I listed to Jen read this audiobook and was NOT disappointed. As of a bonus, the audiobook included extra content - so much so that I loved hearing Jen say "ok, now back into the book" - the most incredible thing to me about this book was it's timely and intentional meaning in content in relation to current state of affairs in the world - so it was life giving - go live your life, love hard, and love others - amazing amazing messages and so empowering!!!!!!

“It’s hard to be a human. It’s so hard. It’s so hard to be human with all the other humans. It’s just a real mess. We’re doing the best we can everybody.” -Jen Hatmaker

That quote isn't actually from the book, but she said this during a Zoom gathering discussing the book, and it just says it all, doesn't it? This is Jen. She's just real about it. Her thoughts resonate, and affirm. Reading this book makes you feel like you're sitting with your bestie and addressing all the tough stuff, and it makes you want to grab a glass of wine and read it *with* your besties. TBH, I don't really think I am the target audience of this book, although I have had some similar experiences, but it was refreshing to read her healing, liberating truths with sordid wit, candid writing, and compassion. She owns it, and inspires other women to as well with an uplifting, grabbing read that empowered me in ways I needed more than I wanted to admit. There are some parts that fall into generalizations and stereotypes that made me cringe a bit, but over all I found it a wonderful read. Note: I read this during the height of the 2020 pandemic's stay at home orders, and found that it made me feel less alone, and more connected in this strange world. I had been following Hatmaker on social media for maybe a year or so before reading this book, and this was the first one of hers I felt drawn to read. I'm glad I did, and I'm grateful for her voice. We need more courage like this to speak up.

Mulling this over before I come back with a review!

I needed this book years ago, but I’m so glad it exists now. After years of being what the world asked of me, and determining how I showed up based on the room, I’m now being 100% me at all times. Thanks in part to this book and also therapy.

Me:
Long stretch of reading rutitis? Check.
Unapologetic Doubting Thomas? Yup.
Just the right book at the right time? Mmm hmm.

Her:
Jen Hatmaker is a truth sayer. Her BS meter is on point, and she writes with such a conversational tone that you won’t want to put this one down until the very last drop. Even then, you’ll want to go back and revisit some chapters both in the near future and in years to come. It’s that good.

The book:
Divided into five sections
WHO I AM
WHAT I NEED
WHAT I WANT
WHAT I BELIEVE
HOW I CONNECT

Laced with:
just enough personal stories to make you feel like you’re curled up on her couch with a cuppa, Hatmaker sprinkles her dry wit and deep faith into dispelling our twisted body images, rooting for (and never against) our fellow women comadres, when to say yes and how and why to say no, as well as my personal struggle-learning to ask for help.

Make sure:
to read through to the FINAL THOUGHTS. Her challenge to craft your own 12 statements won’t seem so daunting after reading hers.

This was very good on audio with relevant bonus content. I think the thing that was nice was that it occurred to me early on that I've already done a lot of this work AND Jen is very clear in the beginning of the book that this will resonate with some readers, and there are others that don't really need these lessons outlined. Five years ago, the content of this book would have been a breath of fresh air, totally liberating, etc. In the present moment I can see the work I've already done and the contentment I now possess. I would recommend it to anyone, especially friends in their 20s and 30s, still trying to figure out their gifts, boundaries, and interests.

This book is yet another Jen Hatmaker home run; maybe even a grand slam! Even while we’re physically cooped up at home, reading this book felt like a fresh breeze on a convertible ride along the coast. It was life giving! I was grateful to have received an advanced copy and I’ve since purchased three more to give to my friends. Read this book if you want to feel empowered, heard, and find your true self. I know I am fierce. I know I am free. I know I am full of fire!

I adore Jen Hatmaker. This has been true for a while, and I don't see it changing. Sadly, this book fell a bit short of what I love about her writing. Hatmaker's always had an amazing knack for making you laugh till you cry and then following that up with actually making you cry. In this book, she shares all the things she's been learning in the last few years, research paper style, with over 70 sources cited in the book. From hearing other's thoughts, this style and content is impacting many women and will be beneficial to many more. For me, I missed the humor and felt like I didn't need the messages in the book. As I said to a friend, "I'm already, Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire!" I hope the book continues to serve those who are in need of its message.

I received an advance review copy from the publisher--all opinions are my own.

I love how Jen shows up for her community, friends, and family. She approaches everything with humor and honesty. It was hard to read the parts about her marriage, knowing that in a few short months after the book was released, her marriage would fall apart. I love that she meets you where you are in life. She truly celebrates other people, other women in a refreshing way. I've said this before, I don't really read or enjoy the self-help genre. I'd much prefer reading a biography or memoir. This book just didn't give me those cringey self-help feels of prescriptive happiness. It felt wholesome, inclusive, accepting, loving, and true. The way she has cultivated and curated her community is delightful and affirming. Her humor is fantastic. I just love Jen Hatmaker so much. With the exception of my long-held fascination with Adam Levine back in the day, I'm not sure I've ever considered myself a superfan of any celebrity. But, I really fantasize about being Jen's BFF. Not to brag (totally bragging) but she liked my insta-story about her book and she shared it on her stories! AGAIN! That's twice, she's shared my stuff. LOVE. Love her.

3.5 stars.
I received an electronic copy from NetGalley. The version wasn’t formatted well at all and I do wonder if that made the book more choppy and hard to get into.
I really liked the beginning and the ending of the book, but the middle didn’t resonate as well. I’m sure the audio version would be a much better experience.