Member Reviews

Bear Grylls' book is a true gem that transcends age boundaries, offering an inspiring message that resonates with readers of all generations. Whether you're a child, a teenager, or an adult, the wisdom and inspiration within these pages will undoubtedly touch your heart and mind.

Grylls' storytelling is a testament to the power of connecting with nature, and his words are a guiding light for anyone, young or old, who yearns for a deeper appreciation of the natural world. This book is not just a captivating read; it's a wellspring of inspiration that encourages readers to explore, learn, and cherish the beauty of the great outdoors.

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Bear Grylls isn't as popular with kids as he used to be, but I'd hand this to any of them asking for a survivor or scouting book.

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Bear Grylls, the very well-known adventurer, has here written a book in which he shares some of his expertise. The result is a title packed with information in its over 350 pages. Chapters include everything from How to be a Scout and How to be an Adventurer to How to be You. These sections are followed by one called Useful Stuff That Just Might come in Handy (indeed!).

The book opens with a welcome in which Bear signs off as “your friend.” He is truly welcoming as he encourages kids to use this book in whatever way and/or order makes sense to them. He gives permission to get the book dirty and messy. He hopes that this is a title that will be kept and used for many years. I love how he encourages kids to face life fearlessly and with a spirit of adventure.

This title is nicely illustrated and filled with information and inspiration. Even just a few pages in, learn all the things that can be done with a neckerchief. Learn how people have coped with adversity with Nelson Mandela as just one example.

I highly recommend this book. Even though it is for kids (possibly), there is much that could benefit an adult as well. For a start, take a look at the section on what makes a good leader.

Note: The title is connected with and references the Scouting program.

Many thanks to Nicholas Brealey/Hodder & Soughton U.S. for this title. All opinions are my own.

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I adore and admire Bear Grylls, so I was intrigued by his book "Do Your Best: How to Be a Scout". I'm not a Scout myself, but I really enjoyed this very comprehensive and inclusive guide, that focuses not only on useful skills to have but also on how to be a good person. It evens tells us about this history of the Scouts (and the Jamborees, etc.), which is quite interesting—I didn't know much about that.
I found it to be a great read no matter one's age; children, teens and adults alike will appreciate the message Bear Grylls delivers.
I found this book to be really inspirational, and if I knew of children that age interested in nature activities, I wouldn't hesitate to gift them this book.

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I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It definitely is not just fo the younger readers (8-18 yrs) of scouting age. There is so much in it that is of value to anyone of any age. Broken down into three sections 1. how to be a scout, 2. how to be an adventurer and finally 3. how to be you, what to do in an emergency and finally useful stuff that might come in handy. Each of these segments contain great information. Much of the information in section 1 is applicable to people of any age - how to be a team player, how to lead, how you can make a difference and how to protect the planet. Also throughout the book examples of real life examples are given demonstating the values and virtues being discussed.

Overall, I would happily recommend this book to pretty much anyone. For those of us who are older, it contains a great refresher of stuff we may have learned way back, different cloud formations, how to predict the weather, tie knots etc. I was particularly interest in how to measure the height of a tree. Because seriously, how could you not want that little nugget packed away in the back of your mind. Ready to pull out on the right occasion!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.

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5 ⭐️

I was a Girl Scout for over a decade and I believe it was one of the most beneficial things I have done in my life. Scouting allowed me so many great experiences and taught me so many great lessons.

Reading through this book felt like coming home. I think every child should have the opportunity to be a scout.

This book goes into more detail and techniques than my Girl Scout troop ever did, but I think that has more to do with the Girl Scouts organization in general. I wish my troop had been as thorough as this book.

**Thank you, NetGalley and Nicholas Brealey US, Hodder & Stoughton for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**

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Do Your Best by Bear Grylls really is a fantastic book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, wants to be a Scout, is a parent of a Scout or is a Scout Leader or assists with groups.

This is a really interesting book and also has some incredibly useful tips throughout. As a Section Leader I've managed to use some of the very cool facts and information over the last few weeks with my group to help with knots and the history of Scouting. There's a lot more helpful hints and advice and and heaps more useful information too, including First Aid, how to cook outdoors, what to do in an emergency and even how to be a good friend. It will help all to understand what it is to be a Scout and what good Scouting looks like, but also how to have adventures and how to be you! I would find this a really good tool. Great for everyone's wellbeing!

Do your best is a very inspiring book and knowing that the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls has written it, this should encourage a few new readers and hopefully drive more people into Scouting. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. A great new modernisation to Baden-Powell's first book of Scouting (and not just for boys)!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton / Nicholas Brealey US for the opportunity to read and review this early copy. I'd love my own hard copy version so I can flick through and re-read and refer back to every now and again.

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The essential handbook for the scout in all of us -- by BEAR GRYLLS OBE, Chief Ambassador of World Scouting

Took me back to my Girl Scout days. Well done!

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As a former scout/leader and who was awarded Wood Badge I couldn't help wanting to read this book.
It's an excellent book, a sort of Scouting for Boys updated to our times and way of living
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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I've got two scouts in my house and I know what an amazing job their leaders do each week during their sessions. I jumped at the opportunity to review Do Your Best by Bear Grylls. Sure, this is written for Scouts but really, this book has a wealth of information that will be useful for everyone.
There's Scout specific information and facts - who knew eleven out of the twelve people to walk on the moon were Scouts? I enjoyed learning about the history of the Scouts as well as reading about Bear's own time in the scouts. However, there's brilliant advice on mental health, how to be a team player, what you can do about climate change, how to give first aid, how to make breakfast and how to survive in the great outdoors, how to be a good friend, how to communicate and many, many other scenarios. Each chapter contains real life examples and situations to learn from, which really help to engage you as a reader. There's even emergency postcards in the appendix and a spare page you can rip out and light for a fire in an emergency.! The book really has thought of everything a Scout would ever need to know.
It belongs on every coffee table and at every camp.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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This book for me is a must have for all scouts, new to the family of scouts or those that have been long ago, it is full of skills for those that are learning life’s skills and those that have forgotten those lessons along the way, navigating life with what was a reliable compass and that along the way it has been broken. This book helps guide you in the right direction whether your starting your journey or you’ve been travelling for some time. As a former scout and now a scout leader this is a must have for all, not just scouts.

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This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout.

Finding suitable with the book content, taking above line from the description itself.

There is so much to learn from this guide-book. Bear Grylls has always been my favourite celebrity. Watching him on television made me had a whole detailed discussion with friends for how one person is so much fit and fine. Man vs. Wild was the most favorite of all the telecasts I used to watch from History Channel, Nat Geo & Discovery Channel, combined. There was a complete picture shoot on how one must survive in the situations presented, however, nature never fails to surprise in real.

This is a complete guide on how one must travel through forests or say, anywhere in the lap of nature, naturally. I have read Robert Powell also, and he was so new to me on the subject then but equally enthusiastic and inpiring. Same here, Bear inspiring his admirers, yet again, but with words this time.
There is everything in it. I never thought of making maps with the indication of compass but here it tells about it. There were symbols to put on map to remember what is what and where. There is step by step guide on knitting/tying knots, though same I have learnt once earlier from his show on tv also.

Bear mention with simple approach about how one must achieve their goals, by presenting a 'stacked venn' on different zones. There were instructions to follow, in case anything goes wrong.

Overall, It is a non-compact detailed guide on scouting, a manual on 'Do and Don't'.

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My kids aren't scouts but I definitely considering enrolling them after reading this book.

The book begins with the history of the scouts, their mantras and lots of information to help build character.
It then moves onto the more practical part of being a scout, first aid, finding edible food when in the wilderness etc.

I think this book should be included in all scout memberships as its a great book for kids.

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I had so much fun reading this book, the story is so good and the illustrations were so well done and charming, there’s so many little details in every page that I couldn’t stop but be mesmerized by it all. I will definitely be recommending it! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

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Disclaimer- I’ve been a Guide Guider for 30 years, in the movement for 40 and both my sons were in the Scouting Movement from age 6 and are now Young Leaders. This book is the kind of wise, solid, positive yet practical guide that I loved as a kid and still love now. I learnt things about clouds and surviving a forest fire in this book that were new to me and as someone with a vast collection of old Guide & Scout Handbooks and survival manuals, that’s saying something! The guide to rhetorical devices was also unexpected. In a world that sells children so much the simple yet radical messages in this book are priceless. All of the Scouts & Cubs in my life are getting a copy of this for Xmas and this aging Guider will buy herself a copy for her collection too.

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I read this book with my children, who are in the scouting community. We absolutely loved the way this book is presented and the different parts of how to be a.....

Part 1 was all about scouting and gave some great history behind the scouting movement.

Part 2 gave some great advice on being outdoors and ways in which you can use skills that are important to being an adventurer.

Part 3 was all about how to be more you, things that you can do with self belief and achieve your goals!

At the end of the book where some bits that may come in handy like morse code or emergency postcards.

I definitely think that we will be getting a copy of this book on publishing day as its everything you want a child to know and believe about themselves, you don't even need to be a scout to read this book or own a copy, I think its something that should be in every child's bag!

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"Do Your Best: How to Be a Scout" by Bear Grylls is a treasure trove of essential knowledge and skills for adventurers of all ages. Bear Grylls, a renowned adventurer and survivalist, has compiled a comprehensive guide that is bound to be a valuable companion for scouts, aspiring scouts, and anyone who's curious about the great outdoors.

This book is like an all-encompassing survival toolkit, covering everything from pitching a tent and tying knots to identifying trees, stars, and birds. It not only imparts practical skills but also instills a sense of self-reliance and the spirit of adventure. Grylls' wealth of experience shines through as he shares real survival techniques, making it an excellent resource for those who love to explore the wilderness.

However, "Do Your Best" isn't just about outdoor skills; it's also a guide to becoming a better, more capable individual. It encourages readers to step up, speak up, skill up, and dream big. Grylls' inspirational message resonates throughout the book, reminding us to seize life's opportunities and face challenges head-on.

The book's visually stunning design and rich illustrations add to its appeal, making it an engaging read for both young and old adventurers. It's not just a practical handbook; it's a beautifully crafted piece that would make a perfect gift, especially for those who embrace the call of the wild.

In a world that sometimes feels disconnected from nature, "Do Your Best" serves as a beacon, reminding us of the importance of outdoor skills, self-reliance, and the spirit of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned scout or someone taking their first steps into the world of outdoor exploration, Bear Grylls' book will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to do your best and make a real difference in the world.

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I’ve been a fan of Bear since the show Man vs Wild.

This book appealed to me since my family has been involved in Boy Scouts of America for many years and I am the proud mother of an Eagle Scout.

I would highly recommend this book to any Scout (boy or girl) or any youth that needs some guidance or has an interest in adventure, the great outdoors, self improvement and being a good citizen.

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Fantastic! This book is in the true scout tradition really helpful for all. And this isn't only because of all the practical information, but mainly in the morality and guidelines, and thus the very appropriate title. Part 3 is the most important and contains lots of wisdom to live by, and it's summed up in the first pages of the book "You only get one shot at life", which is pure poetry and should be read by everyone every day.

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Scouts around the world will dive into Bear Grylls, How to Be a Scout. With over 300 pages of how-to's, they've left no stone unturned in making sure you can be a scout and an adventurer. From first-aid to learning to tie knots this book has it all. Adults and adventure-seeking scouts will be well-stocked with information to prepare them for the great outdoors. I need this book when I go camping for sure.

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