There are two main parts to this book – part one covers theories around assertiveness, with part two being more scenario based, focusing on different areas of life. Each section has useful exercises to get you thinking about the area under discussion.

Understandably on such a topic, some of the background information in the book is not new.  However, the way it is presented enables easy reading, leaving time for reflection on the various topics. The answers to some of the exercises also appear obvious at times. This does not mean that we always act in an assertive way and I recognised how I might (or do) act or react in several of the alternatives given, prompting further thought on how changes in my behaviour would produce a more beneficial situation in the future.

The scenarios in part two offer useful insights into how others may perceive the behaviour presented and applying the theories to these situations to work out solutions.  Having gone through different issues, the book encourages you to apply these to real life problems you may be experiencing, enabling you to put the learning into practice.

I enjoyed reading the book and have started to use the ideas already. I would recommend Assertiveness as a useful practical guide to anyone who doesn’t always have satisfactory interactions with others. The book might not solve these problems but it will certainly help in giving techniques and ideas how to work through them.  

I would rate it 9 out of 10.