Editorial review
How I Learned To Pee in the Forest
By Sharon Neiss Arbess
Sharon Neiss Arbess’s How I Learned to Pee in the Forest is the literary equivalent of a warm cup of chamomile tea—soothing, relatable, and quietly invigorating. Through a collection of humorous memories and introspectiv...
Reviewed by CANREADS
Sharon Neiss Arbess’s How I Learned to Pee in the Forest is the literary equivalent of a warm cup of chamomile tea—soothing, relatable, and quietly invigorating. Through a collection of humorous memories and introspective explorations, Neiss Arbess shows that every experience, no matter how awkward, carries a lesson. Her storytelling reinforces the notion that everything happens for a reason, gently nudging readers toward self-awareness, resilience, and a light-hearted appreciation of life’s unpredictability.
Neiss Arbess structures the book around short chapters that pair playful storytelling with gentle calls to reflect. Each one closes with an “exercise snack,” a short prompt encouraging readers to consider the lesson within the anecdote they just read. The writing is clear, grounded in everyday observations that grow more and more resonant as the book unfolds. This format makes it wonderfully accessible—readers can dip in and out, yet every chapter lands with warmth, humour, and heart.
The collection shines in its exploration of community and connection. Neiss Arbess reminds us that the people who surround us help shape our character, often in subtle ways that reveal themselves only in hindsight. Chapter twelve captures this especially well, highlighting the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you. With her editor’s encouragement, Neiss Arbess finds herself capable of tackling a daunting new writing assignment despite initial uncertainty. It’s a small moment delivered with quiet clarity, one of many stories that celebrate the quiet impact of good company–the kind that lifts, steadies, and teaches, making the book both insightful and deeply human.
Some sections feel brief, and there are moments where readers may wish Neiss Arbess lingered a little longer on an insight or emotional beat to develop the idea further. Still, the succinctness contributes to the book’s rhythm and readability. The reflections remain sincere and engaging, offering just enough guidance without overstaying their welcome.
A collection of stories that comforts and entertains in equal measure, Neiss Arbess’s How I Learned to Pee in the Forest turns everyday misadventures into warm, wisdom-soaked reminders that nothing we live through is ever wasted. Each chapter is an adventure, leaving readers inspired, lighter, and wanting more.
—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW
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