Speaking Up For Yourself and THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB by Freya Sampson
- Marisa Gelfand
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Nova had a bruising year. After losing her dad & being shaken by a workplace incident, she moved to a small town, hoping for a fresh start. She took a job at the local community center, moved in with her fiancé, & joined his enmeshed family.
New beginnings come with fresh challenges. With the wedding approaching, decisions need to be made quickly—though you wouldn’t know it was Nova’s wedding, given how her soon-to-be mother-in-law commandeers every choice. At the Community Center, things unravel when a robbery occurs, seemingly due to her forgetting to lock up. Now her job—& the future of the community center—is at stake.
Nova is warm, generous, & likable. But she’s also a chronic people-pleaser to the point of self-erasure. Early on, others trample her boundaries. Readers may find themselves urging her to speak up & claim space for herself.
Nova transforms from a silent accommodator to someone who can set boundaries and voice her opinions. Through small victories & the camaraderie of her book club, she learns that when she stands firm & chooses her own happiness over constant placation, she thrives.
Here are tools for speaking up for yourself:
Identify Needs and Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you—what is non-negotiable, what is important, & what can be set aside. Be clear about your needs and desired outcomes before entering any conversation. Your perspective is just as valid as anyone else’s, & your priorities matter.
Rehearse Hard Conversations: Finding the right words—and the courage—can feel daunting the first time. But practice makes it easier. Start by saying your thoughts, feelings, needs, & boundaries out loud to yourself in the mirror. Then try them out with a friend. By the time you say them to people who need to hear them, you’ll feel confident.
Be A Broken Record: When others push back, resist the urge to slip into people-pleasing. Take a deep breath, stay calm, & consistently repeat your message. The goal is to hold your ground, not escalate.
