DISAPPOINTING AFFIRMATIONS

Bestselling Book Embraced by Millions as an Antidote to Toxic Positivity

“Have a panic attack. You’ve earned it.” 

When writer Dave Tarnowski shared these words over a serene nature photo on Instagram, he knew the meme would strike a chord with people who felt alienated by the relentless positivity memes inundating social media denying what he knew to be true: “It’s OK to not be OK.” 

In a little over a year, Tarnowski’s Disappointing Affirmations Instagram account grew to 2.3 million engaged followers, and inspired a national bestselling book, Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams! published by Chronicle Books this year, resonant as a funny-because-it’s-true, sneaky self-help book for anyone who isn’t happy all the time.

“After a long sleepless night of catastrophizing and rehearsing my inadequacies, I take strange comfort in Dave Tarnowski’s new book, Disappointing Affirmations.”??•The Washington Post

Fans of Disappointing Affirmations have praised it not only for Dave’s humorous approach to hitting back at negative self-talk and our harshest inner critics, but also as a resource that has helped them feel less alone in times of struggle.

“That’s why I started making and sharing these Disappointing Affirmations,” says Tarnowski. “By making light of the negative thoughts we all have, I’m shining a light into the darkness where these scary things live and trying to show that they’re not so scary after all, nor are they unfamiliar. I’m inviting people who suffer in silence to feel seen, to look at a Disappointing Affirmation and say, ‘That’s me.’”

In addition to a nationwide bestselling book, the Disappointing Affirmations publishing partnership with Chronicle Books includes both a shareable 30-Postcard set ($12.95), and a Pencil gift set ($15.95) bearing Tarnowski’s witty and astute observations.

With the arrival of fall, its waning sunlight, and the approach of the holidays, Dave Tarnowski knows that some readers might feel seasonal loneliness creeping in. To that Tarnowski says, “It took me years to see. I was just one of many (many, many, many) who felt the same exact things. It took most of my life, but I finally learned how to feel less alone…” And eventually it brought him to one of his most popular memes, “Accept yourself for the hot mess that you are.”

Perfect for college grads, those entering the workforce, anyone facing burnout and fatigue, as well as fans of satire and sarcastic humor, Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams! is available everywhere books are sold.



About the book

Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams!
By Dave Tarnowski
ISBN:  9781797226668
96 pages, Price: $14.95

Publicity Contact
April Whitney
Chronicle Books
April_whitney@chroniclebooks.com
415.537.4253

About Chronicle Books 

Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists and writers who represent the diversity of our world and to maintaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for its employees and business partners. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com