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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Dear Girls summary
Ali Wong
Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life
21 mins
Brief summary
Dear Girls by Ali Wong is an autobiographical comedy book that is hilarious yet insightful, describing various aspects of Wong's life, from growing up as an Asian-American to being a working mother, all while weaving in life lessons and hilarious anecdotes.
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Dear Girls
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Key idea 1 of 8
Ali Wong’s life story shows us that professional and personal ups and downs are crucial for self-development.
We all have an image of what our perfect life would look like. Whether it’s securing our dream job, living out a romance fit for the movies, or having a family, we all aspire to something. But while these ambitions can be motivating, they can also give us false expectations.
Life is not necessarily a linear path but a journey full of twists, turns, happiness, and heartbreak – not to mention embarrassing moments where you wish the ground would swallow you whole. Ali Wong’s story is a case in point.
Growing up in San Francisco, Ali was a force to be reckoned with. From purchasing her first marijuana pipe at 14 to shoplifting makeup and crashing her mom’s car, Ali was a typical rebellious teenager.
But despite her wild streak, Ali knew how to focus on a goal and make sure she achieved it. This took her to college at UCLA. After she graduated, her drive then spurred her to move across the country to New York City.
Ali moved to New York in 2008, determined to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. Her comedy career started at the Brainwash Cafe, a combination laundromat and bar. There, she put in the nightly work of honing her craft in front of an audience. Her determination and strength of character helped her not just survive but flourish as an Asian-American woman in a profession dominated by white men.
Between those humble beginnings and the present day, Ali studied abroad, met the love of her life, and had two daughters. But despite her achievements, her life isn’t necessarily perfect. She and her husband regularly attend couple’s therapy sessions – as she points out, they cost less than a divorce! – and she still grapples with being both a working mom and a role model to her children.
Life is rarely straightforward. For every big breakthrough, there are a hundred obstacles and challenges to overcome and moments of tragedy that will set you back. But, as Ali found, these only make you stronger. Accepting life’s inevitable ups and downs allowed her to learn more about herself and find strategies to deal with her problems.
Now she wants to share those lessons with her daughters. In the following blinks, we'll explore some of the insights that she hopes to pass on.
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What is Dear Girls about?
Dear Girls (2019) is a loving and hilarious collection of letters from a mother to her daughters about how to deal with the inevitable challenges of life. Detailing the author’s most embarrassing, unpleasant, and momentous experiences, Dear Girls shows us that simply embracing who you are is the first step to self-fulfillment.
Dear Girls Review
Dear Girls (2019) by Ali Wong offers an honest and humorous collection of letters addressed to her daughters, sharing stories and lessons from her own experiences. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With her raw and authentic voice, Ali Wong fearlessly explores topics such as relationships, careers, and motherhood, creating a relatable and empowering read.
- The book provides insight into the life of a successful comedian, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of the industry.
- Through her sharp and witty storytelling, Ali Wong keeps readers entertained, ensuring that the book is anything but boring.
Best quote from Dear Girls
I look forward to us being adults together… I know things never turn out how you think they will, but Im hopeful.
—Ali Wong
Who should read Dear Girls?
- Aspiring stand-up comedians
- Young professionals seeking career advice
- New or soon-to-be mothers
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Dear Girls FAQs
What is the main message of Dear Girls?
Dear Girls is a hilarious and honest collection of stories that explores love, career, and motherhood from Ali Wong's unique perspective.
How long does it take to read Dear Girls?
The estimated reading time for Dear Girls is several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dear Girls a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dear Girls is worth reading for its laugh-out-loud humor and relatable insights into life and relationships.
Who is the author of Dear Girls?
Ali Wong is the author of Dear Girls.
What to read after Dear Girls?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dear Girls, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Under Pressure by Lisa Damour
- Girls & Sex by Peggy Orenstein
- Untangled by Lisa Damour
- Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Super Human by Dave Asprey
- The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Built, Not Born by Tom Golisano
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki