Publishers Weekly
02/14/2022
Self-help and memoir collide in this courageous and practical guide by Just Between Us podcaster Raskin (I Hate Everyone Except You) on how people with mental illness can “form healthy dating and relationship habits.” Raskin, who has been diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, and depression, shares her struggles with mental illness while delivering actionable advice in the form of conversations with psychologists, a therapist, and a sexologist, among other experts. The author provides tips on how to talk about mental health with partners, noting that readers don’t have to divulge everything at once, that they should address their illness deliberately (not compulsively), and that they should be forthright about how their symptoms present. Raskin also tackles such questions as, “How do I date productively?”; “What’s me and what’s my disorder?”; and “How can I handle breakups better?” Raskin’s podcasting roots show through in her conversational prose (“Why shouldn’t devouring an ice cream sundae be as valuable an experience as multiple orgasms?”), which is studded with lengthy quotes from experts and couples, all tied together by her unwaveringly empathetic approach. This invaluable and empowering primer delivers on its promise to help readers date while struggling with mental illness. Agent: Stacy Testa, Writers House. (May)
From the Publisher
Allison Raskin is a warm hug in the world of mental health. She reminds us that this life is meant to be enjoyed and to never give up on love because we all are more than deserving of it. This book is going to save relationships!” —Kelsey Darragh, author of Don’t F*cking Panic: The Shit They Don’t Tell You in Therapy About Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, and Depression “Romance and love can press all the buttons for overthinkers, denying us what we ultimately crave. Thank you, Allison, for being the brave soul to finally show us we can do both—fret and share a healthy intimate connection with another awesome human!” —Sarah Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of First, We Make the Beast Beautiful “A warm and thoughtful guide to an under-discussed topic.” —Mara Wilson, writer and actor “This invaluable and empowering primer delivers on its promise to help readers date while struggling with mental illness.” —Publishers Weekly “A quick, quippy book that can be read in an afternoon. The thing I liked most was Raskin’s observation that we’re allowed to be works in progress, and that if you’re prone to overthink, it doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t be in love.” —Boston Globe “Raskin’s book is a powerful reminder that while mental health can be all-consuming, it doesn’t define you—and it certainly doesn’t have to define your relationships.” —Teen Vogue
