ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD

by Penn Holderness, Kim Holderness

Hi, friend! Welcome to the ADHD club.

You're here because, like me, you've been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—which, by the way, just might be the worst name for a condition ever—and you're trying to figure out how to make your life a little more manageable. Or because, like my wife, Kim, you love, teach, or work with someone who has ADHD, and you're trying to figure out how to best support them.

The world isn't built for ADHDers, and navigating it can wear us down. But we'll let you in on a little secret: having ADHD doesn't have to be a burden. It can actually be a superpower that propels you to creative heights and allows you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

We want to give you a new perspective on ADHD, whether it's your own brain or a friend or family member's that you're trying to understand. We hope you come away with strategies you can employ to make things a little easier. (We also hope you laugh out loud, at least once or twice.)

Most of all, we want you to silence that voice that whispers that you're broken or a mess or a failure. None of that is true. You have ADHD—and that makes you awesome.

—Penn Holderness

Genres: Nonfiction, Adhd, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology, Parenting, Mental Health

292 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Jennifer Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am surprised there are so many 4-5 star reviews and I am wondering if any of you actually have ADHD. This book read as very privileged. Hardly any discussion regarding medication because penn only tried one and didn’t like it and never had to go back on it again, this is bad advice imo for adhders because the majority of us do not have a million dollars to quit our jobs and become Internet personalities and medication is the #1 life changing factor for the majority of us that allows us to function and stay on task.

[Steff Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most interesting reviews that I’ve ever sat down to write. It’s very easy, you see, to write a review about a piece of fiction. It’s also easy, I think, to review non-fiction related to history, education, politics, or a memoir. And I guess I always feel a little weird when I’m reviewing something that could be classified as a self-help memoir. Often, I’ve found myself measuring books like this based on the quality of the support provided and I generally don’t read them incredibly often.

ADHD is Awesome is the sort of book I sit down with feeling as though I learned a lot and found quite a large amount of it useful—whether to myself or my partner—but am also cognizant of how very personalized the story is due to the numerous personal experiences highlighted on by the authors.

Suffice to say, I think that this entire book is very useful. I think there is a lot of information that can be gleaned from it and it was certainly far more of an entertaining read than your typical ADHD support book. That said, there are also sections that feel as though they contain more fluff than is really necessary. And ultimately, I think it’s important to take the authors at their word: this is not the end all be all of ADHD books. It’s a tips and tricks sort of book with a side of personal stories with the hope that readers may find pieces of the advice useful in their day to day. It’s a positive hype up to support those who have negative feelings about their diagnosis or life struggles.

And there’s a lot of merit in that.

But if you’re reading this because you’re hoping this will be the one and only book you have to read about ADHD, it’s probably not going to do what you want it to.

As an educator who works daily with a large variety of students, many who have very similar struggles, a lot of the information in this book rang true for how we should treat children. In fact, much of what I do as an educator to encourage and support fell in line with a lot of what Holderness said about how we should be treating our ADHD adults. It’s such a wonderful thing to see and a truly interesting topic of conversation to have.

Why is it we talk so much about encouragement and positive reinforcement with children and not adults? I think it has generally been proven over and over again that this approach is the best possible one you could have. It’s across the board with children, with adults, with dogs, with everyone. If nothing else, I think that is the most important takeaway to leave this book with.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

ADHD IS awesome, but this book wasn't for me.

I checked this book out to help me understand my husband who has ADHD more. My husband is brilliant but doesn't do well with conventional studying and clashes at times with my messy craft disasters.

This book rubbed me the wrong way because the author, Penn, was really only describing and using anecdotes from his own side of the spectrum of ADHD. He continues to play up this lovable duffus character that he uses to describe himself. This is almost the exact opposite of how my husband expresses his ADHD. While Penn and Kim continue to remark that ADHD is a spectrum I couldn't connect any of their anecdotes to how me and my husband deal with his ADHD.

My husband is quiet, shy, always researching and enriching himself. He is a bit of a dare devil and loves mastering any sport or skill that involves a motor. Such as, motorcycles, cars, putting an engine into a lawn mower, etc. He also did firefighting and EMT to get his adrenaline fix before COVID. Currently he's learning Japanese like it's his second job and getting ready to rally his car.

He told me he was a renaissance man when I met him. Meaning his focus changes rapidly and he likes to be good at many things instead of great at one thing.

All that being said, I am being kind when I say "my husband and Penn could never be friends". Their ADHDs clash too much and I don't think I gained any insight reading this book.

I really hope it helps others though

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should be titled HYPERACTIVE ADHD Is Awesome. Only a tiny bit in the beginning about inattentive ADHD, which is what I have.

I couldn’t relate at all with the bumbling, helpless, aw-shucks routine Penn Holderness puts out. My fiancé has hyperactive ADHD like Holderness (and is medicated) and has only exhibited a fraction of the chaos that Holderness seems to generate.

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome introduction to a topic that may not necessarily always feel so awesome.

Penn and Kim bring a wonderful sense of enthusiasm and humor to their interpretation of what it’s like to either experience life, or share a life with someone, with ADHD. Lighthearted but not flippant, the two describe the condition with examples and common scenarios for readers and encouragement along the way. The trivia and “squirrel” moments are so very appreciated and are amusing side quests.

The book is great, but the audiobook is fantastic. Fans of the Holderness Family will want to hear the candid narration of the awesome book. - Sara W.

[Mike DC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your mileage may vary with this one, depending on whether or not you can stomach Internet personalities. It’s quite good when they talk about their relationship and ADHD, tips for ADHDers and caregivers, parents, giving yourself and others grace, etc. All of the stuff about making videos and writing and the family business was completely tedious, and they come off as very privileged when taking about winning a million dollars on the Amazing Race and suggesting ADHDers just building their own home with whatever amazing things they’d like to live with. Overall recommend, but with those caveats.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
A funny light hearted self help novel that offers some simple but sometimes helpful tips for living with ADHD (or living for someone with ADHD. It took me a minute to recognize that this was the same couple I occasionally watch on YouTube. A fun positive book.

[Suzanne LaFleur · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof. I tried the audiobook and it was so incredibly irritating. Maybe I would have liked it better if I read it? But as someone with ADHD, I dont read books much, hence opting for the audiobooks instead.
The vibe of this audiobook was like listening to a radio show. Wayyyyy too much excitement to be taken seriously. I was waiting for some story about committing their lives to Jesus because of the weird, over-the-top upbeat nature of it.
Obviously, it’s good for some people but damn. This really rubbed me the wrong way.

[Jennifer Weldrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am genuinely shocked that this book is so highly rated. It is supposed to offer a positive spin on ADHD and to “offer targeted tools and techniques” but all it does is present a series of stories about Penn and an “aw, shucks, I lost my keys again, silly me!” perspective.

The tools and techniques include things like checklists, post-its, buying a big phone 🙄 … and apparently having your partner remind you to pick up your socks, leave you lists, and explain tasks like changing a lightbulb in painstaking detail.

If you follow the “advice” in this book, you will be adding to the mental load of your partner, taking no accountability for your actions, and essentially being an adult child who seems to shrug and say “my neurodivergent brain is awesome - my bad if it inconveniences you!”

I would like to preface this next bit with the fact that I myself have ADHD. I understand the neurodivergent brain and the absolute inability to function “normally” that comes with this diagnosis. I understand that those of us with ADHD who leave the stove on (guilty as charged) and lose things often are not doing so on purpose and that most of us would change it if we could. But there’s unapologetically accepting and embracing your diagnosis and then there’s this.

I found this book incredibly condescending at times - like when it basically implies that the fact you made it halfway through is earth-shattering. The description itself is condescending: “The engaging, uplifting antidote to traditional ADHD books (which, let's be honest, if you have ADHD you'd never read anyway). I’ve actually read several books about ADHD, thank you very much.

This book is just Penn waxing poetic about how cute and charming he thinks he is because he left his water bottle in the mailbox.

I would have dnf’d, but my OCD won’t let me leave a book unread.

If you’re looking for real strategies and techniques to help you manage life with ADHD, this book is not for you. If you’re looking for someone to pat you on the back and justify your sh!tty behaviour, then read on.

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is BEYOND awesome! If you are on a journey learning more about ADHD, this is the book to add to your reading list 🙌🏾

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too sciencey, funny (esp on audio!), and really helpful. This is the book I’d want my son’s aunts/uncles, grandparents, family friends, and teachers to read. It’s lay level in its accessibility but it’s still a good look at ADHD and how to support the ADHDer in your life.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an engaging, hilarious, and uplifting guide for individuals living with a partner who has been diagnosed with ADHD. The co-authors (husband/wife team Penn and Kim) share how ADHD has impacted their lives and the steps they've taken to protect their relationship. They highlight the importance of a proper diagnosis and provide practical tips for managing ADHD for both individuals and families.

Readers will learn about working memory, emotional flooding, and other aspects of ADHD. The book offers funny insights and research-based advice in an easy-to-digest format. It effectively balances the positives and negatives of ADHD, providing strategies for leveraging ADHD to one's advantage and managing distractions.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not actually familiar with the authors, but apparently they are fairly well-known YouTubers who, among other things, talk about living with ADHD as an adult.

I liked this as a fairly upbeat book that also talks about the challenges that come with ADHD. It's written from the perspective of someone who actually lives with it, though they admit it can look a bit different for everyone. I feel like I learned some things and took away solid suggestions. They do speak to caregivers in how you can support a child with ADHD as well, which is helpful. I'll admit it does read a little bit like a parentified relationship in this marriage, but they also seem to be aware of that and trying to modify it as much as they can. Not the only thing to read, but I'm glad I picked it up.

[Thecritic · Rating 1 out of 5]

The name of the book should have been PENN is awesome.

This book is about Penn Holderness, an Internet personality and the amazing race winner who happens to have ADHD.

It is a happy bubbly book about how fun and creative and awesome Penn is, and how he enjoys having ADHD.

I can understand that if you are a rich celebrity with supportive family and friends, you would enjoy your life.

But that is not everyone’s experience with ADHD. Not every neurodivergent is extrovert or rich or male or American or celebrity or works in entertainment industry.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most informative and enjoyable books about ADHD I have read to date.

Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness are the husband and wife team that wrote and narrated the book like a podcast. By the way, they have a podcast called The Holderness Family podcast, of all things!

Playing to those of us who have ADHD, the pace is fast and lively. Yet quite conversational. In this case, the person with ADHD was the husband, and the loving wife put up with his antics. I think what they presented was universal. I would like to see this done with a female with ADHD as the circumstances change drastically. But the family tried to point out some of those differences.

The best part, besides the camaraderie, was some of the ways the ADHDers or their families and friends can conquer, change, or make allowances for all that energy and distraction. Kim showed that she wasn't a saint but learned ways to help her husband become a super-daddy, husband, co-worker, or friend by offering supportive ideas.

I was lucky enough to find this audiobook on Libby, but I plan to buy my own paper and Audible copies soon. I could use a many-layered approach. If you want to better understand this superpower and/or disability, I think you would enjoy this.

[Chloe Frizzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A memoir style book about ADHD. It's entertaining and well written, but the scope is quite narrow. It talks a lot about the author's type of ADHD, but not much about other presentations of it. The authors have built their life to be ADHD friendly, and many of their tips are from that privileged position that many people will not be able to match. Useful if you're just starting to learn about ADHD, but less useful if you're looking for new or specific information.

[BookNightOwl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this just to know a little bit more about ADHD since my partner has it and I am trying to understand him better. Very informative since it was the point of view of the husband who has ADHD and the wife who does not.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the characters and their marriage, but this wasn't really a guide to thriving with ADHD that is feasible for the majority of people with ADHD.

The privilege and luck lend a lot to the success and the fact that Penn is a man with a wife who cares for him. This does nothing for women who are expected to hold that role, with very few men who will take on the "wife" role in the relationship. People make a LOT of concessions for Penn and that is not going to be true for most people with ADHD.

I actually had no idea who these people were; I don't want a lot of TV. But I did like that their relationship is a success story, and they are fun to listen to.

This is better advertised as a memoir, and I like it for that.

I do not like it at all for a guide to ADHD and how the issues are seriously diminished.

2.5-3 Stars

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up — affirming, easy to digest, and ultimately helpful for applying to real life.

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all]]

NO IT IS NOT!!!

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

painfully self-promoting. for someone who is new to an ADHD diagnosis this *might* be a helpful resource, if you can get past the author's many, many examples of his own ADHD. There's so much fluff and nonsense to process before you can get to anything remotely helpful that it's a frustrating read for a person who does not have ADHD and, in my opinion, too distracting and all over the place for a reader who has ADHD to concentrate on. Are there helpful tidbits here? Sure. For me, a non-ADHD person partnered with an ADHD person, there were some gentle reminders that were good to revisit. For my ADHD husband, his response was, 'I already know all of this.' And he's right. there was nothing new or groundbreaking here and the main author's writing felt more geared towards children, not adults. If you have already taken the time to research your diagnosis I'd be surprised you'd find anything new or particularly interesting here but worth a glance if you are looking for a light read to reinforce existing ideas and information.

[Candace Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy the audiobook. Although it had tidbits of helpful insights and was relatable it felt more like a podcast and not like a book. As someone that already has trouble focusing all the tangents and back and forth were annoying. I'm no expert, and I realize that ADHD presents differently in different people, but I'd be curious if some of the things they attributed to ADHD are more personality or gender than ADHD. They mention that they spoke to experts to write the book but I wish they had referenced that more.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun read. I really appreciated the positive tone with a realistic outlook. I knew going in that I was reading a bit of a life story of ADHD from a male experience. It's probably important for people to know that female ADHD often presents differently. Still, this is a book you could hand to a teen or adult with ADHD (or someone who loves that person) to learn more without feeling deflated.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Penn and Kim's content and I have ADHD, so I was really looking forward to reading this. While I am glad they are spreading awareness, I felt this missed the mark. Penn talks about ADHD as if everyone presents the same way- like him. He makes blanket statements such as ADHDers are the life of the party. However, women (can) present very differently than men. I have pretty severe ADHD and I could relate to very little of what Penn said.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearing Penn and Kim's perspectives in this book taught me to empathize with my partner with ADHD. The book is approachable to read with the illustrations and small sections which made me want to continue reading. The book's main messages to be kind to yourself, have a support team and you can change over time are lessons applicable to anyone.

[Liz Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book wanting to understand more about ADHD. In the process of reading it I was diagnosed and so was my child with ADHD. It’s very refreshing and interesting to understand why our brains work differently. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or knows anyone with ADHD. It was super easy to listen to!

[norah grace deboer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, i don’t think this actually helped in anyway. felt more biographical rather than helpful (which is fine but don’t claim that it’s a help book if it’s not)

[Jen Brodehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars- If you or anyone you love has ADHD, this book is awesome! So much valuable information that’s told with compassion, humor and positivity. I loved it!

[Emily Stranks · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a sibling, friend and teacher this book was both humbling and eye opening to all the things I don’t understand about the adhd experience! highly recommend!

[Gerrrrry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Penn Holderness’s ADHD is Awesome is more memoir than self-help guide. If I could rename it, I’d call it A Memoir on Having ADHD & Why It’s Awesome (With My Personal Strategies to Thrive). The audiobook’s conversational style and Penn’s upbeat tone make it feel like catching up with an old friend. About 25% of the book felt more like a podcast—especially during Penn and Kim’s meandering conversations—so the audiobook might be a better choice. Protips for folks with ADHD: listen at 1.5x or 2x speed to get through the fluff while still enjoying it.

The book’s heart lies in Penn’s personal stories and his sweet, supportive dynamic with his wife, Kim. Their teamwork is touching, though their relationship sometimes feels parentified and unrealistic for most couples.

While Penn’s anecdotes are relatable, some strategies—like job-hopping to fit his ADHD—reflect privilege not everyone has. There’s fluff sprinkled throughout the whole book—which feels very ADHD but personally annoyed me. The editors should have worked on that. Overall, it’s a fun, beginner-friendly resource for understanding ADHD or supporting a loved one navigating it.