How Not to Be a Hot Mess: A Survival Guide for Modern Life by Craig & Devon Hase
Nonfiction | Self-Help | Buddhism
Published by Shambhala Publications
Released April 21st, 2020
Goodreads | Amazon
Rating: 
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion.
2020 has definitely been the year of self-help books for me. My mental health has been poor for most of the year, and I’ve felt stuck and trapped in my life. So, I’ve been reading at least one self-help book at all times.
When I saw a description of this book, I reached out to Shambhala for a review copy, which I am very grateful to have received. The book itself is super cute; small enough to fit in a pocket, bright pink and yellow, and just adorably designed. The book is definitely marketed to women though, which I feel was a mistake since the information in the book is meant for everyone.
Once I started reading How Not to Be a Hot Mess, I was instantly surprised that it’s influenced by Buddhist philosophy. I probably shouldn’t have been considering it’s published by Shambhala Publications, but the book hadn’t been marketed as being influenced by Buddhism. I was a practicing Buddhist for years and still try to live by Buddhist principles, and feel that it would have been a selling factor for the book if they had advertised that aspect a bit more.
The advice in the book won’t be anything new if you’re familiar with Buddhism or if you regularly read self-help. Mindfulness meditation, generosity, having a healthy sex life, not taking mind-altering drugs… all the usual stuff.
However, if you are new to these concepts, this book will for sure help. Devon and Craig Hase explain the topics clearly and with plenty of examples from their own life. There are guided meditations to practice as well.
Overall, for what it is this book is good. Due to my past and interests, I didn’t learn anything new, but again, it will be beneficial to people wanting to know how to incorporate Buddhist concepts into their daily life. It’ll make a great gift for your friend or family member that is going through a rough patch.
Read Yourself Happy 