Book Review: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Taiwan
Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others
- Brene Brown
It has been more than 2 years since I read this book and got the workbook about Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab (NGT). I loved it so much that I recommended all over the groups of friends and on the internet and yet didn’t create the time to write a review. Now I crafted it and here it is.
The book is a practical and compassionate guide to one of the most undervalued life skills: learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Tawwab, a licensed therapist, dismantles the misconception that boundaries are about pushing people away. Instead, she frames them as a pathway to healthier relationships, reduced stress, and greater self-respect.
The book begins by clarifying what boundaries are and why so many people struggle with them. The author highlights how patterns of people-pleasing, fear of conflict, or guilt often prevent us from expressing our needs. For example, she describes clients who constantly say “yes” to family obligations and end up resentful, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves. Boundaries, she says, are not about selfishness but about honesty and sustainability in relationships.
One of the book’s strengths is its concreteness. Tawwab outlines six key types of boundaries—physical, sexual, intellectual, emotional, material, and time—and shows how each appears in daily life. For instance, a time boundary might mean declining a last-minute request from a coworker instead of sacrificing your evening plans. An emotional boundary might mean saying, “I hear your frustration, but I’m not in a space to talk about this right now.” These examples give readers permission to assert themselves without apology.
A good thing that the book is preparing you is the uncomfortable reality that boundary-setting often invites resistance. NGT give you (if you decide to read this book) scripts for handling pushback and emphasizes that discomfort is normal but temporary. Even if the road is far from comfortable and it is a whole process in itself, having consistent boundaries foster trust and clarity rather than confusion or resentment.
What makes this book particularly accessible is its emphasis on self-reflection. I found that since the author doesn’t just give advice, she is inviting you to ask yourself tough questions, such as: What am I tolerating that makes me feel resentful? Where do I say “yes” when I want to say “no”? What relationships feel one-sided, and how could boundaries restore balance?
Here are some other practical questions that you can reflect on and see where boundaries are needed:
In what area of your life (work, family, friendships) do you feel most drained, and what boundary might reduce that drain?
When was the last time you said “yes” but wanted to say “no”? What stopped you?
How do you typically respond when others set boundaries with you? Do you respect them, or do you feel rejected?
If you were to set one small boundary this week, what would it be?
Overall, Set Boundaries, Find Peace is not just a book, from my perspective — it is a clear proces of understanding what are boundaries, why are they needed and also it is a toolkit for reclaiming your time, energy, and emotional well-being. I loved th blend of clarity, empathy, and practical advice and I can honestly say it is an essential reading for anyone who wants relationships rooted in respect rather than resentment.
And while setting boundaries can feel scary, frustrating, or overwhelming, they’re absolutely necessary for your health and well-being,
Photo credit goes to: Edz Norton
