#GIRLBOSS Book Review

We held our first virtual #BookClubBlogger meet-up last night and it was a huge success! So much that we didn’t have enough room for everyone on Google Hangout #technicaldifficulties. We will have something better lined up for next time, promise! Thank you to everyone who joined and created such fulfilling conversation. It was great to finally “meet” some of you and I’m already looking forward to our next hangout.

Interested in joining us in October? We will be reading + discussing “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. Take a look here for the rundown on how things work and be sure to RSVP to Sarah if you want in on the action!

#GIRLBOSS // #BookClubBlogger

Now, onto #GIRLBOSS. I’m fascinated by stories that outline young women in business who have climbed their way to the top and made a name for themselves. 

Sophia’s story was raw, unexpected and she sure as hell didn’t hold anything back when it came to admitting wild situations from her past. It goes back to that cliche saying that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

The joy of being part of a book club means that you get to hear from several different perspectives. Things that stuck out to me in the book might not have stuck out to someone else and vice versa. We all come from unique backgrounds and have the ability to interpret instances differently. Below are a few of my favorite takeaways from the read:

“If you’re frustrated because you’re not getting what you want, stop for a second: Have you actually flat-out asked for it? If you haven’t, stop complaining. You can’t expect the world to read your mind. You have to put it out there, and sometimes putting it out there is as simple as just saying, “Hey, can I have that?” 

If there is one thing blogging has taught me, it would be to “just ask.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put myself out there only to hear yes on the other end of the phone line, email, whatever. It’s extremely gratifying and motivates me to keep asking and working toward the things that I want.
“There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no independence quite so important, as living within your means.” – Calvin Coolidge. Sophia says, “Money looks better in the bank than on your feet.”

I couldn’t agree more. We are by no means “rolling in the dough,” but having a steady income post college has allowed us to start a little nest egg and if I’m being honest, I’m terrified of losing it. It pained me to buy a new car when I wasn’t actually in need of one. But sometimes stuff happens and I thank my lucky stars I was prepared.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
You’ve seen them all over Pinterest and Instagram, “Life is about finding yourself.” This sounds grand, but in my humble opinion, doing is better than searching. Why not take it from Mr. Shaw and get out there and create opportunities for yourself?
“There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure.” 

I wholeheartedly believe this. Keep in mind, this quote assumes that said idea is going to fail, which just might not be the case. If it doesn’t fail, that means it was a success. Either way, you have the potential to come out on top.

“Your challenge as a #GIRLBOSS is to dive headfirst into things without being too attached to the results. When your goal is to gain experience, perspective, and knowledge, failure is no longer a possibility. Failure is your invention. I believe that there is a silver lining in everything, and once you begin to see it, you’ll need sunglasses to combat the glare. It is she who listens to the rest of the world who fails, and it is she who has enough” 

Last, but not least, I want to talk about the sigil. A sigil, by definition, is an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power. In #GIRLBOSS, Sophia says, “To create a sigil, start out by writing out your desire in a single word, a couple of words, or a short sentence. Then remove all the duplicate letters, then all the vowels – basically, you can do whatever you want here – until you’re left with a bunch of lines that you can combine into a symbol. Then you put the piece of paper in a book, in your wallet or some other place where it won’t get lost, and just forget about it.” I’ll be sharing mine over on Instagram and I would love to see yours! Post a photo of using #BookClubBlogger to link them together.

I could go on and on, but I’ve clearly gone over the allotted word count per blog post. Have you read #GIRLBOSS? If so, what was your biggest takeaway? We would be thrilled to have you join in October to discuss “Lean In.” Stay tuned for more details!

If you’re looking to read another great write-up on the book, check out this one from Meg Biram.

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. The Adored Life wrote:

    Can I borrow this from you? I am going to have to freaking read this!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  2. Rachel wrote:

    I just got the free audiobook version of this- it’s 4+ hours long, so I’m going to try to sneak it in while commuting. Can’t wait to read (err… listen!) to it!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  3. SarahLagen wrote:

    Great recap!! I’m so happy that you enjoy #BookClubBlogger last night, I can’t wait for our next meeting to discuss Lean In! And please tag me when you post your sigil, I love this!! 🙂

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  4. I read a feature on Sophia in a magazine (Glamour? Elle? I can’t remember.) and was taken by how bold/brave she was. I want to read this! 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  5. Kory wrote:

    I loooved this book! I read it in less than 24 hours over the July 4 weekend this year, and I was just in love. It’s so good, and like you said there are just so many gems in there. I definitely think it’s inspiring for all women; I mean, who wouldn’t be inspired by such a success story, especially from where she came. Anyway – glad to hear you enjoyed it! 🙂

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  6. Wow, I wish I had read this with you. It sounds like Sophia has the pep talk and kick in the but that I need.

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  7. I so meant to read this, but the time just got away from me. I need to read this and your next selection, though. I love that you started a virtual book club! Can’t wait for Thursday:)

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  8. Lauren wrote:

    I love reading about woman who have worked their way up! This has been on my list of books to read, and after reading your favorite quotes, I need to read this asap! Seems like a great book. Thanks for sharing.

    Lauren xo
    Sophisticated In Style

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  9. Jessica wrote:

    I do too 🙂 You should! And let me know what you think!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  10. Jessica wrote:

    It happens to the best of us! Feel free to join us in October. I just finished Lean In and I thought it was even better! Yay, can’t wait 🙂

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  11. Jessica wrote:

    You should have 😉 I think you would love Lean In as well. It gave me a kick in the pants, that’s for sure.

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  12. Jessica wrote:

    There really are! I wanted to quote the whole thing haha. I think reading it again will allow me to discover even more. Thanks so much for stopping by, Kory!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  13. Jessica wrote:

    She’s everywhere 😉 She is one feisty go-getter! You definitely should and let me know what you think!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  14. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks so much, Sarah! It was awesome. I can’t wait either. I’m already brainstorming away haha. I will tonight!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  15. Jessica wrote:

    Yes! That’s a really good idea..whatever works 😉 You will have to let me know what you thought once you’re finished!

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  16. AnnicaNicole wrote:

    I wasn’t able to finish it over the weekend and I had a softball game last night during the discussion! So bummed! But I’ll plan on it for the next one. Can’t wait to finish this one.

    Annica
    http://www.lifemodifier.com

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  17. Nikki wrote:

    I have been wanting to read this!! It is on my “TO Read” list! Can’t wait!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    Posted 8.26.14 Reply
  18. I can’t believe that I missed this. I still need to get the book.

    Posted 8.27.14 Reply
  19. What audiobook did you get? I’ve been debating on getting this for a while. I have so many books I want to read, and not enough time.

    Posted 8.27.14 Reply
  20. Jillian. wrote:

    This one will have to go on my Christmas list 😉 Thanks for the review!

    Posted 8.27.14 Reply