Our Take

Running on Empty is a groundbreaking work that names and addresses an issue millions of people struggle with but can't quite articulate. Dr. Webb's concept of Childhood Emotional Neglect fills a crucial gap in our understanding of psychological wounds—focusing not on what happened, but on what didn't happen. Her compassionate, accessible approach helps readers recognize patterns they may have carried for decades: feeling disconnected despite having a "good" life, struggling to identify emotions, or feeling fundamentally flawed without knowing why. What sets this book apart is its practical, actionable guidance. Webb doesn't just diagnose the problem; she provides concrete exercises and strategies for reconnecting with your emotional self and building healthier relationships. The writing is clear and validating without being clinical or overwhelming, making complex psychological concepts accessible to general readers. For those who found insight in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk or Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, this book offers complementary perspective and healing tools. Essential reading for anyone who has ever felt inexplicably empty or disconnected, Running on Empty offers both explanation and hope for a more emotionally fulfilling life.