Disappointing Affirmations

USA Today Bestseller

Let’s be honest: sometimes the relentless drumbeat of “good vibes only” feels less like encouragement and more like gaslighting. Disappointing Affirmations is the antidote to toxic positivity we didn’t know we needed—a hilarious, weirdly comforting book that says what we’re all thinking but afraid to admit.

Created by Dave Tarnowski, the brilliant mind behind the wildly popular @disappointingaffirmations Instagram account, this book pairs gorgeous vacation photography with brutally honest affirmations that land somewhere between encouraging and existentially exhausted. You can do it! But you probably won’t. And also: Be kind to yourself, asshole. It’s the permission slip to feel your feelings without forcing a smile.

What makes this collection special is its sneaky wisdom. Beneath the sarcasm and wit lies genuine empathy for anyone who’s ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or just tired of pretending everything is fine. This is self-help for people who are suspicious of self-help—and it actually works.

Bonus feature: The book’s jacket unfolds into a motivational poster, ready to disappoint anyone who visits your home or office.

Perfect for college grads facing the “real world,” anyone experiencing burnout or empathy fatigue, fans of satirical humor like The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, or that friend who always sends you the darkest memes. Sometimes the most comforting thing isn’t a warm hug—it’s someone saying, “Yeah, this is hard, and that’s okay.”

Unfollow your dreams. You’re doing great, sweetie.

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