Sometimes you have to say ‘no’ so you have time to say ‘yes’ to what really matters—the things that are important to you, preserve your health, and add to your happiness. That’s the powerful takeaway message from this realistic guide to kicking the yes-habit and embracing the power of no.
Ann Douglas, author of Parenting Through the Storm
The Book of NO gives people the courage to stand up for themselves. Reading it is both helpful and a delight; you find yourself sighing with gratitude, feeling freer because you have the exact words to say “no,” and thinking who else in your life needs this book.
Jody J. Foster, M.D., MBA and Michelle T. Joy, M.D., co-authors of The Schmuck in My Office: How to Deal Effectively with Difficult People at Work
All too often we find ourselves overworked and overstressed because we take on too much at work or at home. In short, we have trouble saying “no”! Dr. Susan Newman’s book is an essential guide for those of us who are too agreeable, nice, or helpful, and really don’t know how to set critical limits.
Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D., professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology, Claremont McKenna College
In a world infected by instant gratification and murky boundaries, saying “no” – and sticking to it – is quickly becoming a lost art. The good news is that Susan Newman is here to help. Using detailed examples, humor, and actionable steps, Newman helps us explore our own obstacles to setting and maintaining healthy boundaries and empowers us to put an end to personal overload. In saying “yes” to “no”, we just might make a dent in putting an end to our current culture of busy.
Katie Hurley, LCSW, author of No More Mean Girls and The Happy Kid Handbook
For many of us, it’s very difficult to say no. We’re asked to take on extra assignments at work and help colleagues and clients with projects that might be outside our official job description. We’re asked favors by our friends, by our families; and sometimes even by our LinkedIn connections. And yes, it’s nice to help, but we can end up overburdened. In The Book of No, Susan Newman offers great strategies and tips for learning to say no. This book is going to be my new go-to volume for putting a bit more “no” in my life — and in the life of my clients, colleagues, and friends.
Andy Molinsky, Ph.D., professor of Organizational Behavior and International Management, Brandeis University and author of Reach and Global Dexterity
In this updated edition of The Book of No, social psychologist Susan Newman offers research and immensely practical tools to help us set boundaries and stop people-pleasing. The book is fun, easy to read and provides scenarios like requests to look after a relative’s children, drive your teen to the mall, or give up your weekend plans to do last-minute work. Along with each scenario are specific dialogues that demonstrate exactly what to say. The “No” responses are right on target – assertive and clear, yet respectful. So many of us struggle to skillfully set boundaries without hurting our relationships. This book is just what we need!
Melanie Greenberg, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of The Stress-Proof Brain
A wise and practical guide to living a life that fits your personal values, Susan Newman’s newest book is a treasure trove of realistic scenarios and thoughtful responses to help you let go of commitments that leave you feeling resentful and depleted. Whether it’s a whining child or a demanding acquaintance, a guilt-tripping relative or an unreasonable work colleague, The Book of No offers do-able strategies for setting healthy boundaries so you can say “Yes!” to the things that truly matter to you.
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, Princeton, NJ psychologist and co-author of Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
This book will free you. It is one of the most liberating, empowering and practical topics I’ve seen…and Susan Newman does a masterful job bringing it home.
Joseph Grenny, New York Times bestselling co-author of Crucial Confrontations
The skill of saying ‘no’ is essential for a life of freedom and dignity. Dr. Newman’s book, through a series of carefully analyzed examples, teaches that skill.
Herbert Fensterheim, Ph.D., co-author of Don’t Say Yes When You Want to Say No
I make a living by telling people that saying ‘NO’ to unsuitable clients is the key to prosperity in business. Dr. Newman broadens the ‘No’ principle even further. She’s built a convincing case that judicious use of this powerful two-letter word is the key to a richer, more authentic, happier life. Will you read this book? For one, I urge you to say ‘Yes.’
Kim DeMotte, author of The Positive Power of No: How that Little Word You Love to Hate Can Make or Break Your Business
This is a must-read book for anyone who tends to say “yes”—and needs to learn the power of “no.” For example, there are those who have the “disease to please,” or who want to avoid possible confrontation or unpleasantness, or who have difficulty prioritizing or setting boundaries…However, saying no is an important skill. It can help individuals protect their time, balance relationships, safeguard their health, create positive change, stay on course, and feel more purposeful. In The Book of NO, author Susan Newman helps people learn to say NO, illustrating this by way of short sample scenarios—addressing many authentic, sticky situations that arise with friends, family, work colleagues, forceful people, and more. She reveals what’s really going on, how to respond, and how to stay alert. Newman writes, “Before you can fully embrace no, you have to understand why no is important.” She does an excellent job conveying that, and helping readers operationalize it.
Joanne Foster, Ed.D., author of Not Now, Maybe Later: Helping Children Overcome Procrastination, and Bust Your BUTS: Tips for Teens Who Procrastinate
It [The Book of NO] is rich, readable, and all-too-relatable for those of us who struggle to say “no” with authenticity, confidence and kindness. The book offers brief dialogues for hundreds of scenarios in which “no” is the right answer, for reasons ranging from time management to financial pressures to emotional boundaries. Newman considers scenarios that pop up among friends, at work, within families and in parenting. Do you think this book might be helpful to you? It’s ok if the answer is “no,” but I do highly recommend it.
Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Guideposts
