Book Number One of Twenty Five.
The first book of the new year, I’m on track for a great new goal. That is always a good feeling. I’m doing my best to read every day, which is helping a ton with my writing because I’ve been writing every day. While I’m sort of harsh with this book, I did enjoy reading it. Check out my review, that is originally posted on Goodreads.
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I kept seeing this book talked about, so I wanted to get into and see what the fuss was about. I was blessed enough to have received a copy from a dear friend and dived right in. I read about a chapter a day. And got through the book rather quickly.
This was my first book experience with any sort of inspiration, go-get-em, self-help category.
My first take is the writer has a very personable, relatable voice. I really did enjoy the tone of the book. I felt as if I was reading a friend’s letter vs an authoritative voice. That is always something I like in a book. Reading it as if I know the person. That is why Twilight was so amazing to me the first time I read, I related to Bella. And why I had such a hard time with The Bell Jar, I didn’t relate to the narrator. I didn’t understand the perspective. (Though I loved it that book too.)
When it comes to the content of the book, I wasn’t overly thrilled. There were ideas I just didn’t agree with. The way she used the Bible didn’t sit well with me. There are times Hollis comes off as a perfect princess and others a poor pauper. It was hard to judge exactly how she saw herself. And if I can’t understand that viewpoint, I’m not sure I can take her advice. If she’s the expect teaching how to rise above these issues but isn’t giving a solid voice it’s hard to take it at her word.
While I do find it brave to put your life story on paper and share with the world, I’m not sure all her tactics are feasible for every woman. I did take good things away too. I loved her go-get-em attitude. Her way of inspiring any reader to start going after their dream was perfect. I felt encouraged to take a step in the direction of my own dreams. That part of the book was incredibly well done. I loved her inspirational tone.
Overall, it was not a waste of my time. But I don’t recommend it.