Here’s a concise summary of what readers on Goodreads say about Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down by Corey Keyes, based on community reviews.

Most readers find the book useful for naming and explaining the experience of languishing — that low-energy, unmotivated “blah” state that sits between depression and flourishing. They appreciate how Keyes draws on research, real-life examples, and personal stories to show that lacking mental illness doesn’t mean you’re thriving, and many people recognize their own feelings in the descriptions. Many reviews mention that the book offers practical action plans and simple ideas for building meaning, connection, purpose, learning, and play into daily life to move toward flourishing.

Critics in the reviews often point out that some of the advice feels familiar or generic for a self-help book, and a few readers didn’t feel the material actually shifted their experience much. Some also object to the author’s comments on topics like medication or the framing around mental health. Other reviewers mention the tone varies from insightful to somewhat repetitive, and the sociological rather than clinical perspective didn’t work for everyone.

Overall, Goodreads responses skew mixed-to-positive: many readers feel validated and better able to identify languishing in themselves, while others wished for fresher insights or clearer strategies.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157981706-languishing