Jen

At times absolutely cringeworthy

Revisado: 10-14-18

Before I write anything, I have to say that I had never heard of Rachel Hollis, and had no opinion of her one way or the other.

I'm a big reader of the self-help genre, and given the reviews of this book, I was eager to love it. Like most books that start off a little off the mark for me, I tend to give them a chance and read (or in this case, listen to), the whole thing in the hopes of finding some pearl of wisdom.

While I can't say it was a total loss, the wisdom I had gained was not at all in the context the author had intended, I'm sure.

Mostly, I got a very good idea of what women from my mother's generation suffered through with respect to religious zealotry and the control of women's sexuality and behaviour. It was sad hearing a woman my age tell a story I sincerely didn't expect to be so common place in this day and age. At times, I was dumbfounded. Did the women's movement fail this spectacularly in 2018?

The Christian right needs to wake up. If this book doesn't clearly spell out the damage these kinds of ideologies have in terms of controlling women's actions, bodies and sexuality, nothing will.

I don't hate Rachel, at times, I legitimately felt sorry for her. Her suffering is real, and relatable in many ways, but much of the book is focussed on first world problems, white privilege, some wildly immature beliefs that should have been left behind somewhere in middle school, and what feels like an attempt to copy Brene Brown's brand of authenticity in some hope of piggybacking off of Dr. Brown's success. It falls short, to say the least.

From agonizing over some middle school "bullying" about a girl shaving her toes, to her near-stalker level obsession with various celebrities, to her fat-shaming disguised as a focus on health, to an absolutely horrific and cringeworthy story about her abuser-turned-husband, I spent a good portion of this book asking myself, "Is this woman for REAL? How, I mean HOW is she in her late 30's and this disconnected from reality? It's like reading/hearing the diary of a 13 year girl!" As for her advice on sex? I remember driving in my car thinking, "She can't be serious. She just can't. Did this woman ever have an orgasm? Like a real, honest-to-God, earth-shattering orgasm?"

Don't get me wrong. There were other moments where I could really feel her pain, during the adoption process or during her period of alcohol abuse, and some other difficult moments in her life that were undoubtedly "grown up". My only wish is that she'd focus more on "grown up" problems rather than some juvenile collection of "humble-brag" stories (she must mention at least 50 times how she runs her own business) and over the top first world problems.

I'm not out to attack the author, I just think this book would have been far more valuable if she had some idea of what the average woman lives through, and offered some advice that wasn't riddled in bible quotes and platitudes.

If you're a middle-upper class social climbing white woman who loves her Pinot Noir and Xanax, being seen with the right people, if you care about having the right table runners for Thanksgiving, taking the right family photos for social media, wearing the right clothes, and you need an ethnic friend with vast amounts of patience to explain to you why your collection of antiquated comments and observations are in fact racist, this book is for you.

For the rest of us, it's a look at how far we still need to work to have women taken seriously, and why so many middle upper class white women care so little about the rest of the world.

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Not a fan of Dr. Phil, but this book rocks!

Revisado: 03-23-16

Where does Dr. Phil McGraw: Life Code rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best. It pains me to admit that, given my dislike of Dr. Phil.

What did you like best about this story?

Very practical advice, particularly for those who might not have learned the skills needed to stand up for themselves or to handle bullies, even as adults.

What about Phil McGraw’s performance did you like?

Ugh, that man's voice! Not a fan, but the content was so great it was easy to ignore. I understand what a celebrity author who makes a living talking would want to read his own book, but at times it felt a little like listening to his show. With no guests.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Gave me a whole new perspective on how to handle difficult people, how to prevent being scammed, and how to take control of areas of my life I had previously had difficulty with.

Any additional comments?

Even if you're not a Dr. Phil fan (I'm not!), this book is well worth the read. He even explains his methodology which, as a fellow researcher, is actually pretty impressive.

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Everyone needs to read this book!

Revisado: 03-23-16

Would you consider the audio edition of The Way of the SEAL to be better than the print version?

Whatever version is brilliant. I've even recommended this book to other women. Yes, the title is off-putting, but the content of the book is so, so useful to anyone, give it a chance. Whatever format you prefer, the message is brilliant.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Way of the SEAL?

The entire book is incredible. It has literally transformed the way I deal with challenges, how I manage myself when outside my comfort zone, and how I interact with difficult people.

What does John Pruden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is great! I was worried he'd sound like some grizzly veteran or yelling like a boot camp freak, but it's nothing like that.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. I didn't cry, or laugh, but it completely reshaped the way I look at life. While undergoing the single most stressful time in my life, this book has been my guide. It worked.

Any additional comments?

Don't be put off by the title if you're more of a pacifist type. Mark Divine meditates, even does yoga! He's not what you'd expect of a Navy SEAL.

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Nothing to write home about

Revisado: 03-23-16

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. Nothing in this book is particularly specific to women. It's more designed for someone who knows NOTHING about running. Literally, nothing.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I couldn't make it that far. The narrator has an extremely annoying voice. She clips and speaks at an usual pace. Even adjusting the speed didn't help.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Gwen Hughes?

Anyone. Seriously.

Could you see Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not unless Hollywood sought to lose an vast amount of money in a vert short time.

Any additional comments?

There are far better books on running out there.

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A book for every runner!

Revisado: 03-23-16

Where does Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listen to a wide range of audiobooks, but it was one of the most entertaining and moving.

What other book might you compare Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen to and why?

I've never read/heard another book like it.

Which character – as performed by Fred Sanders – was your favorite?

There were no characters, per se, but the story of "the white horse" is incredible. The notion of running is explained in a way that is alien to western thinking. It's amazing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending is remarkable. I don't want to ruin it so I won't talk about it here!

Any additional comments?

Chia seeds are amazing little things :)

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Creative and meaningful way to reflect

Revisado: 03-23-16

What did you love best about The Power of Habit?

The examples are great. The book offers a comprehensive explanation of how habits are formed, in stages, and how to disrupt the stages. It also explains why various methods to "quit" or "form" habits repeatedly fail.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of Habit?

The Febreeze marketing story! I not only laughed out loud, I've used this example when teaching a business class.

What about Mike Chamberlain’s performance did you like?

It was easy to listen to. Smooth, to the point.

What did you learn from The Power of Habit that you would use in your daily life?

Lots! I was able to take up working out once again, as well as stick to giving up something for lent. Having an intimate understanding of how habits develop has been a tremendous help.

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Funny and insightful

Revisado: 03-23-16

What made the experience of listening to The Whole-Brain Child the most enjoyable?

I think the concrete examples, especially those provided by the authors. The advice is very easy to follow, clear, and works very well.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Whole-Brain Child?

It's not a work of fiction, but the advice is very practical, easy to remember, and has proven very effective in my experience.

Which character – as performed by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson – was your favorite?

Again, this work is not fiction, but overall, it was a great book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but it's quite long. I will no doubt listen to it again and again!

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Gladwell does it again!

Revisado: 03-23-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. As a sociologist, I love listening to Gladwell's books. I often reference the studies citied in his work, but on a different level, his books are inspiring, funny, informative and well researched.

What other book might you compare David and Goliath to and why?

Outliers by the same author. I love how Gladwell provides a wide variety of examples that span across history.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were no scenes, since it's non-fiction, but there are countless examples that illustrate his point.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wouldn't say extreme, but I had to bookmark several sections in order to reference the studies cited in order to help facilitate my own work!

Any additional comments?

Brilliant author!

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