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Beth Thomas Cohen’s Drop The Act, It’s Exhausting came to me via a publisher. The book was released on 4 November, and it’s a fun read. Cohen’s mission is to empower women to stop pretending everything is perfect and embrace all the wonderful messiness of our lives. It isn’t really a new message, but it is told in a vibrant “write like you talk” style that makes it an entertaining read.

Cohen  is emphatically and unapologetically herself. She doesn’t pull punches in the book- she’s outspoken. And I mean that as a compliment.

This was my favorite passage in the book:

How is it a daring greatly moment to stop hoping? Because when you stop hoping for something, you are actually choosing to believe in yourself and in your own power to make things happen. Wow, to believe in yourself- no doubts, no act necessary, just you and your goal?  Is there anything more daring than that?

I actually highlighted the above passage because it hit me square between the eyes. And in my heart. Because she’s right, and even though it might be common sense, it’s what we need to hear sometimes.

The style of the book won’t be for everyone.  While I felt like I could be sitting down having coffee with Cohen, some people won’t like the more conversational style of the book. To them I would say, “Take a chance.”  Others might not care for some of the salty language. To them I would say, “Get over yourself,” because that’s the authentic me, and because I think we limit ourselves if we read only within our comfort zone.

You should read this book because it celebrates our imperfections. It calls us on our BS. It reminds us to be open-minded and maybe a little nicer and not quite so judgmental.  If you read Lean In, read this, too. You should read the book because its tone and message are refreshing.  You should read it, because it validates the snarky texts a friend and I share about an acquaintance who only posts on Facebook the things that talk about how wonderful and perfect her life is.  You should read it because it made me decide that the next time my client calls me the wrong name, I’m correcting him-  because it is, indeed, ok for me to speak up. You should read it because Cohen makes the list of authors that I’d love to have a drink with sometime.