mackenzienbrown's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.75
glass_carousel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but unfortunately the second half really let me down. I picked this book up at the recommendation of a friend who really enjoyed the book and believed it would resonate with me as well. The first half of the book really did strike a chord with me, but as the book goes along, it feels more disjointed.
I enjoyed the stories Doyle told about her time in marriage counselling, her daughter's obsession with polar bears, her cheating her way onto homecoming court and why she did it, and her decision to end her marriage. These stories all felt so genuine and heartfelt, and had a common tone and theme. Each of these stories came from a heartfelt place and had a lesson within.
When telling stories of past events, the way it was written made it seem like every moment had really profound speeches and realizations happening whenever she sat down to have a conversation with someone in her life. Maybe the author really does speak this way with family and friends, but I find it more likely that these moments were heavily embellished for the book. It got to the point where it felt like the sentences should end with "and then everyone clapped" and I am fairly certain that did happen once.
Much of this book is about what it is to be a good parent, and the nuances that come with parenting. While Doyle talks about trying to be the best mother she can, she jokingly and offhandedly mentions that she tried really hard with her oldest children, but then gave up on raising her younger one and gave her an iPad to raise her. This isn't said in a way that is reflective upon this choice, but in a way that tries to justify it by saying it made her independent. This is not something that makes someone independent, but rather lets them know they cannot rely on their parent. This comment paired with an anecdote from late in the book about a gymnastics coach telling her her daughters showed promise in a sport, and then her consequently removing them from this sport because she didn't want to be an intense sport parent really rubbed me the wrong way. Her children were thriving in something and someone they likely looked up to said they showed promise... so she removes them from it. It would be one thing if they could not afford to continue the sport, as it can be very expensive, but to pull them simply because you do not want them to thrive in it is weird.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I believe it contains some very valuable lessons that many people would benefit from.
3.25 Stars
I enjoyed the stories Doyle told about her time in marriage counselling, her daughter's obsession with polar bears, her cheating her way onto homecoming court and why she did it, and her decision to end her marriage. These stories all felt so genuine and heartfelt, and had a common tone and theme. Each of these stories came from a heartfelt place and had a lesson within.
When telling stories of past events, the way it was written made it seem like every moment had really profound speeches and realizations happening whenever she sat down to have a conversation with someone in her life. Maybe the author really does speak this way with family and friends, but I find it more likely that these moments were heavily embellished for the book. It got to the point where it felt like the sentences should end with "and then everyone clapped" and I am fairly certain that did happen once.
Much of this book is about what it is to be a good parent, and the nuances that come with parenting. While Doyle talks about trying to be the best mother she can, she jokingly and offhandedly mentions that she tried really hard with her oldest children, but then gave up on raising her younger one and gave her an iPad to raise her. This isn't said in a way that is reflective upon this choice, but in a way that tries to justify it by saying it made her independent. This is not something that makes someone independent, but rather lets them know they cannot rely on their parent. This comment paired with an anecdote from late in the book about a gymnastics coach telling her her daughters showed promise in a sport, and then her consequently removing them from this sport because she didn't want to be an intense sport parent really rubbed me the wrong way. Her children were thriving in something and someone they likely looked up to said they showed promise... so she removes them from it. It would be one thing if they could not afford to continue the sport, as it can be very expensive, but to pull them simply because you do not want them to thrive in it is weird.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I believe it contains some very valuable lessons that many people would benefit from.
3.25 Stars
sun_flowers's review
4.0
I did really enjoy this book. Overall, I identified a lot with Glennon in how she processed information and the world. Her words made me think and gave me permission to accept some of the greatest fears I have about my life. Bring a trauma survivor, I think there are so many important messages that this book held for me.
itsbeckykr's review
5.0
I wish I could have read this book when I was younger. I wish that I had always had this book my life. I wish Every woman would read this book. I wish that I could afford to buy a copy of this book for every woman that I love.
bookgirl0925's review
2.0
I’m not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it. Felt very self indulgent and preachy. It’s one cliche quote after another with no real value.
sendusia's review
1.0
The cover is appealing. Otherwise, no thank you. I will not be taking any advice from Glennon Doyle.