Reading Hello Universe, It’s Me by Deepika Sandhu felt like having a deep, honest conversation with a friend who finally decided to stop pretending everything was okay—and instead chose to blow up her perfectly curated life to find something real.

This is a memoir about burnout, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening, but it’s told with such rawness and humor that it feels refreshingly grounded. Sandhu, a high-achieving corporate woman, essentially schedules her own breakdown—yes, literally blocks it into her calendar—and what follows is a journey of unraveling, healing, and reconnecting with her inner truth.

What I really appreciated is how she doesn’t glamorize the process. There are no quick fixes here. She’s vulnerable, messy, sometimes angry, often confused—and totally relatable. Her story challenges the glorification of the “have-it-all” lifestyle and asks the bold question: What if chasing success is what’s actually making us sick?

There’s a strong spiritual undertone to the book, with mentions of the Universe, manifestation, and energy work—but it never feels preachy or forced. Even if you’re not deeply into that realm, you can still connect with her overarching message: that we all deserve to live a life that feels aligned, not just one that looks impressive on the outside.

If you’ve ever felt like you were performing your life rather than living it, or if burnout has knocked you off your feet and you’re wondering what now—this book might be the honest, soul-shaking nudge you didn’t know you needed.

**Listened to audiobook, as well as reading the electronic copy**

This book sounded right up my street, and I was really hoping I would love it. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I was hoping for something inspirational, but what I actually got was something that felt very patronising towards mental ill health.

Deepika Sandhu narrates the audio book, which is a great way to add that personal touch. I always like it when authors narrate their own books - specifically in memoirs and autobiographies.

The book itself was very slow, and I really struggled to feel anything towards Sandhu as it all felt very trivial and patronising. I am someone that has suffered with my mental health and this book just felt like a mickey-take.

Unfortunately I cannot recommend this.

this book felt like such a kind book. i dont know how else to describe it. like someone was being as soft and tender with the reader as they could. but it didnt come across as patronising or pressuring. it cam over as someone like the tree from the Pocahontas giving us some wise tales and wise words. Deepika has some raw honesty in this book. laying out some honest truths and pains. and giving you little nuggets or at least words of "i care" thought lifters in there. there is just a vulnerability to this book that doesnt feel like too many others out there... that someone was simply given a book deal and were trying to sell me a viral "diet" fad.
it feels supportive. it was never over bearing with again (some current writers out there) narcissistic need to tell us their narrative and story to sell something be it a product or themselves.
it just felt like a really brilliant book. one we could all read. especially those who might not have so many others in their life who can be there for them through rough patches.