Review: Half Arse Human - Leena Norms

Half Arse Human: How to live better without burning out by Leena Norms

I have been an avid consumer of Leena Norms' YouTube channel for some time. I appreciate her enthusiasm and “positive panic” for things I enjoy and worry about. She is a fast, sometimes chaotic, talker who brightens my day.

One of the things I enjoy about her channel is that she shares her progress through her ever-changing life and interests. She seems entirely authentic and a thoughtful, down-to-earth human being. I didn’t have much interest in her previous book, “Bargin Bin Rom-Com,” but “Half Arse Human” sounded right up my alley.

As soon as I watched her announcement video, I pre-ordered the book. It has been precisely the read I thought it would be - better to half ass it than not do the thing at all, and better to half ass some stuff so you can whole ass what you find most important - and her personality shines through every page. I am very tempted to order the audiobook to listen to her excitedly read her thoughts aloud.

I have two critiques, small though they are:

1. I dislike how overused “arse” is throughout the book. It occasionally occurs so often that I need a break from the read.

2. While I, too, wish for a better way to show my words' emphasis, the font shifting sizes throughout paragraphs and individual sentences upsets my brain.

See? They’re pretty minor quibbles—ones I can push aside in favor of Ms. Norms' way with words, ability to share differing perspectives regarding much-discussed (and oft intentionally ignored) topics, and desire to alleviate the pressure we put on ourselves to accomplish everything society implies we should juggle with perfection.

Much of what she writes about are things I have observed or put into practice in my life. However, there are gems that I will take with me: 

• Making a flow chart of every possible situation outcome when my brain just can’t settle down about it sounds very useful, though time-consuming. 

• The idea that “desire lines” can apply to more than just cutting through the grass to avoid a circuitous route on a sidewalk. They can also apply to our perspective of procrastination, an elegant way to wrap up being kinder to yourself and figuring out what matters to you.

If you’ve read Leena’s “Half Arse Human,” I’d love to know what tidbits shifted your perspective and what about!