I will read anything Beth Moran writes regardless of the topic. I absolutely loved this book, it was fun, uplifting and I was engrossed. Definitely recommend.

Amy Piper is a recluse, kept in her house by a very bad case of agoraphobia. A previous champion swimmer who crashed out of her own career, Amy is supported by her old coach, Cee-Cee, to keep life going as normally as possible for her 13 year old son Joey. But when Joey starts showing promise in swimming himself and Amy comes to a few realisations, she finds she needs to make a change. It takes the support of a disparate group of women in a running club (and their hunky coach) to help her to help herself.

Unlike some of the other NG reviewers, I found Amy's path to getting herself out and about believeable - it takes a good while and she has big regressions. The descriptions of panic attacks are realistic but carefully done so they don't feel triggering.

There's a good thread of self-development and positivity in the book, and I also like the diversity of the running group - one character mentioned as having an afro and being the only Black woman in her university year, one character with a child living with a disability, just seen as natural parts of the group, which is refreshing.

I didn't much like the fat- and unfit-shaming Amy engages in - although she is called out for it, there's a narrative where her appearance comes back to how it was as well as her strength, although to be fair she has got the guy before then (not a spoiler in a book like this!).

A competently written and good read with some nice moments of learning for a few characters.

I wanted to read something that was light, funny and a bit of a life changer for the main character which is why i picked this up. Amy is a little lost, she once had it all or so it seemed but now, she keeps herself inside and focuses on the little things to make things great for her son Joey.

Yet she knows she needs to change and get out the house if not for Joey alone, so setting herself up a training plan she sets about not been a loser anymore, determined to make her life better. What starts out as simple runs in the dark to avoid others soon ends up meeting a whole group of people "The Larks" a local running club who offer friendship and support and right now, that is what Amy needs but just joining is not that simple for her.

Yet she knows a day at a time she can do it, and work towards her goal, that one day where she can achieve what she sets out too. I enjoyed this read, it flew by as each time frame unfolded as she embarked on her challenge. It also showed that it isn't easy or a quick fix solution Amy was looking for but something life changing and long term.

I really felt for Amy and rooted for her all along, i flew through this read and felt as a reader i was on the journey with her working towards her end goal. She was such an indepth character that had such a complex history and i really enjoyed discovering that, at times it was hard to acknowledge but what you do find is she is an incredibly strong woman and a joy to get to know.

Inspiring, uplifting, exhilarating, easily one of the best books I've read recently, if not in a long while.

But yet although I was interested enough by the blurb to request to review the book, it then sat languishing on my kindle for almost a year, until it opened when I picked it at random. And even opening it for no apparent reason my heart sank as for some unknown reason I'd convinced myself this was a mistake to read.

Which just goes to show my gut feelings of wanting to request and read a book are far far smarter, than when you let something build up in your mind, until you are second guessing yourself.

Which isn't quite the same as but rather similar to what the theme of this book is (although mine is a far more trivial example) is all about.

Within the first few pages, once the voice in my brain shut up, and I started reading, I was hooked and knew I was reading something quite special.

Amy Piper has been agoraphobic for years, but she now wants to overcome it, to be the best mum she can be to her 13 year old son Joey. This story is her day by day attempt to overcome her illness and to regain her life back.

At times it's a bit tough to read, but the rest you are willing her on, hoping she will make the next breakthrough. It's sensitively written, but at the same time will have you smiling, as things progress.

Amy just wanted to be able to live more of a life, she didn't expect to find real friends, and possibly even have feelings for anyone. And we learn what went on in her past, and how it has shaped her, some of which I found fascinating.

This is a completely joyous gem of a book, so don't b a fool like me and delay reading this, it's fabulous, it had me smiling, it had me gripped, its just one stunning story, and I suspect one that will stay with me for a long while.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fantastic, story line drew the reader in and real life was put on hold!
Mental health issues had changed Amy’s life and this book showed the way she overcame them for the sake of her teenage son and for herself.
This book was beautifully written, funny, a real gem , I would recommend this book to anyone
Thank you to Netgalley , Boldwood books , and Beth Moran for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Wow, I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect summer read and very uplifting story. Very different from my usual thriller reads.

Uplifting and inspirational. A delightful book!

Many thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Amy is a relatable character that instantly draws you in with her authentic nature and struggles. How Not To Be A Loser is so well written and is addictive to read. A real inspiring read that is equal parts funny and emotional!

How Not to Be a Loser by Beth Moran is about a woman who develops a panic disorder and then fights a battle to return to a “real like.” I thought this book showed a very courageous fight as Amy took us through her struggle to feel comfortable living a full life. The characters were impressive. This was a good book and thanks to Net Galley for sending an advance reader’s copy for review.

The one thing she has never lost is her total love for her thirteen-year-old son Joey, and for his sake she knows it’s time for a change. But first she has to be brave enough to leave the house…

What she needs are friends and an adventure. And when she joins a running group of women who call themselves The Larks, she finds both. Not to mention their inspiring (and rather handsome) coach, Nathan.

Once upon a time Amy was a winner - at life, at sport and in love. Now, with every ounce of strength she has left, she is determined to reclaim the life she had, for herself and for Joey. And who knows, she might just be a winner again – at life, sport, and love, if she looks in the right places…

I really felt like I could sympathise with Amy as her character suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety issues.

Through reading this book I really felt a fondness towards Amy as I discovered more of her struggles and the past that lead her to them.

As she progresses through her ‘how not to be a loser programme’ she joins a running club called The Larks which introduces us to some wonderful characters who help bring fun and friendship into Amy’s life after many years without any.

Having a son a similar age to Amy I loved how Beth wrote about their mother and son relationship it was really beautiful even during their difficult times.

This book is tinged with sadness and regrets but has such lovely moments of friendship and potential romance.

I found this book a perfect tonic to any down day as it is really such an enjoyable, inspiring and sweet read.

This is a stunningly beautiful, emotional and inspiring book!
Honestly, I can’t really say much more than that can I? This is an emotional, moving, heart-warming, full of hope, it really shows the power of a mothers love and determination.
As soon as we meet Amy Piper you just feel instantly close to her, she is the kind of person whom you can’t help yourself but feel very protective of, you genuinely care for her and her well being. There was something about her that pulled me in, it is obvious that she is suffering from Mental Health issues, she is depressed, agoraphobic, she is anxious and stressed. There is also a lot of sadness and guilt that she feels she has ruined something or her son, that she finds certain things so difficult.
Amy wants to get passed this barrier, she wants to be well and the mother she has always dreamt to be for her son, she wants her life and happiness. So one day she makes that choice, and it is through this stage that we get to know her, we see her bravely take one step after another to regain control over her life. It is through her journey that we really have our heartstring pulled, there is a lot of sadness, happiness and it pulls you through all aspects of human emotion as Amy tries to find her feet again and be able to breathe the fresh air.
I have to give huge praise to Beth Moran, what a beautiful, sensitive and realistic piece of writing this is. Beth has done the most amazing job with writing Amy’s mental health illnesses which is something that can and does affect every one of us in some way or another whether that’s direct with your own mental health problems or indirectly by watching a loved one struggle. Having a leading character battle these illnesses while trying to do right by her son really got me and I genuinely felt a little teary at times while reading. Beth showed such care with her writing she didn’t go over the top and Amy’s issues weren’t overly dramatized. Her problems and how she was fighting were raw and real ad again I have to applaud Beth for bringing to attention just how easily a person – anyone – can fall into a depression and how hard it is not only for the person but for the family too, I do know that part from personal experience. Bravo! It’s not taboo to talk about such things or to have characters in books go through such trials.
Overall, this is a fabulous second chance story that really hammers home how important it is to not allow your self to sink and how true friends can be so important, it’s a real feel-good, heart-warming and inspiring story that is one of those books which must be read. It will make you cry, smile and look on the world with positivity.

This book had promise but I couldn’t get my head around the character, who’s been unable to leave her house through a crippling fear of the outside, manages to walk out after a week or two... not believable.

How not to be a Loser. By Beth Moran

This a story about Amy Piper who is suffering from acute aggro phobia and her journey to be free from her home. She has been stuck in her home for 3 years when her teenage son is ill with a temperature & needs medication she must weather through her problem to go to the local chemist. Whilst trying to get there she has a major panic attack & Nathan comes to her aid.

Absolutely Fantastic book the characters and their foibles are so real to the reader you think you’re with them.

I couldn’t put this book down so much as I was nearing the end of the book I was sitting in my bathroom in the wee small hours hysterical with laughter !

Such journey about life people and the life trials they all live through.

Absolutely fantastic book if I could review it 10/5 I would . Exceptionally well written Beth . The book was sheer joy for the reader.

Well after 13 years of not being able to leave the house, the main character managed to get over it in a week or two. Dull and unbelievable story.

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

This book took me on quite a journey. I had a hard time believing that a bit of running could "solve" severe agoraphobia that quickly without at least some other form of therapy, but eventually I stopped thinking about that and gave myself over to this wonderfully crafted story.

Amy Piper hasn't left her house in almost three years, suffering from severe agoraphobia and anxiety. But when her son has a chance to join the Gladiators, which would mean an almost-sure chance of becoming an Olympic swimmer, she realises it's time to face the demons of her past and go outside again. And thus the Stop Being A Loser Programme is born. Helped along the way by a women's running group called The Larks, and their kind and handsome coach, Amy might just become the winner she was once destined to be.

The book deals with mental illness in a very careful way, not delivering some miraculously changed main character at the end of the book. Anxiety doesn't disappear because you've had a bit of a run around the woods, and this book made sure to include plenty of setbacks in Amy's story.

The side characters were such a joy, all women with their own struggles, but who all try to help each other in whatever way they can. Yes, of course there's a love story here, but the friendship between these women is the core of the book, and it tells a powerful story about community and compassion and hope.

Really, my only issue with this book is its cover. If you're going to make a point of mentioning over and over again that your main character is out of shape, that she has let herself go (although she's a UK size 12, which is definitely still considered slim), that she can't find clothes that fit, then maybe don't give this book a cover featuring a ridiculously skinny woman? I promise people will still read this book if it has an actual size 12 on the cover.

A really great book, you didnt know where this story was going to take you and encapsulates you to the biggest. Its a really good book about the love for her child and not to be a loser. i REALLY LOVED IT.

This book was a really good surprise for me as I didn't know what to expect. I almost gave this book a 5 stars out of 5 but towards the 3rd half of the book I started to get a little bit bored, the book wasn't exciting anymore as it was on the first 2 third of the book. This book is brilliant in the way it is written, but also on the topic it talks about. I feel this book is a very unique one. I never read a chicklit book about a woman who is agoraphobic and who is trying to fight and gain her old life and confidance back. Very very good book! There is even a touch of romance in it which is lovely! I really recommend this book warmly!!!!!!

This has to be one of the most uplifting books I have ever read.  It's crawled it's way into my heart and has become a little bit of a favourite.  I simply loved it!

Amy is a loser! Or at least she has spent the past few years convincing herself that she is, leading to some complicated and debilitating mental health issues.  After a few devastating events where she couldn't be there for her son, Amy decides to create a plan and that she will no longer be a loser.

This novel has everything.  Love, friendship, parenthood, community and finding your strength can all be found within the pages.  It's a heartwarming tale with fabulous characters and a whole load of spirit.

I adored Amy from the very beginning and became completely invested in her journey to reclaim her former self.  My heart broke every time she had a set back and when she was successful with her plan I felt pride and joy for her.  As the narrative moved along and we saw more of the old Amy, I loved her even more. 

Surrounded by some Wacky new friends, an adorable 13 year old and a lovely new trainer, Amy's journey was a delight to read. 

Highly recommended.

I have a little bit of an embarrassing confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have a couple of Beth's earlier books on my ever increasing 'to be read' pile, 'How Not To Be A Loser' is actually the first one that I have read. Now I am rather miffed that I have left it this long to discover how flipping fantastic an author Beth is. I adored 'How Not To Be A Loser' but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Amy Piper and I warmed to her from the first time I met her. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I felt as though Amy had become a friend and I naturally felt protective of her. From pretty early on, it's obvious that Amy struggles with her mental health. She is the lone parent of an adorable sounding little boy, but she struggles with agoraphobia, anxiety, stress and depression. Just one of those conditions is bad enough but to have all of them in one must be horrendous. I identified with Amy to a certain extent because although I have never suffered with agoraphobia, I suffer with stress, anxiety and depression so I could understand where she was coming from and I could appreciate just how debilitating these conditions can be. One day, Amy resolves to create a new life for herself and her little boy. The story follows her attempts to do just that. There could even be a new romance on the horizon if Amy just allows herself to relax and enjoy herself. Does Amy find the happy ever after ending that she so deserves? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It's no word of a lie when I say that I was hooked on this book from before I even read the synopsis. I loved the bright and breezy cover and the title certainly made the book stand out from the rest. The synopsis convinced me that I needed to read 'How Not To Be A Loser' as a matter of urgency. So for once, I did what I was told and read the book. Reading 'How Not To Be A Loser' became an addiction and it was an addiction that I wasn't willing to break. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters and fill in the odd half hour but I became so engrossed in the story and so wrapped up in Amy’s life that I just couldn’t stop reading. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I raced my way to the end of the story- I was that desperate to find out how the story ended and to discover if Amy got the happy ever after ending that she so deserved.
‘How Not To Be A Loser' is brilliantly written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. In fact, reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. In Amy, Beth has created a lovely, caring and compassionate woman, who you can’t fail to warm to. The author has clearly done a lot of research into how mental health problems affect you as a person and I found myself nodding along in agreement with certain parts of the story. This book had a bit of everything- there was drama, humour, sad bits, happy bits and well you get the picture. The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘How Not To Be A Loser’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading much more of Beth’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.