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Comma. How to Restart, Reclaim and Reboot Your PhD.
Unknown Binding
Published March 20, 2022
16 people want to read
About the author
Tara Brabazon
41 books500 followersI am the Professor of Cultural Studies at Flinders University. I have written 22 books, 11 audiobooks, over 350 refereed articles and book chapters, and over 600 research outputs. I have podcasted since 2008 and vlogged since 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 3, 2022
Note: I finished this a few days ago.
First of all, I've become a huge fan of Dr. Brabazon. I discovered her via YouTube while looking for tips on how to take notes while pursuing a PhD (this is the VLOG post that introduced me to her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXkT2...). She blew me away! Her content (well-research and organized), her delivery (direct, clear, paced, passionate), and as well as her earnest and authentic presence. She is a fantastic example of how one can be an academic and a wonderful, kind human being.
I am wowed with each viewing of her videos and experienced the same while listening to this audiobook which I'll return to offen. I resonated with the comma metaphor and appreciated the advice throughout the book. Of the many, many things I learned from this work, a couple if take-a-ways: Own my shit as I go through the program (take full responsibility for my behavior and to play the game AND be authentic. At my age, I know about taking responsibility but Tara's framing of this especially in the context of higher education (I work in higher ed), was spot on.
I wish I would have discovered her years ago, but I'm extremely grateful I found her this year as I begin my PhD journey this year. I'm honored to call her my online coach, mentor, guide, and although she doesn't know me, my advocate/champion.
Thank you, Tara. ❤️💡✌️
V
First of all, I've become a huge fan of Dr. Brabazon. I discovered her via YouTube while looking for tips on how to take notes while pursuing a PhD (this is the VLOG post that introduced me to her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXkT2...). She blew me away! Her content (well-research and organized), her delivery (direct, clear, paced, passionate), and as well as her earnest and authentic presence. She is a fantastic example of how one can be an academic and a wonderful, kind human being.
I am wowed with each viewing of her videos and experienced the same while listening to this audiobook which I'll return to offen. I resonated with the comma metaphor and appreciated the advice throughout the book. Of the many, many things I learned from this work, a couple if take-a-ways: Own my shit as I go through the program (take full responsibility for my behavior and to play the game AND be authentic. At my age, I know about taking responsibility but Tara's framing of this especially in the context of higher education (I work in higher ed), was spot on.
I wish I would have discovered her years ago, but I'm extremely grateful I found her this year as I begin my PhD journey this year. I'm honored to call her my online coach, mentor, guide, and although she doesn't know me, my advocate/champion.
Thank you, Tara. ❤️💡✌️
V
April 27, 2022
Excellent book to inspire momentum.
While Tara* suggests these strategies (amongst many things) may re-inject hope into the equation for people who feel like they are at a full-stop, I think it is more in line with Chelsea Watego's "fuck hope" strategy. Hope is lovely, but not terribly useful. The reality of academic research is not a perfect analogy for the overwhelming structural and personal discrimination and persecution that Indigenous people face daily. But as Watego urges Indigenous people to see the reality of colonial life through their own lenses (no rose-coloured glasses and false promises, thanks), Tara shows her readers that University worlds are harsh, but that we can engage and survive anyway. We might even be able to push the proverbial dial to a better University. Don't hope - do, make a decision, fuck hope.
*While I usually use an author's surname when discussing their work, Tara has been talking to us weekly on YouTube for the past few years, and so it feels too strange to say "Brabazon suggests". I experienced this book as Tara talking to us, encouraging us, and giving generously of her experience- and research-based advice.
While Tara* suggests these strategies (amongst many things) may re-inject hope into the equation for people who feel like they are at a full-stop, I think it is more in line with Chelsea Watego's "fuck hope" strategy. Hope is lovely, but not terribly useful. The reality of academic research is not a perfect analogy for the overwhelming structural and personal discrimination and persecution that Indigenous people face daily. But as Watego urges Indigenous people to see the reality of colonial life through their own lenses (no rose-coloured glasses and false promises, thanks), Tara shows her readers that University worlds are harsh, but that we can engage and survive anyway. We might even be able to push the proverbial dial to a better University. Don't hope - do, make a decision, fuck hope.
*While I usually use an author's surname when discussing their work, Tara has been talking to us weekly on YouTube for the past few years, and so it feels too strange to say "Brabazon suggests". I experienced this book as Tara talking to us, encouraging us, and giving generously of her experience- and research-based advice.
October 23, 2025
Comma: How to Restart, Reclaim and Reboot Your PhD by Tara Brabazon is a refreshing and empowering guide for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed during their doctoral journey. The book is both practical and motivational, offering tips on how to approach challenges and reclaim your enthusiasm for research.
What stands out most in this book is how Brabazon emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, resetting your mindset, and finding personal meaning in your work. She offers a lot of real-world advice for tackling the emotional and mental hurdles that come with pursuing a PhD, helping readers navigate the ups and downs of academic life with renewed energy and perspective.
Overall, it’s a great read for PhD students and anyone in academia who needs a little guidance and inspiration to get back on track.
What stands out most in this book is how Brabazon emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, resetting your mindset, and finding personal meaning in your work. She offers a lot of real-world advice for tackling the emotional and mental hurdles that come with pursuing a PhD, helping readers navigate the ups and downs of academic life with renewed energy and perspective.
Overall, it’s a great read for PhD students and anyone in academia who needs a little guidance and inspiration to get back on track.
June 12, 2022
Kinda like an inspiring sermon series for tired PhD candidates. I enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend to postgraduates and academics alike. I'm a Brabazon fan so I like the personal stories, but it might annoy those who are feeling really down and out. Read it when you are ready to jump back in and need some inspiration on your not ing walk or commute!
June 21, 2023
Harsh at times, but necessary. Loved the last chapter on chaos, it should be read by every academic and probably by every member of the contemporary workforce. Many things are Australian context specific though.
April 11, 2023
Amazing read! Fun and very helpful.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews