Imagine a book that doesn’t point an accusing finger at you, but instead extends a hand with an understanding smile and says, “Relax, power isn’t the enemy… you just have to learn how to use it well.” That’s exactly  what Abuso de Poder is , the collaborative work published by Editorial Cuatro Hojas, which, with its 168 paperback pages, has become a refreshing and profoundly transformative read in 2026.

The book’s great strength lies in its initial premise, repeated like a liberating mantra: “ Power itself is not bad. It can be a guide or an impetus that promotes the growth or evolution of a group. We all wield power because we all have an impact on one another .” The real problem arises when that power is exercised without responsibility or integrity, and that’s where abuse comes in. But what’s fascinating is that the six authors—José Miguel Ponce Núñez, Encarni López Cerrillo, Juan Carlos Gregorio Rubio, Ana Franco Villanueva, José Antonio Garrido Martín, and Jesús Jiménez Calvo—don’t stop at simply denouncing abuse. Chapter by chapter, they construct a luminous puzzle that reveals the subtle faces of abuse: the email that never arrives, the promotion that vanishes, the hurtful joke disguised as humor, the condescending tone that slowly erodes.

What makes this book so engaging and addictive is its collaborative structure. Each author contributes a unique perspective, as if six expert friends were sitting down with you for coffee and sharing their most personal experiences. The first chapter, written by José Miguel Ponce Núñez and titled  “I Can’t Take It Anymore! Abuse of Power and Toxic Bosses ,” is a powerful and visceral start. Based on true stories—including episodes of workplace bullying in university settings—it shows us how to identify the early warning signs and, above all, how to stop putting up with things beyond what’s healthy. The following chapters broaden the scope: work, family, and social dynamics… always with stories that make you nod, “This sounds so familiar,” and immediately offer concrete tools for responding.

Herein lies the book’s profound insight: it doesn’t wallow in victimhood, but rather invites you to move beyond it. It offers  tools for internal regulation  (emotional management, rebuilding self-esteem, techniques for processing stress without accumulating resentment) and  external  regulation (assertive communication, changes in group dynamics, clear boundaries). It’s a psychological and practical approach that empowers: faced with a toxic boss, it doesn’t tell you to “run away now,” but rather, “first strengthen your inner self, then make clear decisions.” In a historical moment where hybrid work, networks, and blurred hierarchies multiply these invisible microaggressions, this message arrives at the perfect time.

Furthermore, the tone is approachable and optimistic. It’s not a dense academic treatise; it’s an honest conversation, with anecdotes that elicit wry smiles and reflections that resonate deeply. At just 15 euros, it becomes a smart investment for anyone who wants to grow personally, lead with greater integrity, or simply better understand the human dynamics that surround us.

It’s the kind of book you not only read, but also underline, share, and apply.

Ultimately,  Abuso de Poder  is not just an accurate diagnosis of a widespread problem; it’s a manual for resilience and transformation. It leaves you more aware, stronger, and above all, more hopeful: because while power misused destroys, power exercised well—including our own—can heal and build much better worlds. If you’re ready to stop being a passive observer and become an agent of change (starting with yourself), this book is your best ally. Don’t leave it on the shelf: open it and start putting together your own puzzle of responsible power!