September Book Reviews
Get out of your own way
By Dave Hollis
Get Out of Your Own Way is the first book Dave Hollis wrote, and he did an excellent job! If you’re a fan of Rachel Hollis’ writing, I think you’ll agree that it was a more masculine version of Girl Wash Your Face (which I absolutley loved as well). What I appreciate about both Dave and Rachel’s writing is that they are so authentic and real in their books, and they write about topics so many people can relate to, but there isn’t much content out there for! Not only is Dave’s book motivational and exciting, but you really get to know him as a person and his story. This is the kind of book that leaves me wanting more- I wish it would never end. So I will be anxiously waiting for his next book and grab it as soon as it comes out!
I also love listening to the author interviews at the end of audiobook bc it helps you get yo know them even better, and is that last piece that connects you to the book. He talks about the timeline of writing and how even along the way he found himself getting in his own way and had to apply what he wrote about to his own life. And added more chapters on it. When you find you have a similar personality as someone, it helps you relate to their teaching and believe that if it worked for them it will work for you too. Over the last 2 years I have seriously studied the Enneagram. And I noticed that Dave and I have similar personalities, so if you are an Enniegram 1, this book is an extra treat for you!
Bringing up Bebe
By Pamela Druckerman
Of all the parenting books I read on having a newborn, this was my favorite! I felt like it contained the most useful and unique information for me to consider before having a baby. Bringing up Bebe is written by an American author that has lived in France and observed the French style of parenting. Druckerman discusses the differences she sees between French and American parenting. It was very interesting to learn about a different culture and their way of parenting, and I think it holds a lot of useful tools for parents of any culture to consider. Just reading about the French made me feel upscale and fancy. I loved learning about how the French parent their children- the standards they have for them and how they establish boundaries at a young age. I am excited to use some of the tools I learned for my little one! Whether you are going to be a first time mom or already have your own littles, I highly recommend reading this book and considering this parenting style.
When Sorry Isn’t Enough
By Gary Chapman & Jennifer Thomas
Wow! I can’t recommend this book enough! I was drawn to this book just simply because it is written by Gary Chapman, and I have read many of his other books and find them to be great resources for marriage. But just by reading the title, I wasn’t sure if it would be very useful or the best content. Anyway, I figured, might as well just add it to my list and give it a chance if I have nothing better at the time. And boy was I pleasantly surprised by what came out of this book!
First, I know I already mentioned the Enneagram here today, but I have to talk about it again. (Once I discovered the Enneagram, I can’t get enough of it and how it truly applies to our every day life and relationships. So if you don’t know your enneagram type, go figure it out now. The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile is a great place to start.)
For me, as an Enneagram 1, I’ve learned that I unknowingly have placed so much importance on how people apologize or “say sorry” when I feel like they’ve wronged me. Before reading When Sorry Isn’t Enough, I didn’t even know this was a thing! I thought we all apoligized the same way. But now knowing there are different apology styles it has helped me understand myself and others better and helped me learn how to communicate more effectively in relationships.
I know there have been areas of your life where you are hesitant to let yourself experience for fear of getting out of your comfort zone- maybe it’s a new group of friends, maybe related to your job, or maybe you just open the cover to give a book a chance. Don’t you just love when something surprises you and you are just overwhelmed with the feeling “They get me!” It’s a wonderful feeling to find a place to belong, to feel understood.
If you, like me, didn’t know about the different apology styles, do yourself a favor and read this book, When Sorry Isn’t Enough. It may just change your life.
XOXO
DIY Jojo ♡