![Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be (Girl, Wash Your Face Series) by [Hollis, Rachel]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51y-84G7o4L._SY346_.jpg)
I've been following Rachel Hollis for years. Up until now, her message has resonated with me. As a lifestyle blogger, she produced great content, but her recent evolution into a self-proclaimed "mogul," has bothered me for the last year. Unfortunately, "Girl Wash Your Face" is "Mogul Rachel" instead of her previous, likable self.
Here are my issues with the book:
1. The fake "hey ya'll" language.
Hollis may have (VERY) recently moved to Austin, Texas (where I also live), but don't be fooled by her plastered-on attempts at sounding "down home." She is simply emulating greater, authentic Texas writers such as Jen Hatmaker and Brene Brown. She grew up in Southern California and most recently lived in Glendale.
Texans have a phrase: "Don't California My Texas." This applies to written work, too.
2. The non-stop humble-bragging.
We get it, Rachel, you are productive and work hard. Guess what - you also have a full-time nanny, full-time housekeeper, and an ACTUAL mogul of a husband to bankroll your PR expenditures, new staff hires, and property purchases. If your readers could afford to "run a company" and also not take a salary for 6+ years (while still having weekly mani/pedis, daily blowouts, etc.) I'm sure we all could be a "mogul" in our own way.
3. The dangerous, non-expert advice.
Hollis does not have a formal degree or certification of any kind, beyond a high school diploma. She is 100% unqualified to give advice in the areas of physical and mental health, relationships, trauma/recovery, and life management. Marrying the only guy you've ever dated and having kids doesn't make you a relationship expert. It makes you a wife and mother. Losing weight and exercising doesn't making you a trainer or nutritionist. It makes you a person who has eaten well and exercised to better health. And experiencing trauma and having a therapist does NOT make you a mental health professional. It makes you someone who has worked through their own issues.
4. The strategic "Christian-ish" positioning. This book is categorized under the "Christian Books" section on Amazon and similar retailers. This is a tactic by the author and publisher to rank higher and make the NYT's best-seller list. Those who have read the book have already noted the lack of actual Christian content. I mean, Rachel doesn't even thank God in the acknowledgements section! She does thank her nanny, though.
5. The unoriginal, co-opted thoughts. Anyone who has read ANY of the following authors will see their content co-opted (and unattributed) throughout this entire book: Tony Robbins, Oprah, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jen Hatmaker, Brene Brown.
I could go on, but I think I've made my point. I'll sum up my thoughts on this book in two words: derivative drivel.
About the Author
Rachel Hollis is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author, a top business podcaster, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world. As a bestselling author and wildly successful lifestyle influencer, she has built a global social media fanbase in the millions. She’s a proud working mama of four and a big fan of the small town in Texas hill country that the Hollis family calls home.
