"Kawtar El Alaoui does a phenomenal job of guiding readers through building the skills to have a rich inner life while educating them on how their brains are working for and against them, leaning on a wealth of research. She makes that research easy to understand and accessible, giving practical guidance on using it toward growth. Weaving in her professional work and personal experience, the information and practices are grounded in real life, demonstrating their practicality and accessibility. This book is one I will return to for guidance over and over.

In addition to being excellent at explaining the research, Kawtar El Alaoui demonstrates remarkable skills in the design and execution of this book. The book is phenomenally organized, chronologically moving through her lived experience and stopping at each learning moment. There, she weaves in the research to explain it (and plenty of it: quality sources, well-cited). She shows case studies, further grounding her points in reality, and suggests a relevant practice to grow the skill and understanding needed for a similar learning experience. She includes charts and illustrations as needed to further enhance the accessibility of the material. Each chapter has this same structure moving through the outlined learning goals. Overall, I was very impressed with her writing skills and expert execution of the book, full of excellent content flawlessly delivered.

Also, her diligence to direct readers to mental health support if the book brought up material for them that was overwhelming and needed more work impressed me very much. Her humility in knowing her strengths and knowing when to add a disclaimer and refer is a huge green flag I wish I saw more often.

On a more personal note, as someone who also has struggled with PTSD, her vulnerability in describing the process of working with it and through it, much like I did, meant the world to me and made the book that much more empowering. Her willingness to disclose that very painful experience to empower and teach others is highly commendable. Also, relating in that way made it that much more impactful for me, and likely other readers. This book found me when I needed it, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to review it."