Book Review: Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness

“You are more likely to feel an inner disturbance if you set your heart and mind on something that is beyond your control to obtain.”
― Brigid Delaney, Reasons Not to Worry: How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times: A Practical Guide to Stoicism for Self-Improvement and Personal Growth

It was only half way through Wellmania by Brigid Delaney that I realised I had actually watched the series on Netflix. I enjoyed both of them, the series is quite different to the book but does follow the thoughts of the author.

While I did enjoy this book as a whole, the author can get a little whiny and there are a few moments where I felt a little frustrated. She was trying all of these different things but just wasn’t pulling any of them through, for what can feel like, stupid reasons.

So what is the book actually about I hear you asking! In short it is about the Wellness industry – not necessarily diets but rather the larger, more encompassing wellness industry that includes health, fitness and everything in between.

She uses her own lived experiences as a writer to explore the realities of the wellness industry. She deep dives in fad diets, retreats, yoga, hiking, smoothies and so much more as she searches for ways to improve her own health. There are some hilarious moments and she goes on what is basically a starvation diet and attempts a days long hike, with no real experience hiking (or even working out).

But be warned, the book does jump around a little bit which can feel a little confusing but there are still some very interesting take aways and information about the wellness industry (that we assume wants the best for us, but really its all about the money).

I wouldn’t rush to read this one but if you are in your “middle aged, wellness, health, trying to find woman like you” stage then definitely add it. Also, watch the series – it is very funny!