Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
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
I listened to the audio version of this book read by Rachel Hollis herself because a few co-workers suggested it. I didn't know anything about Hollis beforehand and have never read her blog. I also hadn't seen all the reviews beforehand, and woah are they a mix of hate and obsession! I fall somewhere in the middle for this one as there were certain chapters that were good and entertaining, but other chapters were a bit ridiculous.
A few things I enjoyed;
1) It was entertaining in that Hollis gives some pretty funny examples or embarrassing stories that make the book more lighthearted than many self-help books.
2) The chapter about new moms. I don't yet have children but I enjoyed that this chapter was about accepting that as a new parent, other things aren't going to get done soon or done well. Instead, you should focus on the fact your baby is happy and healthy, and you are also taking care of yourself. A bit silly and not groundbreaking, but also a good reminder written in a funny way that you shouldn't be expected to do anything other than take care of your baby and yourself in the first few weeks. Laundry, cleaning? Forget about it, and don't get stressed about it.
3) Another chapter about moms and not having us judge each other. Hollis uses an example of a mom on a plane with a bratty child who was screaming and the mother wasn't doing much to silence him. A little while later, the child has gummy bears which Hollis took as the mother “rewarding" him for his bad behavior and just gave him what he wanted so he would stop. Then, Hollis sees the mom later and pays more attention, seeing the tired eyes and defeated attitude as well as the father who looks shell-shocked. Hollis then steps back and realizes maybe the family is dealing with more issues and maybe the parents haven't quite figured out what to do for their child. Certainly there are bad parents in the world, but maybe we shouldn't be so quick to judge every single family when we don't know their story.
4) Being your own hero, complete with reference to Bonnie Tyler's song “I Need a Hero". I felt this chapter as well as a couple others, were a good reminder that in order to accomplish your dream, next task, etc. you need to become your own hero and can't wait for things to fall in your lap. Also, you can't necessarily take no for an answer, but rather you have to keep pushing and finding new ways to accomplish your goal. There were reminders that women are constantly told no or are expected
Things I didn't enjoy;
1) There was nothing groundbreaking about this book. It was motivating at times, yes, but it's been about a week and I've already forgot much of her messages. This is not a very good sign for a self-help book.
2) Although Hollis admits to certain traumas and difficulties in her life, at times it comes across a bit flippant. As well as the fact she seems very naive that everyone who has had trauma will be able to move past it. Everyone deals with grief and trauma differently, and many cannot seek therapy due to monetary restrictions. Many who could afford therapy have other roadblocks mentally or otherwise that won't allow them to get therapy. I agree that therapy is a fantastic thing no matter what has happened in your past as it's helpful to have a professional assist you in working through different thoughts. However, this is not a cure-all especially as each individual needs different things.
3) The entire chapter on addiction and “alcoholism". This portion was very naive of Hollis and truly made me annoyed. Hollis discusses how she started having a few drinks a night to cope with things and had many hungover mornings so then she just stopped drinking. This is not alcoholism, and her making it sound as if she overcame alcoholism and can now drink just 1 glass a night is infuriating. Addiction is a real issue and it isn't just about accepting you are doing something wrong and getting over it. Hollis telling us to be honest with ourselves with "addictions" such as loosing ourselves for a while in a romance novel? I don't even know how to critique this.
4) The portion where one of her goals was to buy a $1,000 Louis Vuitton purse and that she promised she would get it after getting her first $10,000 pay check. That was her goal and no judgement, but if you are trying to write a book for the masses, this does not register on many of our levels. One of my current goals is to buy a new couch and a $10,000 check isn't coming to me without hitting the lotto. So, maybe find some better examples or when you were living pay check to pay check, because this just made it sound as if she was bragging about her successes.
So half of me says it's an entertaining book that does motivate you a bit. And the other half says it's not truly worth the read as I didn't have any ah ha moments or huge takeaways.
Synopsis: Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF, helping women unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward.