Anouchka Grose, a leading psychotherapist specialising in climate anxiety, was in general happy with her London life which included a glamorous partner, a teenager, even a spare room.
But, shaken by the apparent futility of Western activism in the face of inertia and corruption, she began to question her choices, both material and emotional. Instead of seeking outward answers she went inwards, creating an alternative Eat, Pray, Love for the polycrisis.
Inner prepping, or altering your private, interior world as a form of civil resistance, is an oblique way of coming at the classic feminist idea that the personal is political. Grose takes us on an exhilarating, funny, erudite and ultimately uplifting tour of the practices she tried out, including ego-dismantling retreats, animal communication, and tantra, offering myriad ways to revolutionise ourselves and others.
Praise
‘These revolutionary pages blew me away with extraordinary pleasure.’
— Devorah Baum, author of On Marriage
‘Interesting and intriguing, inspiring and amusing.’
— Adam Phillips, author of On Giving Up
‘Reporting in from the fringes of radical communities and ideas, she gives us theory and action, a considered ‘how to’, no nonsense guide to thinking our way out of advanced capitalism . Plus she’s funny, clever and wise, self aware and also, deeply committed to changing how she and all of us live our precious lives.’
— Monique Roffey, author of The Mermaid of Black Conch
‘One of the most beautifully voiced, thought-provoking, and imaginatively argued calls to action for our planet — as our options narrow, Anouchka Grose thrillingly describes a widening of possibility if we only open our minds to more alternative and compassionate ways of coexistence. Many a reader will be transformed by this handbook-memoir-manifesto.’
— Chloe Aridjis, author of Book of Clouds
‘I found this book to be such a delight. Grose takes us through a fantastic array of ideas and practices that we’re in dire need of if we want to get through these terrifying times. Moreover, she does so with both erudition and wit, and with a conversational verve and charm that are irresistible. The book is a completely winning combination of profundity and liveliness — and it will leave you feeling galvanised, hopeful, and excited. If Grose has got anything to do with it, I think we’ll get through! ‘
— Katherine Angel, author of Unmastered: A Book on Desire, Most Difficult to Tell
‘Anouchka Grose’s account of her own adventures in political and psychospiritual transformation is funny and moving , and her exposition of the ideas informing it, from Marx and Freud to eco-philosophy and indigenous thinkers, is luminous, accessible and fascinating. With great warmth, humility and wit, she encourages us to question the quality and meaning of our lives under consumer capitalism and explore what it might mean to live differently.’
— Josh Cohen, author of All the Rage
‘Inspiring, smart and very funny, this book offers a hopeful — and, more importantly, fun — path forward. In a world where so much feels grim, it’s a gem. Anouchka weaves together big ideas in a way that feels effortless to take in. I now want to move to the Portugal commune, write letters to rats, and have sex with sexy world-changers.’
— Marianne Power, author of Love Me! One Woman’s Search for a Different Happy Ever After
