To be completely candid, at first glance we thought How to Take Care: An A-Z Guide of Radical Remedies seemed like what we’d dismiss as a “shelf-filler”... A lovely light-read page-flipper you might find in the impulse aisle waiting to check out at a store, but not do much heavy lifting in terms of actually digging out from stress and overwhelm.

Dear reader, we (kind of) couldn't have been more wrong in our initial take.

Yes, this book is a lovely light-read page-flipper.

But it’s its guts — the combination of lovely illustrations and wise wit that meet the validating takes on the realities of real self-care — that make it so much more than what it seems.

Co-authored by Kate Novotny, a registered nurse certified in obstetrical care and doula, and Erin Williams, an author, illustrator, adjunct professor, and data analyst with a focus on healthcare disparities and inequity, How to Take Care is more of an introduction-meets-validation around self-care concepts and considerations rather than a subject-by-subject deep dive.

That said, Williams and Novotny's approach is refreshingly honest and pragmatic cover to cover, providing readers with a comprehensive and realistic view of what it means to take care of oneself in today's increasingly complex world.

The authors waste no time encouraging readers to embrace well-being practices that are feasible and nurturing, steering clear of vague concepts and focusing on actionable insights.

The book is organized alphabetically, each letter serving as a gateway to multiple topics that are both relevant, amusing, and thought-provoking. The authors blend deeply personal and broadly social themes, artfully weaving the interconnectedness of individual well-being and collective health — a recurring motif throughout.

The letter A covers 'Ancestors,' 'Adaptogens,' 'Anger,' and 'Antiracism.' The letter F encompasses 'Feel It All' and 'F**k It,' addressing the importance of embracing all emotions and letting go of societal expectations. G covers 'Gratitude' and 'Garbage Television,' illustrating the balance between appreciating life's small joys and indulging in what engages. You get the idea…

Further, Williams and Novotny do not shy away from critiquing the self-care industry. The book ventures beyond bath bombs and eye patches, promoting self-care practices that are accessible, realistic, and nurturing, rather than those that are commodified and surface-level.

They also expose its misappropriated origins and the systemic structures that perpetuate harm, encouraging readers to question mainstream self-care narratives and seek out practices that are both authentic and inclusive.

Another standout feature is its combination of humour with depth. The chapter on "How to Do the Dishes When You'd Rather Burn the Whole House to the Ground" validates everyday frustrations and the urge to escape responsibilities, providing practical advice on managing these feelings with a slight giggle and a lot of grace.

In all, the prologue reads like a hug and, by the last page, the entire book feels like an invaluable gift.

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How to Take Care: An A-Z Guide of Radical Remedies

by Erin Williams and Kate Novotny

Published October 2022

via TarcherPerigree