Years ago, I started reading a blog of someone I found linked through one of my other favorite bloggers (thanks, Julie!). And…I just never stopped. That turned into a book, and then another book.
Last year, during the Christmas and New Year break, I read Girl, Wash Your Face in a sitting or two. And then, much to my delight, I read that second book.
In the office, a colleague at the time asked me about Girl, Wash Your Face. I responded with a recommendation that, if you can read one book, read this blogger’s book instead.
For my birthday, and my best friend’s birthday, we went to see this blogger-turned-radio-host-turned-comedian in action.
And now, I find myself having read the third of her books with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for drinking games or sporting events (or, in my case, coffee).
Jen Fulwiler is the real deal in many ways.
And her newest book, Your Blue Flame, is her best one yet.
Your Blue Flame could be—and probably will be—shelved self-help. The central idea of the book (spoiler alert) is that you have something that will add to the world, something that only you can do, and that doing this thing will fulfill you and the world.
But she says it so much better. And so much funnier. And so much more…Jen.
Maybe only a mom of six who’s a full-time radio talk show host who homeschools her kids, produces her own comedy tour, and is married to a CPA/MBA can pull this off.
Then again, maybe this is a panel of fluorescents to light up the world and shake up the mentality that limits so many of us. Why can’t a mom of many write books and have a successful radio show and travel around the country with a comedy tour?
And actually, this isn’t about Jen at all. I think, in fact, that’s the whole point.
Jen is amazing. But what she’s trying to get you to realize, in this book especially, is that YOU ARE TOO. “My transformation started when I discovered my blue flame,” she writes in the first chapter, continuing, “Now, let’s talk about what that is, and how you can find yours.”
You’d do yourself a disservice not to read this book twice. The first time, zip through it, nod, and marvel. It’s not rocket science. It could be commonish sense. Appreciate that you’re holding it and that it’s not hard and that you have a margarita in your hand. (If you don’t, that’s fine too.)
The second time through, you’ll find yourself pausing—maybe because you had more than one margarita, but maybe also because you suddenly appreciate something that the team behind this book has done: Make something that’s so valuable (though many of us don’t recognize that yet) and that should be so obvious (but isn’t) both valued AND obvious.
Jen is coaching, instructing, and—let’s be honest—drinking. But don’t be fooled by her light tone and easy manner. What she’s unpacked in 200 or so pages is brilliant both for its presentation—straightforward and skimmable—and for its value. Jen knows what she’s saying, both that it’s important and that it’s hard. She also knows—and insists that you recognize it, too—that it’s going to change your life.
And the permission slip at the end? Photocopy it and use it liberally. And then get out there and set some things on fire with your blue flame!
You have convinced me to read this. Well done, Sarah!!
Greetings Sarah,
I just read your article on “Our Lady Star of the Sea”. Loved it. The books sound like a great read. Your article helped me understand the title greatly. Thank you, K. Turner