My Answer Is No... If That's Okay with You: How Women Can Say NO and (Still) Feel Good about It

As a psychologist, I think that Dr. Gartrell has done an impressive job of writing a book that has equal applicability to readers who are mental health professionals, readers who have never delved into psychology at all, and anyone else in between. No mean feat! It's an overall good read, and some sections are very poignant, others very funny. I think this book will do a lot of good for a wide variety of readers.

As is typical of many women, saying no is something that I just cannot seem to do routinely. It has caused me more problems than my past problems with alcohol. Sober 22 years, I still have a tough time saying the simple word "no." Dr. Gartrell's book is practical and clear. That is what I need. I immediately put it into practice. I am a very fast reader and work in a tough business. The book works for me. I needed help in a fast and sure way. Yes, I appreciate the quotes from women that are very important in the world, yet I equally appreciate the examples from women who are working day-to-day to be stronger, more confident and better at what they do. This book is mandatory, and I rarely hand out compliments. I am a tough sell, and this book should not be. It should fly off the shelves to assist us all. Kimberly Allen Austin, TexasMy Answer is No . . . If That's Okay with You: How Women Can Say No and (Still) Feel Good About It

For years (all of my adult life) I've thought my difficulty saying "NO" was a serious psychological flaw of character. Everyone else-- or so it seemed to me-- was establishing strong, tidy boundaries about personal responsibilities. No one seemed to have the same serious problem I do, i.e., saying "NO" when my own interests are overlooked and completely screwed. Now here is Danielle Steele telling me she has the same problem! HELLO! The best part of the book is that Dr. Gartrell tells me it's because I CARE about personal relationships that I do this. In other words, my sensitivity and fear of losing close relationships if I say "NO" is NOT a bad thing, but a problem scores of women(and men?) deal with. DUH! It's because we care! So good. And she gives me so many tips about how, exactly, to say "NO" in many situations and relationships. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Please buy it for your friends and family. Lord knows we know who needs it!!!

Like most of my female friends, I agonize when I have to refuse a request. Because I feel so guilty, I usually agree to do things that I don't want to do. At the same time, I resist one-size-fits-all JUST SAY NO solutions to my excessive compliance. What stands out about this book is that it is full of examples that fill in the middle ground between extreme acquiescence and absolutist NO's. There is no RIGHT WAY to say no. What a relief to find that the high-profile women interviewed by the author squirm and equivocate just as much as I do. I also love the gazillion examples of soft, relationship-sensitive NO's the author provides. This is a great book for anyone in search of nuanced solutions to social problems.

This is a cool book and every teenage girl should read it in order to be able to say no. All my friends are reading it.