Today’s book review is relevant to my current circumstances. Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals is a motivational book, encouraging the reader to take control, set goals, and be shame-free in reclaiming your precious time.

Some of you might have noticed that I’ve just launched a new beta reading service. I’ve been wrestling with this idea for a while now, with the usual questions and uncertainties bothering me, leading to a cycle of endless procrastination. However, having read Rachel Hollis’s book, I now have a clear vision of where I want to be, and, most importantly, am shame-free in my goal of doing something that I’m truly passionate about.

This is a fantastic book for helping you set your personal goals, whatever they might be. The author’s message is deceptively simple, yet powerful: women, in particular, spend too much time apologizing for following their ambitions. There is a lot of guilt-tripping out there. Whether you’re a mother, sister, daughter, or employee, the list of demands and expectations is never-ending.

The author systematically breaks down these so-called barriers to fulfilment, encouraging you to embrace and cultivate your right to pursue your own happiness.

What makes this book stand out is the engaging narrative style; it is conversational and supportive, as if she is directly reaching out to her readers, supporting them on the road toward their own, individual paths to success. There is a lot of empathy, as well as a good dose of humor in this book, making it a non-judgmental, affirming read. The author understands the struggle involved in trying to carve the β€œme-time” to follow your dreams and offers realistic, practical advice/tips (such as the importance of sticking to a routine, letting go of the lies you believe about yourself; and not letting negativity from external sources influence you).

All in all, this was a great, inspiring read, which has genuinely helped me to launch my new beta reader/review service. I’m looking forward to assisting authors in making their books the very best they can be, helping to promote them along the way.

Have you read any inspiring books lately? Have a great week, folks!

55 responses to “Book Review: Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis”

  1. Dave Astor Avatar

    Great review, Ada! Sounds like a book that can help many people, as it helped you. The best of luck with your new service!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks, Dave! Your support is much appreciated. And yes, this was a fantastic book; so helpful with its tips and advice. It motivated me to put my idea into action! Hope you are well and had a good Easter break 🐰😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dave Astor Avatar

        You’re welcome, Ada, and hope you had a good Easter week, too!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Dave! I’ve been having issues with my WordPress login. I left a comment on your blog, which unfortunately hasn’t gone up — I think I might have ended up the the spam folder if you want to check! Hope all is well with you. Ada xxπŸ¦‹

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dave Astor Avatar

        Thank you for letting me know, Ada. I don’t see a comment from you (or anyone else) in my spam folder, but do see a comment from “Anonymous” posted on the blog. Perhaps that’s you?

        Liked by 1 person

    3. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Dave! It mustn’t have gone through! I’ll try again in a minute. Sorry to bother you with this; my WordPress account is playing up at the moment, which is causing me some difficulties. Best wishes, Ada😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dave Astor Avatar

        Not a problem, Ada! Sorry you’re having difficulties. It happens, and it’s annoying. 😦

        Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Diana! Thanks so much for your kind support! It’s much appreciated. Hope you are well πŸ’œπŸ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Diana, I left a comment on your blog, but might have ended up in the spam folder (it happens from time to time!) if you want to fish me out from there! Best wishes, Ada 🌸🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Diana L Forsberg Avatar

        You were right, and I fished you out of there! 🎣

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Yeah, Another Blogger Avatar

    Sounds like a very valuable book — it has excellent insights.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks, my friend! Your comments are much appreciated. This was, indeed, a very helpful book. I got a lot of valuable insights and tips! Hope you had a restful Easter break 🐰🐣😊

      Liked by 1 person

  3. thomasstigwikman Avatar

    It sound like a good book. Your beta reading service looks great. I think it will be successful. Congratulations on getting that started. πŸ†πŸ†πŸ†

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Thomas! Thanks for checking out the review and for your kind comments. I’m excited to be starting out on this path, and hope to help authors get where they want to be! Hope you had a lovely Easter and are keeping well. Thanks for the support! 😊🌷🌷

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman Avatar

        That is wonderful and exciting! We had a great Easter and I hope you had too.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      😊🐰🐣

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Rosaliene Bacchus Avatar

    Congrats on the launch of your new beta reader/review service! I look forward to working with you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Rosaliene! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind comments. Your support means the world to me; it’s much appreciated! Yes, I’m excited to be starting out on this new venture. Writing a book and promoting it can be hard, so I hope to help writers reach their goals. Hope you had a nice Easter break πŸ’œπŸ˜ŠπŸ¦‹

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Rosaliene Bacchus Avatar

        It was a nice Easter break, thank you πŸ™‚ Wishing you all the best moving forward ❀

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      πŸ’™πŸ’ Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Resa Avatar

    Sounds like the book is a winner, Ada.

    Everything you said the book promotes, sounds like what I did. I may not have become famous, but I did achieve my career goal of becoming a Costume Designer.

    I had wonderful clients like: Showtime, Lifetime, ABC, CBS, Disney, Hallmark and more. No one should be afraid to try. I especially like “not letting negativity from external sources” influence you. Those external forces can be remote, or very close to home.

    Gather your Mojo, and GO! xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Oh, wow, Resa! That’s incredible!

      Thanks so much for checking out the reviews and for your awe-inspiring comments. Yes, you are exactly who the author was talking about! Reaching your career goal as a Costume Designer is such an incredible achievement. You are clearly very talented, with such a creative mind and unique approach (I could tell that straightaway from your blogs; what an artist!).

      I didn’t know that your clients ranged from Disney to CBS; that’s amazing! I have to say, when you said Disney, it made me think of one of those breathtaking dresses in the films; now I can’t help but wonder which costumes you designed (I’ll be looking out every time I watch a Disney program now, lol!). It must’ve taken a great deal of determination and self-belief to get where you are now. Hats off to you! πŸ‘’

      You’re truly an inspiration! xxπŸ˜ŠπŸ‘—πŸ’–

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Resa Avatar

        Hey Ada!

        The most number of shows I did for 1 company was Showtime, and there was a lot of period work. They gave me stars like Helen Mirren and Whoopi Goldberg to dress.

        Disney..I did 2 shows for them. The big deal one, oddly, that I still get mail about is “The Cheetah Girls”. The costumes were quite creative for that show.

        I do hope I am a bit of an inspiration, being as that I was raised to “catch” a good husband.
        I turned out to be a disappointment to my family, but a success to myself.
        πŸ’–πŸŒŸβ¦

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Wow, Resa, that’s so cool! I love Whoopi Goldberg and Helen Mirren! That’s amazing! I’ve never seen “The Chetah Girls,” but I’m adding it to my Disney plus watchlist right now, lol!

      “Showtime” sounds great as well (also adding it to the watchlist); I can imagine you designing the most amazing period drama costumes. Sorry to hear about your family, but I guess at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is the one you have of yourself! The world would’ve missed out on your talents, I’m so glad for your hard-earned success!πŸ˜ŠπŸ¦‹πŸŒΈ

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa Avatar

        Cheetah Girls, the original/first one is the one I designed the costumes for, and it is on Disney+. Well, that’s where I get it. xx

        Liked by 1 person

  6. mjeanpike Avatar

    A great review, Ada, and I’m so happy for you to be starting your own beta reading service. Good for you for pursuing your dreams! It looks like you offer everything a writer could want in a beta reader and more and your prices are so reasonable.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Jean! So lovely of you to stop by. Thanks very much for your kind comments and support! Yes, I’m excited to be setting off on this new adventure. It’s such an achievement to write a book, and marketing can be so difficult, so I’m happy to be able to offer this service to those who require it. Hope all is well with you and you had a lovely Easter break xx😊🌷

      Like

  7. balladeer Avatar

    Sounds like great advice! Terrific review!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks for checking out the review and for your kind comment! Yes, this was a very helpful book, full of great tips and inspiration!😊🌻

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Cindy Georgakas Avatar

    Thanks for the great review, Ada! Almost looks as good as mind.. lolLove it and congrats on on the beta reading service. I may have to look at this next time around. I hear it’s a great and needed thing to use! πŸ’•

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello Cindy! Thanks so much for checking out the review and for your support with my new beta reading service! Writing a book and finishing it is hard work, and promoting it even can be even harder. That’s why I want to assist with the promotion/marketing as well. It’s been fun getting to grips with booktok and I love my posting reviews on my blog! It’s always lovely to touch base with amazing writers, like yourself. (Just as an aside, I left a comment on your blog yesterday, but think I might’ve ended up in the spam folder by mistake if you want to check!). Hope you have a great weekend 😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar

        You’re so very welcome! It’s such a great service! Oh thanks so very much for that and for
        letting me know you left a comment, Ada! I might not have gotten to it yet. I had one of my grandchildren all day. You have a great one as well! 🩷

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Cindy! Just dropping you a line to let you know that I’ve commented on your blog and am possibly stuck in the spam folder (it’s happened a lot lately!). Hope you have a good weekend 😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar

        Thanks again! I’m trying to catch up a bit in the week hours but will get on my computer later today. Thanks again! 🩷

        Like

  9. Priti Avatar

    Well reviewed! Interesting book well shared πŸ’

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Priti! Thanks for checking out the review and for your kind comments. Yes, this was a very helpful book, with loads of great tips and advice for getting started on whatever you want to achieve. πŸ˜ŠπŸŒ·πŸ¦‹

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Rebecca Budd Avatar

    I am very excited about your new project, Ada. I look forward to hearing more about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thank you so much, Rebecca! Your support means the world to me. Hope you’re well and having a great weekend!πŸ˜ŠπŸ¦‹

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    Wonderful review, Ada.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello, Mary! Thanks so much! Hope you are well. I’ve decided to keep my blog as it is, to incorporate my new beta reading service. A good decision, I think! Best wishes to you πŸ’œπŸ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

        It’s wonderful to see you, Ada. Happy Sunday.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Sara Allwright Avatar

    Sounds like a book I should read! Thank youβ€¦πŸŒ»

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello Sara! How lovely of you to drop by! Thanks for your kind comment. This was indeed a very helpful book, full of great tips and advice. Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly! Best wishes, Ada xxπŸ˜ŠπŸ¦‹

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sara Allwright Avatar

        You’re very welcome Ada! Thank you, enjoy your week. Best wishes 🌻😁🌻

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      You, too, Sara! πŸ¦‹πŸ˜ŠπŸ’xx

      Liked by 1 person

  13. ourcrossings Avatar

    This is such a wonderful book review, dear Ada! I love motivational books like these that challenge women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, especially as too many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other peopleβ€”whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employeesβ€”instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day πŸ™‚ Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Aiva! Thanks so much for your kind comments and for checking out the review! Yes, I really benefitted from reading this book. It was really inspiring and written in such an upbeat, accessible way. I will definitely read more of this author’s work in future; she’s really insightful and encouraging. Hope you are well and have a good week. Ada xxπŸ˜ŠπŸ¦‹πŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      1. ourcrossings Avatar

        πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°

        Liked by 1 person

  14. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    I think the author is right that women tend to apologize for wanting things for themselves, often putting others needs ahead of ours, even when unnecessary. It’s just automatic. These types of books help us claim our power, our voice, our intelligence, and our desire. Thank you for sharing it, Ada, and huge congrats on starting your beta reading service. You Go, Girl!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Aww, wow, thanks, Diana! Such kind comments 😊 Yes, I agree with you completely. This was indeed a great book for reclaiming power, encouraging people to not sideline themselves! It was incredibly motivating and I enjoyed the conversational tone that the author used. Hope you are well, my friend. Best wishes πŸŒΈπŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Rosaliene Bacchus Cancel reply

Hello,

Welcome to The Introverted Bookworm!

This is a place where you can read enlightening reviews, which may help you decide what your next cherished book is, because – let’s face it – the world can be a difficult place, but it’s infinitely easier to tolerate with a good book to look forward to.

I am also a writer; my romantasy novella His Dark Song, is available to download on Amazon.

Happy reading, folks! 

Click the link to download my book. It’s free if you have Kindle Unlimited!