I Just Get So . . . Angry! is a book about adolescents dealing with anger and other strong emotions — such as body image, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and substance abuse —prominent in today's teenagers. The co-authors, Bowden and Bowden, encourage the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to identify strategies to build resilience and overcome difficulties. ACT uses the premise that an individual observes experiences and accepts events, distinct from thoughts, feelings, sensations and memories.

The book uses a simple comic format to appeal to adolescents (particularly young males), commencing with a myriad of questions a young person might wonder, but not express verbally. The authors use everyday examples of internal conflict that teenagers experience and struggle to conceptualise rationally (e.g., jealously, a breakdown in a relationship, family grief and disappointment after parental separation).

The analogy they use of a ‘fog’ consuming the main character, Andy, is an identifiable means that teenage boys often use to describe their predicament — having no clarity, no sense of solution or direction, and falling or sinking into a dark hole — everything insurmountable or hopeless. The metaphor of ‘the beast’, the emotion that they feel they cannot control, is particularly appropriate because teenagers often find it difficult to describe or intellectualise the emotion they feel. It can be a nondescript thing, without face or name.

References to grounding, senses, breathing and stillness strategies — forms of meditation and mindfulness — to assist adolescents in slowing their feelings down are constructive. This is incredibly useful for teenagers to help rationalise their surroundings and circumstances. It is cleverly disguised in language that anyone would easily accept and understand; some adolescents do not embrace ‘alternative’ methods and therapy and would not be seen meditating or practising more traditional eastern methods of relaxation. Their NAME acronym (notice, acknowledge, make room, expand) — giving time and space — highlights the distinction that thoughts are not necessarily true and therefore can be noticed, then let go. Such a cognitive shift can be beneficial as an individual becomes present: processing (at a slight distance) everyday events, taking ownership as they solve problems, challenging their (unhelpful) thoughts, and setting realistic and attainable goals for themselves.

Another positive aspect of the book was the use of humour in both dialogue and the illustrations of the sea eagle. Often teenagers are cynical or use sarcasm. I Just Get So . . . Angry! has an element of this to appeal to young adults, although without endorsing ostracism or alienation. The book emphasises that it is the individuals’ choice, commensurate with their personal values, which goals or actions they are prepared to commit to, in a language fitting their age and level of emotional maturity.

I Just Get So . . . Angry! engages the understanding of anger, that it is not a ‘bad’ emotion, but rather normalising it and the motives behind it. It is more important to understand anger (and other strong emotions) and feel more confident in how to manage emotions in a flexible, positive manner. It would be an advantageous read to have in any social-emotional welfare section of secondary schools and psychologists’ offices. There are also practical exercises at the back of the book regarding anger, along with downloadable free resources on their website to use with students (individually or in small groups).