Girl, Wash Your Face

By: Rachel Hollis

Narrated by: Rachel Hollis

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

Number one New York Times Best Seller

Do you ever suspect that everyone else has life figured out and you don’t have a clue? If so, Rachel Hollis has something to tell you: That’s a lie.

As the founder of the lifestyle website TheChicSite.com and CEO of her own media company, Rachel Hollis developed an immense online community by sharing tips for better living while fearlessly revealing the messiness of her own life. Now, in this challenging and inspiring new book, Rachel exposes the 20 lies and misconceptions that too often hold us back from living joyfully and productively, lies we’ve told ourselves so often we don’t even hear them anymore.

With painful honesty and fearless humor, Rachel unpacks and examines the falsehoods that once left her feeling overwhelmed and unworthy, and reveals the specific practical strategies that helped her move past them. In the process, she encourages, entertains, and even kicks a little butt, all to convince you to do whatever it takes to get real and become the joyous, confident woman you were meant to be.

With unflinching faith and rock-hard tenacity, Girl, Wash Your Face shows you how to live with passion and hustle - and how to give yourself grace without giving up.

©2018 Rachel Hollis (P)2018 Thomas Nelson

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.

2,190 of 2,327 people found this review 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.

1,746 of 1,942 people found this review helpful

This book gave me the "brain pain"

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

1,269 of 1,413 people found this review 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!

1,264 of 1,415 people found this review 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. ;)

493 of 552 people found this review 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.

288 of 329 people found this review helpful

Girl, Wash Your Hands of This Book!

While this book had a great concept and there were parts I enjoyed, overall, it was simply "Humblebrag, A Memior by Rachel Hollis."

If that's not specific enough for you, allow me to elaborate:

Rachel spins this book as a self help novel, and I guess it is... since she spends the entire time talking about how she helped herself, and then preaching to the listener/reader about how they simply must do the same.


She is frequently borderline condescending in her approach and, when she's not making you feel guilty for disagreeing with her, she is flaunting her own accomplishments, which makes the book mostly unrelatable and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

She rarely gives you any advice on how to accomplish your goals, unless you count telling you to write your goals down, victim-blaming (hey, did you know I was abused because I let him treat me that way?), and telling you to stop making excuses and get off your butt. I don't know about you, but I've been given better and more original advice from a fortune cookie.

To top it all off, I totally missed that this is a Christian memior, so if you're not prepared for someone to discuss their own faith at length, this is not the book for you. It made me borderline uncomfortable at times and I share the same faith.

So, in conclusion, good for Rachel. I'm glad she is successful. But I'm going to have a hard time even looking at her blog after this. What I heard was a totally girl power and inspirational book was just a huge disappointment. If you're looking for something that will actually inspire you, I recommended "The Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes, aka the book Rachel plagiarizes several times in this one. Just stick with the original and you'll be better off.

91 of 104 people found this review 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! ❤️

654 of 753 people found this review helpful

cliche, annoying, awful.

couldn't finish it...kept trying based on the recommendations of others. I didnt find anything wise or remarkable in this writer's life or musings. not the right book for me-I couldn't be more opposite from her in every way. other people clearly like it.

186 of 214 people found this review 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

672 of 778 people found this review helpful

Girl, Wash Your Face has truly changed my life!

Girl, Wash Your Face has changed my life, yes I realise how dramatic that sounds. But it's true! I'm 37 and feel like I've just learnt the skills I need to make my life the best it can possibly be, thanks to this book.
I have an illness that leaves me stuck in bed, in pain, almost every day. I find audiobooks relax me and help me sleep. I came across Girl, Wash Your Face and thought well here goes, another self help book, trying to make me feel better about myself. How wrong could I be...
I immediately felt Rachel's warm, kindhearted words were written for ME. It was if she had come over for a girly chat. The fact that Rachel narrates the book herself, makes it what it is. No one can mean the words she has written more than her. And that really comes across as she reads it with such conviction.
Rachel has a way of making you feel like you've been friends forever. Although she is so sweet, she won't take any excuses. And isn't that honestly what we all need, someone who is there with great advice but won't take any of your bs. No excuses about feeling lazy, you have to go out and chase your dreams.
I believe that the true genius of this book is that the author wrote it because she truly wants to help other women. Rachel Hollis honestly cares about me and you. She wants us to live our lives to its full potential. And she is so passionate about empowering women. This passion cannot help but motivate you to make the changes in your life to be who you want to be.
The book made me realise that although the path I'm on is not the one I originally wanted, I can still be happy! I have been just existing for a long time and now I'm starting to live life again. It's as if Rachel came into my house and pulled me out of bed. I feel as if she's one of my closest friends and said "come on, stop feeling sorry for yourself, get up and start being the best version of you that you can be!" I have been through a lot in life but it doesn't mean I should just give up. I can still have hopes and dreams, I just need to adjust them a little. And as Rachel says "no-one cares about your dreams as much as you do."
I now have the paper back of Girl, Wash Your Face now too and I've read it 3 times, I feel like I learn something new every time.
Rachel teaches you life skills to help you achieve whatever it is that you dream of.
The book is not only informative but my god is it funny. Rachel is so witty and will have you laughing at her funny stories.
I have recommended this book to my friends who have also fallen in love with it. I bought a copy yesterday for my cousins birthday and I can't wait to talk to her about it. It's one of those reads that you just want to share with everyone. It's the holy grail for all women, in all walks of life. Because the underlying message is the same for all of us, you deserve to be happy!!!
So I'll say it again... Girl, Wash Your Face has changed my life. Rachel Hollis, I just want to say Thank You! ❤️ xxx

64 of 65 people found this review helpful

Uplifting, confidence building and eye opening

What made the experience of listening to Girl, Wash Your Face the most enjoyable?

The author / narrator was a pleasure to listen to. Whilst the story contained many things I have heard before, her way of explaining and demonstrating was eye opening and heart warming. I felt like this book was written ABOUT me in many ways and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

What other book might you compare Girl, Wash Your Face to, and why?

The Universe has your back - both really eye opening, empowering and confidence building.

What does Rachel Hollis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Her narration is amazing and you feel like she means every word.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes and BOTH!

Any additional comments?

Cannot wait to read your other books Rachel!

27 of 27 people found this review helpful

Not for everyone ( not God believers stay away)

Thank you to the author for sharing all the experiences. The author connects all her experiences and the message she wants to share too much with God, I respect her but it's not fair to generalize and for me the book started not to have any sense from the minute she involved religious and God with the message I was trying to find. I'm an atheist.

57 of 61 people found this review helpful

Please LISTEN to this book... YOU NEED IT!

I have never felt so compelled to share a book in my life.. I am telling anyone who will listen to go buy this book... from strangers in the supermarket to my hairdresser, my friends, my family, my colleagues, and I am telling you dear reader, you are reading this review because you want to see if this is worth spening your money on... I promise, it is. Let rachel into your life, your heart will thank you. Rachel's honesty is almost shocking; her unbosoming style is unrivalied in today's world so obsessed with perfection. Her charm and wit are there to ensure that you feel uplifted, even when the love is so tough, and the words so true that you think you might need to stop... there is something here for everyone, we can all relate to one if not all of the lies Rachel told herself and we should all free ourselves of these lies that serve neither us, nor those around us. Being lucky enough to own this book as both a hard copy & audible copy, I can tell you, that to have Rachel read this book, makes it even easier to feel that reading this book is like having the most powerful chat with your very best friend. The kind of friend who pushes you onward and makes you see yoursefl the way she sees you. Thank you Rachel & good luck new listeners & readers, picking up this book is going to change your life <3

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Not for Me

Gave up after she started talking about God and getting guns for her birthday as a child.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Too many humble brags

This was a well intentioned book but the constant references to her millions of readers became a bit much, as well as the religious associations. I found it a little sickly and clichéd.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

too much god

struggled to finish this as it became very peachy. I liked the idea of the book but there is only so much religion I can have shoved at me.

37 of 43 people found this review helpful

Every dark season will pass.

This book has shook me to my core. I have laughed and cried. I have got up early for two weeks to listen in peace before my kids get up. I have just reached the end of the book but I want to listen again and really let it sink in and take action. I would recommend this book to everyone.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Complete twaddle

This is without doubt the worst book I have ever purchased. It basically amounts to a compilation of Pinterest-style snippets of ‘wisdom’. You would get more inspiration from a fridge magnet. And it’s religious. Complete and utter tosh and hogwash.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I had a struggle and overcame it you can to

Nice enough gal.
not really my kind of book
follows The 'I had a struggle and overcame it you can to' format so if you need that give it a go.
I couldn't relate so much and as a result the tools and things she lists to help are not that relevant.

11 of 13 people found this review helpful