Bad Vibes Only by Nora McInerny

A Four-Star Book Review

Are people too obsessed with good vibes? Do you think social media is too focused on perpetual positivity?

If you think so, Nora McInerny’s Bad Vibes Only is a breath of fresh air—or perhaps a gust of reality. McInerny, known for her candid discussions on grief and loss as the host of the podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking, turns her sharp wit and honesty into a memoir.

This is the kind of memoir I’d love to write myself—one that doesn’t shy away from the chaos but instead invites you to embrace it with open arms and maybe, just maybe, a little less guilt. I loved the audiobook so much, I bought myself a physical copy.

About Bad Vibes Only

From the very first essay, McInerny doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She doesn’t dance like no one’s watching; she doesn’t dance at all, because she’s acutely aware that everyone is watching—and judging. This theme of resisting the pressure to perform runs throughout the book, making it a comforting read for anyone tired of the relentless push toward self-improvement and perfection.

What I Liked About Bad Vibes Only

McInerny takes readers on a journey, and here are a few of the highlights for me:

• Her looks back; She revisits the cringey moments of childhood, the awkward years of adolescence, and the chaotic days of college. Her willingness to lay bare these moments is refreshing but not overdone.
• Her imperfections: McInerny’s stories let me reflect on my own misstep and the reminder that I don’t have to be perfect—or even close to it. 
• Her honesty:McInerny’s honesty about her own experiences, particularly about the trials of motherhood, is particularly resonant. She admits to not being a superhuman, something many mothers are pressured to be, and instead embraces this messy world.
• Her call-to-action: McInerny challenges the idea that being “real” online is as simple as sharing your unfiltered thoughts or posting a makeup-free selfie. She calls on readers to consider what it truly means to live authentically, beyond the curated versions of ourselves we present on social media.

Bad Vibes Only is a witty, honest read, one that I recommend for anyone looking to find some real-ness and connection.