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Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves

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If there is one thing Lincee Ray has learned over the years, it's that the majority of women on the planet struggle with insecurities. Our skinny jeans mock us. Our just-trying-to-help mothers are just driving us crazy. Our social media feeds taunt us with everyone else's picture-perfect lives. It's enough to send you on a gummy-bear bender while binge-watching Friends reruns and not showering for a week. Lincee knows. She's been there. Right there, in fact. Gummy bears and all.For every woman who's ever wondered if she's unlovable, uninteresting, or unattractive, Lincee offers her particular brand of hilarious (and hard-hitting) self-reflection. Like a true friend, she shows us that the fastest way to happiness is to embrace ourselves in all our imperfection, trust that God knew what he was doing when he made us, and maybe go buy a new tube of mascara. Walk alongside Lincee as she discovers that her identity is not found in her job, her relationship status, her bank account, or her social circle. It's found in Christ.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2018

71 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read

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Lincee Ray

2 books54 followers

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5 stars
454 (45%)
4 stars
337 (33%)
3 stars
151 (15%)
2 stars
48 (4%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
1 review29 followers
January 5, 2018
Not only did I read the book, but I wrote it too! Thanks for visiting this page!
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,753 reviews210 followers
February 10, 2018
I wish that someone would tell Lincee that I would LOVE to be her best friend.

I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more. This book is such a refreshing read.

It's what I call an honest, refreshing, must read.

For those of you who say I don't like non-fiction books, you have not read this book yet, I think you will change your mind after reading this one.

Insecurity, as women we all struggle with it. Lincee with her humor and wit write about that in such away you will NOT put this book down once you open it and start reading. I will be rereading this book many times, when I need a pick me up.

I gladly give this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own
Profile Image for Karen R.
762 reviews97 followers
January 24, 2018
Reading this book was like sitting down with my new best friend. She spins her life story out in a charming, but very real, sometimes very heart wrenching way. All the while, it reveals a funny, smart, creative woman of faith who wants to help others learn from her own life lessons. She puts a gem of faith, truth, and hope in just at the right moment. The writing flows like a one-sided conversation with the reader as the silent partner, nodding and saying, "Yes, uh huh, then what happened?" Or "What?! No way!" Each segment has a theme, arranged to add a new layer to the story. I wish I had a small child for her to babysit after reading the segment on "motherhood", just to see what creative things she would do!

This book is encouraging, inspirational, heart-wrenching at times, and laugh out loud funny in a lot of parts, especially if you were young in the '80's and '90's. It would make a good gift for any woman who is hurting or who feels alone in her struggles. She is like the Erma Bombeck or Barbara Johnson of this generation. I hope she never stops writing. Recommend!

(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)
Profile Image for Ranelle.
127 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2017
You'll start reading and think "it sounds like she's sitting here with me and telling me all this in person." You'll laugh, maybe tear up here or there, laugh some more and basically want her to be your friend. And then you'll laugh some more. Don't hesitate to read this memoir that reveals how Lincee battles all those insecurities that get to us all.
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,977 reviews218 followers
February 17, 2018
I am not even sure where to start on my review other than I LOVED this book.  It made me laugh, but there were also some parts that were poignant, such as, when Lincee wrote about her marriage and its failure.  I was truly amazed to read her story and enjoyed every minute...I did not want the book to end.

I have followed I Hate Green Beans for a few years after being turned on to it by a friend.  I thought the title of her blog was hysterical because I love green beans!  I don't remember if I knew why she didn't like that green vegetable, but I learned why in her book - an evil diet.  Then as I was reading her profile (way back when), I learned that we attended the same high school.  Not at the same time mind you!  But I felt a kinship when she spoke about her time in high school and what she experienced being on the Belles (drill team).  While I was a band geek, I also participated in the Flag Corps, so I could commiserate about those weigh ins!  While I might not be able to relate to everything she wrote about, I could feel her emotions - from angst to frustration to happiness - in each story she told.  She made me feel like I was sitting right next to her in each event in her life.

Lincee even puts her faith out there for all to see.  Her Christian beliefs helped guide her through the tougher times in life and kept her grounded despite any situation.  And trust me when I say there are lots of situations that would test any of us.  She shares various bible verses that helped her in situations when she needed support.  I appreciated her humility in admitting when she needed that extra assistance to get through.

For Lincee to put her life out there for anyone and everyone to read, it shows a courage that many do not possess.  Her honesty, quick wit, and fluid writing will entertain readers and if they enjoy it as much as I did, they will not want to put the book down.  Not all may be able to relate, but I am willing to bet that there is at least one story or situation that will seem familiar - even if it is the insecurity that many of us feel as a woman.

We give this 5 paws up!  We'd give more but our scale is only 5.
Profile Image for Sarah.
321 reviews
February 6, 2018
I am new to the "I Hate Green Beans" blog/podcast by Lincee Ray, so I was very eager to read her new book. Since I check many of the same demographic boxes as Lincee, I found this to be a very relatable and fun read. Anyone who graduated in 1994 will follow right along with her references to growing up in the mid80s to mid90s. She weaves stories of her career, relationships and experiences with honesty and humor. On more than one occasion, I found myself laughing out loud.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this via NetGalley, but I plan to purchase it for myself and for a few of my friends.
Profile Image for Hattush.
150 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2023
This was a fun, humorous memoir about a lot of random things. LOL I enjoyed parts of it, but honestly, most of the time it felt like the author was just whining about why she couldn't have this or that or why something went so wrong in her life and on and on and on. No offense intended, but books like this is why memoirs get a bad wrap.
Profile Image for LeahBethany.
702 reviews22 followers
October 31, 2023
I have a soft spot in my heart for Lincee Ray. About twenty years ago, I was forwarded an email from a friend of a friend that contained a recap of The Bachelor tv show written by Lincee. I was single and young and didn't miss an episode of The Bachelor. Lincee's recap became the icing on the reality-tv cake as her writing was hilarious and perfectly encapsulated everything that all of us viewers at home were thinking. Plus, she was a fellow Baylor grad and fellow Sing Chair - we had a lot in common. Several years later, I stopped watching The Bachelor and stopped reading Lincee's recaps and honestly, I forgot about her. Imagine my delight when I saw she had published a book! I loved getting to know her better through Why I Hate Green Beans - I'm rooting for you, Lincee!
2 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2018
This is one of the best books I've read in years. Lincee Ray is relatable, hilarious and a great story teller. You will love it. One quick warning, once you start reading the book, it will be very hard to put it down. And get ready to laugh!
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
489 reviews461 followers
February 23, 2018
I’m not the biggest nonfiction person, that isn't a secret. But this book definitely changed my opinion. Lincee had me laughing, crying, crying from laughing...ALL THE THINGS!

This book dealt with some pretty heavy subjects, from bullying to divorce. But Lincee handled them with grace and one of the best weapons...HUMOR!
If you know me you know I ADORE to laugh! I personally think it's better medicine than chocolate. (I do love me some chocolate though)
If you're ever around my family for an extended amount of time--who am I kidding?! If you're around us for .05 seconds you will hear deep belly laughter coming from AT LEAST one of us.
What can I say we're hilarious people. Okay, we THINK we're funny! But isn't that all that matters??

Now that I've explained, in extensive detail, about how much I love to laugh I'll talk about why I loved this book.

I instantly was drawn to this book because of the title. It spoke to me on a mutual "hatred for green beans" level, I knew I needed to read this book! Then I read what it was talking about and it spoke to me on a spiritual level. I knew I HAD to read this book.

The words within these pages, the stories told, struck a chord in my soul I didn't know needed to be touched.
So much of what she said was timed so perfectly by a loving God who knew what I needed, and when I needed it.

No I haven't experienced everything Lincee has, but what was so amazing about this book is I was able to take the MESSAGE of her words and apply them to my situation. That, to me, makes this book.

I rated this book a 5/5 stars. I would recommend it to women who need to know they aren't alone, and need it handled in a way to lift their spirits.
(HEADS UP: there was talk of alcohol, and some uses of "sucks" and “crap”)

*I was sent this copy in exchange for my honest review* *All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
March 13, 2018
Why I Hate Green Beans is a memoir composed of essays grouped into sections. Each section speaks to a different insecurity/struggle: appearance, work, a failed relationship, motherhood, and dating. Some of these sections I loved (as a single girl who was horribly insecure about her appearance in high school, the first and last sections were speaking my language), while others I didn't really connect with at all.

The essays I enjoyed the most were straightforward and real (and about topics that interest me), like the ones about her marriage and divorce, her Bachelor and Entertainment Weekly recaps, and her appendectomy. The ones I didn't really connect with weren't bad, they just didn't really draw me in.

Overall, I enjoyed this deeper look into Lincee Ray's life. I'm not sure how much people who aren't familiar with her through her blog or Entertainment Weekly recaps will enjoy it, but I liked it quite a bit. 3-1/2 stars.

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Rechelle.
27 reviews
January 8, 2018
Raw, real, and incredibly funny! Lincee feels like the best friends I've always known and makes all the problems of life seem a little bit smaller. Quick, easy read that will leave you smiling and feeling like a better person even when we're all a hot mess.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,160 reviews100 followers
March 14, 2018
Why I Hate Green Beans by Lincee Ray is a collection of observations on life. Lincee Ray is honest, insightful and witty. The reader laughs and cries as we experience life with her. Lincee Ray recognises we need to "embrace the days when we aren't feeling our best selves." We need to seize the day.
The media puts pressure on women to look 'perfect.' Their idea of perfect seems to be stick thin with no blemishes. Every women seems to be under media pressure but we are "so much more than a number on a scale." We need to be happy with the skin we are in and remember that we are created in the image of God. We are the daughters of the King.
Lincee Ray is honest in her observations. We feel her pain, as at her lowest she feels unlovable. However it is here where she meets Jesus who lifts her up. "At the crossroads of my life, I looked to His cross... a nail-scarred hand held me... I see you and I will never leave you." Jesus knew what it was like to feel abandoned. I found this a very poignant moment as I realised the utter loneliness of Jesus as He hung on that cross. Yet He promises us that we will never feel that isolation as He will always be with us.
Why I Hate Green Beans is full of Godly wisdom. It is in Him that we find affirmation and unending love. People will let us down. Jesus never will.
This book is refreshingly honest. We recognise ourselves in some of the situations. At other times we just laugh along with Lincee Ray as her book is highly humorous.
An amusing and honest look at life and what is really important.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.


Profile Image for Laura.
629 reviews140 followers
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April 20, 2021
I didn’t actually finish this. I’m going to abandon this at 44%. I’m just not feeling a desire to stay invested in the stories.
Profile Image for Amy.
151 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2018
You must read this book! It will give you all the feels - and you will feel like you are talking with your new best friend. It was fun to learn that Lincee and I have a lot in common - and I bet you will, too! If you don’t already subscribe to her blog and podcast, do it now, and preorder this book! You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Paula Myers.
198 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2018
I loved this book because it was laugh out loud funny! But I also loved it because it was so real. Lincee shares openly with the world things many of us struggle to share with those closest to us. Her transparency endears her to us. Her insecurities are ours too. And her faith challenges us. She made me want more laughter in my life, more truth is how I see myself. And most of all, more Jesus.
Profile Image for Robin.
701 reviews10 followers
December 10, 2017
I laughed and laughed and cried a bit too. I wasn't sure what to expect from thus book to be honest. I have never read (or heard of ) the blog before reading this book. I am so impressed with Lincee and her tenacity to move forward.
There were a few parts that felt out of place in this book but as a part of her life story it all makes sense.
I now want to go check out her blog a bit too.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher for providing my review.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
February 19, 2018
My thoughts: WHY I HATE GREEN BEANS is a memoir that is seriously laugh-out-loud funny. Ms. Ray is absolutely real and hilarious in her realness. And let me also preface this to say that I absolutely admire her courage. I don't know how many times I walked away from something I wanted to do because I was afraid. And yet this woman was brave enough (though terrified) to go through a simulated helicopter crash into a swimming pool and try to rescue herself. And she lived to tell about it. Amazing.



I also agree with her assessment about doctors. Why do all the good-looking ones have to see you at your worst? And why is it you can't control your tongue around Dr. McDreamy? Open mouth and insert foot. Yep. I've been there.



I think I would hate to have had her for a babysitter, though my kids would've loved her. Can you say "sugar-high?"



I LOVED this book, and could so identify with her with so much of it. And the parts I couldn't identify with (speed-dating, online dating, etc) she made totally funny and I laughed all the way through them.



I usually hate memoirs. Seriously. This one is going on my keeper shelf. And my teen daughter is going to read it. And then my college daughter. Because, yes, I talked it up. Plus, there is an amazing faith message.



I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a laugh, suffers with body image (a big thing among women), or who has ever felt like a fool among their peers. Seriously.



And by the way, I like green beans. Straight out of the garden. Raw. Cooked. Don't matter. I disagree with her assessment of this vegetable. Although I have never ate them cold, straight out of the can. Maybe that's why she hates them.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,810 reviews240 followers
February 4, 2018
This is the first time that I have heard the name Lincee Ray or her podcast, Why I Hate Green Beans. Now that I have been introduced to Lincee, I will be checking out more of her work and articles.

The best part of this whole book is the no holds bar humor that Lincee brings with her writing and storytelling. I can understand why she hates green beans. If I was provided them to eat all the time as part of the "green bean" diet, I would hate them as well. Luckily, my mom was not into "fab" diets. Well there was Atkins but she and my dad were the only ones to do it. They did not make or allow us kids to participate. Reading Lincee's quick summary on The Bachelor still does not entice m to want to check out this show, no matter how hot the host is. There are so many other stories and each one is a gem. You have to check out this book and no you won't have to eat green beans.
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,090 reviews64 followers
March 27, 2018
Everyone I know likes green beans. Just not me. And obviously, not Lincee Ray.
Why I Hate Green Beans is a fun compilation of many experiences in Lincee’s adult life, shared in a down-to-earth, refreshing style.

Having laughed my way through much of the book, I had just told my husband that this book was not very much about God. Wow, was I wrong!! Lincee was just arriving at her crisis point. All of the sudden, I was crying and aching with Lincee, hoping she would find God sufficient. (She does.)

This book was very timely for me. It can be helpful for anyone struggling with how to handle hard times. As Lincee says,
“In the middle of a time when I had no idea what I was going to do, I decided to focus on what I did know. God is good... Trials will come...He’s got this...”

I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley and was in no way required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Mary.
719 reviews
May 5, 2019
I adore Lincee and her writing style. I felt like I knew her from faithfully reading her blog years ago, so reading her book this week was like renewing an old friendship. She’s so relatable and charming and witty, but the best part is that she’s a believer and incorporates her faith into her writing because Jesus is so integral to who she is.
Profile Image for Doreen.
792 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2018
I loved this book! It is a great mix of hilarious and poignant stories from Lincee’s life that point to the fact that we are all unique. We are made in God’s image and that’s where our identity comes from….not from how others see us or what they expect of us. I think every woman can relate to Lincee’s struggles. We tend to be critical of ourselves and feel that we don’t measure up to the other amazing women around us, who we are sure have it all together. As Lincee shares her stories, it reminds us that we aren’t alone and that we should share our stories too. It may just help someone else who is struggling.
There were a few stories in this book that had me laughing so hard, I thought I was going to wake up my husband with the shaking bed. Weird, funny things happen to Lincee. Her writing is so picturesque and vivid. I could easily see what was happening.
Although this book is non-fiction, it has the pace of an exciting suspense. I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading more books and posts from Lincee in the future. I’d highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie  Bishop.
306 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2018
*I received this book from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest review- all opinions are my own.*

Lincee Ray is everything I’ve been looking for in a BFF. Not only is she laugh out loud hilarious and incredibly insightful, she speaks my language of Friends quotes fluently. In Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves, she shares her life’s story- her struggles, triumphs, the nitty gritty, and everything in between.

I devoured her book in 2 sittings. Hanging out on my porch, watching my son play in the sunshine, I got to know Lincee through her stories, with fun anecdotes from the friends that call her family. With humor, she shares everything from her crazy life experiences, the hard parts of a broken marriage, and how she’s taking part in motherhood without carrying a child of her own.

I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a read that feels like sitting with your close friends. Laughing and crying together- like only women who’ve know each other for years can do. It’s a fresh breath of air, and a book I will pick up again when I need a laugh. I’ll probably send this copy along to one of my friends who are in need of a laugh.

And even though I hate The Bachelor (Sorry Lincee!) I’m still secretly hoping we can be friends.
Profile Image for Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read.
1,207 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2018
Here’s my confession: When I first received the advanced copy of this book, I wondered if I was going to be able to find any common ground as I read this book. I grew up in the 60’s; I’ve never watched an episode of The Bachelor, and I love green beans.

Was I wrong! Although we may be generations apart, Lincee still finds the common ground we have as women’s any age: insecurity about our appearance, relationships, friends, and the need we have for Jesus in our lives. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her funny stories, but also wiping away a tear or two as she told about heartache and struggles. As I finished the book, I found myself encouraged to be looking as to how I could be a better friend and share the love of Jesus.

Lincee, I’d love to be your friend. I’m still not a fan of reality TV and I’ll always love green beans, but your friendship would be a treasure. Keep writing and encouraging us.
Profile Image for Jane Lively.
222 reviews53 followers
March 7, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book. Nonfiction is not typically something I indulge in, let alone Christian nonfiction, so I was surprised to find similarities between Lincee Ray and myself. We're not even from the same generation, but she seems to be one of those types of people who just get it.

Lincee Ray also blogs, so I appreciated someone being able to articulate what a website can be to a person who feels like they haven't a purpose and the world is weighing heavy on their shoulders. It's a source of hope -- a friendly camaraderie, a support system, a lifeline -- in the depths of despair.

Full review on my website, Janepedia.
1 review1 follower
February 6, 2018
HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!! I felt like Bastian in "The Never Ending Story"! How could she know all my thoughts and feelings and wardrobe??!?!?!?! It is truly like reading everything you and your best friend have ever thought, felt, and journaled from age 12-25! There is such a HUGE beating heart in the middle of the laughter. Tears from bellyaches transform into tears of empathy. You not only go on the journey with Lincee, you are convinced she is on your journey with you. Such a heartwarming book. Filled with ALL THE FEELS! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Every single moment. I was truly sad when it ended.
341 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2018
Lincee Ray's Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves is a gem of a book. With the feel of a memoir mixed with a humor column, the book is both funny and relatable. I liked reading witty Lincee's insight on life. She adds a warm Southern charm to her writing - and she also adds a nice dash of humor to awkward or even painful situations. Why I Hate Green Beans is an optimistic book. Reading this book definitely makes me want to follow Lincee's blog!

*I received this book for review*
Profile Image for Jen.
34 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2023
This was not a book that left me with some life-changing takeaway; however it really was an enjoyable read. The author has a gift for writing and that along with her sense of humor and vulnerability with sharing about her life , made for a enjoyable read. The author is a Christian and though it wasn’t totally predominant through out the book , her principals and beliefs made for pretty clean and innocent content which is a win for me.
1 review
February 7, 2018
This is a story of life, love, the failures of both and the triumph of learning that those failures are all part of the bigger plan. Lincee is the kind of writer who you swear you grew up with because she is just as geeky as you were in school, has all the same insecurities and knows all your inside jokes.
Profile Image for Anna Smith.
99 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2018
This was such a great read! From the first page, it feels like you’re chatting with a girlfriend you’ve known for years. There’s a great mix of laugh-out-loud humor and true depth in this book. The title alone caught my eye, and I was hooked in the introductory chapter. I can’t recommend it enough!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews