Michael Rosen is someone that I admire greatly, his words have given me comfort over the years and also made me have massive giggle fits. His pearls of wisdom in this latest memoir made my heart soar at how relatable life is. We all have different heartaches that feel so unique, but we can so easily see aspects of ourselves in other people’s trauma. Michael Rosen is getting better in so many ways and the reader will too with each passing chapter, which feels more like a personal conversation with the author directly speaking to your heart and & mind. I received a review copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

In the aftermath of the Covid that nearly killed him, Michael Rosen begins to pick up the pieces of a new life, constrained by health issues and age, he meditates on what has helped him get through some of the most difficult things in his life, from a debilitating illness to the death of his son. A gentle, thoughtful book that offers consolation and achievable goals for anyone going through a hard time.

For anyone recovering from physical or psychological trauma of any kind, Michael Rosen’s gentle, contemplative and refreshingly honest reflection on what it means to “get better”, provides a much needed elixir. Also, fascinating to learn that he was sacked as a graduate trainee from the BBC in the 1970’s and now, some fifty years later, Gary Lineker is facing similar threats for criticising government policy on migrants’ boats.

Having enjoyed reading Michael Rosen's books to children over the years, I thought that this would be an interesting read. I really enjoyed about 2/3 of the book, but the last part seemed to drag. Whereas previously I was eager to go on to the next bit, I found I was struggling to keep focussed. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

So wanted this book to be worthy of high praise, given what the author has endured, and how much I love his work. Sadly though, was put off by the self indulgence and I found some of it a little patronising. It felt in places like a self-help guide, with much of the guidance being intuitive.