Say One Kind Thing: Lessons in Acceptance, Love, and Letting Go

by Susan Verde

From the New York Times #1 bestselling author Susan Verde, an essay collection that emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk and the impact it has on raising childrenBestselling children’s book author Susan Verde turns her attention from children to the adults who care for them. The stories in The Words That Matter are filled with honesty and vulnerability, as Verde shares both the words of her own inner critic and what she has learned about approaching that voice with curiosity and compassion. She shares ways to rethink how we speak to ourselves in order to cultivate our own self-love and show our children that self-love is not only achievable but necessary.
          
A single mom of three very different kids, each with their own needs and challenges, Verde knows firsthand that motherhood can be rough. However, she understands that the words we say to ourselves are what enable us to show up for our kids. The Words That Matter is meant to offer actionable ways to change our inner speak from negative to supportive, and serves as a gentle guide for anyone who wants to remember how worthy and wonderful they are and to pass those feelings of self-worth on to their kids.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Susan Verde is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, former teacher, and parent. By 2022 she will have more than 20 picture books in the marketplace. She is a highly sought after speaker at conferences, festivals, and schools across the nation, and spends half the year on the road working with children and families. Verde is a frequent contributor to online magazines and has appeared on multiple podcasts speaking about writing, parenting, mindfulness, and yoga. She lives in East Hampton, New York.

Reviews

[Erin McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I go to the library I try and choose one random book off any of the featured tables. This was today’s pick and I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

More memoir than self help, this book focused on how deeply ingrained childhood voices can influence our current mindset and practices.

4✨

[Jay’s Nerdy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Susan Verde, the publishers, and to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

This book is not the typical genre I read. I picked it because 1. I needed a book for my “diversify your library reading challenge” and 2. I’ve been working on loving myself and being kind to myself recently.

While this book can be classified in “self-help” genre, I think this is more of a memoir. Susan Verde shares her own life stories and struggles in this book as a way to show its readers how to love and be king to oneself. This isn’t a step-by-step self-help book you mind be expecting to look like.
Verde’s approach, in my opinion, is very refreshing. I’ve always avoided self help book because I didn’t find reading people’s advice without knowing how it works or applies to their lives. I found it, to be frank, uninteresting and boring. On the other hand, Verde shares her own struggles and how she continues to struggle how to be kind and love herself. She shares the number of times and experiences she has that made her doubt herself as an individual, as a yoga instructor, and as a mom. I think it was very enlightening how at the end of each chapter, she shares a quotation that each individual, including herself, can say to themselves during periods of doubt and struggle.

I really enjoyed this book because of how honest it is and how is showed that we are allowed to make mistakes and find our own way through life with kindness and acceptance. We are always taught to be kind and be accepting of others, but this book teaches us how to be kind to oneself.

[Hannah D Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say One Kind Thing is the book I needed! This story hit me deep in so many ways. I felt the author was talking to me, as a woman, a writer, a parent of three children struggling with differences and neurodivergence, and even the darkest moments such as a parent who is struggling with a terminal illness. I needed all the words, all the encouragement, all the reassurance that we are a work in progress always and just need to be kind to ourselves and others.

I have already recommended this book to by husband, my mama friends, my mother, my sister…

The audiobook was wonderful. The author narrated the audio, and did a great job. She brought all the emotion. Beautiful!

I listened to this book in chunks over a longer period of time because I needed to digest and recover after each section. They were powerful, and emotional, and deserved time.

Thank you NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for this advanced audio copy.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Verde has written a book about self talk and acceptance. I was expecting more of a self-help book but instead this read more like a memoir. There were a few nuggets that I found helpful but I was really hoping for more than to hear about her life.

2.5 stars rounded up to the 3.

I received ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Lieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to Susan tell how she dealt with situations in her life.
She tells about the things she should have done different, but also explains the background to her responses.
It is great to listen to her tell about her growth and you can certainly try to use some of the things she does but you don't have to.
It is not a self-help book but a nice collection of essays about her life.


Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Alexandra (birdyreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Say One Kind Thing is a refection of feelings on motherhood with a mindfulness influence. This book read a lot like a memoir. I enjoyed the personal & relatable stories of momming. At times I wished there was more helpful tips for enjoying or getting through life's moments as a mother. Overall I thought the book was a good short listen and I would recommend it to moms who feel like they are alone

A big thank you to NetGalley and Abrams Image for my advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say One Kind Thing: Lessons in Acceptance, Love, and Letting Go by Susan Verde
Published March 14th 2023


The authour writes books for children and this was her first publication for grown folks. It was really heavy and triggering. On a positive note, it reminded me of my love and the benefits of YOGA ... when I had a consistent practice. Between the ex-husband, abusive neglectful parent issues and then her own parenting reveleations when she started to raise her kids.... It was a lot to take in. She was vulnerable and quite revealing. As a fellow traveler, I marvel how she navigated life and her inner child conflicts while trying to raise three kids and raise a husband who was not worth....
Doing all of that while learning to be your own loving parent... to heal as an ACODF... My GOD, it was exhausting but it was empowering as well. I personally found a great deal of value in this audiobooking experience. I highly recommend it.

#MentalHealth #VerbalAbuse #INNERCHILD #YOGA #MEDITATION #SELFCARE #THERAPY #LBGTQ+ #SayOneKindThing #NetGalley


Number one New York Times bestselling author and children's yoga and mindfulness expert Susan Verde knows the power of positive self-talk. For decades, Verde has struggled with her inner critic, a voice inside telling her that she was not enough. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices became her way of challenging and quieting this voice. However, the moment she became a parent, the voice became louder than ever. How would she manage to parent three little ones when she could not speak to herself with compassion, kindness, and love? Motherhood would prove to be the ultimate test of her practice.



With humor, heart, and disarming vulnerability, Verde shares stories from her life as a parent, a person, and a coffee addict on a journey toward self-acceptance. She reveals her missteps and her greatest moments of joy—from supporting one of her children through a mental health struggle, and another through gender affirmation; to losing her father and reconnecting with her mother; to the immense pain and pride of preparing to send her three teenagers off to college and facing an empty nest.


Woven throughout the book are mantras reminding readers to speak to themselves with compassion, with the ultimate goal of living, loving, and parenting from a place of freedom and authenticity. Verde's message is that we must all be the authors of our own inner dictionaries, filling them with words of self-love. We must listen to the voice that is telling us that we are worthy. And we must let these words become our story.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook provided by NetGalley

Audiobook - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book - ⭐⭐

Susan Verde's "Say One Kind Thing" initially caught my attention with its premise of promoting kindness and positivity. However, after completing the book, I found it to be a rather unremarkable addition to the self-help and inspiration genre. While the author's personal story and anecdotes were engaging, the advice provided felt clichéd and predictable, lacking the depth and nuance that could make it truly impactful.

Although "Say One Kind Thing" may appeal to readers who are new to this genre, those who have already explored the vast array of self-help and personal growth books may find it to be an uninspired and superficial read. The situations described in the book, while relatable to some extent, do not feel particularly unique or illuminating.

Despite these criticisms, it is worth noting that "Say One Kind Thing" is a quick and easy read, with only 176 pages. The book can be finished in a short amount of time, making it a good option for those seeking a brief and simple introduction to the self-help genre.

Overall, while Susan Verde's "Say One Kind Thing" may not be a ground-breaking addition to this genre, it may still hold value for readers seeking a straightforward and accessible book on the power of positivity and kindness.

[TL Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book to review and could not have been more thrilled to read it! I have been a huge fan of Susan verde for a very long time. As a teacher, I love nothing more than teaching my students through the power of books. Verde's I Am series have always been my go to for my students. After learning of her latest book Say One Kind Thing and discovering it was for adults, I knew I HAD to read this. Verde writes from the perspective of mother, wife, writer, daughter, sister. She explores the topics of perfectionist, overachiever, not being enough and self-love. As a teacher, mother, wife and daughter, these topics spoke to me wholeheartedly. I do not know many women that have not experienced the negative self talk and heavy weight that are placed on us as mothers. Verde speaks to her connection with yoga and meditation and how the two have helped her personally cope with needed mindfulness in her life. I appreciated her authenticity and vulnerability in this book. She writes like she is sitting down to coffee with you and laying it all out, like an open book. From her marriage struggles to raising her three ever evolving children and her relationship with her parents. I highly recommend this book for women, but specially mothers. It's relatable, raw and real. I gave this book a 4/5. What did you think?

[Donna Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say One Kind Thing: Lessons in Acceptance, Love, and Letting Go
Susan Verde
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by: Susan Verde
Rating: 4 stars

A great little read on not only on love, acceptance and letting go, but also about how our upbringing and the relationships we have with our own parents play out within our relationships throughout life. I mean a lot of us have baggage there.

With anecdotal stories from Verde’s own life and her journey using such tools as yoga and self-talk. We are gently reminded of the power of acceptance, just letting go of thought patterns that no longer serve us.

There is a lot about parenting in here and negotiating motherhood, particularly the journey with a transgender child. I mean, this woman deserves to be knighted! (but then I am not a parent myself).

This was my first non-fiction audio book and I found listening to it on public transport and on walks, a great way to digest the concepts. Verde did a great job of narrating this very personal mental health story. Overall, I really enjoyed this and a great reminder to get back into the yoga and watch the self-talk – stop, breathe and remember, you are enough.

Thanks to Susan Verde and NetGalley for an advance audio edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Faith Tydings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Susan Verde’s children’s books and, when she pairs with Peter H. Reynolds, her books are in a category of “Oh my goodness, not only do I want to read this but I must OWN it, too!” I use her books for story times, gifts, sending to my adult children because they remind me of them, collecting on my shelf, and reading and rereading over and over again. I love Susan Verde’s children’s books!

I purchased the audio version of this book from Audible without ever having read it or even looked at it because I knew that 1) Susan Verde is amazing and I will love whatever she writes, and 2) with that title, how could I go wrong. I was not wrong. This will be one of those purchases that will turn into a “yearly read” for me. I absolutely loved it.

This is a very short read - only a four-hour audiobook and the chapters are super short. It reads like an autobiography with sprinkles of self-help, yoga philosophy, “you’re going to screw up but you are not alone,” “you are NOT a bad mother…you are a mother!”, and tons of other amazing take-aways that I know everyone will relate to. I highly recommend this book to everyone…and, while you’re at it, read her children’s books, too!!

[Kayla Larimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Say One Kind Thing” is a brilliant marriage between memoir and self-help, overflowing with personal experiences pierced with self-reflection and growth. Verde dives deep into navigating relationships with her partners, children, and parents, sharing her perspectives on how each dynamic has changed over the years. She shares her struggles with reconciling her relationship with her parents as a child to them as grandparents for her children, of becoming a mother herself, feelings of worthlessness, and worries of what life will look like as she approaches being an empty nester. Verde reminds us that life if messy; perfection is unattainable no matter how much we long for it. As a mindfulness expert, she preaches vulnerability and acceptance as she openly shares stories where, even with her best intentions, overthinking and overreacting are inevitable. With mantras, warmth, and transparency, Verde gives a fresh viewpoint on self-love, grit, and how to write our own stories. "I learned I had choices and the strength to make them."

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

“From the New York Times #1 bestselling author Susan Verde, an essay collection that emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk and the impact it has on raising children.”

Full disclosure, I’m not familiar with the author. I know she writes mindfulness books for kids, but beyond that, I have no point of connection. This probably played a large part in my not loving this book.

There’s nothing wrong with it. Part self-help, part memoir, it’s well written, genuine and engaging. I was interested in the stories of her growing up, her struggles with fertility, OCD, and connecting with her kids. She narrated the book herself, and she did a great job.

All the talk about her parents’ beach house, buying trips to Paris, and boarding school, however, made me constantly have to remind myself that rich people are allowed to have problems, and anxiety, and brokenness.

I, too, have problems, and anxiety, and brokenness.

I just, also, sometimes, cannot with the price of eggs.

6.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for this ARC.

[Lauren Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

You need to like memoirs to finish this book. Luckily for me , I do! I love to get a window into another person's worldview through their own experiences, self reflection and growth and that is abounding in "Say One Kind Thing". Sometimes it resonated with me and even when it didn't, there was value in listening to another woman share her struggles and growth.

Examples of where it did resonate: the idea of learning and unlearning, noticing her inner critical voice, getting rid of 'shoulds' to have a more mindful life, her experience of seeking her dad's approval, reflections on 'failed' relationships, childhood conditioning, coming to understand our parents in new ways.

I was envious of how clearly the author could recall her past experiences but this book encouraged me to recall more from my own life. It reminded me of a memoir I read this year called Call It Wonder by Kate Evans and also had a similar energy to Untamed by Glennon Doyle in its reflectiveness and anecdotes about parenting.

As it is more a collection of stories and memories than a practical book, it had quite a scattered approach- perfect for listening to a chapter a night or while out on the go, perhaps less ideal if you want a narrative that flows through the whole book. I think reading this might be harder than listening to it. As an audiobook it was like listening to a friend read a story or a diary.It's not practical or direct advice but it does a great job of sharing Verde's life lessons and leaving it to the reader to decide what to take from it.

[jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up)

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review **

In Say One Kind Thing, Susan Verde shares her trials and triumphs in life and, especially, motherhood. From body dysmorphia and her complicated relationship with her parents, to her children coming out and dealing with teenagerhood. The book reads so much more as a memoir than self-help; I didn't finish it having learned how to improve my own life, which is more a flaw in marketing than the book itself.
This book works perfectly in audio format with Verde's soothing tone making the story flow beautifully and with ease. I was engaged throughout, especially since I was hearing the story directly from the author herself. It felt like an almost 5-hour long therapy session.
Overall, my experience with this book is very enjoyable and I would recommend it to everyone, especially women of all ages.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memoir, not a self help book. At first I thought it was a little heavy with personal anecdotes and then came to realize that was actually the purpose of the book. Unfortunately, a lot of the situations described don't resonate for me and it became hard to sift through the situations and the author's reactions and her learning and take something away for me. For example, I don't think it's a given that your kids will scream "I hate you" at some point. My kids would never slam a door on me. The no Thanksgiving celebrations was really confusing. I get accommodating kids, because I do it too, but to cancel celebrations doesn't seem to show how to handle challenges.

There's also an element of wealth that really solidifies that this is one person's story. NYC apartment, summer house on the beach, trips to Paris, boarding school. It would have been stronger if it was more relatable.

[Bookish Mama Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Orange SkyAudio & Susan Verde for an advanced listening!

Susan Verde’s upcoming book Say One Kind Thing helped me identify particular emotions and feelings that are universal in Motherhood - loneliness, anxiety, and worry to name a few. While her storytelling is not a how-to-guide as some have indicated, it is a telling example of how one can learn and grow in their relationships to find happiness and contentment in their day to day.

I rounded up from a solid 3.5. This book could benefit from having additional parables detailing the process of being more kind to oneself and specific resources for additional guidance on specific matter discussed, such as body dysmorphia and gender identity.

Overall, I’d recommend to Mothers like myself looking for someone to help you not feel alone in those difficult moments of parenting and learning to reparent yourself.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Susan Verde's children's books for how relatable and accessible they make the practices of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and kindness. That being said, I really struggled through her first adult book, Say One Kind Thing, because I felt that the same inspiring connection was sorely missing.

Vulnerable and transparent, this is 100% a memoir of Verde's experiences as a single parent of three kids as they work through mental health and gender identity. It may be relatable for those experiencing the same thing, but it doesn't really go any further than that. Though I finished it, I kept reaching for other books instead of reading this one straight through, and that's a sure sign that this book was simply not for me.

Thank you to Abrams and NetGalley for gifting me with an ARC to review!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say One Kind Thing by Susan Verde is a wonderful book full of lessons in acceptance, love, and letting go. Verde is a popular children's author and mindfulness expert, so I was drawn to this book, and it did not disappoint. The stories she shares from her life as a parent, child, and a human being in general are honest and relatable. Verde's discussion of her children's lives and her support with gender affirmation and mental health struggles was inspiring because she did not shy away from exposing her genuine feelings and reactions. Throughout the book Verde reminds readers of the importance to speak to themselves with compassion and to recognize that in moments when you forget, you are still worthy.

[Vanessa L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the AAC -
I listened to this audiobook while in between books. I’m not huge on non-fiction but decided to give it try.
While this was a nice book, it is a memoir. I think this is under the “self-help” category, and if that’s what you are looking for, I wouldn’t grab this one.
While this is full of great stories, specially about motherhood that will help you relate and feel you are not alone, there wasn’t much in the sense of “steps” or “tips” for you to get to a brighter place.
If you are a fan of the author, grab it. If you are looking for something different, I’d say you might not find it here.

[Amy Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Say one kind of Thing by Susan Verde is an informative look into how to change your self-talk . As my children are older. I wish I had had this book when they were younger.

Theoration on this book is engaging as well as thought out and presented with compassion. I originally thought this book was going to be more in line the lines of a traditional self-help book, however, it is a little bit more like reading the others memoirs in segments.

I learned a little bit more about how not to shall we say bully myself and to learn to speak kindly and intentionally to myself. I do suggest picking this up and reading it as I believe anyone can take a little something away from it.

[Mrs. G’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan shared stories of her life from being a child to becoming a parent to parenting teenagers who will soon be out of the house. She shared some of her struggles growing up & more of the struggles she faced as a parent. I enjoyed listening to how yoga, meditation & mindfulness helped her out of some harder times. It may not be something that I lean into when I am struggling but I enjoy learning about different strategies that help others. The overall theme of Say One Kind Thing is to talk to yourself with love & compassion. Love yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Say One Kind Thing" by Susan Verde was an enjoyable listen (I had the audiobook version). This book is categorized as self-help but I consider it to be more of a memoir. Susan shares lessons learned from her experiences growing up and as a parent, many of which are relatable to the average reader. Although I might not recommend this as a self-help book, I would suggest it to anyone looking about memoirs about hard-won life lessons or parenting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this audiobook.

[Allison Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Verde gives a realistic and honest portrayal of motherhood, growing up and learning to grow as a person. I was expecting more of a self-help book but was pleasantly surprised by her strong voice in more of a memoir format.

I enjoyed certain parts of this book. There were certainly sections I related more to and found little bits and pieces that I could take with me for my own life. Other than that, her thoughts seemed to be somewhat all over the place and not a cohesive work.

3 stars given for this ARC copy of an audiobook. Thanks to NetGalley and Susan Verde for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really well thought out book with some great takeaways, however it was different from what I thought it would be. I guess I was expecting more of a self-help book type format but instead this read similar to a memoir. There were a few things that stood out that I found helpful but I was really hoping for more out of this. I did think the parts about how we speak to our children were very well done and insightful.

[Frances Applequist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for people who came through messy childhoods and difficult first marriages. It's written for imperfect parents whose frequently inappropriate reactions come from barely submerged emotions. Mrs. Verge often includes a line that I weirdly needed at the moment I read it.

The only reason I rated the book with a 4 instead of a 5 is that I'm not sure it will resonate with people who are in touch with their inner selves and always react perfectly.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway. I have always enjoyed Susan Verde’s children’s books. This is a nonfiction memoir of her self-worth/inner self and struggles. Susan shares intimate stories of herself and family. Yoga and meditation play key roles in her life. Being true to yourself. My main take away is that saying kind things to yourself and others is important.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. Good little nuggets of knowledge throughout and could relate to some but not all. Felt more like a healing journey and memoir for the author than anything else. Glad she found peace while writing this, and it clearly took a lot of courage for her to write so props to her overall. In general, probably having a better connection to the author would have made me appreciate this book more.

[Melissa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick but beautiful read, 3.5 stars. Sort of a memoir mixed with mindfulness practices and emphasis on the fact that even the best laid plans will go awry. Great reminder to let go of the things you cannot control (most things). Might get back into yoga after reading this. Also as per usual, I cried reading the acknowledgements.

[Maddison Wessel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although this book was relatable and the author, it felt like anyone could have written it about their own experiences and it didn’t provide anything really insightful that hasn’t been written or heard before in any book with a similar offering. It could have been contained to simply a book of quotes that the author included at the end of each chapter and that would have been more useful.