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What If YOU Are the Answer?: And 26 Other Questions That Just Might Change Your Life
Life isn’t always easy. We get tripped up, knocked down, and start to question ourselves. But as #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis learned, sometimes it’s not answers you need – what helps most are questions. And the best questions can change everything.
Good questions make us think, teach us about ourselves, and if we’re honest in our replies, they can reveal the answers we’ve been searching for. In What If YOU Are the Answer?, Rachel Hollis shares the transformative questions that have helped her heal, grow, and thrive, even when life throws its hardest punches.
With her signature blend of vulnerability, tell-it-like-it-is humor, and hard-won wisdom, Rachel challenges and encourages you to:
• Confront your deepest fears: “What are you afraid to admit?”
• Change your circumstances: “Would you sign up for this again?
• Lean into success: “What’s working in your life?"
• Take responsibility for your own growth: “What if YOU are the problem?”
Throughout this dynamic book, as hilarious as it is wise, Rachel’s questions – and above all, her raw and all-too-real stories – will give you the clarity, courage, and inspiration to embrace your full potential and become the person you were meant to be.
This isn’t just a book – it’s a journey of self-care and self-discovery that will help you find the resilience, motivation, and confidence to live your best life, or at least feel a whole helluva lot better while you try.
Good questions make us think, teach us about ourselves, and if we’re honest in our replies, they can reveal the answers we’ve been searching for. In What If YOU Are the Answer?, Rachel Hollis shares the transformative questions that have helped her heal, grow, and thrive, even when life throws its hardest punches.
With her signature blend of vulnerability, tell-it-like-it-is humor, and hard-won wisdom, Rachel challenges and encourages you to:
• Confront your deepest fears: “What are you afraid to admit?”
• Change your circumstances: “Would you sign up for this again?
• Lean into success: “What’s working in your life?"
• Take responsibility for your own growth: “What if YOU are the problem?”
Throughout this dynamic book, as hilarious as it is wise, Rachel’s questions – and above all, her raw and all-too-real stories – will give you the clarity, courage, and inspiration to embrace your full potential and become the person you were meant to be.
This isn’t just a book – it’s a journey of self-care and self-discovery that will help you find the resilience, motivation, and confidence to live your best life, or at least feel a whole helluva lot better while you try.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
554 people are currently reading
6725 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hollis
26 books32.3k followersRachel laid the foundation for her lifestyle brand and media company with the same unfiltered honesty and staunch inclusivity that made her a two-time #1 New York Times bestselling author. Hollis connects with a highly engaged and growing global audience of women who treasure her transparency and optimism. She is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers, plays host to one of today’s top business podcasts and is a proud mama of four who uses her platform to empower and embolden women around the world. Rachel calls Texas home; more specifically the Hill Country just outside of Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
January 17, 2025
DNF at 75%
***my reviews are written to help me remember my reasons behind a rating. If you loved this book or love Rachel Hollis, that's cool, too. Please move along without ripping me to shreds in the comments.***
A one-star rating and a DNF? Five years ago, I would have GASPED. This was UNHEARD OF. I was a megafan. I watched the morning show, went to Rise (virtually and in person), bought the "Start Today" journals, completed the last 90 days challenge, and gave “Girl Wash Your Face” an amazing rating on Goodreads.
I really, really wanted to love this book. Rachel Hollis's writing is candid. She exudes fun, health, and joy. Her vitality is remarkable. I'm still in awe of her ability to create a community.
And now?
Unlike “Girl Wash Your Face,” this book is a series of chapters taken from Hollis’ writing over several years. At best, it feels disconnected, and at worst, it contradicts itself.
The beginning of this book felt actionable. One really good chapter focused on creating vision boards with her friends. It was inspiring. But after that, it all felt confusing.
I couldn't keep track of Hollis' recommendations. What does she recommend in this situation? How about this other situation? Oh, she doesn’t like the term “anxiety?” She’s still working on carrying the weight of other peoples’ opinions, despite saying she got over it five years ago (remember, “other people’s opinions are none of your business?”). And it’s all bundled together with aspirational stories and anecdotes. It feels like looking at a curated Instagram feed… where the “candid” or “messy” photos are heavily filtered and staged.
Many chapters were stories I'd heard before, repackaged to fit this book. The anecdotes about Hollis' struggles (like her first panic attack) were extremely detailed, but the stories about her past mistakes were oversimplified, rewritten, or dismissed. As a major fan, I felt gaslit.
***my reviews are written to help me remember my reasons behind a rating. If you loved this book or love Rachel Hollis, that's cool, too. Please move along without ripping me to shreds in the comments.***
A one-star rating and a DNF? Five years ago, I would have GASPED. This was UNHEARD OF. I was a megafan. I watched the morning show, went to Rise (virtually and in person), bought the "Start Today" journals, completed the last 90 days challenge, and gave “Girl Wash Your Face” an amazing rating on Goodreads.
I really, really wanted to love this book. Rachel Hollis's writing is candid. She exudes fun, health, and joy. Her vitality is remarkable. I'm still in awe of her ability to create a community.
And now?
Unlike “Girl Wash Your Face,” this book is a series of chapters taken from Hollis’ writing over several years. At best, it feels disconnected, and at worst, it contradicts itself.
The beginning of this book felt actionable. One really good chapter focused on creating vision boards with her friends. It was inspiring. But after that, it all felt confusing.
I couldn't keep track of Hollis' recommendations. What does she recommend in this situation? How about this other situation? Oh, she doesn’t like the term “anxiety?” She’s still working on carrying the weight of other peoples’ opinions, despite saying she got over it five years ago (remember, “other people’s opinions are none of your business?”). And it’s all bundled together with aspirational stories and anecdotes. It feels like looking at a curated Instagram feed… where the “candid” or “messy” photos are heavily filtered and staged.
Many chapters were stories I'd heard before, repackaged to fit this book. The anecdotes about Hollis' struggles (like her first panic attack) were extremely detailed, but the stories about her past mistakes were oversimplified, rewritten, or dismissed. As a major fan, I felt gaslit.
January 12, 2025
My New Year resolution is to stop reading Rachel Hollis books. I wish I never read it, especially the part about her pubes. I am sorry about her loss (mentioned in the last chapter), and I wish her children the best, but I will never read a book by Rachel Hollis again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
Gave this a try to see if Rachel took any of her previous advice and did some self improvement. The short answer: no.
This book is regurgitated stories from her previous books or podcasts, and the parts that aren’t- are plagiarized from other authors. Also, I remember reading GWYF and getting red flags from her then husband’s behavior. It’s the same with her new boyfriend. One minute she’s describing some very condescending behavior towards her and the next she’s telling you how this is the most loving and authentic relationship she’s ever had. Never mind that she said the same thing about her marriage and is now telling us how “deeply unhealthy” that relationship was, was this before or after she held marriage conferences?
This book is not the answer.
This book is regurgitated stories from her previous books or podcasts, and the parts that aren’t- are plagiarized from other authors. Also, I remember reading GWYF and getting red flags from her then husband’s behavior. It’s the same with her new boyfriend. One minute she’s describing some very condescending behavior towards her and the next she’s telling you how this is the most loving and authentic relationship she’s ever had. Never mind that she said the same thing about her marriage and is now telling us how “deeply unhealthy” that relationship was, was this before or after she held marriage conferences?
This book is not the answer.
October 8, 2024
Oh my god… oh my god… OH MY GOD!
Ok, now that I got that out of my system, Ms. Hollis you completely broke me but in the best possible way.
When I started this book I just wanted to read it because Rachel Hollis wrote it and she writes phenomenal books that make you stare at a blank wall and contemplate so many things. This one hit different. Let me explain.
I’m a people pleaser. I’m a people pleaser who has been in a rut for the last two years but feels as if this is it and I cannot move from this spot. I’ve been depressed, anxious, and crying out for help that no one has noticed. My family are those that only care about themselves, and as the black sheep of the family I’m basically delegated to the corner crying by myself.
Now that we have that terrible mental image, here is why this book I feel has started the process of helping me forge a new path in my life.
I cried countless times reading this book because I felt as if Hollis was talking directly to me. I highlighted so many spots in this book, I’m going to have to buy a hard copy so I can add some annotations. Not only did I discover that I am a bonsai tree (read the book and it will make sense), but it’s not only my family holding me back it’s my childhood self.
I cannot even articulate all the things I’ve learned from this book. Hollis, you are a genius. This is the best self-help book you’ve - nay, ANYONE - has ever written. I’ve read several and this is the first to stick with me.
Readers, you’re going to want to read this one and then read it again. That is my plan. I’m going to let this book marinate for a bit and then dive back in. It’s time to reclaim my life, and it starts with ME.
I know I got this as an ARC, but I promise this is 100% my opinion. I loved every word. Hollis, you have been through so much and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing those experiences with us.
If you feel stuck or are looking to start a new chapter in your life and are unsure how, pick up this book in 2025. You won’t regret it.
Ok, now that I got that out of my system, Ms. Hollis you completely broke me but in the best possible way.
When I started this book I just wanted to read it because Rachel Hollis wrote it and she writes phenomenal books that make you stare at a blank wall and contemplate so many things. This one hit different. Let me explain.
I’m a people pleaser. I’m a people pleaser who has been in a rut for the last two years but feels as if this is it and I cannot move from this spot. I’ve been depressed, anxious, and crying out for help that no one has noticed. My family are those that only care about themselves, and as the black sheep of the family I’m basically delegated to the corner crying by myself.
Now that we have that terrible mental image, here is why this book I feel has started the process of helping me forge a new path in my life.
I cried countless times reading this book because I felt as if Hollis was talking directly to me. I highlighted so many spots in this book, I’m going to have to buy a hard copy so I can add some annotations. Not only did I discover that I am a bonsai tree (read the book and it will make sense), but it’s not only my family holding me back it’s my childhood self.
I cannot even articulate all the things I’ve learned from this book. Hollis, you are a genius. This is the best self-help book you’ve - nay, ANYONE - has ever written. I’ve read several and this is the first to stick with me.
Readers, you’re going to want to read this one and then read it again. That is my plan. I’m going to let this book marinate for a bit and then dive back in. It’s time to reclaim my life, and it starts with ME.
I know I got this as an ARC, but I promise this is 100% my opinion. I loved every word. Hollis, you have been through so much and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing those experiences with us.
If you feel stuck or are looking to start a new chapter in your life and are unsure how, pick up this book in 2025. You won’t regret it.
March 15, 2025
I am not a fan of Rachel. In fact, I think she’s a pretty vile person. (Just check out her “sis, what makes you think I want to be relatable?” rant.)
However, this is the first book she’s written since her divorce from Dave, who subsequently passed away. So, I was curious to see if going through either of those events softened her at all.
The answer? Nope. She’s still awful. And her picker is definitely broken, because her new boyfriend sounds like he’s just as much of a jerk as her ex was.
I admittedly did not read this cover to cover, but I did read each “question” and as much of her answer as I could stand, which obviously resulted in a lot of skimming. But believe me, I got the gist. A lot of this felt vaguely familiar, and after reading other reviews it looks like she recycled a ton of content from her other books. The advice is contradictory from one chapter to another, and some of her stories were just gross.
Note to self - don’t ever pick up another one of her books, even if you’re curious. Just don’t.
However, this is the first book she’s written since her divorce from Dave, who subsequently passed away. So, I was curious to see if going through either of those events softened her at all.
The answer? Nope. She’s still awful. And her picker is definitely broken, because her new boyfriend sounds like he’s just as much of a jerk as her ex was.
I admittedly did not read this cover to cover, but I did read each “question” and as much of her answer as I could stand, which obviously resulted in a lot of skimming. But believe me, I got the gist. A lot of this felt vaguely familiar, and after reading other reviews it looks like she recycled a ton of content from her other books. The advice is contradictory from one chapter to another, and some of her stories were just gross.
Note to self - don’t ever pick up another one of her books, even if you’re curious. Just don’t.
January 28, 2025
I’m here to answer the age old question: what is the sole reason behind Rachel Hollis’s downfall?
Answer: it’s Rachel.
Also, I’m pretty sure if Rachel wrote a book that didn’t include the three P’s of excellence (pee, period, and poop) she would spontaneously combust.
No new material. Same old advice. Same relationship just with a different guy.
Nothing about this woman has changed, nor will she ever change.
Girl, stop writing books and learn some self awareness!
Listen to your own advice and own up to this critical fact: You are your own problem!
I guess it’s fine for Rachel to say this verbally abusive crap to her fans (all in the name of tough love), but not apply it to her own life.
Typical.
Answer: it’s Rachel.
Also, I’m pretty sure if Rachel wrote a book that didn’t include the three P’s of excellence (pee, period, and poop) she would spontaneously combust.
No new material. Same old advice. Same relationship just with a different guy.
Nothing about this woman has changed, nor will she ever change.
Girl, stop writing books and learn some self awareness!
Listen to your own advice and own up to this critical fact: You are your own problem!
I guess it’s fine for Rachel to say this verbally abusive crap to her fans (all in the name of tough love), but not apply it to her own life.
Typical.
January 20, 2025
No thank you. Just in general, no thank you from Rachel Hollis.
January 22, 2025
I wanted to love this, but it was awful. A painful waste of time. I wish Rachel Hollis would write a real book from a healed place, I just don’t think she’s there yet. The writing was particularly poor and trite. More like a podcast transcript than a book. Insufferable.
January 18, 2025
same as it ever was.
will always slog through the lastest from "our girl rach" to remain a current and active member of hollisville.
will always slog through the lastest from "our girl rach" to remain a current and active member of hollisville.
January 27, 2025
There was just a lot in here that you can find elsewhere. DNF’d after the second instance of calling women “bleeders” I just can’t. Used to be a big fan of hers, but now I see why people feel she’s become insufferable. Ugh.
February 8, 2025
Did I highlight a couple lines that resonated with me? Yes. Does she constantly talk about herself too too much? Also yes. 2.5 stars.
January 21, 2025
The whole time I was reading this all I could think of is ‘Why should I believe anything this nutjob says.’ Which is kind of how I felt about her first two books. I felt like she just wanted a reason to share stories of her life. In one chapter she called herself an Oprah Kid which is a term I’m pretty sure she made up for kids who came home to an empty house because both parents were at work so the kid watched Oprah. Girl, we are the same age and as far as I know, not once has anyone referred to our generation as Oprah kids. And I don’t believe for one second that you’ve seen every episode of Oprah.
Really, the only advice that stuck with me was the chapter What Must You Let Go Of? Who or what are you keeping in your life that is preventing you from being happy or having the life you want. It got me thinking.
Really, the only advice that stuck with me was the chapter What Must You Let Go Of? Who or what are you keeping in your life that is preventing you from being happy or having the life you want. It got me thinking.
January 16, 2025
Solid advice, but If you've been following Rachel's podcast for years as I have, you've likely already heard a bunch of it. I always enjoy listening to her narration.
March 24, 2025
I hate to give this 2 stars. I loved her other books and I love her podcasts but if you listen to her podcasts then you have already heard 85% of this book and its message. I love the messaging but the format and the way the chapters were laid out did not work. I preordered the book and got three free bonus supplements and these were fantastic and worth the price of paying for the book (if they were all in the book I would give it a 3 or 4). I wish this book was combined with the workbook she provided for presales so that it was all in one. Sadly the book sounded more like her answers to the questions than asking the reader. The supplemental workbook felt more like her previous books about personal development.
March 31, 2025
I should have read the reviews before I wasted an audible credit on this. Same basic stuff as her other books.
January 28, 2025
this book was so boring. it flowed awkward. I just ended up powering through it as background noise since it really didn't capture me like her other work. this one fell flat.
February 2, 2025
DNF. I really liked Girl Wash Your Face, but this one didn’t get it. I agree with others that there is just a lot of information we’ve all heard or read before. Nothing new.
March 1, 2025
This book is the book of the year for me!
January 8, 2025
Man, oh man. I have bought every one of Rachel’s books and will continue to do so. This was a 10/5 for me. I laughed out loud. I Kim K cried. This was beautiful!❤️
January 26, 2025
A very quick read, full of thought provoking questions. Will likely have to revisit this one as I’m sure some of the questions will need more time to resonate and be answered. Enjoy Rach’s writing style and ability to connect with the reader.
January 14, 2025
Rachel’s best book yet! This book is stacked with insightful questions for self-reflection, even as someone who’s read a ton of similar personal development books before.
February 1, 2025
Disclaimer - being from Australia and not on social media much I wasn't aware of who Rachel Hollis was. This was just displayed in a prominent place in the library. So I really was coming in blind to this one. Most of the questions posed in this book are good questions and worth answering. Her responses to them were for the most not the kind of advice I would want to follow and in some cases involved some massive red flags (and don't get me started on the manifesting and vibrational energy). That's ok I suppose. She acknowledges up front that her answers might not be my answers but for this to be a serious book she could have included some exercises to help work through the questions rather than just what seemed a flow of consciousness in parts.
January 20, 2025
If you’ve followed Rachel’s podcasts or read any of her previous books, you would be a little disappointed in this book, as it feels like information I’ve already heard several times.
That said, I was entertained for the most part. Found it almost hard to finish maybe around 75% through the book. BUT I did find some over her points and questions to be very well thought out and executed. Parts of this book were profound and really made me sit and think about my life is and how I show up.
That said, I was entertained for the most part. Found it almost hard to finish maybe around 75% through the book. BUT I did find some over her points and questions to be very well thought out and executed. Parts of this book were profound and really made me sit and think about my life is and how I show up.
February 3, 2025
I listened to the audio book on Spotify and had some higher hopes for this book. I think it would be better if she talked about how you uncover the answers to the questions. Also can we stop with the tampon sorry and other stories. It’s all the same books with different titles.
March 4, 2025
Rachel actually wrote this to prove Peter and Michael’s one-book theory
⭐️
⭐️
September 9, 2025
Rachel Hollis is a very polarizing personality. I have enjoyed her books but don’t connect with her podcast or videos. I think this particular book was poorly edited and contradictory in places. Her writing style is very conversational (although trying a little too hard to be cool and relatable at times) and the book was a quick, easy read. I think with any sort of self-improvement material, it’s all about what you get out of it, and some things will resonate more than others. There were several chapters that made me think about things in a different way and gave me a more positive perspective.
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars. I have always liked Rachel Hollis & feel like she is relatable. I loved the first part of the book & couldn’t stop reading. The last 3 chapters were rough & then it felt like the book abruptly ended. I think there are a lot of good questions to ponder & dig deeper on. I would like to go back & re-read the book more as a work book to use to ask deeper questions.
June 16, 2025
As an avid fan of earlier Hollis books, I really wanted to love this book. I am so sad with my rating. But the writing is not her best. This is a series of essays. It doesn't flow well. Even within each story, the flow doesn't make sense. It jumps around, it repeats stories. I love Hollis's story telling. Her humility towards everyday life is so refreshing. Give me all the stories. But not this.
January 21, 2025
Best one since Girl, Wash your Face. I love Rachel Hollis. I appreciate her authenticity and her relatability. While some of the concepts may not jive with my natural inclinations, I always feel uplifted and inspired by her words. She always makes me want to start writing.
February 4, 2025
Audiobook
Im glad I picked the audiobook and not the physical copy. I think I would rate it less for physical reading, as it seemed so much more like her podcast. Didn’t seem like a necessary topic to but into book form? I was excited to learn she was launching a new book (been following her for years) but as soon as I saw the title I was disappointed. The audiobook helped kill commute time and was alright, but the chapters are too short I’d say just pick interesting podcast episodes instead of this book. I may relisten to a few chapters but don’t foresee re listening to it as a whole.
Im glad I picked the audiobook and not the physical copy. I think I would rate it less for physical reading, as it seemed so much more like her podcast. Didn’t seem like a necessary topic to but into book form? I was excited to learn she was launching a new book (been following her for years) but as soon as I saw the title I was disappointed. The audiobook helped kill commute time and was alright, but the chapters are too short I’d say just pick interesting podcast episodes instead of this book. I may relisten to a few chapters but don’t foresee re listening to it as a whole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews