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Lady Secrets: Real, Raw, and Ridiculous Confessions of Womanhood
A very lady has a secret. A secret so humiliating, embarrassing, scandalous, or disgraceful that you haven’t told a soul—not your closest friends, family, lovers, or doctors. There is so much shame surrounding hiding secrets, and, frankly, enough is enough.
The truth is, there is power and freedom in releasing those dirty little secrets out into the big, bad universe. It gives you that same sweet relief as taking off an underwire bra at the end of a long, crappy day. That’s why Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek—hosts of the LadyGang podcast—set their secrets free: the good, the bad, and the diarrhea. The LadyGang wanted to offer their large and loyal community a chance to join them in exposing the messy truths of their lives, and so, Lady Secrets was born: confessional essays from the trio themselves and an incredible crowdsourced collection of secrets from other ladies around the world. Secrets ranging from silly little white lies to cringey misadventures to soul-baring truths. And as it turns out, exposing your deepest and darkest helps you realize that we are all way more alike than we could have ever imagined.
Everyone seems to have a bizarre body malfunction, a hookup gone terribly wrong, and a soul-crushing experience that haunts them forever. And maybe that elaborate revenge plot you carried out against your cheating ex was actually kind of badass (in spite of being slightly illegal). It’s time we stop feeling ashamed of our (un)ladylike habits and own the real, raw, and ridiculous things that make you authentically you.
The truth is, there is power and freedom in releasing those dirty little secrets out into the big, bad universe. It gives you that same sweet relief as taking off an underwire bra at the end of a long, crappy day. That’s why Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek—hosts of the LadyGang podcast—set their secrets free: the good, the bad, and the diarrhea. The LadyGang wanted to offer their large and loyal community a chance to join them in exposing the messy truths of their lives, and so, Lady Secrets was born: confessional essays from the trio themselves and an incredible crowdsourced collection of secrets from other ladies around the world. Secrets ranging from silly little white lies to cringey misadventures to soul-baring truths. And as it turns out, exposing your deepest and darkest helps you realize that we are all way more alike than we could have ever imagined.
Everyone seems to have a bizarre body malfunction, a hookup gone terribly wrong, and a soul-crushing experience that haunts them forever. And maybe that elaborate revenge plot you carried out against your cheating ex was actually kind of badass (in spite of being slightly illegal). It’s time we stop feeling ashamed of our (un)ladylike habits and own the real, raw, and ridiculous things that make you authentically you.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 14, 2022
This honestly felt like a cash grab.
I don’t watch/listen to the Lady Gang podcast. But I definitely feel like this book is targeted directly towards those who do.
Each chapter is a different “category” of secret. And at the beginning of each category, the ladies give their own secrets..and then the rest of the chapter is submitted anonymous secrets….the “secrets” given by the ladies of the podcast were so..weak? Lol I know that sounds so aggressively judgey..but honestly it felt like “just write a story to fill up pages. It doesn’t have to be interesting or scandalous or anything. Just write anything” They we’re also terribly long winded and BRAGGGGY. Like a 1000 word explanation of being invited to a swanky rooftop party where a famous dude hit on you and you didn’t tell your then boyfriend..okay girl.
The secrets that were submitted anonymously were miles more entertaining and I wish the whole book was authentic submissions..not filler by sort of famous people who are not entertaining.
Wow. That was ranty: sorry lol
I don’t watch/listen to the Lady Gang podcast. But I definitely feel like this book is targeted directly towards those who do.
Each chapter is a different “category” of secret. And at the beginning of each category, the ladies give their own secrets..and then the rest of the chapter is submitted anonymous secrets….the “secrets” given by the ladies of the podcast were so..weak? Lol I know that sounds so aggressively judgey..but honestly it felt like “just write a story to fill up pages. It doesn’t have to be interesting or scandalous or anything. Just write anything” They we’re also terribly long winded and BRAGGGGY. Like a 1000 word explanation of being invited to a swanky rooftop party where a famous dude hit on you and you didn’t tell your then boyfriend..okay girl.
The secrets that were submitted anonymously were miles more entertaining and I wish the whole book was authentic submissions..not filler by sort of famous people who are not entertaining.
Wow. That was ranty: sorry lol
September 30, 2022
The women behind the LadyGang podcast are back with this follow up to their debut book, Act like a lady. I REALLY, really enjoyed this collection of stories from both Keltie, Jac and Becca, as well as a group of anonymous stories from their fans that was read by Fiona Hardingham with a beautiful British accent.
In the book the authors share some of their most deeply held secrets, heartbreaks and embarrassing moments -- the things women are often too ashamed to admit out loud. Full of emotional vulnerability, I was deeply moved, felt incredibly seen and understood and it was unbelievably powerful!! I cannot recommend this audiobook enough!!
While part two will make you laugh out loud from the crazy, cringe-worthy anecdotes, part three goes deep, affirming that being a woman is hard and it's okay to not be okay all the time.
Favorite quotes:
"To every lady that sent in a vulnerable secret we commend you on your courage...Sometimes just being alive is fucking hard...You could take all the anti-depressants and go on all the wellness trips and master all the yoga poses and still feel fucking broken inside. And that's okay."
"The brutal truth is that the world can be heartbreakingly awful to women. Even when women do muster up the courage to share their deepest and darkest moments, they are often victim-blamed, invalidated or not believed. As women we have become so comfortable with grinning and bearing very painful parts of life, we learn at a very young age to just stuff it down, pretend it doesn't exist and move on with our lives."
TW: some of these stories could be hard to read and cover things from abortion to miscarriage - read with care.
In the book the authors share some of their most deeply held secrets, heartbreaks and embarrassing moments -- the things women are often too ashamed to admit out loud. Full of emotional vulnerability, I was deeply moved, felt incredibly seen and understood and it was unbelievably powerful!! I cannot recommend this audiobook enough!!
While part two will make you laugh out loud from the crazy, cringe-worthy anecdotes, part three goes deep, affirming that being a woman is hard and it's okay to not be okay all the time.
Favorite quotes:
"To every lady that sent in a vulnerable secret we commend you on your courage...Sometimes just being alive is fucking hard...You could take all the anti-depressants and go on all the wellness trips and master all the yoga poses and still feel fucking broken inside. And that's okay."
"The brutal truth is that the world can be heartbreakingly awful to women. Even when women do muster up the courage to share their deepest and darkest moments, they are often victim-blamed, invalidated or not believed. As women we have become so comfortable with grinning and bearing very painful parts of life, we learn at a very young age to just stuff it down, pretend it doesn't exist and move on with our lives."
TW: some of these stories could be hard to read and cover things from abortion to miscarriage - read with care.
July 11, 2022
As an OG LadyGang podcast listener, I really enjoyed this book, because I feel like I already know Keltie, Jac, and Becca so well, but got to hear several new stories about them, that they hadn't shared on the podcast. Even as a non-listener, I think their stories were interesting enough, that anyone would enjoy reading them. I also found some of these "secrets" told by others to be a throw-back to all of the magazines (Cosmo, YM, Teen) I loved to read as a teenager, but quite a bit juicier. As an added bonus, the point of the book was actually to empower women to read other's stories, then know that we are not alone. We've all made terrible mistakes, done gross/weird things, and have had feelings that are totally justified, even if we are told by society that are wrong. I was truly, pleasantly surprised by this book, and actually liked it even more than their first book!
March 11, 2023
3.5 stars
this was def cute and a fun time but it felt very gimmicky a lot of the time and each section heading was the same except for one, so they felt kinda pointless. I will say that I enjoyed the “ladygang member” sections more than the 3 authors I think. everyone had juicy stories and obviously not anywhere close to what a boring old toad like me has done in the past. but yeah
this was def cute and a fun time but it felt very gimmicky a lot of the time and each section heading was the same except for one, so they felt kinda pointless. I will say that I enjoyed the “ladygang member” sections more than the 3 authors I think. everyone had juicy stories and obviously not anywhere close to what a boring old toad like me has done in the past. but yeah
September 28, 2022
“The truth is, we all do some disgusting, scandalous, heartbreaking, or generally ill-advised things when no one is watching. The humiliation of our darkest behaviors, the hilarity of our grossest moments, the torment of our most raw memories- these all become our secrets. Secrets we hold deep inside and refuse to even tell our closest friends, families, lovers, or doctors. But as they say: The truth will set you free.”
•
Let me preface this by saying that I am a devoted member of the LadyGang community. If you’ve never listened to the podcast prior to reading this post, I highly recommend it if you like raw realness when it comes to being a woman, and like to laugh. I loved the girls’ first book, but this one takes the cake. Keltie, Becca, and Jac made themselves very vulnerable within their various essays, as did the anonymous ladies that submitted their own stories. As they say throughout the book, opening up and talking about so many of these things, whether it’s about love, friendship, pregnancy, or even bodily functions, talking about them in an open space, like within this book, make people feel less alone within their own human experience. And isn’t that what everyone wants, is to feel a little bit less alone? I highly recommend this book, to anyone really! I read it in one sitting and laughed out loud many times, but also got quite weepy during a few of the essays 🥲
•
Let me preface this by saying that I am a devoted member of the LadyGang community. If you’ve never listened to the podcast prior to reading this post, I highly recommend it if you like raw realness when it comes to being a woman, and like to laugh. I loved the girls’ first book, but this one takes the cake. Keltie, Becca, and Jac made themselves very vulnerable within their various essays, as did the anonymous ladies that submitted their own stories. As they say throughout the book, opening up and talking about so many of these things, whether it’s about love, friendship, pregnancy, or even bodily functions, talking about them in an open space, like within this book, make people feel less alone within their own human experience. And isn’t that what everyone wants, is to feel a little bit less alone? I highly recommend this book, to anyone really! I read it in one sitting and laughed out loud many times, but also got quite weepy during a few of the essays 🥲
October 2, 2022
Loved! It’s like Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul, but all stories from women. It challenges the idea that when men make mistakes or so weird things, it’s celebrated among their peers. But women hide every mistake or strange thing that happens to them. It’s the perfect coffee table book to pick up and read an excerpt when you want a pick me up!
August 31, 2022
One thing about me is I’m a little nosey, so a book about secrets is right up my alley. I absolutely loved this book! I’ve been a ladygang fan forever and loved THIER first hook so I was super excited for this one. From laughing to getting teary eyed these stories and secrets were amazing and made it impossible to put down. I can’t wait to have the physical copy in my hands and reread it again and again!
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
February 12, 2023
If you're prudish, this book isn't for you.
If the idea of pre-marital sex and/or sex for pleasure offends your delicate sensibilities, this book isn't for you.
If swear words make you clutch your pearls, this book isn't for you.
If you're okay with all of the above, it's a fun and funny book. There were several times I wished I could talk to authors just to say "OMG, me too!" I've never listened to their podcast and don't even know who they are, and I still enjoyed it.
To reiterate, the title of the book contains the words "outrageous" and "scandalous", and the cover reads "raw and ridiculous confessions." I'm a little surprised by people who didn't like the book because it contained stories that were outrageous, scandalous, raw, and ridiculous. They warned you.
If the idea of pre-marital sex and/or sex for pleasure offends your delicate sensibilities, this book isn't for you.
If swear words make you clutch your pearls, this book isn't for you.
If you're okay with all of the above, it's a fun and funny book. There were several times I wished I could talk to authors just to say "OMG, me too!" I've never listened to their podcast and don't even know who they are, and I still enjoyed it.
To reiterate, the title of the book contains the words "outrageous" and "scandalous", and the cover reads "raw and ridiculous confessions." I'm a little surprised by people who didn't like the book because it contained stories that were outrageous, scandalous, raw, and ridiculous. They warned you.
November 14, 2022
Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with a complimentary audiobook of Lady Secrets!
Shoutout to the ladies behind the LadyGang podcast for making me feel more comfortable with who I am and that it's okay to embrace all of my flaws and imperfections.
Shoutout to the ladies behind the LadyGang podcast for making me feel more comfortable with who I am and that it's okay to embrace all of my flaws and imperfections.
January 25, 2023
It was mostly exactly what I was looking for, something lighthearted. I didn’t know who these women were, though, and found most of theirs stories to be a snooze fest. I enjoyed the anonymous submissions much more
November 6, 2023
I feel like I have to give this 5 stars because in my mind, Keltie, Jac, and Becca are my best friends, but I am going to give my honest opinion.
I agree with some of the other reviews in that I loved reading the stories from the submissions, but not so much from Keltie, Jac, and Becca. Some of them definitely seemed like fillers and that they dragged on a bit too long.
I really enjoyed reading Becca’s confession about the first few nights with Ford as I can definitely relate.
And then the cartoons throughout the book were A+!!
I agree with some of the other reviews in that I loved reading the stories from the submissions, but not so much from Keltie, Jac, and Becca. Some of them definitely seemed like fillers and that they dragged on a bit too long.
I really enjoyed reading Becca’s confession about the first few nights with Ford as I can definitely relate.
And then the cartoons throughout the book were A+!!
March 11, 2024
3.5, really. Nothing wrong with it! Easy listen with short chapters which makes it great for listening while diving between errands and such. It confirmed though that lots of people have had more ‘exciting’ 20s than I did 😂
January 2, 2023
Super fun, easy read. Even if Fiji don’t know who The LadyGang is, the book is a genius concept.
January 22, 2023
Fun little read about peoples secret stories.
April 1, 2023
A boring flight could not help me to finish this one. Should I try the podcast!?
April 2, 2023
It's hard for me to write reviews on a book which tells real true stories from multiple people. I enjoyed reading everyone's stories but again I needed to be in the right headspace to read this.
April 8, 2023
3.5
Huge props to Becca for sharing that one story. That can’t have been easy to share, especially with all the judgement these days.
Huge props to Becca for sharing that one story. That can’t have been easy to share, especially with all the judgement these days.
April 19, 2023
I thought reading the confessions of random women was hilarious but the confessions of the authors were cringey.
October 6, 2022
Gosh, these girls are the greatest. I stumbled onto their podcast just before covid hit (and thank god I did). Real ladies, sharing secrets, sharing their realities. Life is NOT easy but I can absolutely tell you that reading this books made me feel less alone, less embarrassed and more like a real woman. We all share these experience in womanhood and why, oh why don’t we talk more about them!! A MUST READ FOR ANY LADY!
May 12, 2022
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I had seen on instagram that this book was coming and I was so excited to get an early copy to read and it did not disappoint. As you can imagine by the title, the book is full of short stories/comments/graphs of secrets of Keltie, Jac and Becca as well as the lady gang listeners. Some of the stories had me laughing out loud, some were so raw and vulnerable. Overall, this read kept a smile on my place and I loved reading all the stories, I couldn't believe they were all real! From pooping, being shady, sexual encounters, work enemies, how to deal with grief and so much more.
I had seen on instagram that this book was coming and I was so excited to get an early copy to read and it did not disappoint. As you can imagine by the title, the book is full of short stories/comments/graphs of secrets of Keltie, Jac and Becca as well as the lady gang listeners. Some of the stories had me laughing out loud, some were so raw and vulnerable. Overall, this read kept a smile on my place and I loved reading all the stories, I couldn't believe they were all real! From pooping, being shady, sexual encounters, work enemies, how to deal with grief and so much more.
September 9, 2022
Everyone is imperfect even if society expects us to be perfect and put together, especially women. Lady Secrets is a collection of stories and truths that we'd personally like to keep buried forever, but being able to share them helps others embrace their imperfect selves.
I thought this was really well done! I had never listened or heard of the podcast that Knight, Vanek, and Tobin host and may start listening now. I also loved the listener anonymous submissions.
I enjoyed listening to the wide array of experiences - I'm never going to be within miles of Julia Roberts, so it was cool hearing someone meet and talk to her, but also hear how they got put on her do not interview list. I guess not cool, but like, even if you're a big deal, you can still have shit happen.
I thought the book was well structured and organized. There were different sections so while you're hearing about women being petty, you're also hearing how women get depression while pregnant instead of after (which seems to be more widely talked about).
I highly recommend this book.
I thought this was really well done! I had never listened or heard of the podcast that Knight, Vanek, and Tobin host and may start listening now. I also loved the listener anonymous submissions.
I enjoyed listening to the wide array of experiences - I'm never going to be within miles of Julia Roberts, so it was cool hearing someone meet and talk to her, but also hear how they got put on her do not interview list. I guess not cool, but like, even if you're a big deal, you can still have shit happen.
I thought the book was well structured and organized. There were different sections so while you're hearing about women being petty, you're also hearing how women get depression while pregnant instead of after (which seems to be more widely talked about).
I highly recommend this book.
August 5, 2022
Sure, gender equality has came a long way, but definitely not far enough. The stigmas we as women face on a day to day basis, which have us tiptoeing around the realities of our own lives are just simply absurd. This idea that we are supposed to be perfectly put together has us walking around full of shame, holding in the low down dirty secrets we wouldn’t dare let the world know because of how we would then be viewed. Holding anything In over a period of time is unhealthy , it continues to weigh us down day after day , compromises our self esteem, and has us feeling all alone while standing in a room full of people. Which is in turn, just ridiculous!
This is basically the whole idea behind which this book was made, and let me tell you, it is absolutely brilliant! I have laughed until I’ve cried, the kind of belly laugh that physically hurts- but hurts so good, if you know what I mean! I felt embarrassed, heartbroken, upset, mad and shocked, but most of all, I felt normal. Secret after secret I found myself within these pages! I guess I’m not so unique and different after all!
A HUGE thank you to LadyGang and every single last lady that called or wrote in spilling their not so lovely truths, and thank you for making me feel not so alone!!
I loved the little clips of pictures, and quotes sprinkled throughout the books. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find that the website and hotline is still open! Best believe I already have a little notebook with some horrific truths of my own! Now I just have to decide which is the most cringe-worthy! Lady Secrets Pt 2? Please!!!!!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Inc for my e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This is basically the whole idea behind which this book was made, and let me tell you, it is absolutely brilliant! I have laughed until I’ve cried, the kind of belly laugh that physically hurts- but hurts so good, if you know what I mean! I felt embarrassed, heartbroken, upset, mad and shocked, but most of all, I felt normal. Secret after secret I found myself within these pages! I guess I’m not so unique and different after all!
A HUGE thank you to LadyGang and every single last lady that called or wrote in spilling their not so lovely truths, and thank you for making me feel not so alone!!
I loved the little clips of pictures, and quotes sprinkled throughout the books. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find that the website and hotline is still open! Best believe I already have a little notebook with some horrific truths of my own! Now I just have to decide which is the most cringe-worthy! Lady Secrets Pt 2? Please!!!!!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Inc for my e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 30, 2022
Lady Secrets
4.5 Star
This is my first time reading or listening to, LadyGang (podcast). I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Lady Secrets is exactly what it promises and boy, does it deliver! This book is emotional. I laughed and cried at some of the confessions. It's nice to know others' deepest secrets and realize we are all making similar mistakes. I enjoyed the quick pace of this book and I really giggled at the cute illustrations sprinkled throughout book (Banana Hat was my favorite, so hilarious).
Lady Secrets explores the damage we do to ourselves by keeping secrets and encourages us to embrace your inner weirdo. Every lady has a secret. Whether it's embarrassing, scandalous, heartbreaking, regretful or cringey, that we haven't told a soul. This book hammers home. We're not alone ladies! Let go of the shame. It's too heavy to carry for a lifetime.
As women, we all get judged, or feel "not good enough," and all this shit weighs us down. Since I haven't found a way to live without making mistakes, being human and all, one has to learn to accept yourself as is, and move on. All women are self-conscious at times! Every one has said or done something mortifying. Once you are able to release your secrets, they hold less power over you, and its new freedom. I'd recommend this book to any lady that can't get to sleep at night because of that one humiliating situation that happened long ago. I'd have loved a copy of this book when I was just starting college. What a funny read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Rodale Books, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
4.5 Star
This is my first time reading or listening to, LadyGang (podcast). I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Lady Secrets is exactly what it promises and boy, does it deliver! This book is emotional. I laughed and cried at some of the confessions. It's nice to know others' deepest secrets and realize we are all making similar mistakes. I enjoyed the quick pace of this book and I really giggled at the cute illustrations sprinkled throughout book (Banana Hat was my favorite, so hilarious).
Lady Secrets explores the damage we do to ourselves by keeping secrets and encourages us to embrace your inner weirdo. Every lady has a secret. Whether it's embarrassing, scandalous, heartbreaking, regretful or cringey, that we haven't told a soul. This book hammers home. We're not alone ladies! Let go of the shame. It's too heavy to carry for a lifetime.
As women, we all get judged, or feel "not good enough," and all this shit weighs us down. Since I haven't found a way to live without making mistakes, being human and all, one has to learn to accept yourself as is, and move on. All women are self-conscious at times! Every one has said or done something mortifying. Once you are able to release your secrets, they hold less power over you, and its new freedom. I'd recommend this book to any lady that can't get to sleep at night because of that one humiliating situation that happened long ago. I'd have loved a copy of this book when I was just starting college. What a funny read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Rodale Books, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
Let me start by saying: I love the LadyGang and have followed their journey since episode 1 with Ali Fedotowsky. I am an OG. I listen twice a week. I watched the tv show. I've purchased merch. And read their first book. I am a fan of this trio. This book was not it. The stories of the lady gang community were cute. They were short and sweet and could have been a series on the podcast on the Quickie episodes. In fact, they read some "secrets" on episodes while this book as getting created. However - the stories that came from the ladygang leaders were filled with many words, but felt like they were lacking substance - except for Becca's. If you are going to tell me a secret - tell me a secret. These three women have been so open and honest from day one, when this idea was announced for their next book I thought "what in the world are they going to share; they share everything" and that's how the stories felt - like they were reaching to create a story. I was just underwhelmed and found myself going "when is this book going to end." The stories that were submitted, were cute and silly, but not worth the time of this book. With that being said, I will read the next LG book because that's what fan do! But this felt like a handful of podcast episodes that were trying entirely too hard to be a book. Sorry!! Still a fan!
July 19, 2023
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
Here's the thing: I am super nosy. I don't know if any of you young people still read fashion magazines, but when I was in my TigerBeat, CosmoGirl, Seventeen, Elle phase, I lived for the sections in these magazines where Real Teen Girls Would Tell Their Real Teen Stories™. Sometimes it would be written out like a Medium article, and sometimes you'd get a section in the back with girls (or maybe guys/nonbinary people, idk, it was anonymous), confessing their totally most cringiest moments, Dear Abby style. I still remember some of my favorites, like this one about a girl who popped out of her tube top like a champagne cork out of a fizzy bottle. Or the girl who decided to let it go in the pool, only for the pool chemicals to turn her urine purple.
This book is basically that, in book form. I don't actually know who the LadyGang is, but I guess they're podcast hosts, and in this collection they have confessed some of their own sins, in addition to crowdsourcing more from their listening audience. I got hooked into this book through the introductory essay, Poopnique, about how Jac apparently sits on her toilet like a gargoyle with her feet on the seat to poop. That set the stage rather nicely for what was to come.
I do agree with the arguments that the podcast hosts were the least interesting in terms of stories. Jac's were usually great and Becca had some good ones, but a lot of Keltie's were just Hollywood humblebrags masked as "oh my god, so embarrassing." Which I wasn't mad about, but it wasn't exactly cringe as, say, the lady who took a laxative pill to unblock herself and ended up on a multi-day poopscapade that ruined $4000 of underwear and linens. Or the crime writer who sent a business card of herself with a photo to a serial killer she wanted to write about in prison, only to find out that he'd, I guess, traded her photos for candy with other inmates who were only too happy to write to her.
There's something very voyeuristic about this collection in a way that kind of reminds me of the PostSecret era of found content. I do agree that women should be able to talk about a lot of the "taboo" subjects in this book and that it isn't fair that so many things are acceptable for men to talk about (pooping, farting) that everyone will shame women for. So I think in that sense, this exercise is rather progressive, and also contains stories that will make people think either "wow, there really are no unique experiences" or "now I don't feel so alone." It was a brisk and interesting read but I didn't get much out of it beyond that.
3 stars
January 16, 2023
First off, I want to say I’m a fan of The LadyGang and have listened to their podcast for years, and I’ll continue to be a fan. However, I found this book to be a bit of a cash grab (I’m glad I checked it out from the library instead), compared to their first one that sits nestled in my bookshelf. The book breaks down the “secrets” into different categories. Then, at the beginning of each category the ladies - Keltie, Becca, and Jac - give their own “secrets.” While I enjoyed their “secrets,” I think the fans anonymously submitted stories were far more entertaining.
Some of my favorite quotes from the authors:
- “So, what’s the solution here? Instead of practicing ‘self-love,’ I have started trying to practice self-acceptance and self-respect. And I’m not going to lie and tell you that’s it’s easy, or that I instantly felt cured, or feed you any bullshit like that. But I’m committed to doing it regardless. I’ve started trying to focus on all the rad things my body does besides how it looks.” - Jac, (Pg. 129).
- “… We often don’t receive the message from our society to do what’s best for us. We often are made to believe that if we aren’t martyrs of society, we are somehow heartless or defective. Don’t listen to that patriarchal bullshit. It was obviously created by weak or judgmental people. You are courageous, you are compassionate, and you are heroes.” - Becca (Pg. 145).
- “My therapist likes to say to say to me that no human is all good or all bad, we are all good and we are all bad. I find that comforting … “ - Keltie (Pg. 204). I’m sorry, but I’m tired of typing the quoted text.
With all that said, I’ll continue to listen and support the LadyGang, the ladies, and the community they’ve created. We have all been in embarrassing situations, or know someone who has. I’m still appreciative of the lessons I’ve learned and tough times these three women have helped me get through. If you’re looking for a fun and (mostly) mindless read, I would recommend.
Some of my favorite quotes from the authors:
- “So, what’s the solution here? Instead of practicing ‘self-love,’ I have started trying to practice self-acceptance and self-respect. And I’m not going to lie and tell you that’s it’s easy, or that I instantly felt cured, or feed you any bullshit like that. But I’m committed to doing it regardless. I’ve started trying to focus on all the rad things my body does besides how it looks.” - Jac, (Pg. 129).
- “… We often don’t receive the message from our society to do what’s best for us. We often are made to believe that if we aren’t martyrs of society, we are somehow heartless or defective. Don’t listen to that patriarchal bullshit. It was obviously created by weak or judgmental people. You are courageous, you are compassionate, and you are heroes.” - Becca (Pg. 145).
- “My therapist likes to say to say to me that no human is all good or all bad, we are all good and we are all bad. I find that comforting … “ - Keltie (Pg. 204). I’m sorry, but I’m tired of typing the quoted text.
With all that said, I’ll continue to listen and support the LadyGang, the ladies, and the community they’ve created. We have all been in embarrassing situations, or know someone who has. I’m still appreciative of the lessons I’ve learned and tough times these three women have helped me get through. If you’re looking for a fun and (mostly) mindless read, I would recommend.
September 15, 2022
I am an OG LadyGang listener back when the podcast was called something else we can’t say anymore due to legal issues. I love these ladies, their honesty, and what they stand for but I went into this book a little skeptical. I loved “Act Like A Lady” but knowing most of this book was formed from listener/fan confessions I didn’t see the value of it. What makes this different from the Facebook group? Could this have replaced listener questions for a few months on the podcast? The answers to those questions don’t matter because I loved this book. I wish it was longer.
I love a good secret and I love to watch a train wreck I’m not involved in. We all have awkward or embarrassing moments. We all have secrets we wouldn’t want anyone to know. By anonymously collecting them here the reader has the chance to find someone like them, be grossed out, find comfort or enjoy a good laugh. It’s the perfect gift to give someone who needs a release from life’s daily struggles. Even if you’re not familiar with the LadyGang, the content is for every lady and hopefully by the end you’ve subscribed to the podcast and found your people. It’s a quick, fun read that can be accomplished in a few hours and I’m looking forward to hearing more stories not included in the book on the podcast.
Thank you to Rodale Books for this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good secret and I love to watch a train wreck I’m not involved in. We all have awkward or embarrassing moments. We all have secrets we wouldn’t want anyone to know. By anonymously collecting them here the reader has the chance to find someone like them, be grossed out, find comfort or enjoy a good laugh. It’s the perfect gift to give someone who needs a release from life’s daily struggles. Even if you’re not familiar with the LadyGang, the content is for every lady and hopefully by the end you’ve subscribed to the podcast and found your people. It’s a quick, fun read that can be accomplished in a few hours and I’m looking forward to hearing more stories not included in the book on the podcast.
Thank you to Rodale Books for this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 5, 2022*I received an ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Look I can't do it anymore. I am waving the white flag. Consider this a DNF at 65%. I think this book is definitely for the podcast's built in audience. Loved the concept of airing out your deepest secrets but i can only handle reading so many stories about people's bathroom habits or sex accidents. I swear I read like 4 versions of every story listed in here. The majority of the book can basically be summed up with these 3 types of stories: oh no, i got food poisoning/took laxatives/etc. and now i'm having stomach issues; Wanna hear a funny story about a shitty guy i fucked when i was younger?; And, omg! I'm like kinda famous but I needed a reality check because I got too cocky. :p. Seriously, kill me. I really didn't wanna DNF this because i hate DNFing but I just cannot handle this anymore.
Look I can't do it anymore. I am waving the white flag. Consider this a DNF at 65%. I think this book is definitely for the podcast's built in audience. Loved the concept of airing out your deepest secrets but i can only handle reading so many stories about people's bathroom habits or sex accidents. I swear I read like 4 versions of every story listed in here. The majority of the book can basically be summed up with these 3 types of stories: oh no, i got food poisoning/took laxatives/etc. and now i'm having stomach issues; Wanna hear a funny story about a shitty guy i fucked when i was younger?; And, omg! I'm like kinda famous but I needed a reality check because I got too cocky. :p. Seriously, kill me. I really didn't wanna DNF this because i hate DNFing but I just cannot handle this anymore.
December 4, 2022
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Every lady has a secret. A secret so humiliating, embarrassing, scandalous, or disgraceful that you haven’t told a soul—not your closest friends, family, lovers, or doctors. There is so much shame surrounding hiding secrets, and, frankly, enough is enough.
The truth is, there is power and freedom in releasing those dirty little secrets out into the big, bad universe. It gives you that same sweet relief as taking off an underwire bra at the end of a long, crappy day. That’s why Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek—hosts of the LadyGang podcast—set their secrets free: the good, the bad, and the diarrhea. The LadyGang wanted to offer their large and loyal community a chance to join them in exposing the messy truths of their lives, and so, Lady Secrets was born: confessional essays from the trio themselves and an incredible crowdsourced collection of secrets from other ladies around the world. Secrets ranging from silly little white lies to cringey misadventures to soul-baring truths. And as it turns out, exposing your deepest and darkest helps you realize that we are all way more alike than we could have ever imagined.
Everyone seems to have a bizarre body malfunction, a hookup gone terribly wrong, and a soul-crushing experience that haunts them forever. And maybe that elaborate revenge plot you carried out against your cheating ex was actually kind of badass (in spite of being slightly illegal). It’s time we stop feeling ashamed of our (un)ladylike habits and own the real, raw, and ridiculous things that make you authentically you.
I enjoyed this collection of stories from both Keltie, Jac and Becca, as well as a group of anonymous stories from their fans.
In the book the authors share some of their most deeply held secrets, heartbreaks and embarrassing moments -- the things women are often too ashamed to admit out loud. Full of emotional vulnerability, it was a moving, sometimes sad and sometimes laugh out loud relatable read. Some of these secrets resonated with me deeply from the quote of "Sometimes just being alive is fucking hard...You could take all the anti-depressants and go on all the wellness trips and master all the yoga poses and still feel fucking broken inside. And that's okay" to "The brutal truth is that the world can be heartbreakingly awful to women....As women we have become so comfortable with grinning and bearing very painful parts of life, we learn at a very young age to just stuff it down, pretend it doesn't exist and move on with our lives." We have all been there or know someone who has. #ladysecrets#keltieknight #netgalley #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #litsy #thestorygraph #essays #bookqueen #bookstagram #amazonaustralia
Every lady has a secret. A secret so humiliating, embarrassing, scandalous, or disgraceful that you haven’t told a soul—not your closest friends, family, lovers, or doctors. There is so much shame surrounding hiding secrets, and, frankly, enough is enough.
The truth is, there is power and freedom in releasing those dirty little secrets out into the big, bad universe. It gives you that same sweet relief as taking off an underwire bra at the end of a long, crappy day. That’s why Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek—hosts of the LadyGang podcast—set their secrets free: the good, the bad, and the diarrhea. The LadyGang wanted to offer their large and loyal community a chance to join them in exposing the messy truths of their lives, and so, Lady Secrets was born: confessional essays from the trio themselves and an incredible crowdsourced collection of secrets from other ladies around the world. Secrets ranging from silly little white lies to cringey misadventures to soul-baring truths. And as it turns out, exposing your deepest and darkest helps you realize that we are all way more alike than we could have ever imagined.
Everyone seems to have a bizarre body malfunction, a hookup gone terribly wrong, and a soul-crushing experience that haunts them forever. And maybe that elaborate revenge plot you carried out against your cheating ex was actually kind of badass (in spite of being slightly illegal). It’s time we stop feeling ashamed of our (un)ladylike habits and own the real, raw, and ridiculous things that make you authentically you.
I enjoyed this collection of stories from both Keltie, Jac and Becca, as well as a group of anonymous stories from their fans.
In the book the authors share some of their most deeply held secrets, heartbreaks and embarrassing moments -- the things women are often too ashamed to admit out loud. Full of emotional vulnerability, it was a moving, sometimes sad and sometimes laugh out loud relatable read. Some of these secrets resonated with me deeply from the quote of "Sometimes just being alive is fucking hard...You could take all the anti-depressants and go on all the wellness trips and master all the yoga poses and still feel fucking broken inside. And that's okay" to "The brutal truth is that the world can be heartbreakingly awful to women....As women we have become so comfortable with grinning and bearing very painful parts of life, we learn at a very young age to just stuff it down, pretend it doesn't exist and move on with our lives." We have all been there or know someone who has. #ladysecrets#keltieknight #netgalley #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #litsy #thestorygraph #essays #bookqueen #bookstagram #amazonaustralia
December 1, 2022
The Ladygang's thoughtfully curated collection of essays was witty and frankly hilarious. A fun, laugh out loud read - that often times reflected my inner most thoughts, sentiments that we only admit to ourselves, or to our most trusted of friends. A balance of shocking, humourous, relatable, and embarassing moments that stirred up some some of my very own repressed memories and experiences. I definitely will recommend this to friends and will start to become a more frequent podcast listener! It also would be the perfect book club book- especially if you ask people to blindly submit some of their own confessions and/or embarassing moments. Can't wait to try it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Rodale Books for the advance readers copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Rodale Books for the advance readers copy in exchange for a fair review.
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