Luna Spark’s ‘Beyond Burnout’
Hi friends.
I’ve had the privilege of reviewing my friend’s new book, Beyond Burnout. Most of you know I am a freelance editor and writer, and I do not take my book reccs lightly. It is my hope this review reaches those it is meant for, and that this book helps those who need it.
After the review, learn a little about the author and where to find her book.
Luna Spark’s Beyond Burnout proves itself to be a small but mighty tool for all things under the realm of self-improvement. With a hyper-focus on burnout and the ability to overcome it, this book offers even the most avid self-improvers a wealth of information. I, myself, am obsessed with the capacity humans have to grow, evolve, and improve. My self-improvement journey has spanned several years at this point, and I was admittedly hesitant to start this book. When you’ve put so much emphasis and interest into the art of self-growth, it’s easy to feel like you know everything. Beyond Burnout has proved me wrong, and I love being proved wrong.
Yes, there are parts of the book that feel repetitive, but it serves as a gentle reminder that self-improvement is a repetitive practice. Self-improvement is a bucket of skills that we must learn and relearn on a rotating cycle. It’s important to welcome this book’s information with an open mind and an open heart. With a friendly tone that is concise and clear, Ms. Sparks guides the reader through the metaphorical ABCs (and I mean all the way to Z!) of motivation and how it relates to overcoming procrastination. The first few chapters start slowly–Sparks lays the foundation of who the book is for and why it is important. She also speaks life into the concept of burnout, which I find most people approach as a myth or something that happens by choice. Instead of feeding into those negative concepts, Sparks acknowledges its existence and then invites you on a journey that you find yourself excited for.
The first two chapters brought a sense of ‘I can do this!’, which drew me in. I wanted to learn more, do more, and understand more. Most self-help books give you the tools and a ‘now go fix it’ attitude, leaving some readers dazed, confused, and overwhelmed. One of my favorite things about Spark’s writing is that she intricately breaks down the origins and scientific meanings behind the themes in her book, like intrinsic v. extrinsic motivation, the emotions behind motivation, and the mindset shifts that take place in between. This creates a fuller, deeper understanding of the digested information, and knowing the root of the information you digest is immensely important.
Before the book dives too deeply into the practices behind avoiding burnout, Sparks guides you through a self-assessment (which is an avid journaler’s dream, by the way) that helps evaluate a starting foundation. I enjoyed taking the time to probe my current state, as understanding one’s starting point makes it easier to add new skills and information. Once you understand your starting point, Spark then helps you create solid ground underneath it. ‘The Power of Purpose’ is a compassionate chapter that aids the reader in understanding their ‘why’ behind their goals, and then talks about goal-setting in healthy ways.
One thing I really enjoy about this book is its capacity to feel like a friend, or a life coach, even, is talking to me. I find I enjoy more casual tones when I am exploring the realm of self-improvement. I want to feel seen and understood, not judged and bossed around–Sparks captures that perfectly. Beyond Burnout is also a reminder that planning and action are only pieces of the overall puzzle–it’s about mindset, too, and there’s a whole chapter on it. This book felt intricate and thorough, like an advanced landscaping project of the mind.
Prepare to learn throughout the entire book, and take your time with it, too. The thinness of it made me feel it would be a quick and easy read, but when you are intentional (as I am), you’ll want to take pause and consume its content with discipline and grace. The information it possesses is so bountiful that it is almost easy to get overwhelmed by it. It is full of activities and prompts that you can use to help guide you through your reflection and action-taking. What makes this book more powerful is that it is not workbook-style. There are no blank pages and empty lines for you to fill in. You use it in addition to your other tools (like a planner or journal). That’s where I realize the magic kicks in–just as we change, so do our goals, opinions, and foundations. This book proves itself to be reusable–something that grows and shifts as we do. One important part of Spark’s writing is the constant reminder that none of this is an easy fix; it takes time and practice. That time and practice then feed into sustainability, which Sparks is ultimately leading us to.
Even though the book is full of self-help information and guidance (some of which the average reader may not be privy to), there are absolutely no surprises. Spark is consistent with introducing each chapter, giving the information, and then preparing you for the next chapter. There was not a time during this read where I felt confused or lost–it is a literal roadmap to help break free from motivation blockers and the pre-conceived perception of burnout.
My favorite chapter is ‘Measuring Progress and Celebrating Success’--two things I am not the greatest at. Sparks reminded me just how accessible these concepts are, and that I simply needed to reach out and grab them. She explains the importance of reflection and provides prompts to help. This chapter helped remind me of my accomplishments in 2025 and that I am much further along in my goals than I’d originally considered. That’s the power of reading (another point Sparks speaks to)--humans need the reminder sometimes. Humans need a little direction, and if you’re looking for a sign, this book is a bright, red one.
Upon completing the book, I didn’t feel a sense of completion. I flipped through the book and notated my numerous dog-earred pages, notes in the margins, and highlights. This isn’t a book you ‘complete’. This is a book you read more than once and reference when you need a little pep in your motivational step. After all, as you embark on the journey ahead of you, it is always okay to pause and take another glance at the map. This book makes an excellent addition to my bookshelf, and I am filled with honor that I was asked to review such a pivotal tool in the art of self-improvement. I am immensely proud of Spark’s journey as she welcomes herself into the writing space, and I know Beyond Burnout will aid in a lot of personal evolution moving forward.
- Z
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Teara Simone is a writer and creator focused on helping people understand and overcome motivational burnout. Writing under the pen name Luna Spark, she blends compassion with practical insight to explore the emotional, psychological, and mindset shifts needed to rebuild clarity, purpose, and sustainable motivation. Beyond Burnout is her first published book and reflects her belief that growth doesn’t have to beforceful to be powerful.
INSTAGRAM: @TEARASIMONE
THREADS: @TEARASIMONE
GRAB THE BOOK HERE.