This is a wonderful book which really cements Michael Rosen in my heart as a national treasure. Large parts of this are biography/memoir, and I found those the most interesting and compelling sections. Throughout this, Michael’s view of the world and how we can be continually ‘getting better’ offers much wisdom.

Life often throws us into despair, subjecting us to profound challenges. Michael Rosen, a resilient soul, has confronted the unimaginable – mourning the loss of a child, enduring the grip of debilitating chronic illness, and staring death in the face during a serious hospitalization. Yet, in the face of adversity, he persevered and discovered the capacity to unearth joy in the aftermath of tragedy.

Within the pages of "Getting Better," Rosen candidly unfolds his narrative, generously sharing the wisdom derived from his journey. Delving into the profound impact of trauma and grief on his existence, Michael embarks on an exploration of the path to recovery. With a probing spirit, he raises essential questions about the human capacity to rediscover wellness within, even amid the darkest chapters of our lives. The book stands as a poignant and insightful testament to resilience, offering itself as an indispensable companion for those who have loved and lost or wrestled with life's hardships and emerged victorious.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if it were in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This was an interesting read that traces Michaels life and living with covid.
We’ll written and thought provoking

Another fantastic book from Michael Rosen. Getting Better is part autobiography, part great life advice. He has certainly been through a lot in his lifetime and I think recognises that sharing his experiences will undoubtedly help others. This book is written in a friendly, approachable manner - like chatting with a good friend. It has given me a lot to ponder and think about. Recommended reading.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, my knowledge of Michael Rosen is Going on a Bear Hunt and that he was seriously ill with covid as well as following him on twitter and admiring his political views. After reading it I can say that it was absolutely wonderful.
I really loved this book, it has given me such an insight into the author's life. I had no idea he had lost a son and these parts were absolutely gutwrenching, no parent should have to go through losing a child. His journey though being hospitalised with covid and his rehabilitation were fascinating and his advice on living our lives, while helping us use words effectively to write our own stories, was inspirational.
I absolutely loved this book and would urge everyone to give it a read.

Michael Rosen is someone that I admire greatly, his words have given me comfort over the years and made me have massive giggle fits. His pearls of wisdom in this latest memoir made my heart soar at how relatable life is. We all have different heartaches that feel so unique, but we can so easily see aspects of ourselves in other people’s trauma. Michael Rosen is getting better in so many ways and the reader will too with each passing chapter, which feels more like a personal conversation with the author directly speaking to your heart and & mind.

A book that lingers in your heart long after that last page

Michael Rosen is one of this countries most loved and cherished writers and this is another powerful and important book in his vast back catalogue. This deals with the many emotions of comes when coming out of a coma, ‘Getting Better’ should be on everyone’s reading list this year.

Michael Rosen is a man of words , poetry, language …as someone who has worked in primary education for 35 years he is also a bit of a legend …but he is also a man of wisdom and compassion and this autobiographical book about life and living shows this . In some senses this could be described as a self help book but I’m sure that is not necessarily the intention. This is a tremendously moving book and at times incredibly sad as Michael Rosen shares some of the hardest parts of his life emotionally, physically and mentally but having said that there is a glorious celebration of life and recognising how we can get through the dark times and see the light. Using his experiences , he shares his personal experiences and ways he dealt with huge personal challenges and gives some insightful approaches that the reader could use. Moving , humorous, wise and thought provoking, this is a book that doesn’t deflect from life’s hardest moments but also encourages us to see the joy in simplicity..I couldn’t agree more how play , curiosity and day dreaming are the magical ingredients to keeping young at heart

Following on from his book about surviving Covid this book by Rosen takes a deep dive into the experiences and illnesses that have shaped him throughout his life.
As with all of Rosen's writing there is a mix of humour and sadness and while talking about what has helped him Rosen never becomes didactic.
As someone with a long term health condition that came on out of the blue there was lots I could relate to in this book and for me it is a great explanation as to how chronic illness makes you feel.

Everyone loves the books that Michael Rosen has written through his lifetime. This book written about his COVID 19 recovery whilst sad it doesn't fail to show Michael's fun loving personality. He has faced so many struggles during this period and his journey is an inspiration to those suffering from long term illness.

This is the follow up book after Michael's fight against COVID. It follows the effects on Michael's recovery and the long term consequences on his health and life. The way he's adapted his life and his thinking to be productive in his new circumstances.
A look back at his personal and family history to where he is today.