God Girl: Becoming the Woman You're Meant to Be

by Hayley DiMarco

Music, sports, entertainment, and politics--from Hollywood to Washington there are prominent women making a mark on the world today. And a media-rich society chronicles their every move for fans to follow. But what does it mean to be a girl who follows God and not just the latest popular public figures? In God Girl, bestselling author and teen mentor Hayley DiMarco will help girls make sense of it all as she points them to who they are, who they are becoming, and who God made them to be.

God Girl will help girls know what it means to be a woman of God in every area of life--with their thoughts, in their actions, and as they make daily choices about friends, fashion, faith, and everything in between. It's sure to be an instant classic.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, God, Faith, Religion, Inspirational, Christianity

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of over 30 books, including God Girl, Mean Girls, and Die Young. She and her husband, Michael, run Hungry Planet, a company focused on producing books that combine hard-hitting biblical truth with cutting-edge design in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much, but unfortunately it became somewhat repetitive, and hard to follow. I felt as if the God Girl that Hayley was painting was barely impossible to be, and the expectations were too great. I love books that convey the message of totally relying on God to change us and direct us into His right path, and not us relying on our strength. I found that this book partially quenched my thirst of becoming a girl after God's own heart... All in all this was a great book, containing tons of advices and Scriptures, but I would be apprehensive to recommend it for young teenage girls wondering how they can ever please God, for it makes it seem a little bit overwhelming at first.

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like the author of this book was extremely judge mental, and spoke as if she was God. I wanted to stick with it because there were a few tidbits that I liked, until I got to page 332. One of her phrases said everything bad in your life is a result of sin. This was extremely disappointing to read, because God does not punish us, God loves us unconditionally. Everything bad happens for a reason, yes this is true, but everything bad does not happen as a result of a sin. I have thrown this book in the trash decided to read my Bible instead because the interpretation of God’s word in this book is in accurate and Judgmental

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me by accident. I was at a yard sale at our local Christian service center. They had hundreds of books that I tried to look through. As I was finally heading over to pay, a lady who I didn’t know, but who was volunteering at the service center, handed me this book, and said, “How about this one?” And So that is how I ended up with this book. It is likely meant for ladies younger than me, as I am in my forties. And after reading, I have passed it on to a younger gal in my family. But I still got a lot of great insight out of this book. And I loved how the author writes. She is so down to earth and it makes this book an easy read. I believe all Christian ladies will get something out of this book. I have never heard of this author before. But I have already purchased a couple more of her books.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books on Christian living, and when I found this one it looked okay, so I decided to give it a try. It turns out I loved it! I was convicted of some areas in my life that I need to change, and I was encouraged greatly to keep walking with God. I would recommend this book to any Christian girl, but especially those that deal with depression. Unlike other books I've read, this book gave some really helpful truths to what causes depression, and the remedy for it.

I will definitely be applying some of the challenges in this book to my life, and if you read it, I hope you will too.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad book, but I just felt that it wasn't helpful. It tells you a lot of generic or vague statements (e.g. God loves you no matter what) and it gave me very little consolation because I already knew these things, but it's just difficult to accept. I know God must love me, but I can't help but feel guilty that I sin and never learn. It's exhausting to always have to reassure yourself that God will forgive if you are sorry. I am sorry everyday. It really hurts my mental and emotional state, and this book will tell you feelings of depression or frustration are a sin which definitely does not help.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sorry to everyone who loves books like these, but I hated it. My very first reaction was GAG. I am Christian and do believe in God, I am VERY Christian in fact. I just don't agree with all the things Hayley DiMarco has to say and how we should do things. I actually didn't WANT to read this book, but had to because of church. Thank you confirmation. Also, the book was a little...girly for me.
~J

[Anlezia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing. Would recommend it to every girl out there.

[Cassie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a used bookstore on vacation and knew I just had to purchase it. I was intrigued by the title, the cover, and some of the text I had read inside it while checking it out. However, to be honest, I had let it sit on my pile of books for over a year before I had even started reading it.

I was reading The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes until I felt what I assumed to be the Holy Spirit prodding me to read it. At first, I did not want to, but I took the bookmark out of that book and started reading God Girl.

To keep it short, it was truly amazing. Hayley DiMarco did a wonderful job writing this book, and it felt like this book was laced with Scripture and in line with it. I truly felt like I was connecting to the self God had wanted me to be as a Christian, and convict me in certain areas of my life.

This book reminded me of the most important truths a Christian should believe. When I picked up this book, I was in a state where I felt awkward with God, but this book showed me that what I was feeling was not the truth. I was reminded that God's sacrifice and forgiveness were enough to cover ALL my sins, love is the most important thing, feelings are not the truth, and that God's Word is THE TRUTH.

If you're a Christian woman looking to better your life for God's will and purpose, then I highly recommend you read this book. It provided me with insight I never would have thought of, and made me fall in love with God all over again. I honestly don't suggest looking at the 1-star reviews because now I realize that they just don't make sense.

God loves you so much, to anyone who is reading this. We are all in this together, and I pray that God will bless the current stage of life that you are in.

All in all, this is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. 5/5 stars! (PS: don't rush while reading this book. Be slow and steady, and remember that Jesus lived unhurried so we could live unhurried as well.) God bless!

[Yeslech · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a Christian and don't like that this book seems to be speaking for God.

Here's a quote that is suggesting girls need to change their personalities:
"Take a look at how a God Girl acts with boys. She isn't competitive, always trying to one-up them. She isn't one of the guys. She appreciates them for their differences and doesn't try to make them into her best friend.

She knows that a relationship with a boy is a very different thing from one with a girl. She is aware of how boys think and does what she can to protect their hearts and minds by not leading them on or tempting them. She also knows that their way of relating and hers are very different, so when she is interested in a boy, she doesn't treat him as she wants to be treated but as he would be treated. That means that loving a boy means being willing to hold back a little instead of telling him all the details of your life. It means allowing there to be some mystery, some unknowns between you." pg 35

"Not sure if your clothes are messing with the guys around you? Think about these Qs:
1. Have you ever been called a tease?
2. Do boys stare at your chest when they talk to you?
3. When you bend over in front of a mirror, do you see more than you realized?" pg 129

BAH -- the answer could be yes to all these questions without it meaning that a girl has dressed inappropriately. This feels like "she asked for it" mentality...

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was purchased when I was about sixteen; I am now twenty-three. It took me seven years to pry open the pages of this book, for many reasons, but I am so glad I did. After reading the very first few chapters, I felt God calling me to a living a holier life. After reading the chapter about the God Girl and men, in particular, I began to notice patterns I saw in my own life, which needed to change for God's glory, and with His help. Overall, a great book. I am giving four stars instead of five because I am reading this as a 23-year old and not a 16-year old; the writing could be a little better. Overall, a great book. Pick this up for any God girl in your life, especially those who are younger (I would say 13-18 years old).

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is thought provoking as it relates aspects of the Christian faith to just about every area of a young woman's life. There are scriptures mentioned throughout the book to go along with each particular topic. The only issue I could see that could lose a reader's interest is that the standards for Christian living described in the book may come off as being impossible to follow. However, each section provides some steps/actions readers can take to make changes in their lives, so it makes this issue a bit more manageable. I would recommend reading sections at a time and letting the words sink in because I do think they can have some impact on readers wanting to honor God in their lives.

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any teen girl new to faith or struggling to learn more about her Heavenly Father, God Girl: Becoming the Woman You're Meant to Be is an AMAZING place to start. Hayley DiMarco expertly addresses multiple challenges that girls struggle with in today's world. To do this, she explains how God fits into our lives in a clear, easily understandable, way. Short, sweet, and to the point, DiMarco's God Girl does not condemn or shame you in any way. Instead, it points you in the right direction on your walk with God. Highly recommend to all girls.

[Ve · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for teens but as a lifelong Christian, I felt overwhelmed and pressured by this book to be perfect and a slave to mankind. I feel as someone who already typically puts the need of others above my own, that has lead to damaging consequences in my life, and I would fear for how it would hurt the self esteem and mental state of a teenager. This book is not completely awful, I've learned some valuable things from it and I grew spiritually during a time when I needed to, however, I must be honest that I put the book down and now I avoid it like the plague.

[Jess Heimbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a refreshing devotional book to read, written for late teen to mid-20 something's... first one by this author I have read and would definitely recommend, especially for my Christian sistas who are looking for a refresh and reboot in their perspective on Biblical womanhood. Written in what I would call a couch-n-hoodie-sweatshirt-with-sweatpants-and slippers sort of relaxed girl convo context. Definitely some great nuggets tucked away in this book! :)

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another birthday gift read to ensure all was good in giving it, and it was, a decent red with great challenging and encouraging material for the younger teenage female reader There is a male version of course.

[Dineh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going through this book with my cousin. I had gotten this book when I was a kid but never actually got to do it myself. It was a really great inspiration to myself. This is a great book to have in your tool kit for getting refreshed and or starting a small Bible study with girls.

[Emma Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing by far. It taught me how to be righteous with the Word of God and how important it is to study it as well. I loved the stories that Hayley included with her personal life and it really implies to mine as well. Amazing:)

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been meaning to read this book for years, and especially during the holidays I feel that this book hit deep.

Cons: Format of the book wasn’t for me. I felt that the writing on the side and the shape of the paragraphs was distracting.

Pros: Inspiring to be a God Girl!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book for teens and young adults but I enjoyed it a lot and bought the God Girl devotional after reading it.

[Krisi Kranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book for young girls/women. Wish I would have had it at 13/14/15 years of age but there was still a lot of things that apply to my life. Look forward to checking out more of her writing!

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a lot of good ideas but was somewhat harsh and in my opinion gives ideas that aren't necessarily accurate, but overall I liked it.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real lifesaver! All girls/women should read it.

[Tessa Foster · Rating 1 out of 5]

More of a motivational book for young teens or pre-teens. Really repetitive but a sweet idea!

[Ozioma Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I would love to read it and become that God girl, the woman I'm meant to be.

[Aicha Katt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know. I would recommend reading it!

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

I’ve never read a Christian book and I enjoyed it! I got this book from my pastor during Covid and finally read it! I learned a lot about how to navigate life as a woman/girl of god!

I definitely want to read more Christian books in the future!

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music, sports, entertainment, and politics--from Hollywood to Washington there are prominent women making a mark on the world today. And a media-rich society chronicles their every move for fans to follow. But what does it mean to be a girl who follows God and not just the latest popular public figures? In God Girl, bestselling author and teen mentor Hayley DiMarco will help girls make sense of it all as she points them to who they are, who they are becoming, and who God made them to be. God Girl will help girls know what it means to be a woman of God in every area of life--with their thoughts, in their actions, and as they make daily choices about friends, fashion, faith, and everything in between. It's sure to be an instant classic.


Wow. Just wow. I'm at a loss for words on this book, so excuse me if this isn't my best review. I could tell from chapter 1 that this book was going to be a good one. But I didn't know how good it was gonna be. Throughout the book, Hayley hits on a lot of good topics, but keeps them into 6 chapters. The first chapter kinda highlights everything that is gonna be in the next chapters. The next 5 chapters are about how a God Girl: -loves -finds true happiness -knows herself -knows how to communicate -knows God Every chapter offers valuable insight about how to become a God Girl, how a God Girl acts and speaks, how a God Girl would handle certain situations, etc. And it all has Bible verses to back up what is being said. Upon finishing this book, I already feel a change stirring in me. I may end up reading this book a few more times to absorb everything and put it into practice. Some areas of my life and my thinking are gonna have to change. But if it's for God, it's all worth it. I highly recommend this book. It's target demographic is ages 13-18, and a lot of the situations in the book focus around teenage life. But I think this book can apply to all women, no matter how old you are. No matter what the age, you should strive to be a God Girl and become the woman God wants you to be, and this book can offer some outstanding advice for you. I also must add that the designs and the font is adorable! It's so beautiful on the inside and just makes me want to read it and apply it all the more! So in the end, this book is changing my life. Now excuse me while I go read it a few more times through.

-Lilian-
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @lilians_books!:)

[pianogal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one came through the ILL office and I happened to glance through it and was intrigued. When I got the book, I realized it was actually for a slightly younger audience than myself, but Hayley said she wrote it for teens and former teens and since I am in the later category I kept reading.

I liked the insights Hayley provided, and I definately think she's teaching the right stuff. It just kinda gives a different perspective on common topics that all God Girl's need to deal with regardless of age (mostly).

I'd highly recommend this one to anyone who wants to know how to be a God Girl.

[Addi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life for the better. It gives you a perspective of the traits that make up a girl who has a Christ centered life. Hayley DiMarco is great at writing this book in a way that you can connect to the tone and mood that it's written in. Overall it is the most encouraging book I've ever read because of the abundance of positivity throughout the book. You know the type of book that you never want to stop reading ? Well this is the book that once you start reading it you won't want to stop reading it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book because the author touches on stories from her past that a lot of youth girls and even grown women struggle with today... Such as self-image issues, loneliness, divorce, and so forth. The author shares her experiences of becoming a Christian and finding True happiness in Christ alone. I thought the author did a great job articulating how much God loves us-- His royal daughters. A great read for youth, teenagers, and women of any age.