Being You

Vrinda Gupta

Self-deprecation has become a favourite among millennials. As if it's not enough for other people to tell you that you're doing things wrong, you have to do it yourself too. It is almost cathartic to express one's flaws, stacking them up neatly to rue over. Sarah Knight, the 'anti-guru' as she's touted, in You do You breaks you out of your rut of self pity and tells you how to be exactly who you are, and own it. 

This is her third book and Knight continues her mission of turning under-confident ducklings into swans. She does not beat around the bush; neither does she mince words. The book is divided into four parts. The first part eases you in; the second describes life-rules that are meant to be broken; the next shatters myths about the things people 'know' you'll feel in various stages of life; and the last teaches you to let go of expectations people place on you. Each part further contains subchapters, which, while interspersed with doodles, flowcharts, and expletives, present a refreshing outlook on how to take charge of your life.

Sarah's writings will help you derive comfort in the fact that it's okay to be ‘you’. If you've ever felt misunderstood or different, she lends you an ear. She dismisses the naysayers, and tells you to do the same, focusing instead on what you can do to improve yourself. In small, practical ways, she tells you how to go from grudgingly accepting what you are, to loving yourself. The book is written in a conversational style that helps her audience connect with her. Her no-nonsense attitude keeps you turning the pages. Whether you're a rebel who's turned your back on societal norms to do your own thing, or the complete opposite, you'll find this book empowering.