'Don't pull the ladder up'
Former Southlake Mayor Laura Hill asks women to better support one another and to refrain from raising mean girls.
Where the MEAN GIRLS Go: The Complicated and Hurtful Relationships Between Women
by Laura Hill
Grade: 94
Southlake’s former Mayor Laura Hill, author of the new book “Where the mean girls go,” deserves credit for penning a title that, while unexpected, puts a finger on an issue often blamed for holding women back in their personal and professional lives. She pulls few punches when discussing how women can better support one another and refrain from raising mean girls and begins the book with a loud bang.
“To the woman who hurt me,
“It has been a painful journey, some sleepless nights and heartfelt talks with friends trying to understand what I did that deserved such wrath. Yes, friendships end; we grow apart, move on, change, find new interests, and make new friends, but there is no way to understand the betrayal. I was profoundly hurt and embarrassed, but nothing could prepare me for the delight you took in wounding me.”
The obvious question I had after reading this opening passage was “Who is she talking about?” During an interview with the author, she spoke of not referring to a specific person but to the scenarios that arise between women who are once close then later grow apart.
Either way, those 74 words are jarring and provide an apropos setup for the rest of the book, which is filled with practical advice for how mothers can prevent their daughters from growing up to be mean girls.
What I enjoyed most
During our interview, I repeatedly said “This isn’t the book I would have expected you, Laura Hill, the former mayor of Southlake, to write.” After spending years as an elected official and in public life, I half expected that she’d write a tell-all book about the people who betrayed her during and after her time in office. Instead, she chose to write a book that’ll help girls and women treat one another better. That’s a win for everyone.
Upon re-reading the book after our interview, I could better appreciate why she would write a book about mean girls. One of Mayor Hill’s (She’ll always be “mayor” to me) passions is pouring into youth, especially young women. She can work a room filled with adults at a black-tie gala, but her ability to get on kids’ level, listen to them, hear them, and make them feel important, is unparalleled.
“Mayor Hill’s biggest gift is leaving people feeling better for having interacted with her,” said a close friend, who has known her for years.
I couldn't agree more.
Why this book is a must read
I found myself nodding as I read most of the book, as there were numerous instances where I could imagine being a parent encouraging my child to be there for other young ladies or, as an adult, sharing words of encouragement to a peer. The book, as you’ll find, does a fantastic job of highlighting how women can prevent their daughters from becoming mean girls and, just as importantly, how women can resist the urge to be mean girls themselves.
As the Dad to daughters who’ll soon be making their way in the world as young women, that alone makes the book a must read. (I’ve read it three times.)