The writing was fun with this one - there were definitely times my interest was peaked and I looked forward to the next paragraph. I love that Ash is honest, genuine and authentic with her writing as well. There were moments I laughed and moments I said “Whoa!”
I am a professional personal development “junkie” and have read a slew of books... and have grown tired of the same old same old information but in someone else’s “voice” and version of it. So when someone said, “Oh THIS one is different, she will actually TELL you what to do. That was her point in writing this book!” I got excited and bought it during presale.
I will say I was disappointed that this was another “I had a shitty life, and look what I’ve done” book. Although I did sympathize with what she went through, especially losing her father and mother at such a young age (I cannot imagine), it still didn’t hook me on how this could relate to my life. I realized with this book, and many I’ve read, is that I’m reading books from the wrong people for ME. I’m a mother active with raising my daughter so for me to read a professional personal development book by a woman who has no children and whose sole responsibility is herself isn’t my book. I can’t relate.
I am bored with the do whatever it takes books- where it feels you need to give 110% or it won’t work. When I read that Ash originally worked from the moment the sun rises to 9pm, her relationships suffered bc of it, her health suffered, and then she had to go to a month long expensive retreat to realize what her life needs to be... I can’t relate. If it’s fiction, I don’t need to relate and can flow with the story and enjoy being lost in someone else’s interesting life. But for me, a personal development book has to relate in some way.
I wish there were actual tools here versus the same old “here is my shitty situation, and I didn’t let it stop me!” stories. Yes, I’m amazed how she has come so far with her history and challenges. I will always applaud that. But for me to value the content of a “this is how to” book, I can’t go through every chapter asking,
“OK, so how does the average woman actually GET there?”
This is another book where I found the same inspirations, revelations, needs, and basic tips that every other book out there has. I don’t think some of these writers even realize how they are just regurgitating the same stuff. It happens all the time.
If you have the time and want some laughs, a very raw and real voice, and yes and interesting life story, it’s not a waste of time. If you are young, ready to hit the pavement and need some inspiration and have nothing but yourself to look out for, then read it. If you are down in your luck in a gutter and need a kick in the ass, then read it. I will say I never view a book as a waste of time - I can always pull a few takeaways from one.
However, if you’re a mother that only has 9-2 M-F and you’re looking for a realistic inspiration to be inspired to follow some passions and goals, this may not be the author for you.