Early Audio Book Review: Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain by Gwendoline Smith, Narrated by Liza Seneca

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was written by Gwendoline Smith, and the audiobook version is narrated by Liza Seneca. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. 

This is a collection of the works of Dr. Know that provides a little guide to your big feelings. Clinical psychologist Dr. Gwendoline Smith (AKA Dr. Know) provides an informative and accessible guide to understand and manage your feelings. The Book of Knowing contextualizes the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy for anyone new to these concepts. In The Book of Overthinking, Dr. Know expands on the topics of overthinking, ruminating, and worrying — common symptoms of anxiety. By using her clear advice and tangible examples, you'll find powerful strategies for addressing these issues in your life.

I thought both The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking were easy to follow, understand, and connect with. Anyone that has struggled with getting caught in a thought loop of depression or anxiety will recognize that spiral as what she using cognitive behavioral therapy to help readers recognize and overcome. I really like how upfront she is about how sometime life is going to throw bad things our way, because it happens, but helps us recognized what we do and do not have control over and taking the time to process the facts over the initial emotional response can make all the difference. I do wish I had read something like The Book of Knowing when I was in high school or college, it would have been very helpful to me at that point in my life. This book is honestly geared more toward young and new adults, although the advice and information is universal. The Book of Overthinking is aimed more at those of us that are no longer claim membership in those age groups, but again the information is universal. There is a good deal of overlap in the two books, but as a big overthinker myself perhaps hearing it twice will help me implement the tools and strategies offered in the book.  

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was a great listen and I found it helpful and never condescending. There is humor, honesty, and understanding throughout. The narrator, Liza Seneca, did a wonderful job of capturing those emotions and the intent of the book in her performance.