A daring, provocative manifesto on what it means for women to be ‘good’ – and what happens when we stop

*THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* 'A stunning, big and bold encyclopedia of how to live' LISA TADDEO 'Astute, radical and utterly compelling' KATHERINE MAY 'You will finish this book and immediately hand your copy over to your best friend' JENNIFER ANISTON _______________ Why do women equate self-denial with being ‘good’? We congratulate ourselves when we resist the donut in the office breakroom. We celebrate our restraint when we hold back from sending an email in anger. We put others’ needs ahead of our own and believe this makes us exemplary. Journalist and podcast host Elise Loehnen explains that these impulses – often lauded as distinctly feminine instincts – are actually ingrained in us by a culture that reaps the benefits, via an extraordinarily effective collection of social mores: Lust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride. These so-called ‘deadly sins’ have been used by the patriarchy to control women throughout our history. For instance, a fear of gluttony drives us to ignore our appetites and an aversion to greed prevents us from negotiating a better salary at work. So, what would happen if we stopped trying to be ‘good’? Provocative and bold, On Our Best Behaviour is a probing analysis of history and contemporary culture that explains how women have internalised the patriarchy, and how they unwittingly reinforce it. By sharing her own story and the spiritual wisdom of other traditions, Elise Loehnen shows how we can break free and discover a path toward a more balanced, fulfilled way to live. _______________ 'This is a really important book' CHELSEA HANDLER 'A guide to liberation and a return to the authentic feminine self' GABOR MATÉ 'Brilliantly reframes our toxic cultural programming' LORI GOTTLIEB

"This enlightening read explores the ways we learn to practise self-denials as women through the lends of the seven deadly sins and the devastating price we pay for it" - Stylist

"Loehnen uses the seven deadly sins to track the ways in which women are encouraged to mute their own desires. It is a manifesto for happiness rather than busyness, for pleasure rather than fasting — a plea to stop racing towards a place that does not exist" - Sunday Times Style

"Loehnen's book is a whirlwind of fury about the way the Seven Deadly Sins have been co-opted to keep us small and obedient" - Sunday Telegraph

"The book is engagingly alive to the complexities involved" - Sydney Morning Herald

"You’re going to love this book’s combination of history and argument and righteousness and kindness" - Cool Story podcast

"Your book, at its essence, is pulling the thread of some pretty long held beliefs and potentially the fabric of society as we know it" - ABC Radio Melbourne

"If you are a people pleaser, feel that you sacrifice your own needs, wants, feelings, and parts of your identity in order to feel loved and accepted, this book is perfect for you. It would also suit teenage girls, women in their 20s and anyone questioning their internal happiness" - Glam Adelaide

"[On Our Best Behaviour] is a thought-provoking read that holds up a mirror to society . . . I devoured this book, even breaking out the highlighters and sticky tabs to mark my favourite quotes. It puts into words experiences I, and many other women, have known but may not have had the words to articulate until now. An absolute must read piece of non-fiction this year" - Fashion Journal

"A deep dive into the everyday challenges faced by 30- and 40-something women, and an insightful look into the deeper societal forces at play. If you are Gen X you will feel" - Primer: 21 of the Best Books We Read This Year

"An engaging work that offers an opportunity for pause and reflection regarding our daily choices" - Kirkus Reviews

"A deep dive into my own psyche of questioning everything" - The View

"A fascinating read . . . it blows your mind. I highly recommend this book . . . I left feeling energized and galvanized to take back my true fucking freedom. And I hope it has the same impact on you" - iWeigh