Books Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It  by Jennifer Breheny Wallace (Author)

"Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It" by Jennifer Breheny Wallace is a deeply researched exploration of how the relentless pressure to excel is harming today's youth and families. Wallace, an award-winning journalist, investigates how achievement culture — the drive to maximize success at all costs — has contributed to skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm in high-achieving schools.

Drawing on interviews with thousands of parents, educators, and experts, Wallace reveals that this toxic culture is not solely parental choice but is rooted in larger societal forces like income inequality and cultural messaging. Children internalize the message that their worth depends on accomplishments, which undermines intrinsic self-esteem and belonging.

Instead of more pressure, kids need to feel they matter unconditionally — valued for who they are beyond achievements. Wallace offers a new framework centered on this core human need of "mattering," showing how parents and educators can foster resilience, confidence, and psychological security by emphasizing authentic connection over performance.