More for women who are mothers

I did enjoy this book. much of the content spoke to me, woke me up, encouraged me to take control of my life and take action on my goals and dreams. My only real criticism is that there were a lot of times that I felt like I just couldn't relate, at all, or really follow along because it was so focused on being a good mother. I am not a mother and have chosen not to be one. More power to those that do! I salute you!!! If you're a mama and need some guidance and encouragement... this book is bomb!!! But for me, I got bored with the stories. Call me a terrible person... her testimony of her experiences were gripping but they didn't resonate with me... so I lost interest for a great deal of the book. However, overall I enjoyed it and will likely listen to it again, I'll just skip through the parts that don't speak to me. I loved the author's voice both physically as she read and in her story to call to action you living in your truth and speaking it too.

2,252 people found this helpful

Not what I was expecting, and not in a good way.

I wanted to like this book. I loved at the beginning when I heard her encouraging women to understand that they have the power to change their life if they are unhappy.

Yet once we got into chapter two...it all went downhill, MAJORLY. At one point she was saying she couldn’t “trust or rely” on her friend who didn’t stick to her “whole 30 diet” The author basically said “How can I trust her to keep a promise if she can’t keep a promise to herself?” Ummm it’s a DIET Rachel, not a moral test, OHHHHHKAY!?? Then it made me think...then if we can’t trust a woman that has “failed a diet” because she didn’t “keep her promise” at some point in her life, then none of us would have female friends. Zero.

She chose a HORRIBLE example, staying on a diet does not indicate a women’s values. Or her ability to keep a promise. It’s so closed minded, I can’t handle it. She goes on to talk about diets and weight loss and if you can just “make *it* (weightloss) a priority and keep your promises to yourself (aka stick to your diet and exercise routine) then you too can lose weight and magically your life will be significantly better. Um, I just can’t even people.

This is the very SAME message the media feeds women “get your life together and stick to the diet for once!!” and I refuse to read books that support that BS. Yet the author preaches the same lies, that if we could only have will-power enough to keep our promise and stick to a diet and become thinner and more physically appealing then we would conquer our issues. No thanks. It’s 2018 and a book meant to “encourage women” should have nothing to do with trying to help them “find their ability to keep their promise and stick to a diet”

To all women out there, Please know, you are loved, worthy and capable of so much more than just sticking to a diet and changing your life/body to fit societies standards. You are so much more than a just a body.

1,861 people found this helpful

This book gave me the "brain pain"

If you like wall decals that say "live love laugh", this book might be for you.

1,377 people found this helpful

Exhaustingly Self-Serving

Ugh. I REALLY wanted to be into this book...but dang, it’s exhausting to listen someone make a case over and over for how great and successful they are...all while trying to drop a few life-advice nuggets for the reader (all of which you could get from a 20 min scan of “motivational quotes” on Pinterest). Rachel REALLY wants you to know how fantastic and accomplished she is....wait, did you actually grasp how much she has achieved? Don’t worry...she’ll tell you a hundred different ways in this book. Plus, there is SO much God/Faith/“I’m a good Christian” mumbo jumbo that it just comes off dis-genuine, preachy and un-relatable. This former preacher’s daughter really wants to sell you herself...and some heavy handed Christian values, y’all!

1,326 people found this helpful

heavy Christian undertones

Prior to pruchasing, I didnt realize the book would be religious-ish. Okay, easy y'all -- No problems with this!

Just an FYI

689 people found this helpful

Life changing

I am a 44 year old pastors wife and mom to 4 amazing children and this book has been life changing for me. I had been feeling like I’m too old to have dreams or to do anything new but this book has encouraged me to dream bigger and not limit myself. There are a few books that I listen to on audible and think “well, that was nice” but there are others that I will listen to again AND have to purchase the hard copy to highlight my favorite parts and revisit. This book is one that I have both! Rachel, thank you for being vulnerable and putting these words on pages for us to read! ❤️

657 people found this helpful

I can't believe people actually like this book

First off, I didn't really know what I was getting into when I chose this book. It was on the bestsellers and I was in panic mode and needed to make a quick decision.

It's possible that many of my gripes with this book stem from the Author's voice and maybe if I had read an written book my feelings would be different, but probably not.

The author come across as whiny, immature and dim witted. I can't believe that this "self help" book would actually help anyone other than a young naive teenage girl. If you are not a young naive teenage girl, then there are better places to spend your time and money.

The author really loves herself, that is apparent. It is great to love yourself, but why do your readers need to know how much you love yourself? This reads like a list of the author's accomplishments in her 35 years of life experience. Nothing of significance, enlightenment or substance here.

Here, I'll save you some money: Follow your dreams, you can be whatever you want to be in life. You're welcome.

Side note #1: She talks down about people who are overweight as if they are less than. Example: you are ugly and not worthy if you are overweight. I would like to let her know that your weight on a scale has nothing to do with your health. Also, you can be overweight and not over-eat, stress eat or sit around on a couch all day.

Side note #2: I had no idea this was a Christian book. That through me for a loop. So "God has a plan" for your life is also a major theme. Wow, thank's for the insight. ;)

588 people found this helpful

Meant for white evangelical women

What disappointed you about Girl, Wash Your Face?

As a recovering former evangelical, the tone and message of this book sent me back to the days in college where my peers would talk down to me in that holier-than-thou sanctimonious way. It was triggering, to say the least.

Would you ever listen to anything by Rachel Hollis again?

Absolutely not. This was my first foray into her works and absolutely my last.

Any additional comments?

Marketed as a secular memoir, this is really a religious self-help book. Definitely not a one-size-fits-all piece.

475 people found this helpful

It was ok.

Interesting stories but nothing new. Your typical Christian girl trying to be hip and relevant. Lots of “sweet friends” and “sisters”. Similar to Emily Ley. Predictable message. Was hoping for a little more practical instructions as to how to become who you’re meant to be.

302 people found this helpful

Some grade A WASPy writing here folks

if sharing struggles like: cavities, yelling at your kids, and eating too much is what you call raw vulnerability.... this book is for you

284 people found this helpful