes that's exactly what you need.

5⭐️

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

I have been following Ro for many years through her TikToks and YouTube channel so when I heard she was coming out with a book I was SO intrigued. The way that she spoke about mental health in her videos always made me feel so at ease, so I was desperate to read this book. This book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. In other self-help books I have read, I never really felt as though they had much of a lasting impression on me and I tend to forget about them quickly after finishing them. How To Talk to Yourself had me engaged right from the introduction. I felt so incredibly seen throughout this book and related to so many things Ro speaks about (I have a crazy amount of annotations lol). I loved the personal anecdotes included throughout, it felt like she and I were having a DMC.
The main thing I look for in self-help books is things to change my perspective and this book truly delivered. This really opened my eyes to the fact that I can be incredibly harsh with myself and that it’s ok to feel certain emotions that I shy away from. While my mental health struggles are not the exact same as some discussed in the book, I still was able to relate to a lot what was said, and I believe so will everyone else who picks up this book. This book is genuinely such a comfort read for me, and I know I will go back to it time and time again.
I am so excited for release day so that I can get my hands on a physical copy! I highly recommend if you are looking for a self-help book that will genuinely stick with you as I know for a fact this book will have a lasting effect on me!

Many well-intentioned and empowering tips, thoughts and discussions by Ro Mitchell.
For the ideal target audience, especially young women, this is 3.5-4 star read at least.
I wish this were longer, more detailed and complex - however, I understand that the aim is to encourage self-compassion, which does not need to be complex. It is my personal preference to have read something a bit different, that is all.

How to Talk to Yourself by Ro Mitchell is a helpful and inspirational guide to being kinder to yourself and accepting yourself flaws and all.