A New Kind of Grit by Zoë Read Book Review

by Zoe Read 

“Discover the power we have when we ignore our conventional wisdom and follow our intuition.”

This book was SO validating for me! A New Kind of Grit: Female Rebels and the Art of Defying the Odds by Zoë Read is a gripping and intensely intimate memoir that reinterprets what it means to endure in the face of insurmountable odds. It celebrates the importance of being a rebel and doing your own thing, without fear of what others will think or say.

I was so excited to get a review copy of this book. I could tell from the book description that I was going to like it and honestly, I felt like it was written just for me! There are so many elements to Zoe’s story that I can relate to. But it’s a call to action for anyone who has ever felt excluded, misrepresented, or held back by discouraging words that they are incapable of succeeding.

Reading this book really made it feel like someone understood me and was telling my story, for once. Of course, she has also achieved some really amazing things in her lifetime and as you read about them, you’ll find the story inspiring, making you want to do your very best also.

She talks about her dyslexia and struggles with severe ADHD, but she is adamant about forging her own path. She walks us through her remarkable achievements, which include attending Stanford University, law school, and medical school – achievements that appear to be the height of success on paper.

However, her open disclosure of internal conflicts, self-doubt, and the psychological costs of persistently pursuing goals in a society that frequently rejects people who don’t fit the mold is what really makes this book powerful.

A New Kind of Grit is unique because of Read’s unafraid genuineness. She challenges conventional wisdom and encourages us to trust our intuition, embrace our rebellious side, and forge an identity separate from traditional norms. This is something I feel like I have always done, yet it has not been understood or accepted in my life. It’s very validating to see these ideas encouraged in this book.

And I especially think younger people need to read this book and hear her words. Her writing is engaging and conversational, making you feel as though you are speaking with a close friend who is sharp and brutally honest. She holds nothing back as she tells it to you exactly as it is – and this is what I love about the book.

It’s more than just an inspirational story, however. It provides a set of tools for radical self-acceptance and empowerment. As Zoë insists: The more rebellious we are, the more authentic we become.

She provides insightful information on self-trust, mental health, and the effectiveness of using anger as a catalyst for change. She invites all women (and anybody who has ever battled with self-worth) to take back their story and take control of their own lives.

Whether you’re facing your own battles or simply looking for a fresh perspective on resilience, A New Kind of Grit is a must-read. Zoë Read has crafted a book that is as transformative as it is affirming – a powerful reminder that the most rebellious thing we can do is be unapologetically ourselves.