What do you think?
Rate this book
The Undiscovered Goddess
Who knew a Cosmo quiz and a bottle of wine could change a woman’s life?Holly, housewife and frazzled mother of three, is determined to discredit the lackluster result of a Cosmo personality quiz. After buying a workbook geared toward helping her find her inner goddess, Holly sets off on a year of self-discovery, journaling through each uncomfortable exercise as she goes.Facing inner demons, yoga, an explosive colon cleanse and REALLY spicy curry, the lessons are hard on her emotions, not to mention her digestive system. But does she succeed in the end? Beyond the superficial, what important lesson does Holly’s inner goddess have the power to teach her…and what can Holly teach you?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2012
1 person is currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Colston
2 books17 followersMichelle Colston, mother, writer and all around American neurotic. What first began as a hobby, writing irreverent jokes and “Get to Know Your Friend” emails, has developed into a full-fledged vocation. Michelle draws inspiration from the simple experiences of day-to-day life such as; womanhood, friendship, wrangling a family, a messy house and a writing career—all while trying to refrain from using the F-word excessively.
She keeps a weekly blog at www.theundiscoveredgoddess.com and is currently working on a new series of upscale women’s fiction.
She keeps a weekly blog at www.theundiscoveredgoddess.com and is currently working on a new series of upscale women’s fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 21, 2012
I have to admit when it comes to Chic Lit I am not usually the biggest fan but there was something about this book I just loved. The Undiscovered Goddess follows Holly, a self absorbed and pampered housewife who after undertaking a Cosmo Quiz comes to the realisation that she is shallow and discontent with her life. In an effort to find less superficial fulfilment Holly purchases a self help book and begins her journey to self discovery. Along the way Holly encounters a series of hilarious events, is put in some embarrassing situations but ultimately finds a happier self.
Holly's sarcasm, wit and journey of self discovery was something I couldn't get enough of. I found myself laughing out loud at the crazy escapades Holly found herself in as well as her dry, sarcastic sense of humour. Holly's journey was surprisingly inspiring and I found myself connecting with her as a woman. The Undiscovered Goddess has certainly changed my outlook on the Chic Lit genre and I look forward to reading what Michelle comes up with next.
Holly's sarcasm, wit and journey of self discovery was something I couldn't get enough of. I found myself laughing out loud at the crazy escapades Holly found herself in as well as her dry, sarcastic sense of humour. Holly's journey was surprisingly inspiring and I found myself connecting with her as a woman. The Undiscovered Goddess has certainly changed my outlook on the Chic Lit genre and I look forward to reading what Michelle comes up with next.
August 21, 2012
Michelle Colston writes a rare gem. The Undiscovered Goddess is witty, sarcastic and literally laugh out loud funny, and it also conveys a message of deep meaning and transformation.
Holly, a shallow housewife, has one thing going for her (or so it seems): a killer sense of humor. After taking a Cosmo quiz that confirms she is shallow, Holly takes drastic measures to reinvent herself. She finds a self-help workbook and journals through each transforming exercise, whether humiliating, hilarious, silly, sad or incredibly meaningful and life-changing.
Two things will blow you away about this book: 1) Colston is a rare talent in voice. Imagine if Holden Caulfield were a modern-day housewife, that's what you get. Colston also channels the voice styling of Erma Bombeck, though more daring and sexual. 2) I don't want to give it away, but this book will inspire you. You'll be surprised by how much.
I highly recommend The Undiscovered Goddess to anyone who loves voice-driven novels, light women's fiction (chick lit), self-help and humor. Kudos to Colston on her debut novel!
Holly, a shallow housewife, has one thing going for her (or so it seems): a killer sense of humor. After taking a Cosmo quiz that confirms she is shallow, Holly takes drastic measures to reinvent herself. She finds a self-help workbook and journals through each transforming exercise, whether humiliating, hilarious, silly, sad or incredibly meaningful and life-changing.
Two things will blow you away about this book: 1) Colston is a rare talent in voice. Imagine if Holden Caulfield were a modern-day housewife, that's what you get. Colston also channels the voice styling of Erma Bombeck, though more daring and sexual. 2) I don't want to give it away, but this book will inspire you. You'll be surprised by how much.
I highly recommend The Undiscovered Goddess to anyone who loves voice-driven novels, light women's fiction (chick lit), self-help and humor. Kudos to Colston on her debut novel!
October 29, 2012
(I won a copy of this book as my 1st Goodreads Giveaway and received it on October 3rd, 2012. I was very excited to open my copy and find it signed with a personal message from the author Michelle Colston!)
First I must say, I LOVED THIS BOOK. I love chick lit in general but sometimes find it difficult to get into because I don’t like when books are too predictable or have little substance. I did not have this problem with The Undiscovered Goddess. I found it entertaining and insightful and difficult to put down. I also loved the unique style and structure of the book.
The main character, Holly the housewife, made me laugh and was very easy to relate to. I was surprised at how much Holly's personal journey inspired me and was happy that her personality (and sarcasm) wasn’t lost throughout the book.
I would definitely recommend The Undiscovered Goddess and I can’t wait to see what Michelle Colston writes in the future.
Namaste and Blessed Be!
First I must say, I LOVED THIS BOOK. I love chick lit in general but sometimes find it difficult to get into because I don’t like when books are too predictable or have little substance. I did not have this problem with The Undiscovered Goddess. I found it entertaining and insightful and difficult to put down. I also loved the unique style and structure of the book.
The main character, Holly the housewife, made me laugh and was very easy to relate to. I was surprised at how much Holly's personal journey inspired me and was happy that her personality (and sarcasm) wasn’t lost throughout the book.
I would definitely recommend The Undiscovered Goddess and I can’t wait to see what Michelle Colston writes in the future.
Namaste and Blessed Be!
January 16, 2014
This is the funniest book I have read in a long time. Holly, who has to be a younger version of Joan Rivers, is appalled to discover that she is graded Stylish and Shallow in a survey by Cosmopolitan magazine.
She resolves to find her inner goddess and embarks on a program to put things right.
In the initial stages, failure looks distinctly possible and progress is slow, but halfway through the book I was in stitches.
Michelle is a very witty writer and brings fun and laughter into the heart of anyone who has ever had a go at self help.
I would like to have given her six stars for entertainment value.
She resolves to find her inner goddess and embarks on a program to put things right.
In the initial stages, failure looks distinctly possible and progress is slow, but halfway through the book I was in stitches.
Michelle is a very witty writer and brings fun and laughter into the heart of anyone who has ever had a go at self help.
I would like to have given her six stars for entertainment value.
October 13, 2013
LOVE this book. Michelle is like the amazingly cool sister you always wish you had who knows just when to bring booze, tissues and chocolate but then bitch-slap you when you're being annoying. It's a fab read by a funny, brilliant lady!
January 18, 2014
Holly is a stay-at-home mother with three children. Her husband, Shawn, has a successful job but is out of town a lot. Holly seems to have it all but she isn't happy with her life and consoles herself by eating and drinking way too much. One night she does a Cosmo quiz which reveals she has good taste but is shallow.
Holly is determined to make a change so buys a workbook called Discover Your Inner Goddess! A Beginner's Guide to Getting in Touch with Your True Self. There are three parts to the workbook:
* Looking within - why are you here, daydreaming, fear, your anti-goddess, negative habits and instilling positive habits
* Breaking down barriers - cleanse, union, meditation & affirmation, goddess essence (the body temple and your goddess centre)
* Personal growth - A day for ritual, learn something new, get to know the world, be one with nature, giving back and reflection
The Undiscovered Goddess is the workbook along with Holly's responses to the exercises, which is an interesting format for a book.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. It reads almost like a diary because Holly is doing the exercises along with documenting her thoughts and feelings. I liked the writing style ... it was funny, sarcastic and surprisingly honest (considering it's a novel). As a head's up, the language at times is for mature readers.
I didn't find Holly all that likeable in the beginning but as she makes her way through the workbook and being challenged, I liked her as she changes and figures out who she is. Through her writing, we get to know her family (Shawn sounds like a hoot!) and friends.
One of my favourite sections was when she had to do a cleanse (and later reporting back to the herbalist who sold it to her) ... it was really funny! I've done cleanses in the past so could relate.
On another level, I found the workbook itself helpful. I don't think I could do the entire workbook (kudos to Holly for doing it even though there were times when she wanted to give up) but I did take away some things ... like being conscious of the crap you put in your body and having a ritual to treat/reward yourself.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/01...
Holly is determined to make a change so buys a workbook called Discover Your Inner Goddess! A Beginner's Guide to Getting in Touch with Your True Self. There are three parts to the workbook:
* Looking within - why are you here, daydreaming, fear, your anti-goddess, negative habits and instilling positive habits
* Breaking down barriers - cleanse, union, meditation & affirmation, goddess essence (the body temple and your goddess centre)
* Personal growth - A day for ritual, learn something new, get to know the world, be one with nature, giving back and reflection
The Undiscovered Goddess is the workbook along with Holly's responses to the exercises, which is an interesting format for a book.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. It reads almost like a diary because Holly is doing the exercises along with documenting her thoughts and feelings. I liked the writing style ... it was funny, sarcastic and surprisingly honest (considering it's a novel). As a head's up, the language at times is for mature readers.
I didn't find Holly all that likeable in the beginning but as she makes her way through the workbook and being challenged, I liked her as she changes and figures out who she is. Through her writing, we get to know her family (Shawn sounds like a hoot!) and friends.
One of my favourite sections was when she had to do a cleanse (and later reporting back to the herbalist who sold it to her) ... it was really funny! I've done cleanses in the past so could relate.
On another level, I found the workbook itself helpful. I don't think I could do the entire workbook (kudos to Holly for doing it even though there were times when she wanted to give up) but I did take away some things ... like being conscious of the crap you put in your body and having a ritual to treat/reward yourself.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/01...
February 11, 2014
received by netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
I requested this book based on the cover alone. It spoke to me. Then because it seemed like a pretty good read based on the synopsis- I mean, who doesn't like Cosmo?
That being said I give this book 3.5 stars, almost a 4.
When I first started reading I have to admit I was very confused. Was this a self-help book? Did they mislead me? So I had to keep reading the synopsis to make sure I wasn't crazy (in this instance at least). I found out that it wasn't and after a few chapters the novel got out of reading like one.
Then I started to really enjoy it.
Holly is a character that anyone can relate too. She is a frazzled stay-at-home mom, who has been trying to do some soul searching, as is evident with her obsession of buying self-help books. ENTER the Undiscovered Goddess. Holly goes through each chapter of the book, trying out and writing about the obstacles she faces. She is fully sarcastic, drinks a lot, tried out ridiculous cleanses and fads (basically is me minus the kids) which is translated in her journal entries.
So while it is not a self-help book per se, you could definitely use it as one. And maybe because it is written in a chick-lit (I know...I know... that term) you will find it helpful. As I was reading through each step that Holly was presented with, I kept thinking about how I would attack each part, making me want to find my inner goddess as well. I do recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, funny read. Or anyone who needs a little help disovering their inner goddess without buying a real self-help book.
Also, this book made me realize I really need to get back into yoga. I only really started last year for a couple months. Then stopped ( I blame Christmas). However, I remember the complete zen feeling I had while doing it.
see:
http://justaddchampagne.blogspot.ca/2...
I requested this book based on the cover alone. It spoke to me. Then because it seemed like a pretty good read based on the synopsis- I mean, who doesn't like Cosmo?
That being said I give this book 3.5 stars, almost a 4.
When I first started reading I have to admit I was very confused. Was this a self-help book? Did they mislead me? So I had to keep reading the synopsis to make sure I wasn't crazy (in this instance at least). I found out that it wasn't and after a few chapters the novel got out of reading like one.
Then I started to really enjoy it.
Holly is a character that anyone can relate too. She is a frazzled stay-at-home mom, who has been trying to do some soul searching, as is evident with her obsession of buying self-help books. ENTER the Undiscovered Goddess. Holly goes through each chapter of the book, trying out and writing about the obstacles she faces. She is fully sarcastic, drinks a lot, tried out ridiculous cleanses and fads (basically is me minus the kids) which is translated in her journal entries.
So while it is not a self-help book per se, you could definitely use it as one. And maybe because it is written in a chick-lit (I know...I know... that term) you will find it helpful. As I was reading through each step that Holly was presented with, I kept thinking about how I would attack each part, making me want to find my inner goddess as well. I do recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, funny read. Or anyone who needs a little help disovering their inner goddess without buying a real self-help book.
Also, this book made me realize I really need to get back into yoga. I only really started last year for a couple months. Then stopped ( I blame Christmas). However, I remember the complete zen feeling I had while doing it.
see:
http://justaddchampagne.blogspot.ca/2...
January 18, 2014
Discovered this book on NetGalley. And I loved it!
Holly has a good life. A loving husband who works hard, three healthy children, a beautiful home in Texas, and a circle of friends she connects with regularly. She has so much to be thankful for. Then why is she so unhappy?
In order to find out why, Holly starts reading self help books, but usually gives up by chapter 3. She's almost ready to resign herself to a life of fast food, wanting to get away from her kids, and crying into a glass of wine each night when she finds a self help book called "The Undiscovered Goddess."
Skeptical, but ready to try anything at this point, Holly dives into the book with gusto .
And it changes her life.
Never before have I encountered a book that so perfectly gives voice to one's target audience. Holly is very relatable, I felt like I was reading about myself. The writing is funny, sarcastic, and honest. Although I loved the book as a whole, I started to lose interest toward the end when Holly became more functional. There was less conflict, and reading one happy paragraph after another became a little boring. That being said, I finished this book feeling encouraged. If Holly can do it, maybe I can too.
A few lines I snorted with laughter over:
- I think it's safe to say that I'm currently setting up shop in "I'm On My Period and I Hate Everyone Land."
- She's sarcastic and critical, and at times, seems a little bitter. She probably feels guilty for it too.
- I wonder if I can find a work book to discover my inner slut?
- If I tell myself I can't have this, then Fatty goes nuts in my head.
- Even the Dalai Lama would say, "Yes, you are an asshole."
- What kind of bread is this, babe? It tastes like woodchips and sponge. And what's wrong with this peanut butter?
Holly has a good life. A loving husband who works hard, three healthy children, a beautiful home in Texas, and a circle of friends she connects with regularly. She has so much to be thankful for. Then why is she so unhappy?
In order to find out why, Holly starts reading self help books, but usually gives up by chapter 3. She's almost ready to resign herself to a life of fast food, wanting to get away from her kids, and crying into a glass of wine each night when she finds a self help book called "The Undiscovered Goddess."
Skeptical, but ready to try anything at this point, Holly dives into the book with gusto .
And it changes her life.
Never before have I encountered a book that so perfectly gives voice to one's target audience. Holly is very relatable, I felt like I was reading about myself. The writing is funny, sarcastic, and honest. Although I loved the book as a whole, I started to lose interest toward the end when Holly became more functional. There was less conflict, and reading one happy paragraph after another became a little boring. That being said, I finished this book feeling encouraged. If Holly can do it, maybe I can too.
A few lines I snorted with laughter over:
- I think it's safe to say that I'm currently setting up shop in "I'm On My Period and I Hate Everyone Land."
- She's sarcastic and critical, and at times, seems a little bitter. She probably feels guilty for it too.
- I wonder if I can find a work book to discover my inner slut?
- If I tell myself I can't have this, then Fatty goes nuts in my head.
- Even the Dalai Lama would say, "Yes, you are an asshole."
- What kind of bread is this, babe? It tastes like woodchips and sponge. And what's wrong with this peanut butter?
February 13, 2014
First, this book is hysterically funny. At least if you are a middle-class American woman. It's kind of hard to describe what kind of book it is, however. Definitely chick lit. Definitely humorous. It seems to kind of walk a line between being a novel about a woman and her journey (via a self-help workbook) to self-discovery, a self-help workbook itself, a parody of a self-help book, a parody of a middle-class American mom...you get the idea. But, maybe surprisingly, it works!
Holly is someone every woman can relate to--although I hope most are not quite as shallow, self-absorbed, and whiny as she is! Fortunately for the reader, Holly is also honest (in her journal entries, at least) and has a funny, sarcastic sense of humor. Her journey provides some inspiration and insight to the reader, enough that you could probably use the book as your own self-help book if you wanted to. You can easily see your own negative qualities in her exaggerated ones and maybe learn a better way along with Holly.
On the flip side, however, one of the chapters has Holly doing a colon cleanse to remove her blockages to self-awareness. Become a better person through pooping! And by the end, Holly's nearly year-long journey has resulted in her having a better attitude about herself and her life. Her big aspiration now is to...have a better attitude...and hope that it rubs off on other people. Oh, and take a bubble bath (or other self-pampering activity)once a week. While the better attitude is surely a good thing, resulting in her being a better wife, mother, and friend, that's it? Still shallow and self-absorbed! But nicer!
Overall, I'd recommend this book to all my female friends. Whatever else you think about it, it's a hoot!
Note: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I received a free e-ARC of this book for review purposes.
Holly is someone every woman can relate to--although I hope most are not quite as shallow, self-absorbed, and whiny as she is! Fortunately for the reader, Holly is also honest (in her journal entries, at least) and has a funny, sarcastic sense of humor. Her journey provides some inspiration and insight to the reader, enough that you could probably use the book as your own self-help book if you wanted to. You can easily see your own negative qualities in her exaggerated ones and maybe learn a better way along with Holly.
On the flip side, however, one of the chapters has Holly doing a colon cleanse to remove her blockages to self-awareness. Become a better person through pooping! And by the end, Holly's nearly year-long journey has resulted in her having a better attitude about herself and her life. Her big aspiration now is to...have a better attitude...and hope that it rubs off on other people. Oh, and take a bubble bath (or other self-pampering activity)once a week. While the better attitude is surely a good thing, resulting in her being a better wife, mother, and friend, that's it? Still shallow and self-absorbed! But nicer!
Overall, I'd recommend this book to all my female friends. Whatever else you think about it, it's a hoot!
Note: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I received a free e-ARC of this book for review purposes.
December 7, 2014
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
As soon as I finished this book, I automatically thought of several women I know who I could recommend it to. Women who are in the same stage of life as I am, basically. I think "The Undiscovered Goddess" will really appeal to women who are living the dream life they imagined as a little girl and realizing it's not exactly how they pictured it.
I laughed my arse off with this one, but it also made me evaluate my own life and some of the bad habits I share with Holly.
For example, Holly started the book off as a pretty heavy drinker. I like to indulge a bit on the weekend myself, but when does a little indulgence become a problem? I started to worry a bit about Holly because, honestly, she seemed like she had a wee drinking problem. Fortunately, through working chapter by chapter through her "Undiscovered Goddess" workbook, this is one of the areas that Holly is able to address and see the truth of.
Holly also has some body image issues, and honestly, who of us doesn't? She knows she doesn't always make good choices with her diet, and her fitness level is at a zero, but what's a girl to do? She's got three kids and a husband to take care of, and friendships to maintain - who's got time for eating right and exercising? Again, taking a good hard look at her life, Holly realizes that by making self-care a priority, she's not being selfish but is instead able to give more back to her family. When a mother is happy, everyone is happy!
Anyway, I learned a lot from Holly. I didn't really like her much to begin with, but by the end she was someone I could picture myself being friends with. I ended up really loving this book! Highly recommended!
As soon as I finished this book, I automatically thought of several women I know who I could recommend it to. Women who are in the same stage of life as I am, basically. I think "The Undiscovered Goddess" will really appeal to women who are living the dream life they imagined as a little girl and realizing it's not exactly how they pictured it.
I laughed my arse off with this one, but it also made me evaluate my own life and some of the bad habits I share with Holly.
For example, Holly started the book off as a pretty heavy drinker. I like to indulge a bit on the weekend myself, but when does a little indulgence become a problem? I started to worry a bit about Holly because, honestly, she seemed like she had a wee drinking problem. Fortunately, through working chapter by chapter through her "Undiscovered Goddess" workbook, this is one of the areas that Holly is able to address and see the truth of.
Holly also has some body image issues, and honestly, who of us doesn't? She knows she doesn't always make good choices with her diet, and her fitness level is at a zero, but what's a girl to do? She's got three kids and a husband to take care of, and friendships to maintain - who's got time for eating right and exercising? Again, taking a good hard look at her life, Holly realizes that by making self-care a priority, she's not being selfish but is instead able to give more back to her family. When a mother is happy, everyone is happy!
Anyway, I learned a lot from Holly. I didn't really like her much to begin with, but by the end she was someone I could picture myself being friends with. I ended up really loving this book! Highly recommended!
June 6, 2014
My favorite chick lit books tend to have one thing in common - offbeat, obviously imperfect yet relatable heroine - and Holly, the main character of The Undiscovered Goddess definitely fits the bill. Annoyed by the fact that a Cosmo quiz she did, labeled her as shallow and superficial, Holly , a woman on a mission, picks up a self help book Discover your inner goddess and decides to turn her life around. Now the only things standing in the way of her "self-improvement" are her tendency to quit each project as soon as she starts it, as well as the fact that the silly book keeps asking her to give up all the guilty pleasures (mainly booze and junk food) that make her daily life bearable. Holly, a suburban mom of three, married to a workaholic she loves leads a fairly ordinary life, the kind that on the surface does not give her much reason for unhappiness. Yet she frequently feels like something is missing. A feeling many women nowadays can relate to at least on occasion.
Naturally Holly's road to self actualization is paved with humor and laugh out loud moments. Her interactions with her family, her sister, her friends, as well as Holly's inner monologues as she ventures out of her well established comfort zone into the world of colon cleanses, yoga and meditation, all make for such a fun, entertaining read. Not only did I enjoy Holly's adventures immensely but I truly enjoyed reading the book within the book. Discover your inner goddess was an interesting read in itself and I found myself wanting to participate as I was reading it.
This book is a perfect vacation or a beach companion but will also be enjoyed by all fans of quality chick lit. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by Michelle Colston.
Naturally Holly's road to self actualization is paved with humor and laugh out loud moments. Her interactions with her family, her sister, her friends, as well as Holly's inner monologues as she ventures out of her well established comfort zone into the world of colon cleanses, yoga and meditation, all make for such a fun, entertaining read. Not only did I enjoy Holly's adventures immensely but I truly enjoyed reading the book within the book. Discover your inner goddess was an interesting read in itself and I found myself wanting to participate as I was reading it.
This book is a perfect vacation or a beach companion but will also be enjoyed by all fans of quality chick lit. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by Michelle Colston.
February 16, 2014
0 stars
A book told mostly through the journal entries of an unhappy house wife who finds out that she is shallow through a quiz in Cosmopolitan. She can't accept this and so seeks out self-help books, and finds the one which guided her to start the journaling to find her Inner Goddess and true self.
The cover pulled me in, and the workbook aspect sounded like an interactive read, where we'd both go on our inner journeys "side-by-side", but this was not the case at all and I couldn't finish this book because it was comprised solely of the egoic, and of course, shallow complaints of the author, and is the most negative book I think I've ever read. Maybe she finds some peace and positivity in the end, I don't know, but I couldn't waste my joy and peace hearing this woman constantly and dramatically self-pitying, and putting down or dreading her children, among other hateful and ungrateful things. Examples: 1. "Does my Inner Goddess share the weight of this burden? If not, I'd like to go within, punch her in the face and then help myself to more peanut butter." 2. "My chemicals have managed to balance themselves out, so today can be handled with optimism and patience. Of course, my kids are still asleep so my sunny disposition is subject to change." Seriously? (And that was just between a page and half.) I decided to skim through the book, in hopes of finding more material from the workbook itself, but in doing so, I kept coming across the word "hangover" and knew it wasn't going to be a read that was "worth it" to me.
(Review featured on www.evolvingthread.com )
A book told mostly through the journal entries of an unhappy house wife who finds out that she is shallow through a quiz in Cosmopolitan. She can't accept this and so seeks out self-help books, and finds the one which guided her to start the journaling to find her Inner Goddess and true self.
The cover pulled me in, and the workbook aspect sounded like an interactive read, where we'd both go on our inner journeys "side-by-side", but this was not the case at all and I couldn't finish this book because it was comprised solely of the egoic, and of course, shallow complaints of the author, and is the most negative book I think I've ever read. Maybe she finds some peace and positivity in the end, I don't know, but I couldn't waste my joy and peace hearing this woman constantly and dramatically self-pitying, and putting down or dreading her children, among other hateful and ungrateful things. Examples: 1. "Does my Inner Goddess share the weight of this burden? If not, I'd like to go within, punch her in the face and then help myself to more peanut butter." 2. "My chemicals have managed to balance themselves out, so today can be handled with optimism and patience. Of course, my kids are still asleep so my sunny disposition is subject to change." Seriously? (And that was just between a page and half.) I decided to skim through the book, in hopes of finding more material from the workbook itself, but in doing so, I kept coming across the word "hangover" and knew it wasn't going to be a read that was "worth it" to me.
(Review featured on www.evolvingthread.com )
August 7, 2016
I opened this book and thought, Oh gawdess, the blurb lied to me! This is a self-help book in disguise.
Turns out, it's not a self-help book after all, just like the blurb promises.
After a quiz in a glossy rag calls Holly shallow, she buys a workbook journal, the book within the book called Discover Your Inner Goddess, and actually does the prescribed exercises.
I hated Holly at the beginning of the story. She's neurotic and sardonic bordering on phlegmatic about a relatively easy (normal) life that would delight many people. As Holly works through the workbook, her confidence grows. Her sarcasm becomes humorous. Her story is motivational in a way that most self-help books never are - we, the readers, watch the changes that could happen, if only we make up our minds to pursue them.
Hand to Divinity, at one point, I scared my dog out of sleep when I almost snorted water from my nose laughing at Holly's experience with a cleansing diet (bathroom humor for girls)!
Somewhere in the middle of the story (probably during the self-cleansing diet), I fell in love with Holly. She's someone that could be a friend (if only she was real).
I snagged a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for review. The NetGalley free-edition has many typographical formatting errors that I hope are fixed in other (paid-for) digital editions.
Turns out, it's not a self-help book after all, just like the blurb promises.
After a quiz in a glossy rag calls Holly shallow, she buys a workbook journal, the book within the book called Discover Your Inner Goddess, and actually does the prescribed exercises.
I hated Holly at the beginning of the story. She's neurotic and sardonic bordering on phlegmatic about a relatively easy (normal) life that would delight many people. As Holly works through the workbook, her confidence grows. Her sarcasm becomes humorous. Her story is motivational in a way that most self-help books never are - we, the readers, watch the changes that could happen, if only we make up our minds to pursue them.
Hand to Divinity, at one point, I scared my dog out of sleep when I almost snorted water from my nose laughing at Holly's experience with a cleansing diet (bathroom humor for girls)!
Somewhere in the middle of the story (probably during the self-cleansing diet), I fell in love with Holly. She's someone that could be a friend (if only she was real).
I snagged a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for review. The NetGalley free-edition has many typographical formatting errors that I hope are fixed in other (paid-for) digital editions.
April 19, 2014
Holly is not too happy about the way her life is going so she buys a self-help workbook and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and self-enhancement. Over the course of a year she records her progress and lapses in a diary. From colon cleanse to yoga and meditation to giving up alcohol, the Undiscovered Goddess does it all … but will Holly find "her true self" in the end?
I had real problems with the beginning of this book, found it dragging and even boring, but after the first third I started to enjoy it more and more.
It is written well, contains many funny bits and the characters are believable. I also find that the overall structure of Undiscovered Goddess was thought through really well.
However, I feel I am not exactly the right person to have been reading this book - I'd rate my own personal enjoyment of it 3* - but I think a person who is more into the subject matter of Undiscovered Goddess and can relate better to Holly would rate this 4-5*. So, if you are into books that feature a heroine who is on a path to "be one with the Universe" and you have a slightly wicked sense of humour - go for it!
I had real problems with the beginning of this book, found it dragging and even boring, but after the first third I started to enjoy it more and more.
It is written well, contains many funny bits and the characters are believable. I also find that the overall structure of Undiscovered Goddess was thought through really well.
However, I feel I am not exactly the right person to have been reading this book - I'd rate my own personal enjoyment of it 3* - but I think a person who is more into the subject matter of Undiscovered Goddess and can relate better to Holly would rate this 4-5*. So, if you are into books that feature a heroine who is on a path to "be one with the Universe" and you have a slightly wicked sense of humour - go for it!
April 2, 2014
I received a copy from Net Galley for review purposes.
Full disclosure - I gave up at 12%. Note the category above as abandoned. My apologies to the author and to Net Galley - I requested a book that isn't appropriate to my age. I feel badly, knowing I'm probably dragging down the ratings - this might be thoroughly enjoyable to someone also suffering from 30-something mommy angst, though I have two daughters and a daughter-in-law that at least fit the age bracket, and I can't picture them enjoying this either.
It seemed like a good concept, although there have been other times I haven't been especially pleased with reading someone's journal entries as a means of telling a story. The narrator is self-absorbed, spoiled, shallow... and that all became clear in the first 12%.
In reading other reviews, I see reader after reader calling this book "hysterically funny." I guess you had to be there.
Full disclosure - I gave up at 12%. Note the category above as abandoned. My apologies to the author and to Net Galley - I requested a book that isn't appropriate to my age. I feel badly, knowing I'm probably dragging down the ratings - this might be thoroughly enjoyable to someone also suffering from 30-something mommy angst, though I have two daughters and a daughter-in-law that at least fit the age bracket, and I can't picture them enjoying this either.
It seemed like a good concept, although there have been other times I haven't been especially pleased with reading someone's journal entries as a means of telling a story. The narrator is self-absorbed, spoiled, shallow... and that all became clear in the first 12%.
In reading other reviews, I see reader after reader calling this book "hysterically funny." I guess you had to be there.
March 15, 2017
Received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I honestly didn't know what to think when I started reading this one and then again when I finished it. First I thought wait, I thought this was fiction when looking at her website and her facebook page after finishing the book. I feel like the author maybe put some of her own experiences in the book which works for me! I loved the contrast between the beginning and the end. I honestly didn't want to keep reading at first because a) it was painful to read the shallowness the main character displayed and b) I was wondering where the funny was. I'm glad I stuck the book out and it was good reinforcement that we all have the power to make changes if we stop comparing ourselves to others, take it slow and meet ourselves where we are at. Looking forward to seeing what else the author has up her sleeve.
I honestly didn't know what to think when I started reading this one and then again when I finished it. First I thought wait, I thought this was fiction when looking at her website and her facebook page after finishing the book. I feel like the author maybe put some of her own experiences in the book which works for me! I loved the contrast between the beginning and the end. I honestly didn't want to keep reading at first because a) it was painful to read the shallowness the main character displayed and b) I was wondering where the funny was. I'm glad I stuck the book out and it was good reinforcement that we all have the power to make changes if we stop comparing ourselves to others, take it slow and meet ourselves where we are at. Looking forward to seeing what else the author has up her sleeve.
January 5, 2014
OMG funny!
There are parts of this book that had me laughing so hard my dogs started barking to join in the fun.
This book is such a gem!
Michelle is unbelievably funny, but besides that, I loved the message of the book. I loved the journey she took and how much she changed herself and her outlook on her life.
I'm tempted to discover my own goddess after this read.
There are parts of this book that had me laughing so hard my dogs started barking to join in the fun.
This book is such a gem!
Michelle is unbelievably funny, but besides that, I loved the message of the book. I loved the journey she took and how much she changed herself and her outlook on her life.
I'm tempted to discover my own goddess after this read.
January 14, 2014
I liked this one a lot more than I expected to in the beginning. I really enjoyed the character's growth and change, and really appreciated seeing the full path/explanation for that growth and change.
January 19, 2014
Catches your attention with the very first sentence. Simply laugh out loud observations and situations. So close to real life! At times, I felt like I was witnessing my own life. A definitely enjoyable read. I want more from this author!
August 20, 2012
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!!! I recommend it highly!
January 5, 2014
This book was by turns laugh out loud funny, touching, and thought provoking. Loved it.
January 14, 2014
Got about one paragraph in and knew I couldn't stomach it. Skimmed a bit to see if it got better. No. What an annoying voice.
August 26, 2016
This book was funny at some points. It was an interesting and entertaining view into a journey to learn about oneself.
May 6, 2018
This was a fun, quirky look inside the life of a woman who hides her true self and insecurities behind sarcasm and wit. I received it awhile back from NetGalley in exchange for a review, and I never sent my review.
Holly, the main character discovers in a personality test that she may be a shallow person. This is her sometimes funny, yet heartbreaking look at self-evaluation. She tackles her personal demons of self-image, self-worth, world perspective, and her own level of maturity. A great read, both rewarding and funny at the same time.
Holly, the main character discovers in a personality test that she may be a shallow person. This is her sometimes funny, yet heartbreaking look at self-evaluation. She tackles her personal demons of self-image, self-worth, world perspective, and her own level of maturity. A great read, both rewarding and funny at the same time.
January 30, 2014
Note: This book review, as well as many more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca).
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to NetGalley and AuthorBuzz for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review: My blog readers know that I'm not a connoisseur of Chick Lit so when I saw the cover of this book on NetGalley I wasn't sure it was for me. But after seeing the high ratings by other readers I was persuaded to give it a shot. And I'm really glad I picked it up.
This is the debut novel from Michelle Colston and I was very impressed with the writing, humour (sarcastic, dry humour at its best!) and the character development. Colston deftly combines Chick Lit with Self-Help and Humour seamlessly and I loved it! Loved it, I say!!
I like to think of myself as someone who has a firm appreciation of what great humour is (and apparently little humility). This means that when I read humourous novels I have really high expectations. Let's just say that Colston knows funny. While reading this book there were so many parts where I literally laughed out loud -- like choked on my coffee at 6:30 in the morning all over my dog laugh out loud. Parts were so funny (wait until you get to her cleanse!) that I'd go back and re-read the section only to continue my giggling because Colston really gets into the mind of the middle class housewife. In other words -- my peeps.
Holly, the main character, has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humour and I found that the voice that Colston gave her was expertly written and authentic. I could see Holly as someone who I'd hang out with (after her metamorphosis, of course). I envision her as being a cross between Claire Dunphy (my alter ego) from Modern Family and Tina Fey -- both women who exemplify humour, sarcasm and honesty when mothering the small humans who came from them.
When we first meet Holly I honestly didn't like her at all. She was a mom who didn't connect with her kids or husband. She needed to drink regularly to get through the day and was someone who was utterly shallow (with a gaggle of superficial friends t'boot) who didn't realize she was so unhappy.
But, as the book progresses, we see Holly begin to change and learn more about herself. There is no Fairy Godmother to make these changes happen. Holly does the work herself and the results happen at a believable pace which I appreciated. I found that as Holly's eyes opened to some of her issues I also learned some stuff about myself -- something I wasn't expecting to take away from a book that I expected to be just some enjoyable fluff.
Another reason(s) that I loved Holly's character is that I could relate to Holly in so many ways. Colston 'gets' today's modern women and the struggles that we face. Sometimes I felt like Colston had a peep hole into my life. For example,
• Like Holly, I look drop dead sexy in my flannel jammies.
• I complain that I never get flowers from my husband but then complain about the waste of money he just spent when he eventually buys them for me
• I experience annoyance much more than I experience most other emotions
• I'm strangely vain in that like to reread funny emails/blog posts that I've written so I can be impressed with my own sense of humour (oh, there's that humility thing again!)
• I have kids who have the exceptional ability to need to talk to me as soon as I have a phone to my ear
• I love to make lists because it makes me feel like I've accomplished something even though I can procrastinate with the best of them
Holly's transformation isn't all about humourous looks into her life. She is a mom and a wife who struggles with self confidence and finding meaning and purpose in her life and it's this struggle which made Holly very real to me.
If there was one wee negative I'd have to say that some of the self-help workbook excerpts came off a little long and a little dry for my tastes but then Holly would step in and I'd be giggling to myself again.
I finished this book and took a good look at myself -- how I treat myself as well as what things inspire me. This inner reflection was definitely not something that I was expecting from this book. Colston's unique ability to get into the mind of the middle class mom helped take this book from being a light read into something much more inspiring and yet not too heavy either.
While I won't necessarily be trying to find my inner goddess, this book helped me to renew my interest in yoga, take more time for myself and to remember to treat myself (mind, body and soul) better. I think those are issues where we all could use a little reminding.
Highly recommended.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Memorable Quotes:
'Suffering is my teacher. If I pay attention to it instead of trying to numb it out, maybe it can lead me to its root."
"It's simply about gratitude and honor. It's about finding the joy in each of life's little facets, even the ones that are otherwise considered mundane. It's all a matter of perspective, I guess. Each day can be as joyous as you want to make it. Every day can be Super Powerful Happy Goddess Fun Time Day. Kumbaya."
"It's the awareness beneath the thoughts, the stillness inside that creates space to connect with the magic on the outside."
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to NetGalley and AuthorBuzz for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review: My blog readers know that I'm not a connoisseur of Chick Lit so when I saw the cover of this book on NetGalley I wasn't sure it was for me. But after seeing the high ratings by other readers I was persuaded to give it a shot. And I'm really glad I picked it up.
This is the debut novel from Michelle Colston and I was very impressed with the writing, humour (sarcastic, dry humour at its best!) and the character development. Colston deftly combines Chick Lit with Self-Help and Humour seamlessly and I loved it! Loved it, I say!!
I like to think of myself as someone who has a firm appreciation of what great humour is (and apparently little humility). This means that when I read humourous novels I have really high expectations. Let's just say that Colston knows funny. While reading this book there were so many parts where I literally laughed out loud -- like choked on my coffee at 6:30 in the morning all over my dog laugh out loud. Parts were so funny (wait until you get to her cleanse!) that I'd go back and re-read the section only to continue my giggling because Colston really gets into the mind of the middle class housewife. In other words -- my peeps.
Holly, the main character, has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humour and I found that the voice that Colston gave her was expertly written and authentic. I could see Holly as someone who I'd hang out with (after her metamorphosis, of course). I envision her as being a cross between Claire Dunphy (my alter ego) from Modern Family and Tina Fey -- both women who exemplify humour, sarcasm and honesty when mothering the small humans who came from them.
When we first meet Holly I honestly didn't like her at all. She was a mom who didn't connect with her kids or husband. She needed to drink regularly to get through the day and was someone who was utterly shallow (with a gaggle of superficial friends t'boot) who didn't realize she was so unhappy.
But, as the book progresses, we see Holly begin to change and learn more about herself. There is no Fairy Godmother to make these changes happen. Holly does the work herself and the results happen at a believable pace which I appreciated. I found that as Holly's eyes opened to some of her issues I also learned some stuff about myself -- something I wasn't expecting to take away from a book that I expected to be just some enjoyable fluff.
Another reason(s) that I loved Holly's character is that I could relate to Holly in so many ways. Colston 'gets' today's modern women and the struggles that we face. Sometimes I felt like Colston had a peep hole into my life. For example,
• Like Holly, I look drop dead sexy in my flannel jammies.
• I complain that I never get flowers from my husband but then complain about the waste of money he just spent when he eventually buys them for me
• I experience annoyance much more than I experience most other emotions
• I'm strangely vain in that like to reread funny emails/blog posts that I've written so I can be impressed with my own sense of humour (oh, there's that humility thing again!)
• I have kids who have the exceptional ability to need to talk to me as soon as I have a phone to my ear
• I love to make lists because it makes me feel like I've accomplished something even though I can procrastinate with the best of them
Holly's transformation isn't all about humourous looks into her life. She is a mom and a wife who struggles with self confidence and finding meaning and purpose in her life and it's this struggle which made Holly very real to me.
If there was one wee negative I'd have to say that some of the self-help workbook excerpts came off a little long and a little dry for my tastes but then Holly would step in and I'd be giggling to myself again.
I finished this book and took a good look at myself -- how I treat myself as well as what things inspire me. This inner reflection was definitely not something that I was expecting from this book. Colston's unique ability to get into the mind of the middle class mom helped take this book from being a light read into something much more inspiring and yet not too heavy either.
While I won't necessarily be trying to find my inner goddess, this book helped me to renew my interest in yoga, take more time for myself and to remember to treat myself (mind, body and soul) better. I think those are issues where we all could use a little reminding.
Highly recommended.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Memorable Quotes:
'Suffering is my teacher. If I pay attention to it instead of trying to numb it out, maybe it can lead me to its root."
"It's simply about gratitude and honor. It's about finding the joy in each of life's little facets, even the ones that are otherwise considered mundane. It's all a matter of perspective, I guess. Each day can be as joyous as you want to make it. Every day can be Super Powerful Happy Goddess Fun Time Day. Kumbaya."
"It's the awareness beneath the thoughts, the stillness inside that creates space to connect with the magic on the outside."
Read
October 8, 2017Wasn't able to read and review this book due to a difficulty downloading this book.
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 25, 2015
I finished this book a couple hours ago and I'm still not sure how I feel about it.
I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. I know I wasn't expecting blurbs about finding myself on every other page. I certainly wasn't expecting 90% of the book to be written like a journal. I wasn't expecting frequent typos. I was expecting, from the summary and the reviews, that it would be funny, but I don't think I laughed more than once or twice.
"What can Holly teach you," asks the summary. Well...
Holly can teach me to stop acting like I deserve the world just because I occasionally have to do things I don't want to do. Holly is a wife and mother of three. She doesn't seem to really like her husband anymore (he's away for work a lot) and often seems to detest her children. She has a lot of responsibilities, sure. She channels her frustrations into spending copious amounts of money on designer clothes she'll never wear and drinking more alcohol than it's healthy to consume. Apparently Holly is so wrapped up in self pity that she doesn't realize she could take some of that money and use it for, oh, I don't know, A BABYSITTER SO SHE CAN GET SOME TIME TO HERSELF?! Instead, she literally thinks about murdering her son when he asks her to make him a sandwich. Yes, this is a thing that actually happens, and Holly sees nothing wrong with it. This book is supposed to be funny. IT IS NOT.
Holly can teach me what it really looks like when I complain about stupid things or blame my moods on my period. Holly is constantly menstruating, and constantly describing what stage of her cycle she's in. She is extra mean to her husband during this time of the month (he finds it funny, not disturbing) and uses it as an excuse for doing (or not doing) whatever she wants. I hope I don't use my period as an excuse for being a terrible person half as much as Holly does. It was incredibly tiring to read about her shirking responsibilities and snapping at everyone just because she has cramps.
Holly can teach me to be a happier person. I never want to be seen the way I saw Holly. She was a miserable person who only got a smidgen more tolerable toward the end. I think one of the biggest reasons I didn't like this book was that I didn't like Holly. It's awfully hard to muster up the energy to read about a character you can't stand. Now, granted, Holly does a complete 180 over the course of the book, but it comes across as very staged. She has convenient epiphanies related to each chapter of her workbook that allow her to move on to the land of better people. But even at the end, is she really as enlightened as she thinks she is?
Thanks, Holly, for giving me a wake-up call about how I'm perceived, though I doubt this was the intention of this supposedly funny book.
On the bright side, this book made me want to take up journaling again. It's something I used to do pretty frequently, and although I would cringe at past entries, it was very therapeutic to get all my emotions out in a private way. It made me want to start working out with more frequency (I actually did 20 minutes of cardio immediately after putting the book down, so there's a plus). And it made me want to set aside some time each week just for myself so I can unwind and be a happier person.
I'm just really glad to be done with this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy.
I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. I know I wasn't expecting blurbs about finding myself on every other page. I certainly wasn't expecting 90% of the book to be written like a journal. I wasn't expecting frequent typos. I was expecting, from the summary and the reviews, that it would be funny, but I don't think I laughed more than once or twice.
"What can Holly teach you," asks the summary. Well...
Holly can teach me to stop acting like I deserve the world just because I occasionally have to do things I don't want to do. Holly is a wife and mother of three. She doesn't seem to really like her husband anymore (he's away for work a lot) and often seems to detest her children. She has a lot of responsibilities, sure. She channels her frustrations into spending copious amounts of money on designer clothes she'll never wear and drinking more alcohol than it's healthy to consume. Apparently Holly is so wrapped up in self pity that she doesn't realize she could take some of that money and use it for, oh, I don't know, A BABYSITTER SO SHE CAN GET SOME TIME TO HERSELF?! Instead, she literally thinks about murdering her son when he asks her to make him a sandwich. Yes, this is a thing that actually happens, and Holly sees nothing wrong with it. This book is supposed to be funny. IT IS NOT.
Holly can teach me what it really looks like when I complain about stupid things or blame my moods on my period. Holly is constantly menstruating, and constantly describing what stage of her cycle she's in. She is extra mean to her husband during this time of the month (he finds it funny, not disturbing) and uses it as an excuse for doing (or not doing) whatever she wants. I hope I don't use my period as an excuse for being a terrible person half as much as Holly does. It was incredibly tiring to read about her shirking responsibilities and snapping at everyone just because she has cramps.
Holly can teach me to be a happier person. I never want to be seen the way I saw Holly. She was a miserable person who only got a smidgen more tolerable toward the end. I think one of the biggest reasons I didn't like this book was that I didn't like Holly. It's awfully hard to muster up the energy to read about a character you can't stand. Now, granted, Holly does a complete 180 over the course of the book, but it comes across as very staged. She has convenient epiphanies related to each chapter of her workbook that allow her to move on to the land of better people. But even at the end, is she really as enlightened as she thinks she is?
Thanks, Holly, for giving me a wake-up call about how I'm perceived, though I doubt this was the intention of this supposedly funny book.
On the bright side, this book made me want to take up journaling again. It's something I used to do pretty frequently, and although I would cringe at past entries, it was very therapeutic to get all my emotions out in a private way. It made me want to start working out with more frequency (I actually did 20 minutes of cardio immediately after putting the book down, so there's a plus). And it made me want to set aside some time each week just for myself so I can unwind and be a happier person.
I'm just really glad to be done with this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy.
January 15, 2017
3.5 stars - not my usual genre at ALL, and yet I must have been in the mood for some light-hearted fluff. This pastiche of the self-help industry hit some of the right notes, but mostly it's just a good laugh.
Full review is on my blog, as ever :)
Full review is on my blog, as ever :)
November 13, 2014
(galley copied provided for review by NetGalley.com)
This book... oh my goodness, this book...! I started it when I first downloaded it, and I hated it. Loathed, abhorred... the writing style was off-putting, the structure extremely confusing, and the main character one of the worst, least sympathetic women I have ever read as a first-person narrator. She was alcoholic, mean to her kids, spending time with terrible friends, and nobody liked her. It was painful to read. I switched to something else, and let the book languish on my kindle. I have a real thing about not finishing a NetGalley book, though, so I finally came back to it. Still hated it the second time in. So I did something I have never done for a NetGalley book. I looked at other reviews. Normally, I want to write something that is purely my opinion, not influenced by others, but in this case, I needed to understand what good others saw in this book. There were reviews that reflected my current dislike of the book, but there were enough four and five-star reviews that I thought, "Okay, one more try. If it stays this bad, I'll just skim it and give it one star."
Then things started to shift. Holly, the narrator, works her way through this self-improvement workbook. And gradually, VERY gradually, things start shifting. My thoughts about the book paralleled Holly's experience. I remember thinking, "Oh, she's going to learn something. But I'm sure it'll be cliched. Maybe I'll give the book two stars." But it wasn't cliched. It actually worked. Her development seemed realistic. By the end of the book, she's way different than she was at the beginning, but the changes seem genuine and organic. I don't know if it's where I am in my life right now, but the book made me want to go find a yoga class! I'm impressed with how Colston's narrative shifted with her character, and I liked the book more as the character liked herself more. That was a fascinating dynamic for me.
So by the end of the book, I'm thinking, "Okay, four stars. I like what you did, but it was rough there at the beginning, almost rough enough for me to not read the book."
This book... oh my goodness, this book...! I started it when I first downloaded it, and I hated it. Loathed, abhorred... the writing style was off-putting, the structure extremely confusing, and the main character one of the worst, least sympathetic women I have ever read as a first-person narrator. She was alcoholic, mean to her kids, spending time with terrible friends, and nobody liked her. It was painful to read. I switched to something else, and let the book languish on my kindle. I have a real thing about not finishing a NetGalley book, though, so I finally came back to it. Still hated it the second time in. So I did something I have never done for a NetGalley book. I looked at other reviews. Normally, I want to write something that is purely my opinion, not influenced by others, but in this case, I needed to understand what good others saw in this book. There were reviews that reflected my current dislike of the book, but there were enough four and five-star reviews that I thought, "Okay, one more try. If it stays this bad, I'll just skim it and give it one star."
Then things started to shift. Holly, the narrator, works her way through this self-improvement workbook. And gradually, VERY gradually, things start shifting. My thoughts about the book paralleled Holly's experience. I remember thinking, "Oh, she's going to learn something. But I'm sure it'll be cliched. Maybe I'll give the book two stars." But it wasn't cliched. It actually worked. Her development seemed realistic. By the end of the book, she's way different than she was at the beginning, but the changes seem genuine and organic. I don't know if it's where I am in my life right now, but the book made me want to go find a yoga class! I'm impressed with how Colston's narrative shifted with her character, and I liked the book more as the character liked herself more. That was a fascinating dynamic for me.
So by the end of the book, I'm thinking, "Okay, four stars. I like what you did, but it was rough there at the beginning, almost rough enough for me to not read the book."
January 22, 2014
I received a galley copy of this book to review from NetGalley.
When I looked at the first few chapters I thought "What have I gotten myself into! Such mumbo jumbo." This book is written as a journal kept by Holly, a stay-at-home mother of three children. She has bought a workbook on discovering your inner goddess. Not being a fan of self-help books, I groaned when I realized what this was.
As I began to read it, I did enjoy the author's humor. There were times she hated her children. She was hard on herself. She had tried one self-help book after another and never completed any of them. She had a good life but she wasn't happy. She drank a lot to dull her pain from this unhappiness and boredom. I loved when she asked "Inner Goddess? It's probably some bra-burning, hippie-dippie, feminist crap." Yeah, I could relate to that. The workbook gave her activities to accomplish in each lesson. I loved her husband's responses to some of those activities. He was definitely more supportive than many men I know. I could also relate to how her girlfriends reacted to her doing this workbook.
The lessons had her identifying the fears that were holding her back. Those fears were then identified as her "anti-goddesses". She had to identify her negative habits and replace them with positive habits. Hmm, not a bad idea. But she had to learn what were realistic goals. Her first list of positive habits was a bit overwhelming. Lesson 7 was, by far, the funniest part of the book. In this lesson she had to "clear her spiritual blockages". This started by cleansing her bowels. So funny! She had to focus on personal growth. By Lesson 9 I was actually finding myself thinking "This isn't so bad. There's some good points made here."
I found that I enjoyed the book. Holly is a realistic person. I think her husband may have been a little too perfect. But her girlfriends were definitely like some of mine would be if I were doing this workbook. I enjoyed the changes that Holly went through. I think anyone reading this book would benefit from some of lessons.
When I looked at the first few chapters I thought "What have I gotten myself into! Such mumbo jumbo." This book is written as a journal kept by Holly, a stay-at-home mother of three children. She has bought a workbook on discovering your inner goddess. Not being a fan of self-help books, I groaned when I realized what this was.
As I began to read it, I did enjoy the author's humor. There were times she hated her children. She was hard on herself. She had tried one self-help book after another and never completed any of them. She had a good life but she wasn't happy. She drank a lot to dull her pain from this unhappiness and boredom. I loved when she asked "Inner Goddess? It's probably some bra-burning, hippie-dippie, feminist crap." Yeah, I could relate to that. The workbook gave her activities to accomplish in each lesson. I loved her husband's responses to some of those activities. He was definitely more supportive than many men I know. I could also relate to how her girlfriends reacted to her doing this workbook.
The lessons had her identifying the fears that were holding her back. Those fears were then identified as her "anti-goddesses". She had to identify her negative habits and replace them with positive habits. Hmm, not a bad idea. But she had to learn what were realistic goals. Her first list of positive habits was a bit overwhelming. Lesson 7 was, by far, the funniest part of the book. In this lesson she had to "clear her spiritual blockages". This started by cleansing her bowels. So funny! She had to focus on personal growth. By Lesson 9 I was actually finding myself thinking "This isn't so bad. There's some good points made here."
I found that I enjoyed the book. Holly is a realistic person. I think her husband may have been a little too perfect. But her girlfriends were definitely like some of mine would be if I were doing this workbook. I enjoyed the changes that Holly went through. I think anyone reading this book would benefit from some of lessons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews