What's Your Favorite Book or Blog by a Woman Author- or on the subject of Women?

A good book is like a good handbag. It makes us feel enhanced. It's functional. And it transcends trends and fads.

And if the good book happens to be of the self-help genre, it becomes like our favorite bag that takes us through the many seasons of our lives and becomes somewhat irreplaceable.
Am I right?

As we continue to explore Women's History Month, I am reminded of the vast array of awesome books authored by fabulous females. Titles that transform, enlighten, elevate and empower.
Books that help us to recognize our vital roles and become better mothers, wives, teachers, daughters, friends. Books that become like bibles for better living.

Not to mention, the popular blogs of today that entertain, educate and enrich us.
With this as today's focus, I'd like to share a few of my female "faves" and invite you to join in!

FAVORITE BOOKS BY OR ABOUT WOMEN: 

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff---By Kristine Carlson
OMG! If you have money or time just for a few reads to add to your list this year, this should be in the front running. Oddly, this was an accidental discovery. You see, I was a fan of Richard Carlson, PH. D. and his popular "Don't Sweat" series. So when I came across this book at a local thrift store, I was intrigued, so I immediately bought it. What a major score! Women will discover sage advice like that offered from a best friend. So rich with "valuable gems" that I even recommend it for gift giving.
Chapters include: bust your boredom blues, cut your friends some slack, and stop comparing yourself to the media measuring stick.

2. Simple Abundance---By Sarah Ban Breathnach
Given to me by my dear friend Carol, ions of years ago, this book remains a constant source of comfort and inspiration. Sarah helps readers to become more reflective, introspective, and focused on things that really matter in the overall scheme of things. It's a must read for modern women seeking to "be more and not just buy more".

3. Anything by the late Erma Bombeck
She's the literary version of Lucille Ball, and even more.
Over the years, I have collected so many of her titles that I can't single out one over the other; as each and every one of them will make you laugh to the point of tears. She was a master at her craft, and sorely missed.

4. What Every Woman Should Know About Love & Marriage---By Dr. Joyce Brothers
I personally am of the opinion that one of the leading reasons of failure in relationships is unrealistic expectations. Anyone with me here?
Please believe that the honeymoon won't last forever. Hello? :-)
Accordingly, this title helps to debunk a lot of myths about marriage and mating. To reinforce the "strategies" and advice offered are test studies, case studies, and years of counseling experience provided by one of the most noted female "therapists" of our times.

5. He's Just not That Into You---By Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo
Wow...where do I begin?
This self help book was a reality check for chicks, with a simple wake-up call serving as a voice of reason: girl, he's just not "that" into you! :-)
Have you ever tried to decipher the mixed messages men send? Like he takes your number, says he'll call and doesn't? Or he professes his love, but his actions say otherwise? Well, you'll learn how to pick up important clues, and detect valuable red flags for interacting more successfully with the opposite sex.
Please note: I don't think that "all men" can be accurately assessed by using "blanket" behavior techniques, or even that this author should be the spokesperson for all men's actions and belief systems. Still, it's an empowering read, with much food for thought here.

6. Chocolate for a Woman's Heart---By Kay Allenbaugh
First of all, how can you go wrong with any project that includes "chocolate"?
When I was selected to participate in this popular anthology published by Simon and Schuster some years ago, I was elated! Then when I read the other stories, I was really stoked. It's an impressive read written by accomplished women of all walks of life and ages, on universal themes. From dealing with death, to exploring dreams, to new beginnings, to marrying for the second time, and even overcoming obstacles. Savor its sweetness one story at a time, or devour it all at once. Either way, you're in for quite a treat.

This closes the chapter on this post, folks.
Join me later this month when we'll explore further some bodacious blogs by females.
Stay tuned; it may even be your blog! :-)

Your turn.
Thoughts? Comments?  I'd love to hear from you on this.

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