So you got the guy on the big white horse, and the beautiful little mermaids, and the picket fence, and your life isn’ t . . . perfect in every imaginable way?
You’re not alone. In 1997, Gabrielle Reece married the man of her dreams—professional surfer Laird Hamilton—in a flawless Hawaiian ceremony. Naturally, the couple filed for divorce four years later.
In the end they worked it out, but not without the ups and downs, minor hiccups, and major setbacks that beset every modern family.
With hilarious stories, wise insights, and concrete takeaways on topics ranging from navigating relationship issues to aging gracefully to getting smart about food, My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper is the brutally honest, wickedly funny, and deeply helpful portrait of the humor, grace, and humility it takes to survive the happily ever after.
Okay, let's be honest, the writing style isn't stellar. It comes across as a bunch of short, disjointed little chat sessions with your girlfriend... And that's why I like it! Because this is the real nitty gritty tough stuff of being a wife and mom and a woman. It's the stuff you want to talk about with your girlfriends, but sometimes find it hard to say. I also give the book four stars because I think what she has to say is so down to earth, real and honest - she puts things in perspective. She's positive, but she doesn't tell you to try to strive for some kind of crazy perfection that will only bring you down. An encouraging read as I'm still trying to figure this motherhood gig out.
Over the years, I've read numerous inspirational or what I affectionately refer to as the "Kick in the Pants, Wake Up Call" books. Without a doubt, Gabrielle Reece's My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life is, by far, one of the best I have read in a very long time. Lets face it. Life isn't perfect. For anyone that thinks it is, you're sadly mistaken. Anything worth having doesn't come easy...you have to work at it.
One of the things I like about Ms. Reece's style is that she doesn't sugarcoat anything. There's no B.S.; she just tells it like it is. While I am not a mother, I am a busy working woman with a husband whom I have been with for over 25 years (married for 20), along with a multitude of things to manage in my life, including family, friends, obligations, personal projects and, believe it or not, a second career. It's not like I have a whole lot of free time; and yes, I do feel guilty (even though I don't have children) when I have neglected some things, including myself.
The book provides a refreshing perspective on everything from marriage, children and even our relationships with other women. But the truth is ladies, this is stuff that we should already know but seem to forget when we are living in the midst of our chaotic lives. No one is going to make you happy except for yourself. I found that out a long time ago. Taking responsibility of your own life is knowing that no one is going to charge into your life wearing the cape to rescue you (my husband will get a kick out the cape reference as he is always telling me to remove the cape...more on that later!) and that yes, indeed, you have to stand up and take responsibility to do the things that will make you happy and for those of us that are lucky enough, to make our partners happy.
But let's be clear here, what works for one may not work for someone else. At the core of Gabby's book is choice. I think that choosing how to make it all work for you is crucial to any relationship. Case in point, my husband does the cooking and shopping; in return, I wash the dishes and do the laundry. This doesn't mean that he does the cooking every night. I sometimes cook and he has been known to wash the dishes. But this is what works for us and that is what Ms. Reece is trying to say.
Take a moment and read this book. I think you'll find it be one of the best you'll read in a really long time. I recommend that you keep it handy and go back to various chapters as an instant refresher course whenever you need a "kick in the pants, wake up call."
Reading this book was like driving a route that you've driven 1,000 times before. You know, how you can get to your destination, but then think, "Gosh, I don't even remember my drive this morning"? Yeah, that was this book for me because there is absolutely no new or creative information in it. Filled with little gems like, "Watch your portion sizes," any woman who has read even one parenting guide or one issue of a women's magazine will find this book tedious and pointless. The only reason I'm being so generous as to give it two stars is because of Reece's reminder about "shiny eyes" or some such description she uses to explain how she tries to put on a happy face when her husband comes home at the end of the day. Certainly not a novel idea, but one I agree with. However, her one-dimensional portrayal of men, and what they want and what they're like, made me cringe several times. I'm not on board with ideas like, husbands might cheat on their wives if they feel ignored (and so us women should be putting out to make sure that doesn't happen). Really, 1.5 stars would probably be the most accurate rating for this very disappointing read.
A shame the media is focusing on what amounts to literally ONE SENTENCE in this book about being submissive. What she really espouses is how to take charge like a boss but let your husband think he's in charge from time to time. The book should really be titled "How to be well-grounded in your life." Biggest draw for me is that I like her. She's tough and no-nonsense.
I was intrigued to read this after seeing Gabrielle on Today Show but honestly got whiplash from reading this book on the heals of Lean In. Talk about two different viewpoints! I like that she makes it clear that marriage takes effort and that there is really no "happily ever after" but not sure how much of her advice I'll choose to take (although I'm sure my husband would be happy if I took some of it like making him the king of the house).
Part story, part advice column, I really enjoyed this book. It's incredibly raw and, while Gabby's world view won't fit everyone in every section, I believe there's value in at least pondering her take on life and relationships. I initially bucked at some ideas, but found merit as I went along.
Also loved the stories about Laird. If you're looking for a sugar coated fairytale of happily ever after, this one isn't for you.
Imperfect, pragmatic and honest - just my cup of tea.
It is a 3.5 star, i wish good reads would let you rate out of 10.
Nice to read about family life from a female perspective. Nothing groundbreaking here but a good honest easy read about juggling family, career and general relationships and the importance of fitting fitness into your schedule.
I read this because I've always been intrigued by Gabrielle Reece - she seemed to be a strong, confident female athlete who was also feminine. When she married Laird Hamilton, it was like two gods marrying because they are tall, attractive and accomplished athletes.
The book's sub title is "A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life," and in her book, Ms. Reece tries to convince the reader that she's just like us even though she and her family live half the year in Hawaii and half the year in Malibu. (She claims to shop at Costco herself - picking up the Pirate’s Booty.) The subtitle is key because she gives advice on many things, including parenting, diet and fitness, marriage, volunteering and "doing something for yourself."
It's an interesting book, mostly because she opens up about her family life. It seems to be aimed at women 40 and under who are married and who have children.
One of the reasons why I picked it up sooner than later is because of the "submissive" comment that the media picked up on because I thought, "Surely not!" If you read the book, you'll find that the comment was taken out of context.
The most entertaining parts of the book are where she describes parenting two little headstrong girls, the daughters she's had with Mr. Hamilton. I'm not a parent, and I cannot believe how huge the "mommy blog" world is, and no way would I pick up a book on parenting because I have better things to do with my time. However, she and Mr. Hamilton sound like very down-to-Earth people who are doing a good job at parenting. I like the philosophy she shared about parenting. That said, even they struggle with getting their mermaids to brush their teeth, among other things. The sections where she writes about her children shine with warmth and sincerity.
As I read the book, I kept thinking, why is she sharing so much? Don’t they have enough money without them having to reveal so much? In the book, she mentions that she and Mr. Hamilton have a web site. I was curious, thinking, “About what?” Well, now I think I know why the book was written. I went to the web site and saw that they have an extensive product line of supplements. (I guess they read the Tim Farriss book.) It seems that for athletes, having their own protein powder/supplement line is a money maker, just like the pretty female celebrities who hawk hair care, skincare and exercise equipment. In their favor, I will add this - at least they offer free exercise and fitness information on their web site.
As for the book, if you are like me, and intrigued by Gabrielle Reece, former super athlete, and also intrigued by Laird Hamilton, super surfer, it’s an interesting read.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
This was one of the most honest and gritty memoirs about family and motherhood that I've ever read. I didn't agree with everything in it, but I have to give Gabrielle some points for having the courage to write the things she wrote.
Our culture idealizes marriage but marriage will never reach those ideals. Reece points this out and helpfully suggests that we "grow up". Accept life as it is and stop expecting it to be the white picket fence and the happily ever after. She also talks about the enormous pressure that we put on mothers to be perfect, know it all, prep the kids for school, life, college, dance lessons, ect. Essentially, women are too hard on ourselves and other mothers.
Reece believes that the cure for these ills is to prioritize and exercise. She suggests writing down the top five things that are most important to you in life and relationships. Then, if whatever problem you are facing at the moment doesn't have anything to do with those priorities, forget it. It's not so important that you should waste your time or emotional energy on it because it wasn't on your list. Also, Reece, the world class athlete, highlights the importance of taking care of yourself. If you get regular exercise and "feed the machine", Reece believes that everything else falls into place. It gives you a more even temper, releases happy hormones, instills with you self confidence, improves your quality of life, and more. Of course, none of this is new advice, but it's solid and it's worked for her.
I liked the stories that Reece tells about the imperfections, fights, and meltdowns of her day-to-day life. Yes, she has a house in California and Hawaii, but she also has epic fails like everyone else. Reece also has to deal with the added pressures of fame and the scrutiny that comes with it. It makes me grateful that I just have the "normal" level of craziness in my life instead of the "Hollywood" level of craziness.
I didn't like Reece's thoughts on males or how she sees male/female interactions. But again, it's her life, she can do whatever she thinks is best. Everybody has an opinion on everything under the sun these days. I think that's her point.
People who like Chelsea Handler or Jenny McCarthy books should enjoy this. Reece isn't afraid to drop an f-bomb or tell it like it is. So, readers, prepare yourself for a great big dose of reality with a bunch of circuit training on the side.
Funny enough I actually got this book for my boyfriend to read. He grew up thinking that he would one day find his night in shining armor on a white horse and that he would live happily ever after. While previous relationships have chipped away at this philosophy, our relationship has made like Miley Cyrus and came in like a wrecking ball, crashing into that all too common ideology.
He read a bit of the book and thought it was witty and clever, but among the other books I had gotten at the library that day, he opted to read a different one.
I thought about Gabrielle's story of how life doesn't always turn our how we want it to and thought that I could learn something from it. Maybe this book held some insight.
It did, but I also was given some good laughs along the way! It was interesting hearing this advice that she was meaning to give to women in a heterosexual marriage/relationship. Here I was in a same sex relationship, translating the advice she was giving. For example, her discussion on gender roles and how they should be established and followed-- not to flip-flop suddenly on your partner-- were interesting to apply to us. Advice about learning to forgive quickly and let go of the past, rung true to me. I often hold on to things longer than I should. This is poison in a relationship, so I should learn to let go.
I think this line by Gabrielle Reece that could sum it up: "I chose a partner that I can’t control, and who has really taught me about love, forgiveness, and not to take things personally."
I'll end with the official book description as it probably describes the book better than I can:
"So you got the guy on the big white horse, and the beautiful little mermaids, and the picket fence, and your life isn’ t . . . perfect in every imaginable way?
You’re not alone. In 1997, Gabrielle Reece married the man of her dreams—professional surfer Laird Hamilton—in a flawless Hawaiian ceremony. Naturally, the couple filed for divorce four years later.
In the end they worked it out, but not without the ups and downs, minor hiccups, and major setbacks that beset every modern family.
With hilarious stories, wise insights, and concrete takeaways on topics ranging from navigating relationship issues to aging gracefully to getting smart about food, My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper is the brutally honest, wickedly funny, and deeply helpful portrait of the humor, grace, and humility it takes to survive the happily ever after."
The white picket fence and happily ever after is bull****. Get over it. Realize that yes, you will do laundry a mind-numbing amount of times; your kids will do anything to get out of brushing their teeth; and Prince Charming isn't always charming. Decide what is important to you and do it. Gabrielle Reece is straightforward, caring without being touchy-feely, and committed to being the best wife and mom she can be - without losing sight of what she needs to be her best, and without drowning in the day-to-day (or year-to-year ;-) stuff that annoys. A quick read, with insights, humor and stories that will make you laugh and that every woman who has been in a relationship (with or without kids) can relate to.
I read this book not because I was looking for advice but because I've always been a fan of Gabrielle as an athlete & was curious to learn more about her personal life. I like her even more after reading this. She is real, funny & straight up & I agreed/related with a lot of what she had to say. (& even though her life isn't perfect, I still envy her Hawaii/Malibu living!) Fun, easy afternoon book!
Not offensive, but a bit simplistic. Not every woman can tell her husband to stop drinking. Just sayin'. Does Gabby have any sort of an intellectual life?
My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper is not a true "memoir," which is not bad, though disappointing. I liked the author and her family stories, so I continued reading the book but found it lengthy to complete. This is a self-help, parenting, and family matters book with tips on dealing with life changes, making decisions, balancing life, and accepting aging. It reminded me of Girl Go Wash Your Face, just for a more mature audience. Labeling this book as a memoir is a disservice to the genre and the readers searching for memoirs.
If you read My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper as a self-help book, you will enjoy learning about building healthy marriages, embracing children, making time for yourself, developing friendships and hobbies, and finding your way into middle age. The author covers her choice of topics well, and it is a good book, but it is not what I expected.
I think this book would best serve newly married readers, those freshly out of college, and maybe some in their early to mid 30s, but other than that, I don't know who to recommended to.
I love Gabby Reece and I appreciate a lot about her philosophy on life and child-rearing. The one place I can't get behind her vision is her prescription for marital success. She's essentially turned herself into a domestic slave to support her husband Laird's dream of chasing big waves. Wonderful if that works out for her but she should not be telling the world that women sucking it up and doing everything back at home to keep their marriages working is the best method. It is just one method, but I think a more modern and healthy marriage looks more egalitarian. In that respect she is a product of her time, she was a teenager in the 80's when women had more opportunities than ever before, but were still very much subordinate to their male counterparts. I have higher hopes for women now, let's find a guy who can balance his passion with doing his fair share in the home so his wife can go out and dream big too. Is that too much to ask?
I'm a huge fan of Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton. I love her podcast and I love all of her work with XPT.
I thought the book was pretty good. I wish it had been a little more autobiographical and a little less self help, but I should have known from the title.
I wasn't exactly the target audience, but I thought it was full of plenty of practical advice for anyone. She has a chapter on dieting advice and I felt like most of it was gimmicky, but I liked her one line: When you put something in your mouth, always know why you're doing it. She had a lot of great comments about mindfulness, like this quote, throughout the whole book.
I'm not sure what I really expected from this book. Maybe I wanted it to just be funny? It started out as a biography, of a marriage which had turned sour, which was interesting enough. But then the divorce became a remarriage with kids. Somewhere in the middle, the entire thing turned into a pushy self-help book. And near the end it was just boring, boring, boring. It's a fast read, but if you don't have extra time, don't waste any on this book.
Totally worth reading! Or better yet, listening to Gabby read it herself! Here's my take on what this book is about... Marriage, Children, Mothers, Mothering, Divorce, Conflict, Promises, Friendship, Exercise, Movement, Reining in emotions, Reality diet, Mindfulness, Hard work, Aging, Youth and beauty, Being outside vs Social media, Being a partner, Resentment, Gratitude AND Probably so much more! There is wisdom to be gained in this book. Thanks Gabrielle!
I really enjoyed this book! I saw an interview with Gabby on some news show when this book was first published. Finally read it after several years and thoroughly enjoyed it. As with other celebrity “self-help” books, read with a grain of salt. Take what you want and leave the rest. I found her insights very interesting!
I would give this book negative stars if I could. Lots of mysoginy disguised as empowered woman including telling women that they lose their husbands because they don't give them sex every couple of days. Like a woman should feel she needs to give her husband sex. Yuch
Written more for women, but as a guy I rather enjoyed this. Solid no-nonsense advice on the whole. I did find the use of "quote unquote" instead of quotation marks really irritating though, but that's just my pedantry.
I love Gabby Reece. I wanted to love this book. She has interesting and provocative things to say. But she desperately needed a stronger editor to help turn those thoughts into a cohesive, engaging book.
A hagiography that is neither profound nor well-written. Just a minor celebrity sports figure married to another minor celebrity sports figure who wanted to hear the sound of her own voice.
I admired this woman, sharing her life away from all the idealism and perfect housewives bs books, giving you small achievable actions and valuable advices for all areas of life