A Year of Nothing - Winter Spring

by Emma Gannon

'In nature, things are allowed to break down and regenerate and build back up again. But as humans, it feels trickier. Life is busy. You can’t really schedule in a breakdown’

Sometimes it’s all a bit too much.

Have you considered doing nothing about it?

For years, Emma Gannon has written about work, wellbeing and productivity. Then she was struck by chronic burnout and could barely get out of bed.

Something had to change.

Returning to TPP with A Year of Nothing, the author gives a moving account of why she had no choice but to switch off, go underground, and find joy and wisdom in mundane pleasures.

Split over two books and four seasons, Emma writes with warmth about dog borrowing, dopamine dressing, learning how to swim (again), choosing to be child free, tuning into nature and much more.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

67 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Emma Gannon is the Sunday Times bestselling author of eight books, including ‘A Year of Nothing‘ and ‘Olive’, her debut novel, which was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award. Her second novel, ‘Table for One’, published in 2025 with HarperCollins. Emma also runs the popular Substack newsletter, ‘The Hyphen’, which has thousands of paid subscribers. She also hosts creativity retreats all over the world and was a judge for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.

Reviews

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant little read about the hard topic of severe burnout and anxiety. I really enjoyed Gannon’s writing style, the foreword explaining how a lot of the writing came from the journal she kept during her “Year of Nothing” - she’s very raw and honest, and her tone is really warming, like speaking to a longtime friend. She’s matter-of-fact about what she experienced, and how she felt and I always admire people who can write so publicly about their darkest moments. I also enjoyed each month/chapter ending with a few questions/journal prompts. Like the seasons, we are always changing and in moments of transition, good or bad, and it was a good reminder to check in with yourself as things do change around you. Short but sweet, will look forward to continuing with the Summer | Autumn section of the book

[Megan Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this book is highly relatable. Having gone through my own nervous break, this book is like a sweet friend who reminds you, you’re not alone. It’s short, maybe too short. Anxiety and burnout are increasingly common, and this book definitely could’ve gone more in depth. But still, an enjoyable read.

[Whitney Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the delicious simplicity of publishing a limited number of books about a specific topic, personal experience or fiction. I think the Pound Project is about as cool as it gets, and I love that they feature authors like Emma Gannon. I love her millennial British vibe. She’s privileged, yes. Not apologetic about it, but honest and aware, and fair. Burn out is real- even for the folks we think have it all. This was a nice simple experience within her own. And I loved the exclusivity of being able to grab a copy before the limited print run ran out. It feels sustainable and brings to light small publishing and the importance of it, and of art, for arts sake.

[Ilaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read during a hard time. I loved the little pockets of nothing reminders Emma lists in the book as well as the ‘Over to you’ questions at the end of each month. Made me slow down even more. Looking forward to reading Part II!

[Annelies · Rating 1 out of 5]

<3 haar substack newsletter en haar podcasts.

[Kerri Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy read with some relief that we all feel rock bottom sometimes. Lovely tips to get yourself out of the hole however difficult if you don't have the financial, family and partner to support in the way Emma does (she does acknowledge this which made sense). There are some freebies suggestions but again if you live in the city, the sights aren't quite accessible. Would recommend as it's uplifting and her humour gave me some giggles. She can't please everyone and know their circumstances so I applaud her writing a book to try!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book really resonatef with me

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Fatou · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a tiny book of 64 pages- the content could’ve been a blog post. Nothing insightful.

[Mia Consalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but refreshing. It articulates what having burnout really feels like, other than just "being tired."

[charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second half had more impact for me. I thankfully didn’t quite relate to her experience. I don’t know it feels weird critiquing someone’s personal experience of burnout.