... on this subject and this is one of the best. It is nice to get a woman's perspective ...
924732
Ms. Gutmann's title of her book accurately describes what is happening to our military. I've read several books on this subject and this is one of the best.  It is nice to get a woman's perspective on putting women into all male combat units.  Elaine Donnelly's site, The Center For Military Readiness (cmrlink.org) is also an excellent source of female opinion against women in combat.  Ms. Gutmann does a good job of putting a human face on this issue; the title is very appropriate.  As the military becomes more feminized (as it must as females become a higher percentage of the military) she gives ample evidence of such feminization.  Men behave in a kindler and gentler way when around women.  I read Chris Kyle's book "American Sniper" and he recounts how fist fighting among the Navy SEAL recruits was common and expected as a rite of passage.  These are "bad ass" dudes and this is what is required of a warrior.  How could it be anything else?  The warrior's job is to seek out and kill the enemy, many times in brutal and harsh ways (including hand to hand combat).  Putting even one woman into an all male SEAL class will have to result in a change of the training.  Do good men really want to initiate a woman into their unit (like a man) by fist fighting with her and brutalizing her?  No.  Good men do not want to beat up and brutalize women.  The training would have to become "kinder and gentler" to accommodate even one woman, not to mention numerous women.

Ms. Gutmann makes an excellent proposal.  Now, about 14% of the military is composed of females, and much of this composition is the result of lower physical standards for women.  If the physical standards were high and fit the needs of the assigned tasks (and there was no preference given to women) then many women would not qualify for military service.  Many women would complain but Ms. Gutmann's response is: too bad!  We need the best fighting force and military, not the most politically correct.  She said that this would probably reduce the percentage of women in the military to around 6% and the military would be better for it.

In conclusion I suggest one more source of female opinion on this matter.  Google Marine Capt. Katie Petronio and her article written in the Marine Corps Gazette.  It is titled, "Get Over It, We Are Not All Created Equal" in which she recounts her personal experiences on combat tours in Afghanistan.  The physical disparities between men and women are just too great to overcome.
744128
I read often, but this is one of the best books I ever read on this topic.  It has the potential to rock your perspective and shed the crap we all adopt without being conscious or being conscientious.  Bravo, Brene!
3337682
Though this book is not new, I just discovered it.  Having read it, I now take a different perspective on how 'honest' I am, and how I can approach more honesty - in healthy ways - in all of my relationships.  I am not the  typical image of 'feminism', in the negative ways the word has come to  represent, but I do know that being a woman is an experience to be  conscious of.  Though it has a heavy feminist bent, one of the best things  about this book is that it addresses more than just women's concerns.  It  tackles the many ways that we all deceive ourselves, and those we come into  contact with.  It addresses the issues of secrecy within families, 'faking'  orgasm, playing out the scripts that we are given for life, and the  important distinction between pretending and lying.  I appreciated the  suggestions about laying groundwork with others before approaching hard  truths, and the concept of 'trying on' a different behavior in order to  find out where our truths really are.
As a fair assessment, I would say  that it takes a while to get into the style or format of the book.  It's  not laid out in sequential order, so it took a few chapters to get totally  engrossed.  But the case studies, and her responses, rang true so many  times, that I got to the point of almost being late for work because I  couldn't put it down.
I am married and work in a small non-profit with  3 men.  I've shared several of my discoveries from the book with them, and  had meaningful discussions with all.  My ED even photocopied a few pages to  share with his wife - another testimony to the concepts presented.  You do  need to be ready to read the book with an open attitude toward your own  behaviors and ways of dealing with others.  It's not always easy to admit  to things we do, but don't want to claim.  I would recommend this to anyone  trying to sort out the best path to a whole, healthy, happy life.
3737766
This book was mentioned to me by a friend. The topic intrigued me but I didn't know what to expect. The way this book is written allows for a fresh perspective on women's history without the edge that often goes along with stories written about a woman's life events from a woman's point of view. It let me enjoy the story and ponder what emotions I would have were I in the place of the character. You can read it and be satisfied with the details it gives but also be add your own thought of what else the could be. Very enjoyable.
4361570
I love how this book focuses on the women, and the men are just peripheral players. These women are complicated, not always kind, not always making the right decision. This author is great at portraying women for who we truly are!
157033
I've read it and many of my friends have read this book. There are a few places that I feel she went a little overboard but 90% of this book will help every woman in their daily life especially understanding relationship between male and female and how to live successfully and happily.  It is one of my favorite all-time books
4706288
I think Margaret's book, 'The Goddess Workshop', tackles a problem which some women tend to avoid talking about and she does it in a fun way, bringing together four women who probably wouldn't have met otherwise, in a story where they each re-evaluate who they are and how much they value themselves.

I liked it for it's honesty, its female solidarity and its friendship.

Janet, Reenie, Kate and Estelle are all very different women, at different stages in their lives who are missing one vital component...sexual satisfaction. Three of them decide to attend a class on the subject at a local church hall, not quite knowing what to expect. The fourth, Janet, goes with her very proper neighbour Gwen, and they think they are there to attend a gardening class but it's not the flowers which are blooming! Gwen, horrified, walks out immediately in disgust and tries to drag Janet with her but Janet makes a stand and stays. As the four of them sit waiting for their tutor they contemplate a rather large...picture on display and start to wonder why on Earth they thought it was a good idea to attend.

I felt for Janet the most. Hers is an old story of a long marriage to a controlling husband and her need to find some self esteem again.

Margaret tackles this subject well. The story flows along and I felt empathy for the characters. I think this is a story with a bit of a message to all women - girls, don't settle for almost :)
3845093
This book isn't for everyone.  If you've got a victim mentality and choose to blindly trust doctors, then don't buy it because you won't understand it.  However, if you're like most working women today--assertive, smart and especially if you've got a Type A personality, you will likely find this book full of valuable information.  I had a heart attack two months ago.  Dr. Naerbo's candid account of her frustrations with the medical doctors was spot on. She also provides a step by step plan on how she got back on track.  While I've read several other books specifically about women's heart issues, this book was my favorite, as she wrote it from her perspective.  It takes a lot of courage for a professional woman to share the intimate details of an experience this personal.
1360210
I started the book last night, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the stories. It's so interesting to see the thoughts and feelings of other women regarding their parents, parenting, and their sweet children.
Not all of the stories are easy to read, because not everyone has an ideal life. It gives me the opportunity to pray for these dear ladies.
405008
I love this book!!!  I was able to relate to so many stories, either from my own experience or a friend.  Unfortunately, a lot of woman are not treated with respect.  Many woman do not even realize it's not normal to be treated so poorly.  The author does a good job of being straight forward and providing good advice!  I'd recommend this book.
225755
Not even a decade ago people were expected to pick sides in the
 heated debates about whether a Mom should do her "real" job in the home
or selfishly sacrifice her children for a career.
We now live in a time where Women in the Workplace is a Non- Issue
because women must work to keep their children alive in our
troublesome economy.
What has not changed is the pressure put upon women to bear children.
This book is a contemporary look at one woman's dilemma
of having a joyful life and fascinating career in the midst
of family, friends and perfect strangers
asking when she is going ever going to have children.
She takes us on her journey of trying to conceive,
pregnancy and going back to work when the baby is only three weeks old
with the blunt realism and naked understanding of a best friend.
I love that the author leaves the the usual perspectives behind
and details her experiences from the point of view as a woman
with her own personal needs,her future dreams and the courage
to not feel guilty about her decisions.
This book is for women who are deciding whether or not to become a parent.
It is for women trying to conceive and newly pregnant.
It is for women like me, with no possibility of becoming pregnant again,
with children ranging from nine years to twenty-one,
and still enjoying a good read about the
modern realities of womanhood.
904343
This book is great because it tells you things from a man and a womans point of view. It helped me with my 2 year relationship I'm currently in. Highly recommended.
2200367
Wonderfully insightful and informative of the real issues women face throughout the aging process. At times we are all told this is "just getting older". It's wonderful to hear that this is not normal and there are things that can be done to help!
2195834
One of the few books that talks about the bible from a woman's perspective. Deals also with feminism; and why the bible is not just for men and argues for a more equalitarian society.
1434977
I liked her study and she really knows her stuff, and it is nice to hear the male perspective on choosing not to have children.  It seems a little expensive though compared to the other book I bought on the subject.
2797627
The thing I liked best about this book was that it came from such a person level. It's not written by someone who has all the technical knowledge of this type of situation. No, it comes from someone who has been there. The author is right when she says sometimes the best person to empathize is someone who has been there, been where you are. The author is very down to earth and explains herself very well in this easy to read self-help book. It is written very well and really made me feel that I had someone right by my side having an honest woman to woman, wife to wife, mother to mother heart to heart. Definitely worth the read. Thank you for writing this book so that you can help so many people.
4509548
This book makes a very confusing subject understandable.  All women need to know more about the normal processes of our bodies as we progress through our lives and many have no one to be a counselor.  This book fills that gap. Somehow, menopause has been under-shared between women.  This book makes the subject understandable in a very readable way.  It presents the various options available with an explained preference for reveling in the natural progressions of our bodies. The many meaningful comments on personal experiences and real people sharing their experiences is very meaningful.  The comment on little itchy patches was a direct hit on my own experiences.
I would recommend this as basic reading for any woman in her middle years.  In fact, I've sent it to many friends and relatives since I purchased and read it for myself.