This Too Shall Pass cover art

This Too Shall Pass

Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings

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This Too Shall Pass

By: Julia Samuel
Narrated by: Julia Samuel
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'One of the most valuable books I've ever read' Adwoa Aboah
'A remarkable portrayal of how we need to understand ourselves to truly heal' Esther Perel
'Hard recommend' Pandora Sykes
______________________________________________________

If change is the natural order of things, why do so many people struggle with the milestones of life - from first jobs and first loves to children leaving home and retirement?

We live in a culture of limitless choice - and life is now more complex than ever. In This Too Shall Pass, acclaimed psychotherapist Julia Samuel draws on hours of conversations with her patients to show how we can learn to adapt and thrive during our most difficult and transformative experiences. Illuminated by the latest social and psychological research, this book unflinchingly deals with the hard times in family, love, work, health and identity.

From a woman deciding whether to leave her husband for a younger lover, to a father handling a serious medical diagnosis. And from a new mother struggling with the decision to return to work, to a young man dealing with the aftermath of coming out, and a woman starting over after losing her job.

These powerful, unforgettable and deeply intimate stories about everyday people will inform our understanding of our own unique response to change and enlighten the way we approach challenges at every stage of life.

© Julia Samuel 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

 LGBTQ+ Studies Marriage & Long-Term Partnerships Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Stress Management Mental Health Health

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Critic reviews

Full of compassionate wisdom ... a rich, wise book
The case-studies here are presented so well that they often read like good fiction, but by an author who is endlessly patient with her characters ... There are all kinds of lessons to be learnt from this wise, kindly book ... Julia Samuel has a basic faith in human decency, and her optimism shines through every sentence
Julia Samuel's compassionate realism shines through every word of this wise, kind volume. It is emphatically not a 'self-help' book, but a beautifully written celebration of the strength of the human spirit ... Wisdom and experience alone would make this essential reading for us all - but, in addition, the extraordinary generosity of Julia's personality shines through every word, offering profound understanding and consolation ... It feels a privilege reading this wonderful book full of insight
Cannot recommend it highly enough
In this moving and insightful book, Julia Samuel explores how we can navigate, adapt and ultimately become the people we'd hope to be but also to nurture ourselves and understand what makes us us (...) this is just the book we all need when times get tough - and even when they aren't ... [A] comfort read
A comforting and enlightening read ... If you're looking for comfort in the presence of wise and caring strangers, then this is the book for you
The psychotherapist author of the acclaimed Grief Works returns with a bracing, brilliant exploration of how we can adapt and thrive during our most difficult times (...) Samuel dispenses much wisdom and empathy about the hard times we experience (...) to help us better navigate the changes we will all face sooner or later
I loved This Too Shall Pass. So full of wisdom and light. I learnt a lot and also felt comforted and soothed. Julia really is a force for good in the world. I wish more people could experience the joy of being with her, and this book is a way that they can
As you read this book, you absorb new and radical ways of thinking about yourself, family, and friends. It's compassionate and gentle yet is fiercely on the side of building sustainable and satisfying relations even when they have gone wrong. Read it.
Julia Samuel is the psychotherapist you wish you had on call and her books are the next best thing. The challenges we all face in life are unpicked, explained and made bearable in this thoughtful, illuminating book. A book for anyone experiencing the pain of change from divorce to debilitating illness. Julia Samuel's stories from the therapy room light the way for the rest of us'
All stars
Most relevant
I think anyone would find this book immensely helpful, whether you are going through a difficult change in your life or a significant other is. If you are wondering what counselling or therapy is like- I hope it will be as good as this.

Such clarity with her choice of words

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I absolutely loved this book and will listen again at some point ( and it's rare for me to ever consider going back to a book I've already heard). I'm a trainee counsellor so found this book particularly interesting and helpful...but I believe it would be equally as enjoyable to a layperson.

Excellent in every way.

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I listened to this during my Lockdown 3 evening walks. Much was learned (and thought about) as I pounded the streets. I loved the case studies. There’s lots to take away from each one, which shows how well-crated this book is. Thank you!

Superb! And very helpful

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I wish I had listened to this book when I was younger as I can relate to many of the scenarios regarding change . It is an honest narration by the author, but I think it would have been better to have a professional narrator.

Deep ideas accessibly written.

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Having the author reading the book was a bad idea. It's boring and she tries to give more importance to parts that are nearly useless. Overall this has nothing I was expecting, but it does help falling asleep if one can pay close attention to the voice

Don't expect much

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