2 comments about Supreme Confidence: Secrets to Bold and Fearless Living.

1. 
   Lack of self-confidence holds us back from leading the life God would have us lead. It affects every part of our lives. Deborah Smith Pegues describes insecurity as a spiritual problem. When we realize that God created each of us created differently and He has a plan for our lives, we will gain confidence and peace.
   With God, we can successfully conqueror our insecurities. The first step is recognizing that we are insecure. Pegues offers a short quiz for self-assessment. She uses Biblical characters to demonstrate insecurities. Saul, Haman, Aaron, Elihu, Ahitophel , and Diotrephes all have something in common: insecurities. Prayerlessness, lack of knowledge, and lack of purpose are among the roadblocks Pegues discusses. We must form a strategy to conquer insecurity. Scripture and prayer are tools given by God to assist us. Insecurities will sneak back into our lives if we are not ever watchful. Through God, we can defeat our feelings of doubt. We must learn to embrace our individuality and set boundaries.
   Supreme Confidence by Deborah Smith Pegues tackles a topic that affects most humans, feelings of doubt, lack of self-worth, and inadequacies. Supreme Confidence is simply written and easy-to -understand. The information in this book can assist in every aspect of your life from business to parenting. Pegues writes with confidence and sincerity. She brings much experience to her book. I like the way she offers challenges to the reader. The challenge reinforces the text. Reading a book is not enough we must put the information into action or it will do us no good. All persons will benefit from Supreme Confidence.
   Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com



2. Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (4/08)
   
   Is your confidence utterly rock solid and able to sustain its uncompromising level despite new personalities and tricky situations that come into your life? Do you see your life's purpose with absolute clarity and can press on past any number of intimidating or discouraging factors? If not, author Deborah Smith Pegues has a fresh solution for you. In her book, "Supreme Confidence: Secrets to Bold and Fearless Living," she details her method for not only meeting these goals but doing so in a wholesome, Christian way.
   
   Deborah Smith Pegues begins her book with a variety of reasons that contribute to personal insecurities and gives several Biblical character examples that suffer from the same negative mindset. She goes on to list some various roadblocks that hinder the progress towards this ultimate level of security, helpful strategies to overcome them, and good habits that would maximize one's chances of reaching and maintaining that much sought after confidence. "Supreme Confidence" is firmly grounded in Christian values and throughout the book, Deborah Smith Pegues references ample scriptures to ensure that any growth made is done so with God in mind.
   
   "Supreme Confidence: Secrets to Bold and Fearless Living" is the perfect read for any Christian looking to live a more purpose-filled life. Deborah Smith Pegues writes with a very gentle and loving style that provokes her readers to fervently search for more within themselves. Well-organized and immediately attention-grabbing, the book and its methods will appeal to both mature men and women of faith. Her convincing message will have you saying, "Wow, I had no idea that was holding me back!"
   
   Author Deborah Smith Pegues means to project a compelling and powerful message able to be followed with certainty and intention - and she does that remarkably well in her book, "Supreme Confidence: Secrets to Bold and Fearless Living." Radiating with a Christian's love of purpose, the book is a beautiful example of how life can be. If you are feeling like something in your life is suppressing you or holding you back, you'll learn that this something is simply your state of mind. "Supreme Confidence" is the roadmap to a better you.

5 comments about Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem.

1. I read this book and thought hooks touched on an untapped subject within the black community, which is our collective lost of healthy self-esteem. I do agree that blacks of all socioeconomic backgrounds in this country have been choking spiritually on the dominant white culture values. White culture values have now transcended race; it doesn't matter who is in collusion, it could be a white person, but lately it has been people of color who has perpetuated this poisoning mindset amongst our own.

   What I disliked about the book is the self-righteous stance hooks tends to do in her writing as of late. She writes about in great length about the evils blacks have done to contribute to the white color caste society-light skin blacks privilege over darker skin blacks. While I wholeheartedly agree with her, it's funny how she never shares her privileges on being light-skinned herself. She never talks about the personal instances where she has gotten privilege over someone darker. She only goes on about light-skinned people in general. I think her message would have been more powerful if she also shares with the reader how she has been put in that privilege position, even if she rejected it and critiqued it. She only talks about the ills that have been done to her, but never the privileges.




2. Like the song says, "they call it stormy Monday but Tuesday's just as bad." You need to read this book after a week of being pushed up against the ropes. Then take a deep breath, go for a run, cook a gourmet meal, or hammer a do-it-yourself project.

   Me...I wrapped mine in a non-threatening cover so that I can read it on my lunch break too. You don't want to tip off the "others" that you're trying to make a break for it...




3. ROCK MY SOUL: BLACK PEOPLE AND SELF-ESTEEM By bell hooks

   Lest we forget the importance of feeling good about ourselves, bell hooks, the quintessential black feminist writer has added yet another tome to the many outstanding references to the literary canon of African-American culture. Here, she gives us Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem. No less provocative, but ever so poignant, the panache is intact as she talks with passion on a highly debated topic that is always at the cutting edge of discussion in our communities. There's no book that this author has contributed that doesn't get the overall treatment with candid and insightful analogy. Self esteem and what it means to people of color will always be high profile and a force to be reckoned with due to the scars of slavery and unbalanced scales . Without self-esteem everyone loses his or her sense of meaning, purpose, and power. For too long, African Americans in particular have been unable to openly and honestly address the crisis of self-esteem and how it affects the way they perceive themselves and are perceived by others.

   In her most challenging and provocative book to date, bell hooks gives voice to what many black people have thought and felt, but seldom articulated in a way where doubt would hold sway. She offers readers a clear, passionate examination of the role of projecting positive images and having the confidence to allow the playing field to be equaled to play in the African-American experience. This is essential in determining whether success is individual or collective. In gathering research for the project, the author delves into the methods and reasons why she used the paradigms to construct this project. She painstakingly listened to the stories of her students, peers, and people from different walks of life and heard the same arguments, including deep feelings of inadequacy and despair. With critical insight and a fervor bent on finding answers, the author exposes the underlying truth behind the crisis. In her estimation, it has been extremely difficult to create a culture that promotes and sustains a healthy sense of self-esteem in African-American communities...and this book gives all the reasons and supportive analogies thereof.

   What I found interesting and gave me such a positive vein with this book, is how she rigorously examined and identified the barriers -- political and cultural -- that keep African Americans from emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. She looked at historical movements, the role the community plays in this issue, gave introspective analogy why self is just as important at arriving at conclusions, and how the family came to be so involved. She also discusses the revolutionary role preventative mental health care can play in promoting and maintaining self-esteem. The question will always be asked: Why is self-esteem so on the forefront of our societal emanation? This book does quite a bit to understand how racism has been abated, relative to how often-negative reaction to integration has crippled the black community leaving deep psychological scars and extremely low self-esteem as blacks compete by imitating whites. I recommend this book to give compelling arguments and subsequent solutions for a far better understanding of the issue than has been given to us up to now.




4. ROCK MY SOUL: BLACK PEOPLE AND SELF-ESTEEM by bell hooks is a detailed
   analysis of self image issues in African-Americans. Ms. hooks examines the
   dynamics which have oppressed the development of a healthy sense of self in
   African-Americans. A history of enslavement, the belittling of racial worth,
   and internalized racism were a few of the phenomenon cited by hooks as a cause
   of the pervasive lack of self esteem in Black people.

   While hooks provides interesting discourse on the subject matter, she often
   comes off sounding like a text book in her discussion of the different sides
   of this issue. As such, this is not a casual read or a self help book. It is
   an informative, thought-provoking, volume with historical and psychological
   references that provides food for thought and information for further study
   among those interested in this subject matter.

   Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)
   The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




5. Lest we forget the importance of feeling good about ourselves, bell hooks, the quintessential black feminist writer has added yet another tome to the many outstanding references to the literary canon of African-American culture. Here, she gives us Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem. No less provocative, but ever so poignant, the panache is intact as she talks with passion on a highly debated topic that is always at the cutting edge of discussion in our communities. There's no book that this author has contributed that doesn't get the overall treatment with candid and insightful analogy. Self esteem and what it means to people of color will always be high profile and a force to be reckoned with due to the scars of slavery and unbalanced scales . Without self-esteem everyone loses his or her sense of meaning, purpose, and power. For too long, African Americans in particular have been unable to openly and honestly address the crisis of self-esteem and how it affects the way they perceive themselves and are perceived by others.

   In her most challenging and provocative book to date, bell hooks gives voice to what many black people have thought and felt, but seldom articulated in a way where doubt would hold sway. She offers readers a clear, passionate examination of the role of projecting positive images and having the confidence to allow the playing field to be equaled to play in the African-American experience. This is essential in determining whether success is individual or collective. In gathering research for the project, the author delves into the methods and reasons why she used the paradigms to construct this project. She painstakingly listened to the stories of her students, peers, and people from different walks of life and heard the same arguments, including deep feelings of inadequacy and despair. With critical insight and a fervor bent on finding answers, the author exposes the underlying truth behind the crisis. In her estimation, it has been extremely difficult to create a culture that promotes and sustains a healthy sense of self-esteem in African-American communities...and this book gives all the reasons and supportive analogies thereof.

   What I found interesting and gave me such a positive vein with this book, is how she rigorously examined and identified the barriers -- political and cultural -- that keep African Americans from emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. She looked at historical movements, the role the community plays in this issue, gave introspective analogy why self is just as important at arriving at conclusions, and how the family came to be so involved. She also discusses the revolutionary role preventative mental health care can play in promoting and maintaining self-esteem. The question will always be asked: Why is self-esteem so on the forefront of our societal emanation? This book does quite a bit to understand how racism has been abated, relative to how often-negative reaction to integration has crippled the black community leaving deep psychological scars and extremely low self-esteem as blacks compete by imitating whites. I recommend this book to give compelling arguments and subsequent solutions for a far better understanding of the issue than has been given to us up to now.

1 comments about ¡El mundo te está esperando!.

1. Este libro fue de mucha ayuda en el entendimiento de como una mujer puede encontrase y sobreponerse a su pasado. Al leerlo y meditarlo se podra encontrar ese conocimiento de autoestima necesario para seguir adelante en este mundo algunas veces tan complicado. Me encanto la forma simple de como la autora expone las ideas para que sean percibidas por cualquier persona y se logre un provecho de la lectura.

5 comments about Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time to De-Junk Your Life!.

1. The reviews of this book were so good that I guess I was expecting the definitive book on decluttering. While the author makes me smile, admits he has a tendency to be somewhat of a packrat, and is easily understood, something seems to be missing. I want motivation, but find that I can receive more motivation on various websites on the net. As I declutter my bookshelves, this book will be one that goes in the 'donate' box. Mr. Aslett knows his subject though, and I'm looking forward to receiving his book, Is There Life After Housework? I have high hopes for time-saving tips from that book.



2. I've read this book & a few others that Aslett has written. This is my favorite by far. It is motivational & always makes me want to jump up & dejunk my house. I have a short list of books that are so good that I try to re-read them every year--this book is on that list! If you ever find that you can't easily put things away because your cupboards, drawers or closets are too crowded, or you ever feel like you "should" keep something (gift, belonged to someone dear to you, could be worth something, someone might be able to use it, etc.) then this is the book for you! Don Aslett has a good sense of humor & writes in an easy-to-read manner. It doesn't take a long time or a lot of concentration to read his books, plus you actually want to get up & simplify your life before you've even finished the book! Highly recommend this book for pretty much anyone to read! :-)



3. This book is perhaps one of the most influential books I have ever read. I come from a long line of pack rats and junk hoarders. I was raised to view things and objects as not whether I needed them, but as whether they were "a good deal".
   
   Aslett's book is not about cleaning, it's not even about de-junking your house, it's about changing your mentality about stuff. Not just stuff you can hold, stuff you hold onto that otherwise has no purpose or value.
   
   This book will make you seriously reflect on what is important in your life. Too often, especially in the U.S., we think that things will make us happy, and nearly every holiday and event is filled with gift giving. Over time this accumlates and for some reason our allegiance shifts from people to things.
   
   I read this book when I was a freshman in high school and I have never looked back.



4. I was inspired to clean, toss, and condense after reading this book. Read this book with highlighter in hand.



5. I bought this book about 5 years ago and it changed my life. The first time I read it-I took 2 carloads of stuff to the Goodwill. I reread it a month later and got rid of 2 more carloads. The 3rd time six months later another full carload. I kept rereading it and have remained relatively clutterless for several years.
   
   I decided to pass the book on to a packrat friend. This month I was sorry I had and ordered another copy. Since reading "Clutter's Last Stand" I have check out numerous books on clutter control from the library but have only used one or two ideas from these other volumes.
   
   This book is the classic and the ONLY one you need-but you need to keep rereading it. Anything else should be tossed as wasteful rubbish~

5 comments about A Man's Journey to Simple Abundance.

1. The writers seemed to be reaching hard to delve some deep female part inside when they would rather be marlin-fishing or something. I found the discussions of intimacy the most readable, possibly because having sex is apparently the only thing men have in common with women. In trying so excruciatingly hard to show feelings, many of the writers turned to, you guessed it, life and death situations such as a spouse's cancer, war in Africa, parental loss. The kinds of things it takes to get guys to emote, I suppose. Could you perhaps let us know how you felt to see your child be born? Ease a child's anxiety over some imagined terror? Let us know why you hate, really hate, the guy in the car in front of you? So you would throw yourself down the stairs if it would make the Vikings win. Uhuh. And sex is the closest thing to God. Gotcha. Now we know you write with it, in addition to thinking with it.



2. Ms. Breathnach collaborated with Michael Segell to teach us women that men actually do think and feel differently from the females in their lives. It was through his wife, Winnie Gallagher, that the two found each other and produced this informative journal.

   There are fifty-two diverse contributors selected and edited by Mr. Segell. For ages we've known of the contradictions between recollections by the different sexes; this was published to bring them closer together by revealing some similarites not just the differences. It was a definite challenge. Whatever else you could say, they are perhaps true. I can see why they chose Mark Winegardner's "Like Mother, Like Son,' to get off to a good start. It is rewarding to read how he credits his mother with his creativity. I told son Zachary that he got his writing ability from me, but he was doubtful. Like me, Mark has trouble "forgiving."

   In this series of essays, we strive to understand male emotions, their historic lack of commitment, their great pride and self-esteem from the professional lives (I wonder, did they see the new STEPFORD WIVES movie?), and the uniquely male perspective on life's problems.

   Some years ago, I worked through SIMPLE ABUNDANCE, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy and learned what is really important to women. Now, they attempt to turn the tables, so to speak, to educate women about the men they love but have difficulty understanding.

   She gives her view of the creation, using Spirit as God, Eve as the first 'soul mate,' spiritual awakening; I waited to see if the Spirit was a woman who presented this version: It's not good for man to be alone; something or someone was missing.

   Merle Shain stated it clearly, "There are no perfect men, of course, but some are more perfect than others, and we can use all of those we can get." Men feel they 'deserve' respect (ha), they should seek it by their actions.

   Some of these essays are provocative and most are complicated to a woman's sensibilities. It's possible that some of them may move you to laughter or tears. Men are good at faking emotions they don't feel. And some can act up in public and embarrass an innocent woman for something the man mistakenly assumed.

   I was most interested in those written by Southern humorist, Roy Blount, Jr., and Reynolds Price, another Southerner with the longest bibliography. Jake Jacobsen was the most original, listed only as a 'hermit.' He hates women, it seems.

   Some are Pulitzer prize winners in their fields. They use thoughtfulness, intelligence, and sometimes wit to get their individual points across. I heard this on the Wink Martindale show recently on the Music Of Your Life radio network, "You are born an individual; don't die a copy." Men will always be men and we can value them for the creatures they are, for better or for worse.




3. For the most part I enjoyed the book. There were certainly many diverse and varied experiences written about in the book. Not anything earth moving but thoughtful and entertaiing. Would make a good gift to any male reader in your life.



4. Several short peices about men and then commented on by the author who collected everything. There are a lot of great enecdotes and life lessons in this book.



5. The book was "almost new". The cover was perfect, no highlighting or marks inside. The binding seemed to have been "seconds" as the pages weren't lined up and it didn't look as nice. But it's still readable! However, I would have liked to have known that before purchasing.

No comments about The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Dover Books on Western Philosophy).

5 comments about Midlife Crisis at 30: How the Stakes Have Changed for a New Generation--And What to Do about It.

1. I loved this book, but the title is really misleading. Makes it sound like a self-help book and I really don't think it is. A friend recommended this otherwise I probably wouldn't have picked it up based on the title.
   
   Provided a lot of interesting perspectives on the struggles both women AND men go through in our society when trying to maintain a work/life balance. Doesn't really provide any guidance, but does make you realize that this is a social problem, not just a personal problem. I've recommended it to many friends.



2. This book is for women who have or want to have children. Period. I am 29 years old, and do not hear a biological clock ticking. In fact, the older I get, the less I want children. I knew the book would touch on motherhood, but I was hoping it wasn't the main drive of the book. Instead I read page after page of women whining about how to juggle a career and a family. If that is something you're struggling with, then by all means, get this book. If you're not thinking about motherhood, and especially if you are child-free by choice, don't waste your time.



3. 30 is the new benchmark of where are you in life. This places enormous pressure on people as young as 17 or 18 to get into gear before they even know who they are. With the average post-secondary graduating age around 22 ... that is less than a decade for women (more pressure than men) to begin having something to show for themselves. Life can be navigated but there are factors beyond one's control. No wonder the rat race is so compelling to teenagers.... you are behind before you even get started. Isn't life something to enjoy at least some of the time. Excellent analysis of why the world (at least in the West) has only gotten more unrealistic and disregarded the need for young people to just be happy some of the time that they are alive and well.



4. My daughter, not yet 26, suggested that her Mom, not yet 55, should read the book to understand some of her concerns and issues. I laughed when she said the words "mid life crisis", although now that I think back nearly 3 decades and recall that at 26, I was seriously questioning my life's path also.
   
   I raced through the book in one weekend as if it were a homework assignment. The authors struck a chord with their comments on the lessons that we Baby Boomer moms taught our daughters: "Anything is Possible", "You Can Have it All", "Waiting to Marry is the Divorce Insurance Policy", etc. We feminists burned our bras, rallied for change in the corporation, assaulted the glass ceiling, brought home the bacon and fried it up in the pan.
   
   But not all of us had it all, and the unachievable goal of having a Perfect Life has created Alpha Moms, Martha Stewart-esque Domestic Goddesses, pervasive anxiety, and, according to the authors, melt-down among this striving generation. Achieving education, career, marriage, and children doesn't happen for everyone at the right time in a strictly linear fashion (or at all).
   
   Part One of the book defines why this generation is so stressed, redefines the new glass ceiling, discusses how "happily ever after" needs to be revised, and describes how all of this change is affecting men. This section of the book was most useful and interesting to me, and can best be summed up by "each woman will have her own definition of having it all".
   
   Part Two offered profiles of successful women at 30 and later in life, with the suggestion that their experiences could be used as a sort of virtual mentoring. The subjects of the profiles were many high-achieving women in medicine, publishing, entertainment, politics, law and business. While the stories of each woman's journey through career, marriage and children (or the decision to not have children) were interesting, laudable and inspirational, they didn't seem particularly applicable to the typical middle-class young woman. There just isn't enough room at the top for every striving young woman to find a place there.
   
   The value of this book will be its contribution to the ongoing dialogue that young women need to have among themselves, with their spouses and bosses, (and even with their Baby boomer moms...), to help them chart a course to success and happiness through the years that are filled with challenges and choices.



5. we need to be careful not to perpetuate or buy into the stereotypes or crises, particularly, about women approaching 30. some authors over-exaggerate the negative aspects in the attempt to stand out, make their research appear more meaningful and/or purposeful- to become a hero- at the subject's expense. there are TONS of 25-35 year old women who live in the moment, enjoy life, and are not filled with this "angst". this is how these self-fulfilling prophecies are fueled. 30-something women begin to believe they should worry because society expects them to.
   
   it seems that there is some envy of this age group that is motivating this negative analysis as well. as a 29 year old woman i do not appreciate the larger society's expectation that somehow i should be fearful or apprehensive of the future in any of these ways. this book, released into the larger society, reinforces those expectations. it is not appreciated. i love my life, my age, and my positive outlook on life and most importantly, my gratitude for living, attracts positive things into my life.
   
   i remain thankful for these blessings. i would encourage people who are having doubts to practice gratitude. it helps me immensely.

No comments about Secrets to Happiness: Uplifting Quotes for Everyday Life.

5 comments about Breaking Point:: Why Women Fall Apart and How They Can Re-create Their Lives.

1. I've read her most recent works and have immensely enjoyed the bright and kind wit of Martha Beck. This book is scholarly, hard-hitting and wise; I found myself nodding deeply more than once with a deep "Aha!" of recognition. She is nothing short of wonderful and her books are excellent!



2. Apparently this book did not have the success that Martha Beck's subsequent books have had - perhaps the reason why it is out of print. I have read most of her books, but this one, in my view, surpasses them all; I regard it as a superlative working manual. I agree with previous reviewers that Beck is both scholarly and humorous, but I think the book's greatest strength is the way the author brings together so many women's stories - the rites of passage that we all need to know about for our own sanity. I go to this book not only for validation, but also for much needed refuelling. Beck's analogy of the chrysalis (although other authors have used it) is especially lucid, and is sufficiently empowering on its own. If, as a woman, you are on a personal "vision quest" this book is a great map. Find a second hand copy, and never let it go.



3. I came up against conflicts and obstacles in my life as a 20-something woman--smart, good-looking, well educated, successful. I had no idea what kept hitting me. There were the reasons everybody cites, but there was something deeper that was insoluble, it seemed to me. I couldn't figure out why I was the only woman I knew who was stopped in her tracks, overwhelmed by the horror of people's expectations and everyone's acceptance of the fact that these expectations all contradicted each other. It was even worse in my 30s. Late 30s, I gave up.
   
   Yup, this is it. This sidesteps all the quick-fix, superficial explanations about how to feel better and be more successful at X, Y, Z as a "modern woman". Most people who write those books have no idea what that is, even though they think they do. This book is funny, smart, honest, well-researched. It sidesteps the typical cliches and categories used by 99% of all who write about women's lives. For that alone, she should get a medal.
   
   A lot of money, time, effort, and grief wasted over the decades in trying to come to the very conclusions Martha Beck describes, but at least that means I know the real thing when I see it. I'm so grateful I came across it. When you've identified the real problem, the solutions you come up with have traction. They work. What a gift, to be pointed in the right direction.



4. This book is fantastic--I've never read anything that explained so clearly why women feel so miserable about their choices in the land of infinate choice. It explains why feminism has never resolved basic life issues and why the alternatives to feminism are so unsavory. This book is for any woman who finds herself confused about life choices. Martha, you're the bomb!



5. Excellent book! Well written! Well worth reading! Also read her book/bio expose of the Mormons...it is excellent as well...she is/was a professor & writes very well!

No comments about Straight Wives: Shattered Lives.