I will be frank with everyone here and say that I have never been a “reader.” It’s not something I’m particularly proud of, as I know reading is a very valuable tool for acquiring new vocabulary and expanding upon writing skills but I’ve just never been able to find fun in it. My theory is that years of required reading of boring *classics* in school ruined any passion I could have ever previously held for the hobby.
I had only ever found real joy in health and wellness related books like my “bible” – The Beauty Detox Solution, The Four Agreements, my beloved book on breathing, and my little self-help reads like this one I wrote about previously.
Cut to September 2017 when I found one very special book (#GIRLBOSS) that opened my eyes to a genre that resonated with me. I knew I loved self-help (strongly dislike calling it that btw) but this was self-help with a twist. As someone very interested in entrepreneurship and working entirely for myself one day, I found the perfect mix of motivation and pragmatic advice.
#GIRLBOSS
I’m approximately three years behind the mark on this one, but I was in Barnes and Noble one day with my sister and saw this book. I had definitely heard of it, but never thought to pick it up mostly due to my aforementioned strong non-interest in reading. I asked my sister if I should get it and she said I’d love it. Like I’d gone through many times before, I bought the book thinking I’d force myself into reading, but secretly knowing that it was likely to collect dust on a shelf in my bedroom.
I picked it up and opened it at home that night. I could. not. put. it. down. As a non-reader all my life, this was a big (and strange) moment for me and this book would eventually be reasonable for opening my eyes to this great genre that I genuinely wanted to read. Crazy stuff.
I’ll be honest and say that I thought it would be mostly a memoir about someone I hadn’t really cared much about prior (Sophia Amoruso) so I couldn’t see how I was going to *love* it as my sister promised. I have definitely been a customer of Nasty Gal but never followed its story or founder. The balance between memoir, self-help, entrepreneurship and inspiration together with its overall coat of clever and witty writing made #GIRLBOSS really resonate with me. Sophia is most definitely a very intelligent and inspiring person that makes you feel on the same level as her throughout the read.
There were so many useful career advice—and just life advice—moments but the overall motivational tone of the book really excited me. Sophia really emphasizes staying true to yourself and believing in your dreams, no matter how wild, weird, or unlikely they may appear presently. She talks about everything from managing your money responsibly to writing the best cover letter in the game. It’s really a book for any sharp woman, no matter what stage in life or career they’re in, that’s interested in excelling in all ways.
Now I’m waist deep in all things #GIRLBOSS—the podcasts, emails, and insta and get Sophia’s inspirational tips on the reg.
As she so simply puts it, “Bad bitches are taking over the world. We’ve arrived and we’re killing it. There’s a chance for you, #GIRLBOSS. So take it.”
GIRL CODE
Inspired by my newfound obsession with reading, I went back to Barnes and Noble and picked up the book right next door to #GIRLBOSS, which was similarly titled, Girl Code. I’ll admit that coming off the heels of the previous book, I had really high expectations for other members of my new favorite genre of “female inspired entrepreneur/self help/motivation.”
I definitely gleamed some little gems from Girl Code, but it didn’t light my heart on fire the way #GIRLBOSS had. That being said, it was geared toward framing your attitude and outlook for success, specifically in terms of working with and not against other women.
The author, Cara Alwill Leyba did a great job of touching upon how women are pretty much hard-wired to compete and feel envy toward one another, when there’s really enough in the universe to go around. She talks about how to convert feelings of envy into drawing inspiration from others and cultivating a knowing inside that you can have everything as well.
The big message of the book was that it’s much more beneficial for all parties to lift each other up. She goes on to explain how this even raises our likelihood of succeeding. She also highlights maintaining feelings of gratitude, and accessing the law of attraction to help your dreams and goals come to fruition.
I’ve currently read a couple other books since these two (if you follow me on the gram, you may know) so I will definitely have some reviews and gems from those in future posts as well. I feel like other bloggers out there (and just girl bosses in general 😉 ) might have similar interests as me and find these reads a great addition to their toolbox. Has anyone read either/both of these? What did you think?
Baci!
Amanda
Amazing review Mz Amanda, well written with nice flow of thoughts; staying “authentic” to your own views in both reviews. Reading your “Soul food” section, I assumed you are a big reader, I find posts like Tunnel vision or secret power awaiting for affirmation are great writes, that you would developed through reading. But you are always stunning of how you out across your ideas. I guess Girl Code is more about thought , inner stuff where #GirlBoss more about the environment around you!!
I absolutely loved #GirlBoss! I just started The four agreements so I was really happy to find your review on it!!
Author
Two of my favorite books ever! Both ones you could read a few times before all the info sinks in too! 🙂
I read girlboss and honestly love it. It was so empowering and motivational. Like you said, the best part was that it had a twist! I can’t wait to see what other books you are reading and your thoughts on it xxx
Melina | http://www.ivefoundwaldo.com
Author
Agreed!! Thanks girl, happy to find someone on the same page! 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad you discovered #girlboss – it’s never too late! I also hate calling them “self help” books (I love reading them); perhaps they should be…inspirational readings? I haven’t heard of Girl Code, but now I want to check that out!
Victoria
https://chicvic.com
Author
hahaha I know, I just feel silly it took me so long!! Agreed on the self-help issue haha! I’ve seen it called something else in Barnes and Noble too (I forget now how they worded it) but overall, it could definitely use a more upbeat tone. Girl Code was cool, an easy read and definitely some inspirational points to draw from. 🙂
I love #Girlboss!!! Very inspiring!!! We all struggle and lost at first but, we will get there!!! <3
Author
Totally agree! And a great story like that certainly lights the way through the struggle! 🙂
Love this post, I’m inspired to read #Girlboss…I think it would boost my confidence as a woman working for myself, especially when I’m struggling with motivation.
Author
You totally should. It was a pretty easy read too..I blew through it in like two days! Worth it! <3
#GirlBoss was the first book I️’ve read cover to cover in years. To me, a dreamer that grew up in near poverty and ran with a bad crowd, it was amazing and extremely inspiring!
Author
Me too!! I blew through it like I’m a *real* reader hahah so inspiring!
I haven’t read Girl Boss, yet! Have you read any of Jen Sincero’s books!? I’m currently reading ‘You’re a Badass’ and I love it!
Author
That’s so funny you mentioned that, I just finished up You Are A Badass a couple weeks ago! It was AMAZING. Totally one you could read a few times before it all sinks in. xo
For sure! I read some of her chapters and I find myself nodding my head along haha. Kind of like the things she says are a no brainer, but you need to read them more often to sink in!
Author
Oh for sure. Books like that take several reads to completely absorb I think. 🙂 They are so no brainers but we’ve been thinking an opposite way for so long that it takes time and repetition to get it.
I recently bought GIRLBOSS, Little Black Book and Girl Code – I never thought I’d read those type of books be they are so raved about I had to cave, I’m actually excited to get into them over Christmas 🙂 Even more excited since reading your review 😉
http://www.vintagetearose.co.uk
Author
Oooh I haven’t heard of Little Black Book yet. If it’s in this genre, I think I might have to pick it up! I’m so hooked and I love getting inspired and latching on to the positive messages! 🙂
OMG! I am the same way. It’s like I want to read but it’s just not that interesting of a thing to do. I find myself in book stores and book aisles looking for books to read only to take them home and not read them. Lol Anyway, I am definitely gonna check out #GirlBoss
Author
hahahah same!! You will definitely love #girlboss then. I really blew through it which has never happened! 🙂
Ooooh #GirlBoss is def on my list, thanks for this review! I recommend How to Be a Bawse by YouTube comedian Lilly Singh. And Big Magic by Elizabeth Girlbert (Eat, Pray, Love). Lots of creative inspo and motivation from two awesomely talented ladies 🙂
Author
Oh awesome, I haven’t heard of either of those. Loved Eat Pray Love! I will totally look into both of them, thank you! 🙂