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People Pleaser

The funny and highly relatable new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Mad Woman

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People Pleaser

By: Bryony Gordon
Narrated by: Jenna Coleman
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.


Narrated by Jenna Coleman.

The fiercely funny, joyfully relatable first novel from Sunday Times bestseller Bryony Gordon

“You’re so desperate to make everybody else happy that you’ve forgotten what makes you happy. You’ve not just forgotten it, you’ve abandoned it, on a bonfire full of all your other hopes and dreams. A bonfire you’re too scared to light in case the neighbours report you to the council.”

Olivia Greenwood has been trying very hard to please people for a very long time.

But today is going to change Olivia in a big way. A soul-crushing career disappointment, a fiery young woman with a chip on her shoulder and a cigarette in her hand, and one single blue hallucinogenic gummy all lead to a raucous night out and one hell of a hangover. And when Olivia wakes up the next morning, it seems she’s unable to please anyone but HERSELF.

So who actually is Olivia Greenwood, when she’s not trying to be what everyone else wants her to be?

‘Insightful, inspirational and SO much fun’ Marian Keyes

'Riotously funny, and sharply observed' Jennie Godfrey

‘People Pleaser is like therapy in rom-com form' Beth O’Leary

'I have never related so much to a book' Briony May Williams

'I wolfed it down' Sarah Vaughan

© Bryony Gordon 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Funny Happiness
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Critic reviews

‘I absolutely ADORED People Pleaser. I have never related so much to a book! As a lifelong people pleaser myself, it resonated deeply with me.’ (Briony May Williams)
'As a recovering people-pleaser myself, I ADORED this novel from Bryony Gordon. Riotously funny, and sharply observed, it is a must read for any woman who has ever tried so hard to please everyone else, they’ve ended up losing themselves.' (Jennie Godfrey)
‘People Pleaser is like therapy in rom-com form. So many people are going to relate to Olivia, and cheer her on as she actually puts herself first at last. I so enjoyed this fresh, unique rom-com.’ (Beth O’Leary)
‘Insightful, inspirational and SO much fun’ (Marian Keyes)
Written with her inimitable warmth and briskness, Gordon delivers a much welcome shot of therapy. People Pleaser offers some important truths: that trauma descends generations; that people pleasers unnecessarily take on other's shit; and that by valuing ourselves, and modelling self-belief, we help our children. (Sarah Vaughan)
All stars
Most relevant
Really wasn’t sure about this book but actually really enjoyed it. Light read, funny. Worth a read

Defo Worth a read

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Brilliant book listened to it on two days hope to find more like this as o really related to it

Empowering story

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The hero of the story is likeable and real, with believable characters around her. The book covers well complex family relationships and viewpoints while staying in the light reading space- read it and then get on with your life, a fun reminder that we're our own CEO!

Fun book with an important message

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Lots of us will recognise people and situations we know in this book. It flows along at a good pace. Very enjoyable.

Very realistic

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Jenna sounds bored. Not the intellectually stimulating and funny piece of writing I was expecting.

Tedious

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