Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

I’ll start with the good stuff! This book is very easy to read and understand. No complex language, difficult concepts, or digesting was needed while I read this. I think the best thing an author can do is write things out so you don’t have to do mental gymnastics to understand! This book also gave me a clearer idea of what most boundaries (not for most people that are/were dealing with something extremely traumatic, like an extremely violent spouse or parent) can look like, and that no matter how good someone is, readjusting boundaries can be hard for all parties. I feel like a lot of social media preaches the “if they are toxic cut them off” agenda, but I think that is for each person to judge themselves and that everybody is in some way “toxic.” I really enjoyed this book and applied myself by completing the exercises given throughout! Again, this book is not made for people who are coming from extremely traumatic situations, or have never been allowed autonomy. I’m no therapist, but I think that pairing this book (as well as a few others) and a good therapist could help some people take leaps and strides. This book does not cover people who threaten your well-being and how to handle more complicated situations — make sure to contact a professional if you are going through something of the sort. That being said, I don’t think this book deserves any bad reviews for not being as in depth as the readers were hoping. The author does use some weak examples (like Instagram polls instead of actual studies) that support her information, but nothing so drastic that I questioned the qualifications she had. I think it’s very easy to be skeptical of what the author has to say but most information you consume from these types of self help books often state a general set of rules for someone’s wellbeing and depend on you to figure out what information you need to apply.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book as part of the launch team, but I was not required to write a positive review. My thoughts are my own. I wish I had the words to adequately express how much this book has helped me in my journey towards finding true peace and empowerment within myself. I grew up in a very enmeshed family where boundaries were completely non-existent. My impulse to do whatever I could to please everyone, and to try to be everything to everyone, was ingrained in me since birth. I gave pieces of myself away every day, and as I got older, I realized that I was empty. I had nothing left to give; but somehow, I just kept on giving. Around eighteen years old, I had an epiphany when I learned what 'codependency' and 'boundaries' were. It hit me like a ton of bricks: I needed boundaries in my life. This was terrifying to me, because even just the thought of saying 'no' to people would leave me with feelings of excruciating guilt and anxiety. I imagined it would be unbearable. I started to collect every book I could find on the subject of codependency and boundaries; and although I learned many new and enlightening things about these subjects, I still kept reverting back to old patterns. I had an understanding of codependency, and I knew I needed to start setting boundaries, but I still couldn't figure out how to do it. Last year, I discovered Nedra on Instagram. Every one of her posts were so on point. It was like, all this time, the lightbulb was dangling over my head, but her words finally switched it ON. I was ecstatic when I learned she was writing a book. I thought, "Well, if her book is anything like these posts, that is what I need!". I signed up to be a part of the book's launch team, and that was one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a very long time. The reason 'Set Boundaries, Find Peace' has been so much more helpful to me than all the other books I've read on boundaries, is that it is so clear and direct - which is exactly what Nedra explains you have to be when setting boundaries. The way the chapters are organized is very clean and simple, and the exercises really challenge you to connect with yourself, and get to the heart of the matter you're trying to work through. She emphasizes pushing through the feelings of guilt, and explains so concisely how guilt can trick us into believing we're doing something wrong simply by saying 'no', or asking for help. On page 252, she says, "Remember: there is no such thing as guilt-free boundary setting. If you want to minimize (not eliminate) guilt, change the way you think about the process. Stop thinking about boundaries as mean or wrong; start to believe they're a nonnegotiable part of healthy relationships, as well as a self-care and wellness practice." She also gives you the exact words to use when setting a certain boundary, and she doesn't leave anything to ambiguity. Not only does she include examples of real life scenarios where certain boundaries are necessary, she tells you precisely how to go about setting these boundaries in your own life. This is what every other book I'd read before was lacking. This is where the other books fell short. Nedra doesn't just give you the tools; she tells you, clearly and directly, how to use them. I am so grateful that I got to be a part of this book's launch team, and even though I wish this book existed years ago, I am so grateful that it exists in the world now. Give yourself one of the greatest gifts you ever could, and read this book. While I was reading it, there were times I had to put it down for a couple of days and really face some hard truths, but this is how we grow; this is how we ultimately find peace. We push through the tough stuff, and come out on the other side feeling more empowered than we ever thought possible; and this book will guide you through it, every step of the way.

If there is one book I believe every human being should read, especially those of us healing from trauma, people-pleasing, and emotional overextension, it’s Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Tawwab. This book is a life-changer. Nedra teaches boundaries in a way that is clear, compassionate, and deeply grounded in psychology. As I read, I found myself pausing often, not because the content was difficult, but because it was true. Her writing is direct without being harsh, validating without enabling, and practical without oversimplifying the emotional work required. What I love most is how she normalizes the discomfort that comes with setting boundaries while reminding us that discomfort is not danger, it’s growth. She breaks down the patterns we develop in childhood, the roles we unconsciously step into, and the ways we betray ourselves in the name of love, loyalty, or ‘keeping the peace.’ This book helped me reflect more deeply on my own boundary journey, not just as a life coach, but as a woman learning, unlearning, and continuously choosing self-respect. Nedra makes it clear: Boundaries are not walls. They are bridges to peace, to safety, to healthy connection. I closed this book feeling clearer, stronger, and more anchored in what I need, why it matters, and how to communicate it. This is more than a self-help book, it’s a healing tool, a mindset shift, and a permission slip to reclaim your life.

This book can be a life changer if you haven't been applying boundaries in your life. It has greatly helped me in applying boundaries at work and in my relationships. It is written in a clear way, which is easy to understand. It is not all academic, but rather provides practical ways in which you can go about applying boundaries in your life. Right down to the wording you can use when people push back and challenge your boundaries. One of the most useful and impactful self help books I've ever read. 5 stars all the way. Highly recommended.

The author lays out the points in straightforward terms, and leaves very little wiggle room. There are concrete sentences and examples that are extremely, EXTREMELY helpful. It really should have been that simple all along. Reading this made me realise just how much more peace and freedom I could have had my whole life. It also gives practical guides for how to actually set the boundaries. I think we commonly take in words from other people's mouths just so readily, not realising that words not just only mean something, but DO things to our soul as well. But so very often people who struggle with boundaries treat utterances as "equal" and respond to them without verifying if we need to respond in the first place. It's not just about saying No or total rejection. It's about all the follow-ups and enacting the intention behind the "no" as well. In other words, this book is very nuanced, and not some simplistic BS about "rejecting toxic people" "just say no", etc. Tawwab goes through why it matters and how to really make it a principle. A transformative read that should be taught in high school!

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab is a life-changing guide to reclaiming control of your time, energy, and emotional well-being. As someone who has often struggled with people-pleasing and the guilt that comes with setting boundaries, this book felt like a gentle yet firm reminder that protecting my peace is not selfish—it's necessary. Tawwab's approach is refreshingly practical. She breaks down complex concepts about boundaries—be they emotional, physical, or digital—into clear, actionable steps. I appreciated her real-life examples and how they showed that boundaries can be applied in every relationship, from family to work to friendships. Her emphasis on self-awareness was especially eye-opening for me; it helped me identify where I’ve been overextending myself and why. One of the most powerful takeaways was learning that "no" is a complete sentence. This simple yet profound idea encouraged me to communicate my needs without overexplaining, which has been liberating. The sections on handling pushback and staying consistent with boundaries were also incredibly helpful, as they provided me with strategies to handle discomfort and guilt. If you’re looking for a book that blends psychology, personal growth, and practical advice, this is it. Tawwab’s compassionate yet straightforward tone makes this a must-read for anyone feeling drained by the expectations of others. It’s a reminder that peace begins with us—and that boundaries are an essential tool in building a life of freedom and balance.

Really helpful. Such a detailed explanation with proper examples. I think this book must be compulsory in any class between 10-12 in every board in india. So that students can get a better understanding, perspective and personality and can become a better version.

Learn what boundaries are, and how to use them to live a better life filled with healthier relationships. I used it in conjunction with Melodie Beatty’s, “Co-Dependent No More”, along with both respective workbooks. They helped me a great deal in learning why my relationships always failed, why I always seemed to wind up with the “wrong” guy and why I always found myself miserable. I learned why I would rather be abused and taken advantage of than face the terror of being alone. After setting boundaries in my life, and sticking to them, the amount of Drama in my life dropped significantly. I became stronger as a person. It helped me to develop my own identity, instead of being whatever others wanted me to be. It assisted me in becoming more independent and confident in both everyday and romantic relationships. I finally felt brave enough to try new things and get out of my “comfort zone”. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who feels like a doormat or living in a repeating cycle of unhealthy relationships. This book helped me to break those patterns and become a better me.