There are a number of books that I’ve read and really loved. But today, I’ll share about only 5 of them. I will give a brief summary of what the book is about, why I loved it and quote a few lines as well. Hope you find them useful too;
1.Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus – John Gray:
It attempts to explain the differences and uniqueness of each of the two genders. The author uses the metaphor; Men and women originate from two different planets. By virtue of that, there are inherent differences that arise from the different cultures on the different planets. So, by understanding life on both planets, you will begin to understand why men think one way and women think another. You will discover creative creative solutions to miscommunication problems.Men and women have been in conflict ever since because of failure to appreciate each other’s differences. This book is really insightful and an interesting read. I recommend it for anyone who wonders why men act the way they do, and why women act the way they do.
A man is primarily concerned with autonomy, achievement, power and efficiency. His sense of self is centered around his ability to solve problems and reach goals by himself. Whereas; A woman is primarily concerned with relationships, love, connection and aesthetics. Her sense of self is centered around her ability to nurture others, communicate her feelings and build quality relationships.
Men talk to communicate information, women talk to communicate feelings.
When stressed, a man withdraws into his “cave.” He needs to be alone to focus on the problem and come up with a solution. Whereas; A woman reaches out. She needs to talk about her problems in order to find comfort from her stress.
2. Waiting and Dating – Myles Munroe:
This book fearlessly addresses myths regarding dating and relationships, countering them with God’s truth. It offers a biblical view to fulfilling relationships and marriages. Dr. Myles oozes of so much wisdom in this book. Reading it gave me so much clarity regarding many issues neither the church nor our parents or anyone ever candidly talks to us about. I recommend it for anyone who contemplates having a Godly relationship and marriage. An aunt of mine once commented,
“It’s good you’re reading that book. Many of us wish we’d had the chance to read it before we got married.“
That really got me. You may not fully agree with everything written by Dr. Munroe, but he offers great insights and guidance, you could read it while referring to your Bible as well, for more clarity regarding some issues.
The key to finding the right mate is first to identify the quality and character that we will hold as our standard without compromise, and then evaluate the potential candidates we meet according to those standards.
One of the most important principles for successful dating is to get to know the other person by following the proper progression of spirit, soul and body…in that order.
There is no victory in compromise. What we are as singles is what we bring into marriage. Whatever you compromise to gain, you will lose. Compromising our standards is no way to begin a marriage or any other sustained relationship. We need to learn self control now and make sure that any person we consider for a life partner has done the same.
Modern society seems always on the look out for new trends to follow and new standards by which to measure customs, attitudes and behavior. As believers and followers of Christ, however, our standard is the Bible…the unchanging word of God.
3. The defining Decade (Why your twenties matter…) – Meg Jay:
Being in my twenties, I’m glad I stumbled upon this self-help book! The author is a clinical psychologist who has interacted with many young people over the years. This book was inspired by her stories and experiences with her patients. Most of us assume that our twenties are not very crucial years and assume that we could always catch up on whatever in our 30’s or beyond. Well, Meg Jay thinks otherwise. In fact she says your twenties are the most defining decade of adulthood. The defining decade is a practical guide to making the most of one’s twenties. It prompts one to rethink their perspective on their twenties. She covers everything from career to love and gives invaluable advice on how to get your life together. I recommend this book to twenty-somethings and anyone who is looking for some self examination.
The future isn’t written in the stars. There are no guarantees. So claim your adulthood, be intentional, get to work, pick your family, do the math, make your own certainty. Don’t be defined by what you didn’t know or didn’t do. You are deciding your life right now.
Set some goals that matter to you and work towards them. Whether they’re professional, personal or social.
Learn to calm yourself down, to realize that little setbacks are not huge issues. That life goes on. Stop relying on other people to cheer you up.
Build up your network of weak ties, instead of only spending time with your close friends. It’s the people you rarely talk to who might lead to fortuitous relationships down the road, and you want that broad exposure.
Take the job with the most career capital. Where you’ll build the most relationships, learn the most, grow the most. NOT necessarily make the most money.
4. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte:
I first encountered this novel in my high school, it was on my literature syllabus. Many years later, It still tops my all time classic reads. I found the character Jane to be relatable. And the story-line so captivating. It is a hauntingly beautiful novel that tells of Jane’s struggles through childhood and her love story with Mr.Rochester. The book intrigued me to read a bit more on the author Charlotte Bronte. I strongly admired her zeal to create such timeless classics in a time where women were not recognized in such fields like writing. Actually she first published her books using pseudonyms. She did not want readers to judge her work on the basis of her being a woman. That was after realizing that it would be difficult to get her work published if she put her real name. The social prejudices at the time can be seen in the novel. Jane Eyre is a subtle, intelligent discussion of the difficulty of choosing among competing value systems. From Jane’s story, we also gain insight on how we struggle with our own values. I highly recommend this novel to all, it is definitely a must read. I share some of the best quotes below;
I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into it’s expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst it’s perils.
Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs.
I can live alone, if self respect, and circumstances require me to do so. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.
Some of the best people that ever lived have been as destitute as I am; and if you are Christian, you ought not to consider poverty a crime.
Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow minded in their more privileged fellow creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings. It is thoughtless to condemn them or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex.
I am not an angel and I will not be one till I die. I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me – for you will not get it, any more than I shall get it of you: which I do not at all anticipate.
5. Lies women believe and the truth that sets them free – Nancy Leigh Demoss:
This is a powerful, thought provoking book on lies that women may knowingly or unknowingly believe. She not only identifies lies but also explores biblical truths to combat and replace each lie. She delves into lies regarding women’s self worth, Identity, priorities, God, emotions, marriage, parenting among others. She tackles very controversial topics heads-on, which comes off as too idealistic or intimidating to some people. She however, advises readers to read her book alongside the bible for more clarity. I recommend this book to all women regardless of age! Let’s look at some of the lies she points out and the truths that counter them;
The Lie: God’s ways are too restrictive.
The truth: God’s restrictions are always for your good. Resisting or rebelling God’s ways brings conflict and heartache.
The lie: I’m not worth anything.
The truth: Your value is not determined by what others think of you or what you think of yourself. Your value is determined by how God views you.
The lie: I can make it without consistent time in the word and prayer
The truth: It is impossible to be the woman God wants you to be apart from spending consistent time cultivating a relationship with Him in the word and prayer.
The lie: I can’t control my emotions.
The truth: You do not have to be controlled by your emotions. You can choose to fix your mind on the truth to take every thought captive to the truth, and to let God control your emotions.
Thank you for passing by 🖤
Marriage? I guess each one of us may have their varying opinion regarding marriage. But, I’ll share mine. I’d like to define marriage as a voluntary union of two people, a man and a woman, for life. My views have been largely influenced by my close environment; my parents, grandparents, aunts and some other people I observed from a distance. My views are also greatly influenced by the good Book. I’m not married, but I sure hope to be sometime, if God wishes. So, all my views are simply observations and not my real life personal experiences.
