I was asked to be on the launch team for this book and I declined. Twice. Why? For a myriad of reasons. A year ago, I would have knocked on every single door and wrote a thousand emails to be on this launch team. One of the biggest reasons I declined is though I have been a super fan of Rachel Hollis, I have felt confused and disillusioned by some of the changes in her messaging lately. However, I have come to the conclusion and level of maturity that she is a human-being just as I am. She is in need of grace, just as I am. It is also my personal responsibility not to put anyone on a pedal stool.
I wanted to read this book with an open mind and then decide if I would review it.
Rachel Hollis was my inspiration for starting my blog, this page, and taking my life back in a time I was so down in the dumps. With everything in life, there are different seasons, my season needed Rachel Hollis. My season needed to hear another mom, wife, sister, friend, cheer me one more time, and tell me I can get knocked down and stand up over and over again. For that, I will forever be grateful. She has given me the tools I needed to take ownership of my life.
This book is about another season of life. This book is about processing loss or grief. It spoke to so many feelings, emotions, and challenges I’ve faced in my life in 2020. I listened to the audiobook in 2 days and I will likely buy the hard copy. “Didn’t See That Coming” is formatted similarly to her other books; “Girl, Wash Your Face” and “Girl, Stop Apologizing,” where she talks about a time in her life and then lists things that helped her.
In the introduction, Rachel states while editing this book she announced her divorce from her husband, Dave, and she added some elements of what she felt while making that decision. However, this book is not about her divorce or even about relationships. It is about going through a season of grief by making decisions to continue to show up for your life.
This book is raw and feels “Unfiltered.”
I am most grateful for her vulnerability. This is her signature style, but in this book it feels almost naked. Like everything she has tried to polish over the years has been stripped down. She shares what her childhood was like after her brother Ryan, committed suicide. I appreciated this because it absolutely gives context for how she processes grief, disappointments, and hardship.
Honestly, I loved it. Like truly loved it. If you are in a season of change, transition, grief or adversity, I highly recommend it. If you are or were a fan of Rachel Hollis, I think you should read it as this book gives a great deal of “Back story”.