Literary Ladies: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Earlier this year, I created a book club called Between the Sheets where my fellow bookworms could come together to discuss popular novels (think Reese Witherspoon’s famous book recomendations). I took this idea a step further recently by creating a second book club. This one, which I call Literary Ladies, is designed around professional development books. My goal with this one has been to not only bring together people who love books but to have these monthly meet-ups be a way to meet & greet other professionals in a slightly different way than the traditional networking happy hour.

For December, we read Rachel Hollis’ latest book, Girl, Wash Your Face. I chose this book because 2018 seemed to be the Year of Rachel – everyone was raving about her and this book. Even Drew Barrymore! In addition, I started following Rachel on allllll the social media platforms (even her podcasts!) and I quite enjoy her positively and realness.

Thankfully, the other women who attended this month seemed to agree with me! We had a wonderful evening drinking wine and hot tea, eating homemade apple strudel, and discussing the following questions which I pulled from the book’s official discussion guide. (You can receive the full guide for free by signing up for Rachel’s e-mail list.):

Rachel writes, “If you’re unhappy, that’s on you.” How do you respond to that statement? Do you agree? Disagree? Does it make you a little mad or frustrated? Explain. (Chapter 1)

What are some of the reasons women tend to make big plans but never get around to doing what they want to do? Do you recognize this as an issue in your life? (Chapter 2)

Rachel writes, “The most beautiful things in my life were never on my to-do list.” So what is the point of making the list? Why make goals and work so hard at achieving them if we might end up taking a different path? (Chapter 10)

Rachel says that for years she would “make herself small” as a way of being more acceptable to others. Is this something you do? What are some other ways you’ve seen yourself or someone else change who they are in order to be accepted or make others more comfortable? (Chapter 12)

Rachel writes, “Someone else’s opinion of me is none of my business.” How do you respond to that statement? Would you have a hard time living by that statement? Why or why not? What’s the difference between disregarding wise input and blowing off unhelpful opinions? How can we tell the difference? (Chapter 14)

Do you believe that “everything happens for a reason”? Why or why not? (Chapter 15)

I plan to make these quick posts a blog series that I hope inspire you to read these books or even host your own book club. Let me know your thoughts on this idea in the comments below! Check out Rachel’s next book, Girl, Stop Apologizing, when it hits stores March 12th.

Stay fit and fabulous,

A