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Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Happy by Fearne Cotton

84 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 13/02/2017 17:37

We gave away 50 copies of Happy, a guide to help you find joy in every day and let go of perfect.

Modern life is full of pressures - whether that's from work, family or social media - meaning we often we find ourselves frazzled, and sometimes - feeling blue. It's a subject close to Fearne's heart. Her new book Happy is full of daily tricks and reminders to help you start and end the day well, get in touch with your creative side and unlock that inner happiness.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free book to take part in the discussion - you're welcome to grab a copy of Happy and post your detailed feedback.

Everyone who gives detailed feedback on the book by midday Wednesday 5 April will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher:

This giveaway is sponsored by Orion

Book giveaways T&Cs apply

Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Happy by Fearne Cotton
OP posts:
vonniebab2 · 08/03/2017 08:28

A very interesting read with some great advice and tips also loved the illustrations

boo2410 · 08/03/2017 15:47

Book has just been delivered. I like Fearne Cotton so was interested in this book and how happy it would make me feel. I haven't read the whole book yet but I think over the coming months I will dip into it most days.

I love the different "tasks" within the book that make you think about the things make you happy. These can be little simple things that you don't even focus on when you have the black dog hanging over you.

An absolutely superb book, beautifully written and with lovely illustrations. Everybody should read it, even if it is just to reaffirm that life isn't as bad as you think when little things go wrong.

I can't bring myself to write in a book so I will use a pretty notebook (something that always makes me happy) to do the exercises dotted throughout the book. I will lend this book to my friend and tell her NOT to write in it.The one thing I would have liked to finish off the lovely book is a pretty ribbon bookmark. But not to worry, I'm off to our local bookshop to buy myself a pretty bookmark as this book deserves nothing less.

Oh, and I will come back to this book in a year to see how my thoughts have differed. Thank you so much for sending it to me.

SnapCackleFlop · 11/03/2017 09:30

Really pleased to have received a cooy if this beautiful book!

I'll post again when I've read it.

mummyhereandthere · 11/03/2017 20:13

I find it a bright and cheerful way to help someone do simple things to help them with depression. I found the interviews with other people/organisations a great element to the book. I did find it a bit boring at times and repetitive, maybe because over the years read too many similar type books. I was expecting more about Fearne but seemed a bit closed off to me. However, I did like the visual tools and the design of the book was very appealing. I do think it is good for such a public figure to be discuss mental health and get the topic up for more discussion.

grannybiker · 13/03/2017 07:09

I'd love my own copy after diving into a copy left on the table at a friend's house.
Some quite simple-seeming tips, but actually, sometimes we just need reminding that there is much in life to be happy about. This book achieves this is easy to read, bite-sized chunks.

JJM · 13/03/2017 21:04

Just received this and initial thoughts are bright and colourful book, easy to read and blend of practical advice and useful tips ( that work for Fearne). Not sure i would actually buy this book- maybe as a paper back but not at the current hardback cost!

Jossykaye · 14/03/2017 22:26

Just received my copy- thanks Mumsnet. It's a beautiful looking book and I can't wait to get started.

angiehoggett · 16/03/2017 16:43

brilliant book and she has written it beautifully

fionatinkerbelljames · 19/03/2017 13:46

Great idea and author :)

BlackSusie2004 · 19/03/2017 22:11

I have suffered with depression and anxiety all of my life, so was really excited to receive this book from Mumsnet, thank you!
The book itself is easy to read, and it helps to know you're not alone in the world when you're in your darkest place. The exercises are useful too.
It's great to read a book concerning depression written by a real person and a professional, and the result is a book that is more readable and easy to follow.
Thank you.

BlackSusie2004 · 19/03/2017 22:13
  • and NOT a professional!
windowmouse · 20/03/2017 16:09

Love this book, so important to take time to look after your mental health and be hapy

sassolino · 20/03/2017 16:25

I didn't apply for this book. I had an hour to kill in between appointments and read some of it in the local library.
Over-simplistic and very self-indulgent. I don't see the point in such books, other than money-making.

Sarah3kids · 21/03/2017 16:24

Firstly, thank you for my copy of "Happy", which I received in the post. Just receiving a package with "winner" on the front lifted my mood. Although an avid reader have never had any self-help type books.

I found the book easy to read and had Fearne's voice in my ear as I did so (which isn't a bad thing). We sometimes forget that no matter who you are/or what you have - we all have problems and this book just pares back down to basics.

I left this book on our coffee table - and everyone who has come in has picked it up and flicked through it. It makes you stop and think and has lead to some very interesting conversations. I have teenage kids who are about to start their exams and it is good for them to communicate their feelings and know it's okay to do so - they are also enjoying the book. Hopefully, we will be a "Happier" family because of the book - as it reminds of the simple pleasures that we have that make all the difference - the love and support of each other with a dash of positivity thrown in for good measure.

I would certainly recommend it - if only for the "uplifting" & beautiful front cover x

Remotej · 21/03/2017 19:14

A very honest and brave book full of lovely encouraging words. I have definitely read this at the right time. The need to live in the now is more important than ever. Your priorities change the older and wiser you get. Thank you Fearne. X

SnapCackleFlop · 22/03/2017 16:27

I agree that this is a really brave and uplifting book. It's great that Fearne has taken this brave step and I hope that the book will open the way for people to talk about mental health more (I feel that there're a lot of people who have been affected by mental health issues in a 'middle' sort of sense - not perhaps at the very acute end of the spectrum but have suffered nevertheless).

I hope that makes sense - I don't want that to sound offensive, I'm trying to say I think the book speaks to the many of us who are affected to some degree perhaps by SAD, post-natal depression, dysthymia and so on.

Lovely, positive, helpful and beautiful book.

4isplenty · 24/03/2017 13:15

I was sent this book to read, courtesy of mumsnet books. I was thrilled as I am a huge fan of Fearne Cotton, and am currently in a place where any help is frankly encouraged. So it is with a heavy heart that I must report back my very personal opinion, which is that I just couldn't get on with this. I found it flouncy, very light and vague on, what I thought to be, big issues. The book could have been half as long as it was, most of the font was centered, interviews with people that I found confusing. There did not seem to be a good flow to get my into my usual niche that comes from an all encompassing book. I don't put this down to Fearne, and I am sure her fans would love this as a window to her own world. But as a mental health aid, or a life guide, I found it lacking.

rhinosuze · 25/03/2017 09:27

I was very excited when this arrived as I felt it could be useful to me. I've never really followed fearne so wasn't sure what to expect but I thought she was very honest. My favourite bit was the little activities you had to do, they calmed you, made you think and I thought it was a good approach. I really enjoyed this and have lent to a friend (though obviously I've ruined the activity page). I would recommend this book. Thanks for the copy mumsnet

SuzCG · 30/03/2017 13:36

Thank you Mumsnet and Orion for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I have to say first that it's a beautiful looking book - certainly designed to make you happy! Currently a very popular topic with lots of public people talking about mental health. I'm not sure there was anything really new and dynamic in there but it certainly is positive and inspirational and a good reminder to the reader about how we need to look after ourselves. I do believe that you can help yourself to be happier and this, in that respect is a good guide. I know it's a grown up book but there are things in it that I will be sharing with my 10 yr old who is a real worrier and stress head to try and help him see things in a more positive way and help him be more optimistic about who he is and his place in this world. Sometimes we all need a little helping hand and in that respect this is good little book.
PS - Can't bring myself to write and draw in the book - that feels too much like vandalism!

danson16 · 31/03/2017 10:29

I really liked the idea of this book, having gone through postnatal depression and suffering a miscarriage last year I really wanted to find ways to bring more happiness into my life. This book doesn't really say anything new, but it does allow you to think about what makes you happy, what makes you unhappy and not to take the little things for granted. I think if you have ever had a hard time, this book is worth a read and I would definitely keep it handy for when you may forget or need a reminder.

nonnyno · 31/03/2017 12:03

Lots of good advice and practical tips.

GardenWorm · 01/04/2017 06:12

Thanks for the book Mumsnet/Orion!

I haven't finished it yet. Thoughts so far are it's an easy read. I like the fact that I can dip in when I haven't read it for a few days and happily pick up where I left it. The book itself is very pretty with some beautiful illustrations and the big margins make it less like a text book and more of a relaxed read.
I've enjoyed what I've read however I sometimes feel it's the same ideas written in different ways, saying that I quite like it as it reinforces the thought process. The exercises are a good idea but personally I won't do them in the book as it almost makes it a diary and I wouldn't want someone snooping on it without my knowing (sometimes they split the chapter too and can make it a bit disjointed).
The biggest positive for me has been how relaxing I've found it. I can sit and read it and drown out the mundane commute or let the stresses of life wash away. Yes, it makes me Happy.

tabbaz123 · 01/04/2017 11:23

I am not a huge Fearne Fan and so when I was given the book to read I was probably not as open minded as I would of liked to have been. It is quite inspirational for those 'in need' and some of the comments and advice in the book might help people if they are feeling quite low but I have to be honest and say that it has not really inspired me and actually I found parts of it to be quite rather tutorial and patronising and although I get that she was trying to 'give a nudge' I am not sure that this will succeed and may actual annoy some people - as it did me.

rocketriffs · 01/04/2017 12:20

From a long term re occurring clinical depression point of view, it was patronising to say the least, but that's just my opinion. Everyone is different. If Fearne's book can help make some people feel better about themselves when they are at a point of low self esteem, then I admire that, but this was not for me. If I was to recommend a 'Celeb' written book on the subject, I would go for Ruby Wax's book.

freedomofspeech · 02/04/2017 09:29

Very interesting read. It was obvious that Fearne had first hand experience of getting bogged down in things that don't matter, and the book didn't talk down to you, it was just gentle encouraging advice.
Probably something that we can all use in this overwhelming age of materialism and social media!
There were different things you could take away from the book, if you didn't have a lot of time etc you could make small changes. I also liked the charts and graphs as I'm a numbers person, some people I suppose might not appreciate them!