How to Fail cover art

How to Fail

Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong

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How to Fail

By: Elizabeth Day
Narrated by: Elizabeth Day
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About this listen

Inspired by her hugely popular podcast, How To Fail is Elizabeth Day’s brilliantly funny, painfully honest and insightful celebration of things going wrong.

This is a book for anyone who has ever failed. Which means it’s a book for everyone.

If I have learned one thing from this shockingly beautiful venture called life, it is this: failure has taught me lessons I would never otherwise have understood. I have evolved more as a result of things going wrong than when everything seemed to be going right. Out of crisis has come clarity, and sometimes even catharsis.

Part memoir, part manifesto, and including chapters on dating, work, sport, babies, families, anger and friendship, it is based on the simple premise that understanding why we fail ultimately makes us stronger. It's a book about learning from our mistakes and about not being afraid.

Uplifting, inspiring and rich in stories from Elizabeth’s own life, How to Fail reveals that failure is not what defines us; rather it is how we respond to it that shapes us as individuals.

Because learning how to fail is actually learning how to succeed better. And everyone needs a bit of that.

This audiobook includes an extra chapter, exclusively available in the audiobook, called ‘Everything I’ve Learned About Failure’.

©2018 Elizabeth Day (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers
Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers Personal Development Personal Success Women Feel-Good Funny Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"A book full of wisdom, humour, humility, tenderness and heart. Elizabeth Day’s beautiful, reassuring stories and observations are a guide to self-compassion, a celebration of all things imperfect and will galvanise you to try, try again." (Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love)

"How To Fail has rapidly become my essential companion in this over-competitive, demanding world. By turns profound, witty, and extremely reassuring, Elizabeth Day's sublime deconstruction of the myth of 'success' – and the journey to find our own markers of contentment – is a life-changing gift to us all." (Jessie Burton, author of The Muse)

"Brilliant Elizabeth Day, who you could probably trust to talk eloquently about anything." (Evening Standard)

All stars
Most relevant
Following in from Elizabeth Day’s own interview on her podcast I couldn’t wait for this book to come out. It did not disappoint. An incredibly moving and inspiring read.

Loved it

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This book is personal. It feels like a therapy session (or 5). I felt like I wanted to take notes to remind myself of little “lifesavers” when I need them in the future. I have never read the same book twice. This one is different. Thank you Elizabeth Day.

An important book

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loved it. its needs to be given out at schools. when they leave a copy should be handed out and told to read when ready.

thought provoking

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I loved every word of this book. Such a brave and honest reflection on failure - has made my reflect on my own and view them in a different light. Highly recommend reading!

Incredible.

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So engaging, comforting and uplifting, easily 5 stars!! Highly recommend for any ladies in particular, struggling in different areas of their life.

Loved it!

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