Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves

Everyone I know likes green beans. Just not me. And obviously, not Lincee Ray. Why I Hate Green Beans is a fun compilation of many experiences in Lincee’s adult life, shared in a down-to-earth, refreshing style. Having laughed my way through much of the book, I had just told my husband that this book was not very much about God. Wow, was I wrong!! Lincee was just arriving at her crisis point. All of the sudden, I was crying and aching with Lincee, hoping she would find God sufficient. (She does.) This book was very timely for me. It can be helpful for anyone struggling with how to handle hard times. As Lincee says, “In the middle of a time when I had no idea what I was going to do, I decided to focus on what I did know. God is good... Trials will come...He’s got this...” I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley and was in no way required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This is one of my favorite nonfiction books that I have read. This is very funny and insightful. I love how she writes and what she says. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I loved this book. The author opens up and tells her story. This story will bring both a smile to your face and you might shed a tear while reading it. It brought forth so many emotions for me. Lincee is much younger than me, but when she opened up about her memories from school I was right there going through my own memories, insecurities, mistakes and successes. I was hooked right then and there. As she opens up about her life up until this point I read both raw and real emotions. She encourages other women by saying none of us are perfect, far from it, but when we depend on God all things are possible. While reading this book I kept thinking I wish I would tell Lincee that I understood what she was going through and that I would love to be her friend. Yes, this is a book that you can relate to. This is a book I would recommend to anyone. I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*I received this book from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest review- all opinions are my own.* Lincee Ray is everything I’ve been looking for in a BFF. Not only is she laugh out loud hilarious and incredibly insightful, she speaks my language of Friends quotes fluently. In Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves, she shares her life’s story- her struggles, triumphs, the nitty gritty, and everything in between. I devoured her book in 2 sittings. Hanging out on my porch, watching my son play in the sunshine, I got to know Lincee through her stories, with fun anecdotes from the friends that call her family. With humor, she shares everything from her crazy life experiences, the hard parts of a broken marriage, and how she’s taking part in motherhood without carrying a child of her own. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a read that feels like sitting with your close friends. Laughing and crying together- like only women who’ve know each other for years can do. It’s a fresh breath of air, and a book I will pick up again when I need a laugh. I’ll probably send this copy along to one of my friends who are in need of a laugh. And even though I hate The Bachelor (Sorry Lincee!) I’m still secretly hoping we can be friends.

Lincee Ray is the funny girl who makes every situation fun. She's the girl you want to have as a friend and the one you'd most want with you through just about anything...and after reading her book Why I Hate Green Beans - And Other Confessions About Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves, you are going to feel like you've known her forever. No subject seems to be off-limits to Lincee's self-depreciating humor. She is a girl who does not take herself or life too seriously. You will giggle over her stories of being a woman working in the male dominated world of oil. You will laugh out loud at her recounting of speed dating. You will laugh hysterically, wipe tears from your eyes, and blot (delicately) at your dripping nose at the tale of Lincee's post-appendectomy need to poop! There is a more serious side to Lincee and her book and you will also find yourself crying with her over the end of her marriage and wanting to wrap her in a big hug as she struggles with the reality that she may never have children of her own. Through all of it, Lincee easily and generously shares her faith and how God has seen her through the tough times and blessed her abundantly with friends, family and faith. I highly recommend you read Why I Hate Green Beans. It's a fun and easy read and you'll feel like you're at a slumber party with your BFF. I received a copy of Why I Hate Green Beans from Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

laughed so many times reading this book! It is so very wonderful!! Lincee writes with honesty and humor about her life – relationships and reality TV (she began her writing career by doing a brief weekly synopsis about the show The Bachelor), self-image and insecurity. She actually does begin the book by telling why she hates green beans – and from there I was hooked! Lincee went on to say her book is “for everyone who’s tried the latest fad diet or online dating app and failed – again… Yoga pants are your friend, Jesus sees you, and green-bean diets are never the answer.” I had such a hard time putting this book down, but fortunately it is broken into short chapters, so I could keep coming back for just a chapter! This is Lincee’s first book, although she does have a blog that I have now subscribed to, and I can’t wait to read her next book! This one was amazing! And I was so fortunate to receive it from Blogging for Books – all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Throughout her book, Lincee Ray highlights key points in her life that shaped who she is today. She is candid, she is hilarious, and best of all - she is real. Lincee Ray is your everyday girl: insecure, emotional, and vulnerable. We all have a bit of Lincee inside each of us and that's what makes her book so genuine. She is not afraid to tell you her most embarrassing stories. She wants you to know you're not the only one who has them. And that it's okay to not be perfect! If you grew up in the '80s and '90s, you will definitely enjoy all the throwbacks she talks about such as, Sea Breeze, NSync, and Hot Stix! But Lincee's life is not all happy-go-lucky and perfect. She has been through her share of ups and downs. Some were painful and others just plain devastating. But, through it all there was one constant in her life: Jesus. Through Him she reflects all her trials, and through Him she realized she was never alone. Lincee's life threw her some hard lemons, and just because you try to live a good, moral life doesn't mean you won't have your share of troubles and tragedies. From online dating to speed dating, Lincee is still trying to find her way in life. But, through it all she understands something very definitive and true. She writes, "But God knows me. He knows my struggles. He knows my desires. He labels me His 'child' and will do great things through me if I let Him. Acknowledging that He is good and His timing is perfect" (pg. 152). An inspiring and heartfelt read from start to finish.

I know what you are thinking, I never read memoirs. It’s true, I prefer to read fiction. But sometimes, you have to take a shot at something different. I tried Why I Hate Green Beans. And like trying anything new, I didn’t hate it! I actually enjoyed myself! To start, I’m impressed by Ms. Ray’s courage at putting her life out there in a book for us to read, flaws and all. I don’t think that I’d have the fearlessness to do the same. I’d also like to point out that I actually LOVE green beans. They are one of my favorite vegetables. But I can totally understand why Ms. Ray hates them. If I were in her situation, I’d probably hate them as well. Here are some of the aspects of the book that I liked: 1) There are many helpful key information boxes throughout the book. From tips about skinny jeans to tips on dating gleaned from years of watching and recapping The Bachelor, Ms. Ray cuts to the chase and tells her reader what is important. Here are two examples of key information boxes that I love: “If your plunging neckline is so deep it looks like your exposed sternum is being prepped for heart surgery, button up.” and “If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, leggings are not pants.” I totally agree with BOTH of these quotes. 2) The humor in Why I Hate Green Beans is on almost every page. As you can see from the above quotes, the sarcasm is strong with Ms. Ray. And I love a good sarcastic book. 3) Ms. Ray clearly put all of her emotions on the pages of this book. My two favorite chapters are the ones where Ms. Ray has hit rock bottom. I know, I’m weird. But reading those bared emotions really struck a cord with me. 4) The book flows chronologically. This is a very logical decision that works well for me as a reader. The novel starts when Ms. Ray was a teenager and followers through to her life til now. We see her mature while following the natural progression of life. 5) The writing style is very conversational. Ms. Ray parlays her skills as a blogger and recapper into a style that is easy, and, more importantly, enjoyable, to read. We all have the vegetables we don’t like (GROSS EGGPLANT!). Similarly, there are some aspects of the novel that I didn’t like: 1) I found teenage Lincee really bothersome. I wanted to skip these chapters. I really didn’t click with Lincee til she was in college and more self-confident. Once we moved past the troubled teen years, I was more interested in Ms. Ray’s story. 2) Ms. Ray repeatedly reminds us that she is an extrovert\introvert. I’m not disputing that extrovert\introvert people exist. Just that I really couldn’t figure out what this has to do with anything else in the book. I really enjoyed this memoir. And as an avid EW reader, I’ll be actively looking for Ms. Ray’s work on the website and checking out her blog in the future. Don’t be afraid to try a new book genre and check out Why I Hate Green Beans for yourself!

My thoughts: WHY I HATE GREEN BEANS is a memoir that is seriously laugh-out-loud funny. Ms. Ray is absolutely real and hilarious in her realness. And let me also preface this to say that I absolutely admire her courage. I don't know how many times I walked away from something I wanted to do because I was afraid. And yet this woman was brave enough (though terrified) to go through a simulated helicopter crash into a swimming pool and try to rescue herself. And she lived to tell about it. Amazing. I also agree with her assessment about doctors. Why do all the good-looking ones have to see you at your worst? And why is it you can't control your tongue around Dr. McDreamy? Open mouth and insert foot. Yep. I've been there. I think I would hate to have had her for a babysitter, though my kids would've loved her. Can you say "sugar-high?" I LOVED this book, and could so identify with her with so much of it. And the parts I couldn't identify with (speed-dating, online dating, etc) she made totally funny and I laughed all the way through them. I usually hate memoirs. Seriously. This one is going on my keeper shelf. And my teen daughter is going to read it. And then my college daughter. Because, yes, I talked it up. Plus, there is an amazing faith message. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a laugh, suffers with body image (a big thing among women), or who has ever felt like a fool among their peers. Seriously. And by the way, I like green beans. Straight out of the garden. Raw. Cooked. Don't matter. I disagree with her assessment of this vegetable. Although I have never ate them cold, straight out of the can. Maybe that's why she hates them. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

I am not even sure where to start on my review other than I LOVED this book.  It made me laugh, but there were also some parts that were poignant, such as, when Lincee wrote about her marriage and its failure.  I was truly amazed to read her story and enjoyed every minute...I did not want the book to end. I have followed I Hate Green Beans for a few years after being turned on to it by a friend.  I thought the title of her blog was hysterical because I love green beans!  I don't remember if I knew why she didn't like that green vegetable, but I learned why in her book - an evil diet.  Then as I was reading her profile (way back when), I learned that we attended the same high school.  Not at the same time mind you!  But I felt a kinship when she spoke about her time in high school and what she experienced being on the Belles (drill team).  While I was a band geek, I also participated in the Flag Corps, so I could commiserate about those weigh ins!  While I might not be able to relate to everything she wrote about, I could feel her emotions - from angst to frustration to happiness - in each story she told.  She made me feel like I was sitting right next to her in each event in her life. Lincee even puts her faith out there for all to see.  Her Christian beliefs helped guide her through the tougher times in life and kept her grounded despite any situation.  And trust me when I say there are lots of situations that would test any of us.  She shares various bible verses that helped her in situations when she needed support.  I appreciated her humility in admitting when she needed that extra assistance to get through. For Lincee to put her life out there for anyone and everyone to read, it shows a courage that many do not possess.  Her honesty, quick wit, and fluid writing will entertain readers and if they enjoy it as much as I did, they will not want to put the book down.  Not all may be able to relate, but I am willing to bet that there is at least one story or situation that will seem familiar - even if it is the insecurity that many of us feel as a woman. We give this 5 paws up!  We'd give more but our scale is only 5.

This book was refreshing word writing and compelling to read and also come with hilarious and funny story from the memory life of Lincee Ray. This book will encourage women everywhere to embrace the days when we aren’t feeling like our best selves. It’s for everyone who’s tried the lasts fad diet or online dating app and failed again and for those of us who scour the internet looking for ways to reduce stress, only to roll our eyes when we discover step on is always the same cut out the caffeine. Whatever we had been we all the women must to lift up each other in a spirit of camaraderie. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blog Tour Program for this review”.

I have to be honest, Lincee Ray is a new author for me. I wasn't familiar with her blog, but when I saw this book, I had to find out why she hates green beans--which I love. I am so glad I did! Why I Hate Green Beans made me laugh out loud a few times and was a great "curl up with my cup of tea" read. Why I Hate Green Beans shares Ray's story from her early school days until the present. Throughout the book, Ray shares her story and some of the challenges she has been through--just like she is talking with me and having tea right along with me. . .Wait make that a Dr. Pepper for Lincee. She shares both her good times and her hard stuff. Most importantly, she also shares how she overcame that hard stuff. Don't we all have hard stuff of one sort or another to overcome? She also reminds readers of how we need to look to God and trust Him to help us through the hard stuff. Yet, Ray isn't preachy. Instead, she truly seems to share from her heart. She also shares her stories in a way that leaves you feeling like she also understands whatever hard challenges you may be going through. I would encourage any woman who needs a pick-me-up to get a copy of Why I Hate Green Beans and find some time to read it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.

This was such a great read! From the first page, it feels like you’re chatting with a girlfriend you’ve known for years. There’s a great mix of laugh-out-loud humor and true depth in this book. The title alone caught my eye, and I was hooked in the introductory chapter. I can’t recommend it enough!

This is the first time that I have heard the name Lincee Ray or her podcast, Why I Hate Green Beans. Now that I have been introduced to Lincee, I will be checking out more of her work and articles. The best part of this whole book is the no holds bar humor that Lincee brings with her writing and storytelling. I can understand why she hates green beans. If I was provided them to eat all the time as part of the "green bean" diet, I would hate them as well. Luckily, my mom was not into "fab" diets. Well there was Atkins but she and my dad were the only ones to do it. They did not make or allow us kids to participate. Reading Lincee's quick summary on The Bachelor still does not entice m to want to check out this show, no matter how hot the host is. There are so many other stories and each one is a gem. You have to check out this book and no you won't have to eat green beans.

I am new to the "I Hate Green Beans" blog/podcast by Lincee Ray, so I was very eager to read her new book. Since I check many of the same demographic boxes as Lincee, I found this to be a very relatable and fun read. Anyone who graduated in 1994 will follow right along with her references to growing up in the mid80s to mid90s. She weaves stories of her career, relationships and experiences with honesty and humor. On more than one occasion, I found myself laughing out loud. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this via NetGalley, but I plan to purchase it for myself and for a few of my friends.

Meet Lincee Ray, your new best friend. This book will make you laugh, laugh harder, cry, and then laugh again. Lincee has an incredible way of writing that will make you feel like you are sitting across from her and have been friends forever. She is vulnerable for the sake of making Jesus known to her readers and is a role model to us all. This book is relatable, encouraging, hopeful, and funny. Lorelai Gilmore would be impressed with all of Lincee's pop culture references and Chris Harrison (yes, from the Bachelor) has even shown his support - he's right there on the back cover! This book was hard to put down once I started reading it, but it was so good that I've read it more than once :) You won't regret buying this book!

Lincee Ray has a way of telling a story that will have you crying from laughter in one chapter and have you crying tears of sadness the next. Her ability to share the hard things of life touched me and I could relate to some of the trials she faced through the years. Her thoughts mirrored mine in some of the things she experienced and it was a relief to know I was not alone. I enjoyed her sense of humor and her ability to draw me into the story to the point I could see the situation unfolding. This book grabbed me from the first page and would not let me put it down until I reached the end! If you enjoy a good laugh and a good cry this is the book for you! If you are not a fan of the show "The Bachelor" no worries by the end you may decide to give it a chance.

Reading this book was like sitting down with my new best friend. She spins her life story out in a charming, but very real, sometimes very heart wrenching way. All the while, it reveals a funny, smart, creative woman of faith who wants to help others learn from her own life lessons. She puts a gem of faith, truth, and hope in just at the right moment. The writing flows like a one-sided conversation with the reader as the silent partner, nodding and saying, "Yes, uh huh, then what happened?" Or "What?! No way!" Each segment has a theme, arranged to add a new layer to the story. I wish I had a small child for her to babysit after reading the segment on "motherhood", just to see what creative things she would do! This book is encouraging, inspirational, heart-wrenching at times, and laugh out loud funny in a lot of parts, especially if you were young in the '80's and '90's. It would make a good gift for any woman who is hurting or who feels alone in her struggles. She is like the Erma Bombeck or Barbara Johnson of this generation. I hope she never stops writing. Recommend! ( An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)

Lincee is such a fantastic writer. I wish she was my friend! =)