Book Review – Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man

It’s been a while since I did a proper book review; one is long overdue considering the amount of books I have read in the last few months (see Holiday Reads). I figured that I would do a review of the latest book I have read, namely Steve Harvey’s Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man
 
 
 
The Gist (Trying not to reveal much about the book!)
 
Steve Harvey has decided to help women with the opposite by letting them in on what men really think about love, sex and commitment; and provide guidance as to how to deal with men, whether you are dating, in a relationship or still waiting for that ring.
 
The book is broken up into 3 sections – the mind-set of a man, why they do what they do, and how women can win “the game” (because women shouldn’t hate the player, but the game……). These sections are then broken down into various chapters.
 
Highlights
 
I actually highlighted my book! Since finishing my studies, I very rarely write or highlight my books, but when Steve Harvey specifically asks you to highlight a particular section, well, you have to (spoiler!):
Yep ladies, Steve Harvey has warned you!
 
I couldn’t help but laugh when I read the above section, for the reason that I already have that mind-set (I can thank my parents for that…)! I suppose the issue is not the fact that men want something, but rather trying to figure out what that “something” is. But then, most women are pretty intuitive and tend to have an inkling as why a man may approach her……
 
Steve has tried to be as broad as possible with this book, so he touched on various issues such as the intentions of a man at the initial stages of dating, being a single parent and dating and how to” get the ring”. For me, the chapter that I probably most identified with was “Strong, Independent – And Lonely – Women”
 
Does this apply to you?
 
This chapter struck a chord with me because, I have always believed in being independent. For me, relying people is not ideal and usually leads to disappointment and/or having to do things for yourself if you want to get it done/done right. But from time to time, I do wonder whether, in the quest to being that “strong, independent woman” one could end up being unapproachable to men. Could “I don’t need a man” be misinterpreted to “I don’t want a man”? If a man can’t be a man, then why should he waste time in a relationship where he’s not going to be able to fulfil his role? The story about the pineapple juice, in my opinion was quite deep……
 
 
Other chapters that caught my attention:
 
“What Drives Men” – key elements about men
“Why Men Cheat”
“Men Respect Standards – Get Some” – key elements for women
 
Overall
 
This book is part of the “self-help” genre; a genre I rarely read. However with Steve Harvey being a comedian, he has provided a male insight and injected humour in what can be a tiring and exhausting topic for women. Steve identified key elements about men and for women which he says are crucial to thinning out the less suitable suitors and/or assisting in determining where dating/a relationship is going. And I agree with them.
 
Given that Steve Harvey is African American and his demographic is African Americans, there may be consideration as to whether this book may be applicable to other ethinicities. I say that the key elements are applicable to men and women as a whole and any female regardless of background can read this book and take something from it, whether it be information to assist with dating/relationships or an insight into the species known as "man"!
 
I don’t think that this book is going change my love life; only I can do that. However, it has definitely given me food for thought and provides me with useful tools when playing “the game”
 
And the Film?
 
Well I actually saw the film before I read the book. I enjoyed the film, I thought it was classy and funny, though I thought there were unnecessary appearances from certain celebs (e.g. Keri Hilson – seriously, blink and you WILL miss her appearance in the film!). I did watch the film again after reading the book and I watched it with more clarity, more understanding and I felt that the book was translated well into a film. Plus Terence J and Michael Ealy were nice to look at……
 


3 comments:

  1. Great review! I've wanted to read this book for a while but never got round to it.
    Saadiya x

    www.thatgirlsaadiya.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I read the book & wrote a post on it too.

    Like you, the 'independent woman' chapter resonated most with me the most.
    I think we've been conditioned in a society that prides the woman who can hold her own, but is still able to turn it up in the kitchen & hold it down in the bedroom *yawn* Its exhausting.
    I mean, its exhausting to the point that most women are now picking one side of the coin i.e. working until they're 35 and realising too late that they need to settle down.
    RANT OVER! i totally agree with you about the air you must be giving off though, cos thats what I fear too but...I think to bend over backwards (which is what I think Steve suggests throughout the book) and do all you can to get/ keep a man is a bit false. As Janet asks...what has he done for YOU lately? lol

    BLEURGH
    www.say-bleurgh.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. i saw the movie... very funny and interesting. I could relate to a number of scenarios.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment; I will endeavour to check out your blog as well x

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