So, if you frequent my book blog you will have seen that I am reading The Secret right now for my book club. It's interesting, but I'm not very motivated to read it. I have other books that I am excited to read. So I announced to my roommate that I wasn't going to finish it. This erupted into hours long discussion about who I am and what is my reasoning behind not wanting to read self-help books. "I just don't like them." was not good enough.
My roommate loves reading self-help books. It really helps her, mainly because I think she is motivated enough to actually take some of the advice she finds in those books. I told her that I was too lazy which she came back with "There is no such thing as laziness but it's all fear, so what are you afraid of?" We had a really good discussion where she got to know the inner me more. Mainly because she just kept digging and digging (I've got bruises). It was good to voice some of the stuff that I think about. Loralee would from time to time say she doesn't know why it bothers her so much that I don't want to finish all the these books. She says she can see how it is affecting her life for good and wants it to do the same for mine. Well, I conceded and I will finish The Secret. You know me. I'm a people pleaser.
So what do you feel about self-help books and was there one that you would like to reccommend?
11 comments:
I use to read quite a few self-help books. Several are among my favorite books, but most aren't. The Magic of Believing made a big impact on me when I was in my 20's. I do think there are some that help, but fiction can accomplish the same thing in a more subtle way.
I know my opinion doesn't count, but if you don't want to finish it, don't. And flip off anyone who tells you what to do with your life while you're at it.
I have really been enjoying the book "Human Intimacy:Illusion and Reality." I can only read it in small segments every once in a while, though. It's not really a self-help book, but I think it gives you a really good understanding about relationships, and it has caused me to reflect on my own feelings and behavior towards myself and other people.
Thanks Cardine, of course your opinion counts. I think this is just Loralee's way of showing she cares. Well, even though I said I would finish it, I still haven't picked the book up again. I do have this thing in me that makes it really hard not to finish a book even if I'm not enjoying it, except with self-help books. I don't know. We'll see. I only have until Wednesday to finish.
I agree with Cardine! Why do you HAVE to finish the book if you don't want? Did you ask L. why it's so gosh darn important to her that you read self-help books? I know it may be "her way of showing she cares", but it's also um...a little rude. It's great that she wants to get to know the inner you, etc., but in the end, she needs to accept that you are different than her and you have your own likes/dislikes. Read it if you want, but don't let her bully you into doing it. You're a better person than me, though. I'd not read it just because she wanted me to. I'm stubborn.
I haven't been reading your book blog, but if you do end up finishing the Secret, I'd be interested in chatting with you about it. I've just heard so many different things about it. :)
Rats, I wrote a very thougthful remark here and lost it. %$#@&##!*(&&^#$^$ word verification. I swear that "I" was an "L". Probably for the best, it was too long. See, you've already attracted a positive result. You've mastered "The Secret." Wait till you see my Vision Board.
Loralee and I talked about creating a vision board. I think we will one of these days and I'll put my at work so I can see it everyday.
I can't believe I'm asking, but, what is a "vision board"?
Sorry, that I went off on my last comment. I just think you're Terrific (with a capital T) and it kind of bugs me when I think people are telling you you need to change. If you want to change, that's one thing, but... I just love ya, I hope you know that.
Julie, I'll let Cassie explain the vision board. She's actually read the book. But I agree with you that Cassie is TERRIFIC!
Thanks Julie and Framed! Right back at ya.
So have finished the book yet? I haven't picked it up at all. The cold/flu has got and I can't even being to think about being positive.
I have to say, I'm not terribly fond of self-help books. A lot of them, like The Secret, seem too trendy for me, and I'm like WAY too TC (too cool) for them.
But at the same time, I think it helps us out to read something every once in a while that reminds us to improve ourselves. And to not remain stagnant.
I'll have to check out your book blog as well -I also have a book blog! Yeeha.
Post a Comment