Life can feel like a rollercoaster—sometimes you’re coasting, sometimes you’re plummeting, and every now and then, you just need someone to toss you a lifeline. That’s exactly what Dr. Julie Smith delivers with her latest book, Open When: A Companion for Life’s Twists & Turns, released on December 31, 2024, in the U.S. by HarperOne and January 2, 2025, in the UK by Penguin Michael Joseph. Building on the runaway success of her 2022 bestseller Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, this clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience has crafted a heartfelt, practical guide that’s like having a therapist in your pocket for those messy, overwhelming moments.
Imagine this: you’re spiraling with self-doubt, wrestling with grief, or just burned out from trying to keep it all together. Open When is designed for those exact moments. Each chapter kicks off with a personal letter from Dr. Julie, like a warm hug in words, addressing universal struggles—impostor syndrome, loneliness, tricky relationships, or even not knowing how to ask for help. These letters are followed by straightforward, research-backed tools to help you reframe the chaos and take small, doable steps forward. For days when you’re too drained to read a whole letter, she’s got you covered with bite-sized key takeaways in bullet points—quick hits of wisdom to get you back on track.
What makes this book stand out is its vibe—it’s like chatting with a friend who happens to be a mental health pro. Dr. Julie’s tone is warm, never preachy, and she gets that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. “This isn’t the end, but a beginning,” one reviewer noted, praising how the book inspires you to take the next step, whether that’s reaching out to a friend or booking a therapy session. The structure is genius: titled chapters let you flip straight to what you need, whether it’s handling stress or navigating a tough conversation. It’s less about reading cover-to-cover and more about keeping it on your nightstand for when life gets real.
Readers are eating it up. Many call it a “lifeline” for tough times, with one saying, “I wish I’d had this during my darkest seasons.” Another raved, “It’s like Dr. Julie’s sitting across from you, helping you sort out your head.” The book’s already a Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller in the UK, and U.S. fans are giving it glowing reviews, with some calling it a “must-read for anyone human.” That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re deep into therapy or a self-help junkie, you might find the advice a bit basic—think intro-to-intermediate level. A few readers wanted more depth on systemic issues, like gendered struggles, but most agree its simplicity is its strength, especially for beginners looking to manage emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
Dr. Julie’s no stranger to making mental health accessible. After years running a private practice, she blew up online during the pandemic with bite-sized self-help videos, racking up millions of followers and half a billion views. Her first book sold over a million copies, landing at number six on the decade’s biggest non-fiction list. Open When picks up where that left off, focusing on real-time coping rather than long-term fixes. It’s practical, relatable, and packed with strategies you can use, like reframing your inner critic or tackling anxiety when it hits.
At about 256 pages, it’s an easy read, with clear prose and a clever setup that makes dipping in and out a breeze. Priced around $20-$35 depending on format (hardcover, Kindle, or Target’s exclusive edition), it’s a solid investment for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs. Critics like Matt Haig and Jay Shetty are all in, with Haig calling it “sound wisdom, easy to gulp down.” Even the Evening Standard dubbed Dr. Julie “the psychology teacher you wish you’d had at school.”
In a year where mental health is front and center—think rising anxiety stats and endless news about economic strain—this book feels like it was made for 2025. Whether you’re facing a rough patch or just want tools to handle whatever comes next, Open When is the kind of guide you’ll keep close, flipping to it when stress creeps in or self-doubt knocks. Dr. Julie’s done it again, proving she’s got a gift for turning complex feelings into something you can deal with, one letter at a time.
