The Bookish Ashley

“The Upside of Being Down” by Jen Gotch is a compelling and humorous memoir that weaves together the threads of mental health struggles, personal growth, and professional success. Gotch, the founder and chief creative officer of ban.do, takes readers on a journey from the depths of misdiagnosed childhood challenges to the unexpected heights of creating a multimillion-dollar brand.

With an engaging and relatable narrative, Gotch opens up about her early struggles with bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, and ADD. Her vivid storytelling captures the essence of her journey, from a heartbroken young adult convinced her skin had turned green to the pivotal diagnosis that marked the beginning of her path to self-awareness.

The memoir is not just a chronicle of personal challenges; it’s a celebration of embracing flaws and finding strength in vulnerability. Gotch’s career, which includes stints as a waitress, photographer, and food stylist, culminates in her accidental entrepreneurship and the creation of ban.do. Through humor and candor, she highlights how her understanding of mental illness fueled her creativity and paved the way for her greatest successes.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its hyper-relatable nature. Gotch tackles topics like crying at work, the myth of busyness and perfection, and even shares her emotional rating system. Her insights and hard-won wisdom add depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to approach life with hope, optimism, kindness, and humor.

In conclusion, “The Upside of Being Down” is a hilarious and inspiring memoir that resonates with readers on a personal level. Jen Gotch’s journey serves as a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the potential for greatness that can arise from embracing one’s imperfections. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an uplifting and relatable story of triumph over mental health struggles.

Rating: 4/5 stars