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Hey Natalie Jean – A Book Review

2015 March 23
by WWGD

HeyNatalieJeanReview-WWGwynethDo

I have been a longtime fan of Natalie’s blog (read about that here).

Some blogs you read for inspiration, some you read for fun, some you read for the visuals…you read Natalie’s for her writing.

So when her long-anticipated first book landed in my mailbox last week, I was excited to sit down and dive in.

To dive into her writing. To hear stories I hadn’t heard from her before. To appreciate her candor, her witty way with words, her honest and approachable voice.

And the parts of the book where that writing comes through…those parts are great. Those parts are full of talent and promise and intrigue. Those parts are where she dives deep into her writing and takes her readers along with her, giving them everything they hoped for.

Unfortunately, those parts are too few and far between. The essays are interspersed among “chapters” devoted to mindless things like makeup routines, home decor inspiration, New York City subway elevator systems and the like that a) we’ve seen on her blog and b) belong on a blog.

A blog is where I appreciate that kind of fluff. A book is not.

Especially when the writer behind the blog is so good at…writing.

I wanted to hear more stories and learn more about her background and lose myself in her easy writing style. I wanted to dive in but instead I felt like I was stuck in shallow waters (are you loving these metaphors or what?!?).

But I don’t fault Natalie for any of this so consider this a positive review. In fact, I want you to go out and buy Hey Natalie Jean right now. Support this writer. Boost her numbers and her likes and whatever publishers look for in a successful book these days. Support her writing, her candor and her witty way with words. Because hopefully if we do, they will give her another book deal. And another after that. And another after that.

And she can fill them all with her writing. And we can keep diving in.

*addendum: read this post from Natalie. It kind of sums it up perfectly…as she so often does. 

3 Responses
  1. Kelly L permalink
    March 24, 2015

    Jealous much?
    Unfollow

    • WWGD permalink*
      March 24, 2015

      Hi Kelly – honestly, no. Not jealous. Just sort of underwhelmed and at the same time, super supportive because I know how much amazing talent she has. Hopefully that came through, but if not, totally respect your opinion. Thx for sharing it.

  2. Sarah permalink
    March 24, 2015

    I appreciate the honest review. I’m also a fan of Nat’s blog and I think she has the potential to develop her writing and put out a great book. I don’t think she quite did that with her first attempt though and I agree with everything you have said.

    I had hoped she would delve into topics like how her Mormon faith impacts (and potentially intensifies) her struggle with infertility. Or her thoughts on living in a way that allows you to appreciate what you have without giving up the hope for what else you truly want. Her super honest and heartfelt blog posts about fertility and family and motherhood have gotten so much support from her readers so I was hopeful that was the direction the book would take.

    Raluca- It’s difficult to disagree or criticize someone (especially a friend) in a way that is kind and respectful but I think you achieved that. Supporting each other doesn’t always mean agreeing with each other.

    BTW- love your blog, I just never take the time to comment.

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