X-Book

Half-Arse Human

Get in the xigxag app
Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book. Pre-order Buy Now €{{ price }} Send as a gift
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

'So important' SARAH KNIGHT

"This is the only self-help book that will tell you to give up. Except . . . you don't need to give up, do you? Because you didn't start.

Me either."

Leena Norms is a half-arser. A shave-one-legger. A rinse-the-plates-and-tell-herself-any-residual-dirt-will-improve-her-immune-system-er. And yet, she is determined to live better, build a career, strengthen her relationships, be good to her body, sort out her wardrobe, find meaningful hobbies, act on her ethics, and live a full, passionate, varied life.

And it's possible. Half-Arse Human will show you to harness the power of considered chaos and upgrade the parts of your life that really matter, without expending more than you have to give. Trying to be superhuman is out - being a half-arse human is in. Find out why living a life of slap-dash isn't as shameful as it seems; in fact, it might be the key to living the life you've always wanted. In a world of high-flyers, let's at least get you in the air.

User Reviews

Book 4.8
Narration 4.9
5.0
5.0
Loved this common sense way of dealing with life and the things that affect us, thank you Leena for a well laid out book and I loved your narration, I really felt like I was sat in the room having a conversation with you.
jeannette 07/09/2025
5.0
5.0
likavges 03/09/2025
5.0
5.0
abbijacks 02/09/2025
5.0
5.0
sh 28/08/2025
5.0
5.0
joooohadam 31/07/2025
5.0
5.0
Absolutely brilliant. As a huge fan for a while, this gave me everything I expected and more. Made my half arse jogs so much more enjoyable.
glazerL 26/07/2025
2.0
5.0
SilviaSJ 11/07/2025
5.0
5.0
onasunflower 26/06/2025
5.0
5.0
This book and Leena's narration have kept me good company while caring for my son during maternity leave (a time that has possibly worsened my chronic perfectionism) in the aftermath of moving houses yet again and waiting months for our bathroom door to be installed (still waiting btw). Being given permission to half arse, being inspired to see the home potential of our rough around the edges abode and being prompted to think about what I actually would like to whole arse has been incredibly refreshing and eye opening!! Thank you loads Leena !
agnipand 18/06/2025
5.0
5.0
merlemoon 29/05/2025
5.0
5.0
I love listening to Leena on YouTube. I appreciate the calm rage she emits and her optimistic, yet realistic views.
So no surprise I enjoyed her book thoroughly.
LadyMaddinar 27/05/2025
5.0
5.0
odiesausagedog 27/05/2025
5.0
5.0
Great book. It encouraged me to give my all to some things, and permission to not be perfect in everything I do.

Leena will keep you company, make you laugh, and sometimes give you a well deserved slap in the face. This book is full of things to think about. It's perfect to listen to in little bits so you have time to process it and incorporate some things into your life.

I will definitely listen back to certain parts.
lucasgc 02/05/2025
5.0
5.0
elysedw 27/04/2025
5.0
5.0
LydSquid 23/04/2025
5.0
5.0
I'm a very big fan of Leena Norms. I looked forward to this book with much anticipation. I've been left completely speechless by the magnificence of her craft. I will always treasure this book.
SaritaV 23/04/2025
4.0
4.0
gabrielet 17/04/2025
5.0
5.0
The pace, structure and content were perfectly wholesome. Would highly recommend.
becca.kurucz 15/04/2025
4.0
5.0
Tdk 12/04/2025
5.0
5.0
A wonderful guide that inspires long term sustainable change!
Maja i Chushi 04/04/2025
5.0
5.0
It felt like a conversation with a friend :)
Adela.her 04/04/2025
5.0
5.0
SO GOOD
tfish 02/04/2025
5.0
5.0
chadim 29/03/2025
5.0
5.0
I discovered Leena when I was a teenager and I’ve religiously watched all her videos ever since. So somehow listening to this book felt like a warm soft hug, like reuniting with an old friend. Parasocial relationship much? Maybe but I still enjoyed the shit out of this book
aliciamurielg 18/03/2025
5.0
4.0
This is a bit vegan heavy with examples but there's a lot of good advice Re half-arsing various parts of life and I think it's well worth the listen/read.
I do watch Leena on YouTube, so I was expecting a bit more of a conversational flow in the reading, which there isn't, but all the same she had a lovely reading voice for this book.
ahbuggrit 15/03/2025
5.0
5.0
mairiela 08/03/2025
5.0
5.0
lyd.elaine 03/03/2025
5.0
5.0
Loved this to bits. I listened to it whilst caring for my newborn baby, who cries a lot and does not sleep well. So I spend hours holding him in my arms to let him sleep, and Leena was very good company. I struggle a lot with perfectionism, but I also have lots of creative ideas which I obviously don’t start because it could turn out (the horror) imperfect. So listening to someone I have come to know a little bit through her YouTube channel who whispers that I am ‘allowed’ to half arse a lot of things, was a nice change to the harsh things I often tell myself. I am going to gift this to two of my best friends ❤️
amberlinde 18/02/2025
4.0
5.0
Anouksbooks 15/02/2025
5.0
5.0
malin 06/02/2025
3.0
3.0
maybe_a_vampire 04/02/2025
5.0
5.0
frejsb 03/02/2025
5.0
5.0
sagefright 29/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Approachable tips for reflection & encouragement to do SOMETHING which is always better than nothing.
Filled with heart, humour and hope.
_curly_ 27/01/2025
5.0
5.0
BruisedBanana 24/01/2025
5.0
5.0
The most refreshingly honest and comforting self-help book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. One curly wurly short of a half-arse miracle.
francey177 24/01/2025
4.0
5.0
sarkamatty 21/01/2025
5.0
5.0
talkana 17/01/2025
5.0
4.0
barbarafed 17/01/2025
4.0
5.0
I really enjoyed this audiobook and the laid back, chatty style it was delivered in. While I didn't find all the advice applicable to my life as someone who is likely a very different person from Leena, I found many of the perspectives and tips quite helpful and I'm excited to get on with some half arsed improvements to myself, my life, and my place in the world! Thanks for a great audiobook experience!
pumpkindust 17/01/2025
5.0
3.0
cpmba 16/01/2025
4.0
5.0
teresari 16/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Loved it! Amazing work and lovely narration!
veerakatariina 15/01/2025
5.0
5.0
I really enjoyed listening to this Audio book, some really practical and thought provoking suggestions that are achievable and down to earth.
Would definitely recommend!
Jazzyrococat 14/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Upliftingly real. A ‘self-help’ book that is actually possible to fully follow through with and reap all the rewards of. Lena really feels like she’s in it (life) with you and values your time and energy as much as you should yourself.
marilgc 12/01/2025
5.0
5.0
eisoryam 12/01/2025
5.0
5.0
flo_rina 12/01/2025
5.0
5.0
I pre ordered this book cos I knew it would be amazing and It did not disappoint!! I just love this book and will keep going back to it!
im a gnu 12/01/2025
5.0
5.0
nika0 09/01/2025
5.0
5.0
It's only January and I've already found my best book of the year. I'm imagining all the little far flung pockets of the world that are going to be made a little calmer, saner, better because of someone reading this book. Thank you Leena <3
Brittney 08/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Really enjoyed listening in the car on my trip to and from Sheffield this New year. I loved hearing Leenas narration.
I have bought a physical copy for my sister and one for myself to have a flick through when I need reminding that I don't have to whole arse every aspect of my life!

Thank you Leena

kellebeany 06/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Beautifully written and funny. So wonderful to listen to as a long-time gumptioner who wants more people to appreciate Leena's wise and witty words!
lauralindahl 06/01/2025
5.0
5.0
emilypike 06/01/2025
5.0
5.0
This was so very very lovely. So much to think about, very motivating and validating. However I would have preferred a few more references to curly wurlys.
stphmrns 06/01/2025
5.0
5.0
This book is everything I hoped it would be and more. Absolutely smashed it Leena, Curly Wurly deserved :)
Roksana.Hajnas 04/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Wow. Just wow.

I love Leena and watch her YouTube religiously but I have to admit, I was skeptical. I actively HATE the self help genre. I know that's a strong word but as a neurodivergent, chronically ill person, every book felt like I'd been sold a dud.

This book is the answer to that. I will never have to read another self help book again. I should have guessed Leena would absolutely smash it tbh, her video essays are a work of art. But this will be my go to birthday present for literally everyone until I have given it to every single person I know. I don't think you have to know Leena and her online work to enjoy this at all. I think this is genuinely accessible for everyone who's not an uptight fart.

Thank you, Leena, this book was genuinely healing for me, you've done an absolutely cracking job.
kirstyp 04/01/2025
5.0
5.0
This book is stashed full of new, interesting, and perceptive ideas; a lot of which I'll be taking on board. I love the concept of half arse human, and would highly recommend.
awatkinssmith 03/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Followed Leena on YouTube for a few years and just like her channel, this book was like a warm and funny mentor showing you that it's okay to mess up. Better yet, plan to fail so you don't end up doing nothing. Better is *better* than best for all aspects of your life - expect for the one that matters to you.

This was a great start to my year and helped combat my all or nothing type A brain.
Praniya Rai 02/01/2025
5.0
5.0
fiona12345 01/01/2025
5.0
5.0
Soph_Naughton 01/01/2025
5.0
5.0
rosemoutarde 31/12/2024
5.0
5.0
This is a light-hearted, heartening, and enlightening book examining all the things we often absorb or are guilted into believing. So many of these things we're trying to solve from an individualist standpoint are actually symptoms of a broader problem but it is often to the benefit of corporations to make them into individual issues (to be solved by consumption) than societal or communal ones. A funny and enjoyable book for sure!
SedgeWren 30/12/2024
5.0
5.0
nuclearwasted 30/12/2024
4.0
5.0
Deadlymuffins 30/12/2024
5.0
5.0
izzyafternoon 30/12/2024
5.0
5.0
MichelleListens 29/12/2024
5.0
5.0
ceciillee 26/12/2024
5.0
5.0
Wonderful book... made me feel so much less lonely about my best never feeling 'good enough' and challenging that mantra...

Full of great ideas and some chill, actionable and joyful plans that I'm already bubbling with excitement to get going with!

emihax 21/12/2024
4.0
5.0
I never write reviews so I'm not great at it but I should probably at least half-arse it, in spirit of the book! I'm a long time watcher of Leena's so without much surprise I really enjoyed listening to this and her narrative voice is pretty much perfect to me.

This was the soundtrack to a 7-hour train ride visiting family for the holidays (great timing) and I was engaged almost the whole way (Half-Arse Vegan is less interesting if you've watched Leena's channel for years).

It left me feeling hopeful and with a little list of new things to half-arse! (I love saying that)
emira687 21/12/2024

About xigxag and the x-book®

Discover the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed to simplify finding, purchasing, and enjoying your favourite books in audio format. Our flexible pricing model makes bestselling audiobooks affordable, offering the best audiobook deals without the need for a subscription. You can also give the perfect gift with our convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

A core differentiator of xigxag is our groundbreaking listen-and-read x-book® technology, which delivers a truly immersive digital book experience. This unique innovation seamlessly combines the audiobook, text, and images into a brilliant, integrated format, complete with exclusive audiobook features and a next-generation digital reading experience. Our growing x-book selection is easily discoverable by looking for the distinctive purple x-book® ribbon, or by simply filtering your search by ‘x-book’.

Beyond our technology, xigxag is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we stand as a leader in audiobook innovation and a compelling alternative to big tech. Our commitment extends to delivering extraordinary customer service, provided by our friendly UK support team.

Effortlessly search audiobooks, gain insights from honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. You can download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere, guaranteeing the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.