I recently finished reading Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, which has made it to the New York Times Best Seller list. I read it this past Spring. So, I’ve put together a book review with my thoughts on how the book was. Take a look!
Allow me to start with the following:
I throw the best pity parties out there. I’m just saying, when things don’t go my way or if life is just getting plain hard I bust out the metaphorical balloons and streamers, throw on my most comfy leggings or sweatpants and pull the covers over my head for the long haul.
So when books like Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis come out, I get mad. The first thing I think is, “Who are you to tell me to go wash my face? You don’t even know what I’ve been through. You don’t know me!” Not everyone can and should have the privilege and space in your life to speak harsh truth in love. So, I opened the book and began reading and said, “Oh, you kind of do know me…” Girl, Wash Your Face was kind the kick in the butt I needed and still need often.
Even though the book is a kick in the butt, Rachel’s writing is warm and welcoming. It’s like the voice of a friend or a letter from someone who cares. Her passion for helping women live their best lives now is evident in the tone of her writing. And she’s funny. I like that in friends. All of this put together made for a great book of inspiration.
Girl, Wash Your Face- The Lies
Each of the chapters in Rachel’s book is aimed at debunking various lies she had to overcome that we as women might have believed over the years. As I began reading through the physical book, and then listening via audio book later, I began to feel three things:
- Angry that I believed the things I did and never really stopped long enough to counter them.
- Relief that I wasn’t the only one who believed these things. I wasn’t alone.
- Hope that I can break the power that these lies had/have over my life.
Girl, Wash Your Face- Tough Love
Another notable thing about Rachel Hollis’ book is her tough love. She doesn’t sugar coat things. She tells it like it is. She tells you what you need to hear but may not want to hear. And that’s usually the mark of a good friend.
Girl, Wash Your Face- Vulnerability
Vulnerability is one word that has stuck out to me as I read and listened to this book. Rachel Hollis is quite vulnerable in this book. She shares her own stories of pain, rejection and loss. Stories that, to her, are very personal and real. Her vulnerability in this book is brave and refreshing. And it encourages her readers to be brave as well.
Finally, Girl, Wash Your Face is funny! It’s not all seriousness. Rachel injects humor into her stories and life experiences in ways that only she can. Her humor makes for a well-rounded reading experience and shows she doesn’t take herself too seriously. I like that in a writer.
Overall, Girl, Wash Your Face is a really good read. Although I don’t agree with every single point in this book, I believe most of it is and can be very helpful for most women. Especially women who have lived as a Christian for most of their lives. Rachel tackles traditionally taboo subjects in a refreshing way. Diving head first and talking about all the things.
So if this book sounds right up your alley, pick it up!
I, too, was bothered by the title. But now I want to read it! Thank you!
Sounds like a great read!! I’ll definitely check it out.