“Where was Kathryne Young when I was trying to decide whether to go to law school? When I was trying to decide whether to drop out? When I was outlining torts, sobbing, in the library? And when I was freaking out about jobs? Never mind. She's here now. I’m so glad that generations of law students, lawyers and legal academics, and the folks who love them will have her patient, generous, and deeply wise voice in their heads as they launch into a life in the law. Or decide not to, which is also allowed. A big-hearted look at what can be a cold-hearted time. A must-read for the young lawyers in your orbit.”
– Dahlia Lithwick, Slate
– Dahlia Lithwick, Slate
"How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School comes at a most important time in legal education and will be of immeasurable benefit to law students. Kathryne Young’s insights—many borne out of her own experience, alongside the experience of many attorneys—offer an honest and rare glimpse into the challenges of law school. Young provides readers with a useful and hopeful path to more fully experience the excitement and realize the opportunities found in law school and the practice of law."
– Scott L. Rogers, Professor, University of Miami Law School, and author of Mindfulness for Law Students
– Scott L. Rogers, Professor, University of Miami Law School, and author of Mindfulness for Law Students
“How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School is a remarkably wise book. A lawyer-turned-sociologist, Katie Young combines a critical perspective on the law school experience with concrete steps law students can take to survive, and even thrive. Her readers will come away from the book reassured that they are not alone, and inspired to tackle the challenges in front of them with courage, common sense, and even a good laugh every now and then.”
– Pamela S. Karlan, Stanford Law School
– Pamela S. Karlan, Stanford Law School
"This is a must read for everyone considering law school, those in the middle of it, those having to live with a law student (literally or figuratively), and for those of us teaching them. It is based not just on Kathryne's personal experiences but on those of hundreds of law students and alumni. It combines pedagogical insights with mental health knowledge. Best of all, it is such a fun read. It made me laugh, belly-achingly hard at times. At other moments it moved me close to tears. It is a how-to survive book but there is so much more to it. It's the best out there, and I recommend pre-ordering it."
— Nora Demleitner, Professor and former Dean, Washington and Lee University School of Law
— Nora Demleitner, Professor and former Dean, Washington and Lee University School of Law
"Calm, wise, funny, compassionate, creative, enlightened...law students??? Okay, so perhaps these aren't the first words that most lawyers would use to describe themselves at law school, but this eloquent and absorbing book puts such virtues within reach, even for the most harried lawyer-to-be. I'm using it as a guide to a sort-of-happier life, myself, and I'm not even a law student!"
— Ruth Ozeki, bestselling author of A Tale for the Time Being
— Ruth Ozeki, bestselling author of A Tale for the Time Being
“As the saying goes, happiness is a function of expectations. If that’s the case, How To Be Sort of Happy in Law School is an important correction to many harmful myths concerning law school success, opening up new ways for students to think about their legal educations and careers. With wit that is only outdone by its wisdom, this book should be included in every law student’s admission packet for years to come.”
– Osagie K. Obasogie, University of California, Berkeley
– Osagie K. Obasogie, University of California, Berkeley