As the number of doctoral students grows, both for online and more traditional routes to doctorates, Dianne Conrad felt it was time to offer sage advice. It is most welcome. Now that the nature of doctoral programs is more varied— the traditional PhD, the course-based + project PhD, the applied doctorate, the doctorate by published work — navigating where to study, with whom and with what focus and intention is becoming more complex. As the support for doctoral students has declined, many find themselves alone, stuck or disconnected. Conrad’s book is full of practical, insightful advice about the need for community, project management skills, determination and the ability to manage mental and physical health.