A Real Guide to Really Getting It Together Once and for All:

by Ashley Rickards

This is not your mom's guide to life.

Sometimes being a girl sucks. A lot. Take it from Ashley Rickards, star of the internationally popular MTV show Awkward., who used to be a little awkward herself. She's been picked on and bullied, binged and purged, financially cut off and lived to tell the tale. But it wasn't easy. Throughout the whole process, she felt alone, scared, confused and sorta hungry. Sound familiar?

Well, RELAX. Ashley is here to share all kinds of stories, advice and corny jokes to help get you through it all, kind of like the cool big sister you never had (or wish your sister was). Plus, professional experts like spiritual coach Deepak Chopra, finance expert Zac Bissonnette and celebrity trainer Lalo Fuentes offer their tricks of the trade and behind-the-scenes secrets so you'll be well-versed in Pretty Much Everything About Everything.

You'll learn stuff like

• How to discover your talents and go after what you really want

• How to eat right and work out for your body type

• All the skin/hair/makeup/fashion tips you'll ever need to look like a rock star (or other kind of star)

• Decorating your room to suit your style and organizing your crap so you're on top of life

• Tips for making, saving and spending money

• Getting along with your family and friends—no drama allowed

• Most important: how to learn to love yourself (seriously, guys)

Whatever you need to know, Get Your Sh!t Together has it all so that you can discover your true self, define your own mold and kick ass along the way.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2015

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the BEST books I have read about life and biographical aspects. Ashley Rickards has always been one of my favourite actresses since One Tree Hill and most recently, her part in Awkward. Her character, Jenna Hamilton in Awkward, has always been one of my all time faves. I always felt really similar to Ashley and her characters in every show/movie. But reading this, this made me realize that she has gone through stuff just like I have. The way she talks about growing up and everything, I felt like I had a voice and that she and I became best friends. She gave really helpful tips too about budgeting, confidence, hair and makeup, etc. This was a really significant book in my life and I love it and will always adore it. I read it when I was in the tenth grade and it really helped me realize a few things about myself and the world that I'm growing up in.

To anyone wanting some sort of book to give you more clarity on life, or get some tips and tricks on growing up, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

[Dany · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITA/ENG

ITA: Avete mai visto Diario di una nerd superstar? Se la risposta è sì, allora sono sicura che conosciate Ashley e il suo personaggio più famoso. In questo libro ci parla della sua vita, dandoci consigli su qualsiasi cosa - aiutata da esperti perchè anche le star commettono errori - come se fosse una sorella maggiore. L'ho trovato davvero carino, anche se di sicuro è adatto ad un pubblico più giovane di me (o sono solo vecchia dentro?). Ashley è una persona divertente ma molto riflessiva e ci racconta anche un po' di episodi imbarazzanti. E' fissata con il suo gatto, Deepak Chopra e gli hashtags (come me! #misentocapita). Ho trovato l'idea di fare delle liste decisamente splendida perchè sì, io amo fare le liste.
Insomma, se state entrando nel mondo degli adulti ma non avete la più pallida idea di come fare, è superconsigliato.

ENG: Have you ever seen Awkward? If the answer is yes then you already know Ashley and her most famous character. In this book she talks about her life, giving us advices about everything, with the help of experts, because even stars make mistakes (like me, right now, writing this review in a language that's not my native tongue, be nice!). She's really funny, she's like a big sister, the one you may not have in your real life. Another thing she talks about is her life before the acting part, embarassing episodes included. She's crazy about her cat, Deepak Chopra and hashtags, like me so i loved it #ifeelunderstood. I loved making all those checklists because i love checklists and lists in general. I felt like this book was meant for a younger target (i'm 21 but maybe i'm just old inside) but if you're getting into the adult side of your life without any knowledge, just give this a try.

[Water Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of it is generic stuff you’ve heard before. But what makes this self-help book commendable is Rickards’ honesty. She’s an actress from a hit TV show and yet she speaks openly about her personal battles with anxiety and eating disorders. She even admits that she was planning to lie about them while penning the book. Very refreshing. The first part of it is like a personal therapy session, for you to reflect on yourself deeply. That was the most useful section of the book. Her positivity is very motivating. The rest of the book is about getting the most out of life and looking at all aspects of it – be it décor, finances, relationships, health, beauty etc. Yes, the advice is idealistic. But it’s good advice. There were times when I wished she didn’t downplay her intelligence by doing #hashtags everywhere just to be current. I also wanted more references to be cited when information was given. And traditional stereotypes in the book will annoy some. But there's no doubt she is one talented, intelligent and inspiring individual. This is a good introductory book on self-care, and if you haven’t watched her show Awkward – go watch it. Content warning: profuse swearing/profanity and eating disorders.

[Rachel Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from a goodreads giveaway.

I am not the target audience for this book, but I did read the whole thing. There were parts that were interesting to me, but at times I felt like this book was patronizing to the target audience (teenage girls). I do think overall though that the target audience will like this book, especially if they are fans of Ashley and/or her show. And the message/tone thru the book is very positive so I would recommend this book to parents of teenage girls or teens themselves.

[M. Putney · Rating 3 out of 5]

not what I expected

Ashley is incredibly smart and this book just felt very superficial. It felt like the teen book she thought people wanted and not the one she wanted to write. All too forced. I hope she writes something else though.

[Cassidy Schnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love it! I've read this book so many times through. Every chapter has helped me at one point or another :)

[Rachel Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Real Guide to Really Getting it Together Book Review I don't read a whole lot of self helps, I did read Lea Michelle's which is very similar to Ashley Rickards here. I am comparing, but I liked Michelle's more. She's an overall better writer and was able to condense a bit so it didn't feel too long. But, I did also enjoy Rickard's. She's funny, upbeat and a great role model for teens. 
 
Ahsley Rickard's, the star of MTV'S Awkward, gives various tips, suggestions, helpful advice on more in everything that a girl could want to read about. Area's include, organizing your room, relationships, hair and makeup, and so forth. 
 
The book did seem a bit preachy for me, but that's probably because I'm a little too old for it. I'm surprised my library has it cataloged in adult, for I think its one that has a much more impact on teens than anything. I'm definitely going to read more of these in the future because they do make me feel better and want to succeed more in life. 

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This gets two stars not because it is necessarily a bad book (it can be quite amusing), but because I am definitely not the target audience (better book for teens). So, yeah, teens might find it helpful, I just found it obvious and full of things that I now seem to think are common-sense (aren't they?), but I guess it can be a fun book for younger girls. Some advice can really come in handy when you are a teen dealing with teen stuff, but there are a bunch of things I dislike and wouldn't want a teen girl to grow up believing.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for these celebrity lifestyle, how-to books. I might have loved this book as a teen, but I think I'm too old for it. Some solid advice, cute stories, ok overall. More fun pics would have been nice. One thing that made me want to laugh hysterically is when Ashley mentioned she's pals with Deepak Chopra and sends him pics of her cat...um what???

OK for a teen or pre teen. Otherwise, skip.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually read self help books, but this one was just quirky enough to grab my attention. I liked the realistic advice, be yourself not someone or thing else. I also liked the way it was delivered, very informal and friendly. Would recommend this book to many young (also older) people I know.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

No clue why this is marketed towards adults when the advice pertains pretty much to teenagers and young adults. As an adult, this is stuff you already know mostly though there are some snippets to pick up. Mainly fun for the anecdotes shared by Ashley Rickards.

[Harlequin Books]

Category: Self-Help

[Youssef Elakkad]

i think it will be anice book

[Debbie Stansell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was received through a Goodreads giveaway. Informative and well laid out book for the young adult.

[Stephanie Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading through this at the library. This is definitely aimed more towards high school aged girls but it was still enjoyable.