Official Review: Just Say "$%#&! NO!"

[Twylla]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Just Say "$%#&! NO!"" by Heather and Karen Tobin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Just say “$%#&! No!" by Heather and Karen Tobin is a humorous book of poetry and cartoon illustrations that encourages us to say “no” and set limits when others are asking too much of us too often. Charlotte, our cartoon guide, teaches us how to say “no” politely with confidence and kindness. There are 25 illustrations in this 33-page book. The text is a poem written in a rhyme scheme of ABCB, where the second line (B) and fourth line (B) rhymes.

The book opens with a very stressed Charlotte. The first five illustrations along with the first five stanzas of the poem show Charlotte doing too many things for too many people. These five stanzas describe pushy people who ask for too many favors, unwelcome invitations, high-maintenance friends and neighbors, and requests for money. The remaining illustrations and 14 stanzas show Charlotte setting boundaries to reclaim her time, and as a result, a more peaceful state of mind.

My favorite thing about the book is the illustrations. Charlotte, our cartoon guide, and her poodle are so cute and whimsical. The illustrations and the text work inextricably together to tell a story that neither one could tell by themselves.

“No” is a powerful word. It prevents people from taking up your valuable time. It is also powerful because it has the potential to disappoint and hurt other people. From the time we are children, little girls are taught to be accommodating. We are encouraged to help a neighbor, do volunteer work for the community, and support other family members. The message of this book is also a powerful one. The word "no" can be one of the most positive words in your vocabulary. Saying “no” frees you up to do all of the things you would rather or need to be doing.

I reviewed the ebook version. I never could view the ebook on my Windows 10 desktop, but I could view it successfully on my Samsung Android tablet. The book is only for sale in a print format, so that may not be a concern. I am assuming the ebook was provided for convenience. But that was the only negative thing I had to report about the book.

This is a fun book that reminds us that it is ok to say “no” with kindness and confidence without feeling guilty. I am giving this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. This book is well written and professionally edited. I found a couple of minor typos, but only because I was looking for them. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels stressed about being pulled in too many directions.

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Just Say "$%#&! NO!"
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[CatC]

I love this it tells me if the book is right for someone else I would be buying it for.

[book_fanatic_]

Seems like an amusing book of poetry. Would give it a try. Great review.

[Julyet_Chris]

An amazing review, The book would be surely entertaining and very educative to people who are overly nice and do not know how or when to say No.

[Chimdi_3]

This book is for me. Its very ok to say no sometimes and not have to deal with guilty feeling.The review is very detailed.Thank you.

[Vicky-kooro]

My favorite thing about the book is the illustration and the text. Nice review

[khaulah]

I could use the book to learn how to say no. I like the style of the book. The illustrations would be helpful for the reader!

[Usuma Khan]

Was looking for something to take a break from novels. Looks like I found one. The right book for someone like me who can't refuse anyone. Appreciate the review.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”
-Walt Disney

[_Lindsey_]

This sounds like a really charming book with an excellent message.

[Prince Chime]

I think more of the great lesson not taught to us is saying 'No' and not feeling bad about it. I have been in this trap of not saying no. Thanks for the review. I should add this to my library.

[sirbobthewise]

What a creative way to discuss and encourage creating healthy boundaries. While being able to say “no” is a huge part of boundaries, they also beautifully allow us to show others how we want/need to be treated and expect to be treated (and the flip-side of what will not be accepted as proper treatment). It’s highly empowering and creates so much more room for healthier relationships and joy. Sounds like a book that I would definitely enjoy and probably learn from. Thanks for your review!

[Teddyquam]

How cute! Its like a children's book for adults. Another one for the reading list.

[Samgum50]

Great review! This is such a uniquely written book. I like the idea of the different reasons for saying no, plus it's also a light read

[Nonso Samuelson]

Sometimes, saying NO is the best thing we can do for our sanity and mental health.

[Ebby Brown]

Saying 'No' helps us control the extent to which people can disturb our peace of mind. This book is amazing with all the easy illustrations.