“Help Me” by Marianne Power is a reflective memoir that scrutinizes the author’s year-long journey of reading a self-help book a month, in an attempt to “fix” herself. Desperate to break free from fear and anxiety, she dedicatedly follows the advice given in each book, resulting in funny, honest, and poignant life experiences.

The narrative begins with Power’s life feeling unsatisfactory and unfulfilled, despite a seemingly successful career in journalism. She chronicles her efforts of trying to mirror the success stories offered in each self-help book, resulting in sometimes humorous, occasionally insightful, frequently poignant, and often confusing results.

During the course of a year, she delved into popular books such as “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey, and “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Yet, despite living strictly by each book’s advice, she finds herself often more baffled or stressed than before.

As the mental, emotional, and financial strain began to take their toll, Power eventually recognizes that rapid self-improvement plans may not necessarily lead to happiness. Instead, she discovers that acceptance and self-love can lead to a more enjoyable and authentic life.

In the end, “Help Me” shares the thought-provoking lessons Power learned on her quest for self-improvement and happiness, and the realization that sometimes there are no quick fixes to life’s problems, but there are ways to love oneself and embrace life-as-is.