Shelf-Care with Alicia
Honest book reviews for anyone tired of sugar coated self-help.
Book lover energy. Therapist level critiques.
If you have ever stared at the mental health section at the bookstore and been overwhelmed with the options or hesistant because you don’t know which ones are actually helpful, then you are in the right place!
Shelf-Care with Alicia is where I dig into self-help, psychology, and mental health books with my therapist brain and my book lover heart.
We will cover what may be supportive, what may be harmful, possible privilege and blind spots, and what the author might have completly missed. You can learn how to apply the books to your own life context and determine which books are worth your time and energy.
This is a space for honest feedback. Sometimes gentle. Sometimes spicy. Always real. My goal is to help you sort through all the mental health resoruces out there. Your time and energy are precious, don’t waste it on a crappy book.
Grab a comfy seat and explore the reviews. Your next great read might be here (or one you might remove from your TBR.)
This bookish therapist is ready to spill the tea.
I’m So Effing Tired By Amy Shaw, MD
This one promises empowerment but misses the mark for most readers. I do not recommend it for anyone needing real support.
The review is still worth watching because I walk through how to spot red flags and analyze your own book reads. Fair warning. I am very spicy in this one.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr. Julie Smith
This one felt a little outdated and slow for me, but I can see it being a helpful gift for parents or older generations who never got the basics of mental health education.
It explains things in a gentle, beginner friendly way. The review has some decent spice, so come prepared.
Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
A book all about the mental load. Heck yes. It captures the invisible load so well and will make a lot of women feel seen, especially if you are carrying way more than your share and running on fumes.
The second half loses a little steam, but the validation alone makes it worth a look. Oh and there are cards that go along with book!!
Unlearning Shame by Devon Price, PhD.
This one dives deep into shame and helps you pull it apart in a way that feels freeing instead of heavy. It is perfect for women, anyone ready to do some real inner work, and readers who love calling out oppressive systems while they heal. Empowering, thoughtful, and genuinely transformative.
The Relationship Cure by John M. Gottman, PhD.
I cannot stand the title, but the content is so good it makes up for it. This book gives couples clear, doable tools without the usual cringe. Truly helpful for any partnership and one of the few relationship books I think almost everyone can benefit from.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
I was so excited for this one because I love boundary work, but it missed the note for the audience it was trying to reach. There are still a few solid takeaways, and I would recommend it for some readers who want a very basic starting point.
The review will help you figure out if this one is enough for you or if you might benefit from a different boundary book.
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD.
This book aims to help people explore autistic traits and feel empowered to unmask. It is a favorite for a lot of readers, but it did not fully land for me. I might be the outlier here, so watch the review to see whether this one feels right for you and your needs.
Come As You Are By Emily Nagoski, PhD.
The book lives up to the name. It is empowering, smart, and packed with the kind of knowledge women deserve but rarely get. If you want a mix of science and validation this one delivers.
A must read for anyone ready to understand their body and their pleasure on a deeper level.
Thanks for watching Shelf-Care with Alicia!
If you have a book you want me to review or you’re curious about a title, reach out. I am always down to add more chaos to my TBR.
