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!):
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| 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……
