Just Say Yes—Tenth Anniversary Edition

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By SB Borcy

Catherine Hiller’s Just Say Yes—Tenth Anniversary Edition is a striking and unapologetic work that invites readers into a life boldly lived. With clarity, courage, and literary finesse, Hiller challenges convention and fearlessly examines the personal, political, and cultural dimensions of cannabis use—while weaving a memoir that is as intellectually engaging as it is deeply human.

Hiller's writing is characterized by a sharp and confident voice that is rooted in the understanding of the importance of truth-telling and the artistic form of storytelling. Her narrative is seamlessly integrated with introspection and observational wit, resulting in a natural flow. Her prose is not only eloquent but also accessible, allowing readers of all backgrounds to engage with her reflections, regardless of whether they have experienced the same things as she has. The conversational and deliberate structural framework expertly guides the reader through decades of personal evolution, cultural shifts, and legal battles.

Autonomy, choice, and resistance are the fundamental themes of Hiller's book, Just Say Yes. The discourse on stigma, legality, and self-expression is reframed and stereotypes are challenged by her forthrightness regarding her long-term cannabis use — and the relief, joy, and insight it has provided her. However, the book is not merely a manifesto for marijuana advocacy; it is a nuanced reflection on the topics of motherhood, aging, relationships, and the question of how to live a life in accordance with one's values. Hiller's reflections are often disarming and courageous, especially in a society that frequently rewards conformity and silence.

The emotional impact of the book is derived from its honesty. Readers may be compelled to reevaluate their preconceived notions, not only with respect to cannabis but also with respect to the subtler compromises they have made in their personal lives. The book functions as an intellectual conversation starter, offering substance without pretense and philosophy without dogma.

Just Say Yes—Tenth Anniversary Edition stands as a beacon for personal liberty and self-defined living. Hiller’s voice is a rare one: honest without being combative, personal without being insular. This is a book that empowers, provokes, and stays with you long after the final page.

A must-read for anyone who values fearless memoir, cultural commentary, or the ongoing fight for personal freedom written with insight, wit, and clarity.

About the Author

Catherine Hiller

Catherine Hiller grew up in Greenwich Village and Park Slope. She attended Hunter College High School, Brooklyn College, Sussex University, and Brown, where she got a PhD in English. 

She is the author of six novels, two children's book, a memoir, and SKIN, a book of short stories which John Updike praised as being "good, brave and joyful writing".

Her recent book THE FEUD (November, 2018), is a novel about a workplace vendetta between two women who used to be good friends: Nikki (who smokes a lot of weed) and Roberta (who drinks a lot of wine). Set in the 1990's, when technology was changing personal and business life, the story shows how a feud can escalate. The two women damage each other professionally, romantically, and, finally physically. Who will win? 

The story was inspired by a feud at a company where the author worked many years ago. 

Her previous book, JUST SAY YES: A MARIJUANA MEMOIR, led her to becoming something of a cannabis activist. The first chapter was published in the New York Times Sunday Review, and she was also profiled by the Times. She has written about cannabis for MerryJane, Cannabis.net, Greenflower Media, and Huffington Post. 

Catherine Hiller lives with her husband and their dog just north of New York City. She has three adult sons and works as a freelance book editor. Her scandalous new novel, CYBILL UNBOUND, about the sexual adventures of an older woman, will be published February 14, 2023, by Heliotrope Books.