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The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain
MP3 CD Format 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.
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.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published June 27, 2023
12 people want to read
About the author
Gwendoline Smith
21 books33 followersGwendoline Smith B Soc Sci, M Soc Sci (hons), Dip Clin Psych is a clinical psychologist, speaker, blogger and the author of the books Depression Explained and Sharing the Load. She also goes by the name Dr Know.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 10, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
*** AUDIO BOOK VERSION ***
The Book of Knowing and the Book of Overthinking is a self help duo of books to help with overthinking, calming anxieties, calming the brain and putting things into perspective. This was a good listen with some great information to mull over and some helpful recommendations to try along with ideas and encouragement for practicing mindfulness.
I did find the book to be a little repetitive but I suppose in some ways it needs to be to remind you to focus and re-centre your mindset.
On the whole a good listen - I think re-listening to this audio would be a great way to help and support people with overanxious minds.
*** AUDIO BOOK VERSION ***
The Book of Knowing and the Book of Overthinking is a self help duo of books to help with overthinking, calming anxieties, calming the brain and putting things into perspective. This was a good listen with some great information to mull over and some helpful recommendations to try along with ideas and encouragement for practicing mindfulness.
I did find the book to be a little repetitive but I suppose in some ways it needs to be to remind you to focus and re-centre your mindset.
On the whole a good listen - I think re-listening to this audio would be a great way to help and support people with overanxious minds.
April 19, 2022
'I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think' – Socrates.
”Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Dr Know’s guide to untangling your brain was two books in one. I loved what this author said about the why questions and agree because from my experiences “whying” is a dead end for healthy living. And I struggled with it for years. The authors approach on all accounts of this book was refreshing.
Knowing and overthinking are the themes for therapeutic discovery and understanding why can be done.
I liked the format because it was like an actual therapy session. Great idea and kudos to the author. If felt more doable in my opinion. I stopped the audiobook several times to take notes about things that are always struggles for me. I suffered from a very traumatic childhood and still suffer from PTSD and depression.
Dr Know breaks down the cycle of knowing and overthink (worrying) the untrue beliefs. If you’re serious about these topics I highly recommend this.
It’s not long and it’s not painful. It’s all about problem solving.
This was narrated by Liza Seneca and she was great.
Thanks Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley.
”Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Dr Know’s guide to untangling your brain was two books in one. I loved what this author said about the why questions and agree because from my experiences “whying” is a dead end for healthy living. And I struggled with it for years. The authors approach on all accounts of this book was refreshing.
Knowing and overthinking are the themes for therapeutic discovery and understanding why can be done.
I liked the format because it was like an actual therapy session. Great idea and kudos to the author. If felt more doable in my opinion. I stopped the audiobook several times to take notes about things that are always struggles for me. I suffered from a very traumatic childhood and still suffer from PTSD and depression.
Dr Know breaks down the cycle of knowing and overthink (worrying) the untrue beliefs. If you’re serious about these topics I highly recommend this.
It’s not long and it’s not painful. It’s all about problem solving.
This was narrated by Liza Seneca and she was great.
Thanks Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley.
March 25, 2022
Honestly, I guess I thought The Book of Knowing would be different than The Book of Overthinking. I read and liked The Book of Overthinking so I'm going with the same rating for The Book of Knowing because it is so very similar. The same ideas are presented in both books, aimed at different age groups it seems. (I don't remember many/ any curses in The Book of Knowing but I thought they were well-placed in The Book of Overthinking so I liked the impact of them there)
I found several great tidbits and processes to deal with worrisome overthinking detailed throughout both books.
Loved the narration. The narrator was great and placed valid emphasis where needed.
If possible I'd 100% recommend everyone take a look at the ebooks/ hard copy books because of the amazing, humorous illustrations!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advance listen copy.
I found several great tidbits and processes to deal with worrisome overthinking detailed throughout both books.
Loved the narration. The narrator was great and placed valid emphasis where needed.
If possible I'd 100% recommend everyone take a look at the ebooks/ hard copy books because of the amazing, humorous illustrations!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advance listen copy.
June 19, 2022
Book of Knowing: Yes… but no. Other books better succeed in what she was trying to do (i.e. Unfuck Your Brain). The most helpful tip is feelings are not facts. Overall, it read like a “just think happy thoughts!!” self-help book, completely ignoring any validation for a person feeling badly, and ignoring mental illness and trauma as legitimate causes to negative thinking and roadblocks to positive thinking. Wouldn’t recommend. 2 stars.
———
Book of Overthinking:
Repetitive (word for word from book of knowing). Overall, more helpful and better tips. Would give this one 3 stars.
Audio: unable to see the images/drawings that were referenced.
———
Book of Overthinking:
Repetitive (word for word from book of knowing). Overall, more helpful and better tips. Would give this one 3 stars.
Audio: unable to see the images/drawings that were referenced.
April 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a self-help book that seems to actually help, listening to it made me realize that I need to stop and think before I act and how to stop overthinking the little things. Dr. Smith gives recommendations and some exercises to do to help be more mindful. She also gives examples of things that happen when you aren't being mindful. I would recommend this to people who sometimes need help with mindfulness.
April 24, 2022
Gwendolyn Smith has written two short books to help out mental health: The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking.
The first is written with teens and young adults in mind. As a woman in my thirties, I found some helpful reminders in there but most of the book took a tone/approach that didn't quite gel with me.
I did find The Book of Overthinking much more valuable. This second book is written for adults. I found the ABC approach to worry outlined by Smith quite helpful as a way to shift my perspective when overthinking, and as an exercise to identify/call out harmful thought patterns.
The first is written with teens and young adults in mind. As a woman in my thirties, I found some helpful reminders in there but most of the book took a tone/approach that didn't quite gel with me.
I did find The Book of Overthinking much more valuable. This second book is written for adults. I found the ABC approach to worry outlined by Smith quite helpful as a way to shift my perspective when overthinking, and as an exercise to identify/call out harmful thought patterns.
June 12, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and all for ARC copy in return for an honest review.
Good information, helpful tips and in a short and manageable audiobook.
Good information, helpful tips and in a short and manageable audiobook.
March 31, 2022
I received a copy of the Audiobook The Book of Knowing and the Book of Overthinking by Gwendoline Smith from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I found the book of knowing to be very informative, not only detailing a lot about thinking and overthinking but also included a few important stories that explained how to use the techniques described in the book. On the other hand, I found the book of overthinking to be a tad repetitive at times, still very useful but a bit dry because of the repetitiveness. However, both are good for gaining a better understanding of how thinking and overthinking affects our perspectives of events.
May 10, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
4 rounded up to 4.5
Despite the title, I wasn't aware that this was actually two books in one.
As a chronic overthinker, the title of this book automatically stood out for me. Like a flashing, neon sign.
-Things I enjoyed:
The length. Like Goldilocks, not too long, not too short. But, seriously. Most overthinkers are aware that they have this annoying habit of overthinking. Most find the habit annoying and disruptive. I don't know about anyone else, I find it inconvenient, and annoying. The last thing on my list of what I want to do is read a book that seems to endlessly review the topic. The book was just enough. Just enough material, just enough length.
- I was most interested in finding out the perception of why overthinking occurs more than looking for a self help book to solve my problem. Not only was this done, but I found many of the tips useful, realistic and sustainable. ( I have this horrible habit of trying to use self help books and then forgetting what I've learned or not finding the tips applicable to me). This had content that I would be able to utilize and remember.
-I think it was important that the author references concepts such as ruminating and impact of overthinking on daily life. This was one of the things I've taken from the book. Overthinking can be subjective. While I find that the annoying habit can be beneficial, there are just as many instances of the habit quickly becomming harmful. The author reviews this and the biological reasons why the harm from this could impact a person more than just mentally.
-I received this ARC from Netgalley and noticed with the the narrator references a pdf portion with sheets that can be used. I didn't have access to these but defintely feel my rating would be higher if I did.
-On more than one occasion, I've stopped audiobooks after just starting because I become so fixated on the narrator and how I'm not going to be able to get through the book ( hence, the annoying overthinking habit) that I've just stopped and added the book to my DNF pile. If the book seems proming, I give it a second go.. I enjoyed the narrator. for this book, especially her use of expletives. ( I wouldn't listen to the audiobook with children in my car even if the cursing isn't frequent. I also wouldn't just listen to the book playing from a phone through a speaker which is what I attempted to do. While at work. Sitting on the patio with people walking by when a nice big F bomb came out. ) Jokes aside, the cursing lightens the mood of the book and definitely adds value.
- The book references cognitive behavioral therapy and Beck. If I would have attempted to listen to this book a year ago, the references would have been lost to me. After completing two psych courses recently and having a basic understanding of CBT, the book just made a whole lot of sense.
4 rounded up to 4.5
Despite the title, I wasn't aware that this was actually two books in one.
As a chronic overthinker, the title of this book automatically stood out for me. Like a flashing, neon sign.
-Things I enjoyed:
The length. Like Goldilocks, not too long, not too short. But, seriously. Most overthinkers are aware that they have this annoying habit of overthinking. Most find the habit annoying and disruptive. I don't know about anyone else, I find it inconvenient, and annoying. The last thing on my list of what I want to do is read a book that seems to endlessly review the topic. The book was just enough. Just enough material, just enough length.
- I was most interested in finding out the perception of why overthinking occurs more than looking for a self help book to solve my problem. Not only was this done, but I found many of the tips useful, realistic and sustainable. ( I have this horrible habit of trying to use self help books and then forgetting what I've learned or not finding the tips applicable to me). This had content that I would be able to utilize and remember.
-I think it was important that the author references concepts such as ruminating and impact of overthinking on daily life. This was one of the things I've taken from the book. Overthinking can be subjective. While I find that the annoying habit can be beneficial, there are just as many instances of the habit quickly becomming harmful. The author reviews this and the biological reasons why the harm from this could impact a person more than just mentally.
-I received this ARC from Netgalley and noticed with the the narrator references a pdf portion with sheets that can be used. I didn't have access to these but defintely feel my rating would be higher if I did.
-On more than one occasion, I've stopped audiobooks after just starting because I become so fixated on the narrator and how I'm not going to be able to get through the book ( hence, the annoying overthinking habit) that I've just stopped and added the book to my DNF pile. If the book seems proming, I give it a second go.. I enjoyed the narrator. for this book, especially her use of expletives. ( I wouldn't listen to the audiobook with children in my car even if the cursing isn't frequent. I also wouldn't just listen to the book playing from a phone through a speaker which is what I attempted to do. While at work. Sitting on the patio with people walking by when a nice big F bomb came out. ) Jokes aside, the cursing lightens the mood of the book and definitely adds value.
- The book references cognitive behavioral therapy and Beck. If I would have attempted to listen to this book a year ago, the references would have been lost to me. After completing two psych courses recently and having a basic understanding of CBT, the book just made a whole lot of sense.
May 4, 2022
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.
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.
April 28, 2022
I received an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I almost dnf’d this after the forward. The narrator was entirely too chipper (particularly for the subject), I wasn’t the target audience (teens), and I found it both a bit too condescending and seeming to try too hard.
By chapter five I had started to feel its usefulness. As a therapist, the concepts still felt a bit basic but also helpful to anyone that wasn’t familiar with them and ever felt their feelings getting the best of them (all of us at some time or another).
But then again, by chapter ten, I was tired of the tone and use of slang. The information is really good and useful but the writing, narration, and presentation leaves things to be desired.
———
The second book seems more targeted to an older audience than her first book (which was aimed at teens) and I found it more relevant and interesting.
She mentions some interesting statistics around how overthinking relates to anxiety and depression then provides ways to try to neutralize worry.
I like how chapters were broken into sessions where you could listen to or read a chapter and then take some time to put into practice. She does a good job breaking down concepts and suggesting ways to put them into practice. There are also worksheets to support the work.
———
Overall, there’s a good deal of repeated concepts and examples so you may benefit from just reading one (I’d recommend knowing for teens and over thinking for adults). This edition may be helpful to those that would like to hear concepts multiple times but would also benefit from some variation in presentation.
I almost dnf’d this after the forward. The narrator was entirely too chipper (particularly for the subject), I wasn’t the target audience (teens), and I found it both a bit too condescending and seeming to try too hard.
By chapter five I had started to feel its usefulness. As a therapist, the concepts still felt a bit basic but also helpful to anyone that wasn’t familiar with them and ever felt their feelings getting the best of them (all of us at some time or another).
But then again, by chapter ten, I was tired of the tone and use of slang. The information is really good and useful but the writing, narration, and presentation leaves things to be desired.
———
The second book seems more targeted to an older audience than her first book (which was aimed at teens) and I found it more relevant and interesting.
She mentions some interesting statistics around how overthinking relates to anxiety and depression then provides ways to try to neutralize worry.
I like how chapters were broken into sessions where you could listen to or read a chapter and then take some time to put into practice. She does a good job breaking down concepts and suggesting ways to put them into practice. There are also worksheets to support the work.
———
Overall, there’s a good deal of repeated concepts and examples so you may benefit from just reading one (I’d recommend knowing for teens and over thinking for adults). This edition may be helpful to those that would like to hear concepts multiple times but would also benefit from some variation in presentation.
April 23, 2022
The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain is a bind up of two short self-help guides by clinical psychologist Dr. Gwendoline Smith. Smith is known for her Dr. Know blog and previously published each book separately in 2019 and 2020, respectively. I listened to the audiobook, which clocks in at around four hours and is narrated by Liza Seneca.
The Book of Knowing section is an educational guide that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to help the reader understand and manage their feelings. It is the first 40% of this bind up. The Book of Overthinking is its sequel, and covers ruminating and worrying, which are common symptoms of anxiety. Both books provide clear advice and tangible examples that are easy to understand. Some concepts feel a bit repetitive.
I do want to note that a lot of the examples include fat shaming. It's possible that those are included because they're common anxious thoughts, but I think those concepts could have been described without the shaming. Apparently the print version has illustrations, so maybe something was lost in the translation to audio narration. Either way, I docked an entire star off of my rating
Special thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing, Andrews McMeel Audio, and NetGalley for providing an audiogalley of this book for me to review. All opinions contained herein are my own. The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain releases on May 10th.
The Book of Knowing section is an educational guide that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to help the reader understand and manage their feelings. It is the first 40% of this bind up. The Book of Overthinking is its sequel, and covers ruminating and worrying, which are common symptoms of anxiety. Both books provide clear advice and tangible examples that are easy to understand. Some concepts feel a bit repetitive.
I do want to note that a lot of the examples include fat shaming. It's possible that those are included because they're common anxious thoughts, but I think those concepts could have been described without the shaming. Apparently the print version has illustrations, so maybe something was lost in the translation to audio narration. Either way, I docked an entire star off of my rating
Special thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing, Andrews McMeel Audio, and NetGalley for providing an audiogalley of this book for me to review. All opinions contained herein are my own. The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain releases on May 10th.
May 15, 2022
I am not really a huge audiobook fan, and yet I absolutely LOVED this audiobook. I listened to it more than once and really took the time to reflect on the concepts and consider how I can put them into action in my life. I think this is a wonderful book and a must read for any teen or adult who struggles with anxiety, negative thought patterns or overthinking things. I would highly recommend this book as an audiobook, the narrator is easy to listen to, speaks clearly and has a calm but expressive voice. Now that I've listened to it, I can't wait to go out an buy a physical copy as well to look back on and make notes in. I think that if you are a frequent audiobook listener this book would be fine as just an audiobook, but for someone like me who is newer to audiobooks and loves to have a paper copy of things, I will definitely invest in a physical copy. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to learn more about myself by listening to and reviewing this book!
April 26, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version as I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There were parts of the book that made me nod wholeheartedly in agreement as this book was logical, not preachy, and nipped the issuss in the bud.
However, there were some parts where it sounded like they were repeating the same thing over again but this may be the need to get it understood with more clarity?
All in all, great book for those who suffer from anxiety and overthinking, in fact, good book for everyone during these stressful times in order to gain clarity.
There were parts of the book that made me nod wholeheartedly in agreement as this book was logical, not preachy, and nipped the issuss in the bud.
However, there were some parts where it sounded like they were repeating the same thing over again but this may be the need to get it understood with more clarity?
All in all, great book for those who suffer from anxiety and overthinking, in fact, good book for everyone during these stressful times in order to gain clarity.
May 21, 2022
The two book series the Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking are great resources for people dealing with anxiety, overthinking, and negative thought patterns. The author makes some really interesting points and gives ideas for counteracting these patterns. At times I thought the book was somewhat repetitive (especially between the two books), but I ended up really enjoying the audiobook. I would recommend it!
Thank you to the author, Andrews McMeel Audio, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a copy to review!
Thank you to the author, Andrews McMeel Audio, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a copy to review!
May 25, 2022
I was excited when I saw the release of the (audio-)book and wasn't disappointed. It's a well-done self help and also general thoughts-to-let-run-through-your-brain book. I liked that the author didn't dwell for hours on every single aspect - but seriously, I think that the book isn't a waste of time for anyone. Sometimes it's the bits of our selfs or what happens in daily life, and it does no harm to reflect on them.
May 23, 2022
The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking is a great tool and resource for teens and adults seeking ways to cope with struggles and manage their mental health.
Lots of great exercises and examples for identifying and managing any potential mental illnesses and a great intro to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Lots of great exercises and examples for identifying and managing any potential mental illnesses and a great intro to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
April 26, 2022
This review is for two audiobooks rolled into one, provided by Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Audio. Both audiobooks were brilliant, they hep the listener to understand their feelings and brain activity. I'll be revisiting both as I think they're a great resource for some self care and understanding.
June 17, 2022
I couldn’t get into this audiobook at all. I’m not sure if it was due to the content or the narrator, but it felt like an info dump and not a cohesive informational nonfiction book. I will probably give this authors work a second chance in the future, just not in audiobook form.
June 30, 2022
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a GREAT and very useful read! wow, honestly i had to read it one chapter at a time because it was so good i didn't want to miss any of the self-help stuff, one of the best self-help books i have ever read.
July 9, 2022
It is a good book! It gave me some really helpful tips and it's very informative. Stories through which author explaines how to use techniques are great and very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone with anxiety and troubles with overthinking.
April 20, 2022
I wish I could have read this as a child it would have helped to straighten my thinking and prevented a lot of suffering
July 27, 2022
I am so happy that I got to “read” both of these books in Gwendolyn’s series. This audiobook combination is my new go to when my thought viruses start acting up. I appreciated the practical application of the information presented. The narrator of this book was also well chosen and pleasant sounding. These books have definitely made it to my favorites tab and must have list! Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher and author for this ARC to review. You got a new fan in me!
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