WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT?
The dead privet hedge is a reminder to discover whether you are spending too much energy and time on relationships that do not benefit you.
Too many of us are stuck, either in family dynamics or friendships that are essentially over, but we can’t break free, or we may hesitate to say anything, hoping things might become pleasant again.
Many of us also take on too much responsibility and find it difficult to set boundaries.
The book provides tools from Cognitive therapy and Mindfulness to help you identify necessary adjustments for living your best life.
THE REVIEW ON THE COVER OF THE BOOK:
“After experiencing Mette B. Lorenzen’s insightful presentations and reading her first book, expectations were high—and once again, she delivers.
Her ability to make complex topics accessible and practical is impressive.
A must-read for anyone looking to prevent stress and create a more harmonious life.”
Jakob Herbert Pedersen
Director, Global Manufacturing, Vestas
WHY IS THE BOOK CALLED “THE DEAD PRIVET HEDGE”?
I use figurative language and humor to convey my points. A touch of humor and a smile go a long way.
But make no mistake; my books are based on cognitive therapy, which is evidence-based.
In the book, I compare our relationships to a privet hedge. A hedge can both appropriately shield and inappropriately limit.
Imagine if there were more energy, time, and freedom to be found, even in private life?
Imagine if others also didn’t feel up to all the events?
Imagine if it were allowed to set yourself even more FREE from it all?
There is more freedom! And my new book helps getting it.
The book, like my first book, is written in a concrete, engaging, and practical language – and it’s also packed with explanations, tips, and tools to create more energy, enthusiasm, and freedom in your life.
FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
Do you have trouble saying no?
Are you being steamrolled by your family?
Are you stuck in friendships that are dead?
Are you suffering from consideration inflamation?
Your relations can be compared to a privet hedge. Yes, you read that right. Just take a look at the advice column here…
Excerpt from the Advice Column (Havenyt.dk)
“Can I save a privet hedge that is partially dying?
Answer:
Many gardeners are familiar with this picture. It is due to a combination of several factors:
Firstly, the hedge may consist of several different – but outwardly similar – varieties (…)
Secondly, parts of the hedge may be shaded for most of the day (…)
Thirdly, the weakening may be due to harsh pruning (…)
So, the remedy is partly to remove what is shading the hedge, partly to inspect the plants with pruning shears and remove all dead and diseased parts, and partly to keep the hedge closely trimmed for the next 2–3 years. This has saved my own hedge, which has had quite similar weaknesses, on several occasions.”
The gardening expert’s advice can actually be applied to create balance in your life – The dead privet hedge shows you how.
This is in fact not a gardening book, but a self-help book based on the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy. It is rich in nourishment and frameworks of understanding, which help you weed out the relationships that hinder your growth.
The book is intented for you, who want to optimize your life.
“Recommended for purchase at all libraries”
“For all those interested in personal development”
“The author’s linguistic style has a playful sparkle, but the message is serious”
“An engaging, well-written, and highly eye-opening self-help book”
From the Review by DBC (Danish Bibliographic Center)
REVIEWS
“Autumn has arrived, and I have the most wonderful book recommendation for you: The Dead Privet Hedge… and no, it’s truly not a gardening book. But maybe it will still inspire you to do some weeding. Is there something or someone draining your energy? The book creates space for reflection and inspires ways to bring more joy and energy into your life. In my daily life, I often hear about stress, dissatisfaction, and challenges balancing work and leisure. THANK YOU for reminding us of the importance of taking action, Mette B. Lorenzen.“
Nina May Hersig, Head of Pensions at Velliv
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“Thank you, Mette B. Lorenzen, for an inspiring, thoroughly understandable, and notably humorous approach to addressing unproductive relationships and personal development.
I love your metaphors! The importance of taking control and responsibility in one’s own life. If you teach communication, conflict management, collaboration, or are interested in personal development, this is yet another excellent book that offers new perspectives and stimulates reflection.”
Lotte Skov Malling, instructor/advisor at AMU-Fyn
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If you long for a deep sense of freedom—an inner freedom to be your true self—while also needing healthy and strong relationships with others, then you should definitely read Mette B. Lorenzen’s book The Dead Privet Hedge. Here, you’ll find guidance and valuable advice.
Excerpt from a book review in the Journal of Psychotherapy
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“The book is not specifically aimed at people with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence, yet it is one of the most ADHD-friendly books I have read so far. If, like me, you love striving for the best possible life, I highly recommend adding this book to your wish list.”
Birgitte Weisbjerg, Mentor for ADHD Women
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“I’m halfway through your wonderful book with the excellent title since its launch yesterday❤️ Your book is refreshingly uncomplicated and straightforward, and it has already provided so much material for reflection and understanding of a sensitive topic. Thank you for you and the privet hedge.”
Operations Manager, posted on LinkedIn
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“Overall, a really good book that is easy to understand despite the complex topic it addresses. It uses effective analogies and other tools to make the subject comprehensible, and it’s a topic that is relevant for most people and can be applied both personally and professionally.”
Reader review on Gucca with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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“I keep reading… you write as you speak😍 It captivates and piques curiosity to understand more, while also being very loving, with the storytelling voice of ‘US’ and ‘WE.’ So nice, Mette.”
Management Consultant
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“By the way, I finished your book. I thought, ‘There’s nothing for me in it.’ There was!”
Male HR Manager
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“I’m currently reading your new book, which hits just as accurately as the first one👍”
Business Client, posted on Facebook
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“My copy arrived in the mail. Thanks again, Mette – this book is understandable for everyone🫶 and beneficial.”
Reader, posted on LinkedIn
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Dear Mette,
I have finally finished your book The Dead Privet Hedge. When I say “finally,” I mean that I bought it when it was released, but I had to gather some courage to start reading it… probably because I “know” you and I know that you often hit on points that can be a little painful 🫣😅
I have read many books, of various genres—and in the past few years, during a period of significant personal growth, quite a few self-development books. And I must say that yours is the best and most well-written book I have ever read! It’s written in a language that even a “regular” like me can understand, and yet it is so deep and insightful that what I’m reading makes perfect sense! I’ve recognized myself in most of the book, and especially in Chapter 3: “Do you have childhood scars?” You could have been describing my childhood, and it was both frightening, touching, and liberating to learn that those childhood wounds are the REASON I am who I am today. Both the good and the bad. They are the reason I sometimes have enough of my own company, and that it’s okay. That it’s okay. That I am good enough and have done well, despite my childhood wounds… a little tear rolled down my cheek 😢
It was shocking how many “checks” I could tick off for most things, and when I read the section about the consequences of growing up with a parent with psychopathic traits, I got chills down my spine. SPOT ON!
I have come a long way and have done well in life despite the shocks I’ve experienced. Your book gives me an incredible understanding of WHY I sometimes react the way I do, and with this knowledge, I no longer need to feel wrong or different. What a relief! So, dear Mette, I want to say a huge THANK YOU for a fantastic book and experience! 🫶🏼
Former client
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The book is not yet in English but will be soon.