Review of “Why I Hate Green Beans” by Lincee Ray

Why I Hate Green Beans

Lincee Ray

Revell, 210 pages

Release date: February 6, 2018

Book Description from Amazon.com:

“If there is one thing Lincee Ray has learned over the years, it’s that the majority of women on the planet struggle with insecurities. Our skinny jeans mock us. Our just-trying-to-help mothers are just driving us crazy. Our social media feeds taunt us with everyone else’s picture-perfect lives. It’s enough to send you on a gummy-bear bender while binge-watching Friends reruns and not showering for a week. Lincee knows. She’s been there. Right there, in fact. Gummy bears and all.

For every woman who’s ever wondered if she’s unlovable, uninteresting, or unattractive, Lincee offers her particular brand of hilarious (and hard-hitting) self-reflection. Like a true friend, she shows us that the fastest way to happiness is to embrace ourselves in all our imperfection, trust that God knew what he was doing when he made us, and maybe go buy a new tube of mascara. Walk alongside Lincee as she discovers that her identity is not found in her job, her relationship status, her bank account, or her social circle. It’s found in Christ.”

My Review:

Here’s my confession:

I had serious doubts when I first began to read this book.  I’d never hear of Lincee Ray or read any of her blog posts.

I wondered if I was going to be able to find any common ground as I read this book. I grew up in the 60’s; I’ve never watched an episode of The Bachelor, and I love green beans. I know next to nothing about music in the 80’s and 90’s.  I was an extremely busy wife, mom, teacher, and college student those during those days and some of those years flew right past me.

Was I wrong! Although we may be generations apart, Lincee still finds the common ground we have as women’s any age: insecurity about our appearance, relationships, friends, and the need we have for Jesus in our lives. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her funny stories, but also wiping away a tear or two as she told about her own heartache and struggles. As I finished the book, I found myself encouraged to be seeking as to how I could be a better friend with women of all ages and share the love of Jesus through friendship and encouragement.

Lincee, I’d love to be your friend. I’m still not a fan of reality TV and I’ll always love green beans, but your friendship would be a treasure. Keep writing and encouraging us.