It's Not Just You - Greta Thunberg

This book split our group. While some enjoyed the read, taking copious notes and agreeing with the concepts, the others found it hard work.

It is an intellectual book, written in long sentences full of new language (the glossary at the back was vital). I had to read sentences several times over to make sure I understood the meaning, making it a slow and difficult read. That said the member with a background in mental health issues was full of praise, so maybe a good grounding in the issues may have helped.

It explores the damage to mental health caused by climate change. This issue is so huge and all encompassing. The effects and our agency to make a difference can drag individuals on a downward spiral, or can give focus to lift us out. The book explored the ‘deification’ of some such as Greta Thunberg, with her mass of followers, and the fact she never asked for this and will find it difficult to escape and move on. Chris Packham receives the same treatment but has the maturity to be able to use his fame, though again has been affected by other people's expectations that he can save the world.

The future and hope within this book lies in the dismantling of capitalism and the rise of anti-individualism. Collaboration and group projects will become the focus, in other words a major change in the world order. Some of us are keen for this new future, while others worried about how this would be achieved (and showed their individualism by worrying about property prices and pensions)

It's Not Just You is a thought provoking but difficult read - and we all need that sometimes.

Elizabeth Eveleigh