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Go Ahead & Like It
An artistic, smart self-help book that prompts and inspires readers to write lists of things they like--a simple yet profound way to collect and remember the good in daily life.
This scrapbook-style art book is an invitation to write lists of things you like: small things that bring delight, intriguing things that excite, and meaningful things that make every day special. It's a how-to guide, writing prompt, model for self-discovery, and beautiful inspiration for daily gratitude, with poet Jacqueline Suskin's personal lists intertwined with photographs, illustrations, and instruction. It's a self-help book for people who might not be drawn to standard self-help, and it's creative thinking for people who might not identify themselves as creative thinkers (What does it mean to "like" something in today's digital age, anyways?). Above all, it presents a simple, dependable method to notice the good that's all around us--even in a traffic jam or waiting in line--so we can inhabit our world more fully and smile more in the process.
This scrapbook-style art book is an invitation to write lists of things you like: small things that bring delight, intriguing things that excite, and meaningful things that make every day special. It's a how-to guide, writing prompt, model for self-discovery, and beautiful inspiration for daily gratitude, with poet Jacqueline Suskin's personal lists intertwined with photographs, illustrations, and instruction. It's a self-help book for people who might not be drawn to standard self-help, and it's creative thinking for people who might not identify themselves as creative thinkers (What does it mean to "like" something in today's digital age, anyways?). Above all, it presents a simple, dependable method to notice the good that's all around us--even in a traffic jam or waiting in line--so we can inhabit our world more fully and smile more in the process.
- GenresNonfictionPoetry
72 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 9, 2020
A fantastic zine-length booklet about liking stuff, giving yourself permission to like stuff, and listing the stuff you like as a way to create, to express, to share, and to delve into what liking it means to you without the navel gazing.
I like:
-walking on dirt roads
-dark bedsheets
-the plant in my bathroom
-using a body brush on my skin
-wearing big boots
-the porcelain skye terrier my grandmother kept on her hearth
I like:
-walking on dirt roads
-dark bedsheets
-the plant in my bathroom
-using a body brush on my skin
-wearing big boots
-the porcelain skye terrier my grandmother kept on her hearth
August 13, 2016
3.5 Stars
Go Ahead & Like It caught my attention because I am a list making…when I get stressed out my mind begins making lists. It’s a compulsion. In high school I had a notebook specifically for lists, and I filled it with everything I could think to make a list about. Goodreads is my haven because of it…it’s a comfort in a way I have trouble explaining. So this self help book about making lists seemed to be just the thing for me.
Suskin uses this relatively short book to explain why she finds making lists helpful and healing, and unlike me focuses her list on one topic, things she likes. It can be anything from the way something smells to the the shoes on her feet. She also goes over some ways that these ‘like’ lists can help you for instance: stressful situations or as ice breakers. I did really connect with the idea of lists being able to focus you on the positive things, because I’ve been doing it for years. She also includes a lot of lists that she has made, as well as others that she has collected during her talks. It’s a practice of appreciating the things around you.
While I wouldn’t call this technique a breakthrough, I do like it quite a bit and I have no idea why I’ve never thought to make lists of things I enjoy instead of constantly cataloguing things I’ve read, watched, owned, or seen.
Here is an example list (from me)
I Like:
Warm days with a light breeze and clear blue skies
Falling asleep to the sound of a cat bathing
Late night dinners with my best friend and boyfriend
Walking barefoot on hot pavement
Staring up at the stars for so long I become dizzy
The huge chocolate covered strawberries at the Renaissance Festival
Being held by the one person I allow to touch me
Being in a room without noise or talking
Having the windows open in spring
Burying my fingers in an animal’s fur
Go Ahead & Like It caught my attention because I am a list making…when I get stressed out my mind begins making lists. It’s a compulsion. In high school I had a notebook specifically for lists, and I filled it with everything I could think to make a list about. Goodreads is my haven because of it…it’s a comfort in a way I have trouble explaining. So this self help book about making lists seemed to be just the thing for me.
Suskin uses this relatively short book to explain why she finds making lists helpful and healing, and unlike me focuses her list on one topic, things she likes. It can be anything from the way something smells to the the shoes on her feet. She also goes over some ways that these ‘like’ lists can help you for instance: stressful situations or as ice breakers. I did really connect with the idea of lists being able to focus you on the positive things, because I’ve been doing it for years. She also includes a lot of lists that she has made, as well as others that she has collected during her talks. It’s a practice of appreciating the things around you.
While I wouldn’t call this technique a breakthrough, I do like it quite a bit and I have no idea why I’ve never thought to make lists of things I enjoy instead of constantly cataloguing things I’ve read, watched, owned, or seen.
Here is an example list (from me)
I Like:
Warm days with a light breeze and clear blue skies
Falling asleep to the sound of a cat bathing
Late night dinners with my best friend and boyfriend
Walking barefoot on hot pavement
Staring up at the stars for so long I become dizzy
The huge chocolate covered strawberries at the Renaissance Festival
Being held by the one person I allow to touch me
Being in a room without noise or talking
Having the windows open in spring
Burying my fingers in an animal’s fur
April 19, 2015
I Like:
– Early morning snuggles with my cat
– Green tea for breakfast
– Rainy Sundays
– Surprise days off
– New notebooks from my mom
– A really good pen
– Go Ahead & Like It
This was the book I’ve been waiting for but didn’t know it. A mix of Frank Warren’s PostSecret books in both intent and aesthetics, along with the tribute to our everyday joys, is simply perfection.
Suskin begins by explaining how her lists came to be, intertwined with artistic versions of some of the lists she is explaining.
Not only is the book informative about how to make your own lists, why making these lists of likes are useful to us, and how these lists help us know each other better, the artful lists decorating the pages bring little doses of joy to the reader as well.
My mom was sweet enough to buy me a new notebook specifically for my lists of likes when I talked to her about this book and how desperately I felt I needed to start making lists.
It has been a blissful undertaking so far. I enjoy the moments I spend sat aside from the day to day, taking a moment to myself, alone with my best pen and my new notebook, recording what has made me happy today, and what I like in my life.
The lists become my moment of mindfulness, setting my path toward the positive and away from the grievances and annoyances that usually bring my mood down.
If you are someone looking for artful mindfulness, self-reflection, or just a really good looking book — Go Ahead & Like It is definitely worth checking out.
I’ve got quite the feeling you’ll like it.
– Early morning snuggles with my cat
– Green tea for breakfast
– Rainy Sundays
– Surprise days off
– New notebooks from my mom
– A really good pen
– Go Ahead & Like It
This was the book I’ve been waiting for but didn’t know it. A mix of Frank Warren’s PostSecret books in both intent and aesthetics, along with the tribute to our everyday joys, is simply perfection.
Suskin begins by explaining how her lists came to be, intertwined with artistic versions of some of the lists she is explaining.
Not only is the book informative about how to make your own lists, why making these lists of likes are useful to us, and how these lists help us know each other better, the artful lists decorating the pages bring little doses of joy to the reader as well.
My mom was sweet enough to buy me a new notebook specifically for my lists of likes when I talked to her about this book and how desperately I felt I needed to start making lists.
It has been a blissful undertaking so far. I enjoy the moments I spend sat aside from the day to day, taking a moment to myself, alone with my best pen and my new notebook, recording what has made me happy today, and what I like in my life.
The lists become my moment of mindfulness, setting my path toward the positive and away from the grievances and annoyances that usually bring my mood down.
If you are someone looking for artful mindfulness, self-reflection, or just a really good looking book — Go Ahead & Like It is definitely worth checking out.
I’ve got quite the feeling you’ll like it.
December 31, 2022
I *will* go ahead and like it!
April 30, 2015
Not Terribly Interactive
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Blogging for Books.)
Go Ahead & Like It is not at all what I expected. Granted, based on the book's vague and weirdly broad Amazon description, it's difficult to pin down precisely; in one breath, it purports to be a scrapbook, art book, self-help book, how-to guide, etc., etc., etc. So perhaps it's unfair to dislike it for failing to meet my already hazy expectations. But. When the description says that it features "writing prompts," I don't think it unreasonable to assume that the book will also include blank space for me to work on said prompts. Not so much.
Go Ahead & Like It isn't an interactive journal or workbook, with space for the reader to formulate her own lists, but rather an instructional guide, the bulk of which highlights Suskin's own lists, photographs, and ephemera. The end result feels remarkably self-indulgent: Suskin fans aside, who wants to shell out seventeen bucks to read an assortment of a stranger's random lists?
What we have here is a case of good idea, poor execution: this book would have been 100% better had Suskin complemented her writing tips with one or two of her own lists (and perhaps a plethora of artwork with liberal white space), and then given her readers ample space to record their own. There’s one blank list at the very back of the book, but that’s it.
To add insult to injury, Suskin includes in her lists things which I find morally repugnant: hunting, fishing, and fetishizing the bodies of dead animals. One list sports this cryptic entry: "disorders." I can only hope the author isn't referring to physical and/or mental disorders (the romanticization of which is entirely uncool).
After skimming through Go Ahead & Like It, my knee-jerk reaction was to give it one star. But, upon a full read-through, I have to admit that some of Suskin's advice is rather intriguing and evocative. Just not to the tune of $16.99. Wait for it to go on deep discount, or else just save yourself the time and Google "gratitude lists."
Buy it if: You want a Post-Secret style art book.
Skip it if: You're hoping for an interactive journal or workbook that's all about you.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2015/05/01/...
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Blogging for Books.)
Go Ahead & Like It is not at all what I expected. Granted, based on the book's vague and weirdly broad Amazon description, it's difficult to pin down precisely; in one breath, it purports to be a scrapbook, art book, self-help book, how-to guide, etc., etc., etc. So perhaps it's unfair to dislike it for failing to meet my already hazy expectations. But. When the description says that it features "writing prompts," I don't think it unreasonable to assume that the book will also include blank space for me to work on said prompts. Not so much.
Go Ahead & Like It isn't an interactive journal or workbook, with space for the reader to formulate her own lists, but rather an instructional guide, the bulk of which highlights Suskin's own lists, photographs, and ephemera. The end result feels remarkably self-indulgent: Suskin fans aside, who wants to shell out seventeen bucks to read an assortment of a stranger's random lists?
What we have here is a case of good idea, poor execution: this book would have been 100% better had Suskin complemented her writing tips with one or two of her own lists (and perhaps a plethora of artwork with liberal white space), and then given her readers ample space to record their own. There’s one blank list at the very back of the book, but that’s it.
To add insult to injury, Suskin includes in her lists things which I find morally repugnant: hunting, fishing, and fetishizing the bodies of dead animals. One list sports this cryptic entry: "disorders." I can only hope the author isn't referring to physical and/or mental disorders (the romanticization of which is entirely uncool).
After skimming through Go Ahead & Like It, my knee-jerk reaction was to give it one star. But, upon a full read-through, I have to admit that some of Suskin's advice is rather intriguing and evocative. Just not to the tune of $16.99. Wait for it to go on deep discount, or else just save yourself the time and Google "gratitude lists."
Buy it if: You want a Post-Secret style art book.
Skip it if: You're hoping for an interactive journal or workbook that's all about you.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2015/05/01/...
April 18, 2015
To be totally honest, I had a hard time telling what this book was all about from the description. However, I thought it sounded interesting. I love making lists, and I love the idea of recording things I'm grateful for, special memories, or whatever random thoughts strike. What's not to like, right?
Well, Go Ahead & Like It is part instruction on how to make a "list of likes" and part a sampling of the author's lists. It seems the author was going for a "Post Secret" type feel, with photographs, unique layouts, and handwritten text. Unfortunately, it didn't strike the right chord with me. The lists included things like "I like: lake swimming, naps, the banjo, and storms." I think I might have felt differently if I was previously familiar with this author and her work.
It wasn't a total loss, though. I think this might be a fun idea to try with our Compassion kids. Sharing "like lists" would be a simple, easy way to get to know one another better, and the simplicity would help us cross language, cultural, and age barriers a bit easier.
This wasn't a good fit for me, but others may enjoy it. [2 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Well, Go Ahead & Like It is part instruction on how to make a "list of likes" and part a sampling of the author's lists. It seems the author was going for a "Post Secret" type feel, with photographs, unique layouts, and handwritten text. Unfortunately, it didn't strike the right chord with me. The lists included things like "I like: lake swimming, naps, the banjo, and storms." I think I might have felt differently if I was previously familiar with this author and her work.
It wasn't a total loss, though. I think this might be a fun idea to try with our Compassion kids. Sharing "like lists" would be a simple, easy way to get to know one another better, and the simplicity would help us cross language, cultural, and age barriers a bit easier.
This wasn't a good fit for me, but others may enjoy it. [2 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
December 25, 2024
I want to buy this book for everyone I know. It's so playful and connected me with things I forgot I liked. It reminded me of the joys I found growing up. It's such a wonderful practice with yourself. It can also help deepen your connection with others by sharing your lists of likes. My husband and I even developed our own practice, inspired by this book.
I like watching the sunrise
I like feeling the sun on my face
I like the sound of typing on typewriters
I like the feel of crumpled up paper
I like sitting by the fire late at night when everyone else is asleep
I like watching the sunrise
I like feeling the sun on my face
I like the sound of typing on typewriters
I like the feel of crumpled up paper
I like sitting by the fire late at night when everyone else is asleep
November 10, 2020
I loved it. For the price of a coffee, this sweet short read had the same effect on me... a moment to savor. It was a reminder of the power, beauty, and gifts of taking a moment to write down what we like. I loved all the ones the author shared as it sparked both memories and reminders.
This little treasure appeared when I needed a cup of something warm to remind me I can cultivate awe, embrace the ordinary, and meet my challenges with wonder and presence. I'm so looking forward to Jacqueline's new book, Every Day Is a Poem.
This little treasure appeared when I needed a cup of something warm to remind me I can cultivate awe, embrace the ordinary, and meet my challenges with wonder and presence. I'm so looking forward to Jacqueline's new book, Every Day Is a Poem.
January 11, 2019
Not terribly interactive and a little pretentious but you gotta hand it to Jacqueline Suskin - she literally turned the concept of writing a list into an entire book. I respect that hustle.
Things I like:
- green tea with peppermint
- storage baskets
- self-help books that actually help me in some way
Things I like:
- green tea with peppermint
- storage baskets
- self-help books that actually help me in some way
January 25, 2019
While I appreciate the effort put in to collaging the pages and making it look nice, I can’t help but feel like this book could’ve been summarized in a single blog post. It took me 10 minutes to read the whole thing. Definitely wouldn’t have purchased if it wasn’t on clearance for $3.
June 23, 2015
Go Ahead & Like It is an innovative self-help book that helps readers to take joy in the small pleasures of life. It’s often common that we can take many things for granted, get caught in a slump, and complain about everything that is going on in our lives without taking the time to really enjoy life.
Suskin shares her simple task of creating lists and shows you how to turn these lists into instant pick-me-ups and self-reflections. What do you have to do? Just write a list of things you like! Whether you’re at home with a piece of paper or jotting down a list in your head, these lists are great for daily motivation and looking back on your memories.
I appreciated how the book is set up in a simplistic manner, and that there is a balance of text and photography on each page. The book is written in a conversational tone which sets a casual mood, instead of being a overly suggestive self-help book. Her photography is colorful and vivid, helping readers to visualize her personal lists which she shares in the book. Some of my favorite likes that she shares are: “waiting while the tea steeps”, “dogs that patiently wait for their owners”, and “finding little treasures on the ground”.
Another great idea that she shares in her book is that these “like lists” can be used at parties as a get-to-know-you game or as a introduction in a letter. It shows that these lists can also be used for something other than personal reasons.
Suskin shares her simple task of creating lists and shows you how to turn these lists into instant pick-me-ups and self-reflections. What do you have to do? Just write a list of things you like! Whether you’re at home with a piece of paper or jotting down a list in your head, these lists are great for daily motivation and looking back on your memories.
I appreciated how the book is set up in a simplistic manner, and that there is a balance of text and photography on each page. The book is written in a conversational tone which sets a casual mood, instead of being a overly suggestive self-help book. Her photography is colorful and vivid, helping readers to visualize her personal lists which she shares in the book. Some of my favorite likes that she shares are: “waiting while the tea steeps”, “dogs that patiently wait for their owners”, and “finding little treasures on the ground”.
Another great idea that she shares in her book is that these “like lists” can be used at parties as a get-to-know-you game or as a introduction in a letter. It shows that these lists can also be used for something other than personal reasons.
April 19, 2015
I still enjoy taking pen or pencil to paper in a world filled with computers, tablets, emails, and texts. Go Ahead & Like It is a scrapbook/collage style inspirational book centered around writing lists of things you like. Jacqueline Suskin writes, "This is my practice of sustained elation". She uses these lists as a way to celebrate life, recalling memories, and taking notice and appreciating the small things in life. I enjoyed this quick read full of photographs, lists of likes, and journal ideas. The simple cover is striking and the layout makes sense and reads in a fun experimental way.
However, it lacked paper or a space for us to begin writing our own lists of likes. There is one page dedicated to writing a list, but it doesn't feel like a true space where one could write without ruining the book. What would have put this book on top would have been the inclusion of random scrap papers, or collage type papers for the reader to begin creating their own lists. It would have added to the experience of the book. Additionally for the retail price ($16.99) it seems rather short, so a change in price would possibly make this book more appealing.
Overall I rated this self-help/happiness book 3 Stars!
However, it lacked paper or a space for us to begin writing our own lists of likes. There is one page dedicated to writing a list, but it doesn't feel like a true space where one could write without ruining the book. What would have put this book on top would have been the inclusion of random scrap papers, or collage type papers for the reader to begin creating their own lists. It would have added to the experience of the book. Additionally for the retail price ($16.99) it seems rather short, so a change in price would possibly make this book more appealing.
Overall I rated this self-help/happiness book 3 Stars!
April 29, 2015
Read all of my reviews @ https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com
The first thing I really loved about this book was the artistic quality of it. The way the photos and drawing is put together it has a very home made feel which lends itself well to the simplicity behind the idea of the book. This is for sure a book to have as a hard copy because it’s so graphical in nature. I don’t think an ebook would do it justice at all.
When I first read about the book I thought it might be a bit like a gratitude journal. It is in a way, but it’s also more than that. It’s both pointing out things we enjoy to ourselves but also to others. Finding the things you like in an uncomfortable or tedious situation can make that situation more tolerable. But what I’d never thought of was how these lists can be shared with others. How better to get to know someone than give them a list of things you like?
It’s a very simple idea and a concept I enjoy a lot. I decided to try it myself as suggested in the book. I think this is one of those books that you take the ideas from and then share it with someone you think will enjoy it.
Disclosure: I recieved this free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
The first thing I really loved about this book was the artistic quality of it. The way the photos and drawing is put together it has a very home made feel which lends itself well to the simplicity behind the idea of the book. This is for sure a book to have as a hard copy because it’s so graphical in nature. I don’t think an ebook would do it justice at all.
When I first read about the book I thought it might be a bit like a gratitude journal. It is in a way, but it’s also more than that. It’s both pointing out things we enjoy to ourselves but also to others. Finding the things you like in an uncomfortable or tedious situation can make that situation more tolerable. But what I’d never thought of was how these lists can be shared with others. How better to get to know someone than give them a list of things you like?
It’s a very simple idea and a concept I enjoy a lot. I decided to try it myself as suggested in the book. I think this is one of those books that you take the ideas from and then share it with someone you think will enjoy it.
Disclosure: I recieved this free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2015
It's really something that we should do every day - find delight in the small things. Savor the simple. Appreciate.
This book is so adorable. It's filled with other lists, pictures, and prompts of what to write. So it's not just a blank canvas, but rather a fun book to add our own touch to. It would also make a neat coffee table book and be a fun book to read out loud to see what other people think. What do others "like"? What do you "like"?
My list will include:
*Toes in warm sand
*Cold glass of iced tea
*A smooth writing pen
*The smell of paper and ink
To sit down and journal it, contemplate it, focus on it all will be a sort of mediation. And I will be left with an awesome little journal of my likes. Love it!
This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. Full review at http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogsp...
This book is so adorable. It's filled with other lists, pictures, and prompts of what to write. So it's not just a blank canvas, but rather a fun book to add our own touch to. It would also make a neat coffee table book and be a fun book to read out loud to see what other people think. What do others "like"? What do you "like"?
My list will include:
*Toes in warm sand
*Cold glass of iced tea
*A smooth writing pen
*The smell of paper and ink
To sit down and journal it, contemplate it, focus on it all will be a sort of mediation. And I will be left with an awesome little journal of my likes. Love it!
This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. Full review at http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogsp...
May 13, 2015
This book isn't very long, but it's really neat. The pages are thick like a cardstock and it has lists, photos and drawings. It's like getting to flip through the author's scrapbook. I like the different ideas that Suskin presents for lists and her ideas for when and where you can do them. I really like her idea of using the lists as writing prompts by answering the question "Why do I like this?" for each item on your list.
My favorite quote from the book is "Even at its most monotonous, isn't life actually worth living?" I definitely feel like it is. In the first chapter, she asks the reader to make a list of five things that they like. My list was:
I like:
-Days off
-My bed
-My room
-Pajamas
-Having some time alone
I received this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own
My favorite quote from the book is "Even at its most monotonous, isn't life actually worth living?" I definitely feel like it is. In the first chapter, she asks the reader to make a list of five things that they like. My list was:
I like:
-Days off
-My bed
-My room
-Pajamas
-Having some time alone
I received this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own
May 28, 2015
Go Ahead & Like It is a self-help book that helps people to write a list of simple yet amazing things that inspires them to live a daily life. Lists of the things that will help them to remember a joy in the moments of destruction or depression. Life is full of good things and that list will reminds them the fullness of life every day.
As any human being we can’t keep all the good stuff in our mind, and we tend to forget good chunks of our lives. Keeping such a list will teach us a gratitude and will refresh our minds with good memories. How rewarding and liberating it will be!
I loved it, though I did expect more journal spaces for me to write my lists…yet it another matter for me to obtain my journal and quill. It’s time to make a list!
As any human being we can’t keep all the good stuff in our mind, and we tend to forget good chunks of our lives. Keeping such a list will teach us a gratitude and will refresh our minds with good memories. How rewarding and liberating it will be!
I loved it, though I did expect more journal spaces for me to write my lists…yet it another matter for me to obtain my journal and quill. It’s time to make a list!
November 13, 2019
This was such a cool book I picked up at the dollar store and thought it was a great read because it’s not your average book. It’s full of pictures and illustrations and you guessed it .. lots of lots of likes. It’s cool that you get a book about writing lists of things you like instead of having to go out and get them or in a moment of frustration you can jot down all these things on a paper to look back on! Such a sweet book!
June 21, 2015
A book of lists. I love making lists. I love the way it stretches your mind and exhausts all the options.
I love the collage look to the book and the vintage feel of the photos and use of type writer fonts.
The book had lots of hope I just didn't feel like it had enough content to keep me interested? I would rather had something more art journal to make my own lists.
I love the collage look to the book and the vintage feel of the photos and use of type writer fonts.
The book had lots of hope I just didn't feel like it had enough content to keep me interested? I would rather had something more art journal to make my own lists.
July 7, 2015
I love, love this book it's amazing. The photos and list, really made me stop and think about things. I am a huge list person but more like list of book to read, or songs to buy or foods I need, kind of list this book here opened my mind to more and other kinds of list. I really enjoy reading this.
I was givin' this book by Blogging for Books for an honest review.
I was givin' this book by Blogging for Books for an honest review.
June 2, 2015
This book is great! I am totally inspired to use these ideas with students when they write their college personal statements.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews