Is it possible to rate a book with 0 stars?

Don't just sit around waiting to be rescued, ladies. Instead, take matters into your own hands and make your own path.

F*ck Elredge. He may have written something that didn't meet your expectations or didn't resonate with you at all.

Maybe his ideas were outdated, his writing style was dull, or his message was unclear.

But don't let that stop you from expressing your honest opinion.

If a book truly doesn't deserve any stars, then don't be afraid to say so.

Your feedback is valuable, and it can help other readers make more informed decisions.

So go ahead and give that book the rating it deserves, whether it's 0 stars or otherwise.

Remember, you have the power to shape your own reading experience.

I truly did have a great enjoyment from reading this book. I would rate it a 3.8, but I am rounding it up. It seemed to encapsulate a vast number of my emotions regarding womanhood and femininity. It did so in the context of walking with Jesus, while at the same time enabling me to recognize more of my own desires and faults. It didn't completely astonish me, but I am extremely grateful for the time that I dedicated to reading it and the valuable things that I was able to learn from it. :)

The book provided me with a unique perspective on what it means to be a woman in a spiritual context. It made me reflect on my own journey with Jesus and how my femininity plays a role in that. I found myself relating to many of the experiences and insights shared in the book. It was like having a conversation with a wise friend who understood my struggles and aspirations.

Although it may not have been a life-changing read for me, it still had a significant impact. It made me more aware of my own inner self and helped me to grow in my faith. I would highly recommend this book to any woman who is seeking to understand more about herself and her relationship with Jesus.

Ok here’s the thing: I had an intense desire to like this book. I first read it during my sophomore year of college and had a very strong dislike for it. At that time, I was going through a difficult phase, grappling with the role of women in the church. I felt unacknowledged and brushed aside by the way the authors made broad generalizations about women and spoke as if they were the ultimate authority on the experiences of all women.

Fast forward to a month ago when I decided to reread this book with the hope of approaching it with a new perspective and an open mind. I had since come to value the role that God has assigned to women and even praise Him for it. I thought that this time around, I would be more receptive to the points made by the authors, as I had resolved the issues in my own life that had previously prevented me from enjoying the book.

Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. In my view, this book is a prime example of using Scripture to prove one's own point rather than carefully examining Scripture to discover God's intended message. Every time I expected the authors to provide a Biblical example, they instead chose one from a fantasy movie or a romantic comedy. Even when they did use Biblical examples, I felt that they were distorting the true meaning of the text by emphasizing the woman's femininity as the driving force of her story rather than her love for God or God's role in her life.

The tone of the writing also immediately put me off. I felt as if I was being talked down to by a man and a woman who seemed to believe that they had completely understood every woman simply because they had been conducting conferences for decades. This may sound harsh, but when phrases like "dear heart" are used while telling me how I have felt my entire life as a woman, it can come across as slightly demeaning.

I could continue, but I want to respect the fact that many women have had a deep connection with this book. It has indeed changed lives and brought healing to numerous families, as the authors are sure to remind us in each chapter. However, I have to admit that some of the content in this book is helpful. The part about God being our Lover initially made me feel uncomfortable when I first read it. But after reading it a second time, I realized that it was really the writing style and language that had caused my discomfort, not the concept itself. St. Augustine's Confessions had transformed my understanding of this concept in the time between my two readings of this book.

So, while I recognize the power of this concept, I still cannot recommend this book as the one to read in order to understand it. The way the authors handle this topic comes across as cheesy and human-centered rather than God-centered. Therefore, I highly recommend Confessions by St. Augustine, as it contains a similar understanding of this concept but in a much less cheesy and more God-honoring and focused way.

In conclusion, although this book has a large following, its appeal lies in God's Word, which manages to convict and encourage despite being somewhat overshadowed by a writing style that seems cheesy, assumptive, and self-centered.

One of the most significant achievements of this book is its ability to simultaneously offend and bore. This was not a book I freely elected to read; rather, it was recommended by my church book group, and I found it an arduous task to get through.

It began on a somewhat promising note, discussing the sentiment that many women experience, namely, the feeling that they are simply not adequate, whether in terms of being maternal enough, pretty enough, clever enough, or organized enough. I do wonder if this is solely a feminine trait or one that is universal to all, irrespective of gender.

Some parts of the book are thought-provoking. It clearly posits that men and women are designed to be distinct, a view with which I have certain reservations yet can see some evidence to support. However, the book entirely overlooks the role that society plays in shaping gender roles. It dwells extensively on the differences between little girls and boys, highlighting the fact that little boys dress up as superheroes while little girls love to dress up as princesses waiting to be rescued. This was one of the points in the book where I, in frustration, took a gulp of gin. Page 47 reads something along the lines of "little boys ask, 'do I have what it takes?' little girls ask 'am I lovely?'" My strong and intelligent 10-year-old daughter has never asked "am I lovely." Yes, she has dressed up as a princess, but to my knowledge, she has never waited for a prince to rescue her.

Once again, there were sections that were interesting. As a feminist, I would prefer to be lauded for my intellect, my parenting skills, or even my cooking, rather than my beauty, which has become an uncomfortable term for feminists. Yet, if I am honest with myself, I desire to feel attractive. I spend a fortune on lotions, potions, and adornments, so it must matter. This book enabled me to reflect on this internal struggle and recognize that beauty, particularly in its broader sense, is something to cherish. I also found the part on teenage girls interesting, being the mother of a pre-teen and someone who works with teenage girls. I do witness many girls transform from being interesting, vibrant individuals into clones of one another, seeking to derive their confidence from boys. I was pleased to see the affirmation that confidence and self-worth cannot be sourced from another person.

I was struck by the section on nature and how God finds a way to communicate with us through the medium we understand. I am fortunate to reside in a beautiful place and often feel closest to God when I am walking and pausing to take in the view.

The book frequently criticizes domineering and controlling women. I must admit that I felt a twinge of guilt at that moment, and perhaps I will take away from the book that I do not always have to be in control and that vulnerability is not always a negative thing. However, once again, this is useful advice for both men and women.

But yet again, there are things that were simply offensive. Women were commended for remaining in abusive relationships or continuing to give in a feminine way while enduring abuse. We are told that men have affairs because women fail to be feminine or to make their men feel masculine.

I had hoped that this book would offer an intelligent discourse on what it means to be a woman in an era where many of us feel compelled to do it all, drawing from scripture. Instead, what I was confronted with were a few scriptural references interpreted with great artistic license and a plethora of patronizing quotes from Disney films, Cheryl Crow, and The Sound of Music. There was also an irony in the fact that this was ostensibly a book for women and I assumed it was written by a woman. Yet, it seemed to me that it was mostly written by a man who allowed his wife to have her say every now and then.

To quote another woman, "I am not amused."

3.5/4 stars.

There are certain parts of this book that are truly remarkable and outstanding.

When considering it as a whole, it was indeed a good read that managed to touch upon a wide range of crucial elements related to femininity.

However, there were moments when some of the content felt a bit repetitive. For instance, "Wild at Heart" is quoted quite frequently, so if you have already read that particular work, you might experience a sense of deja vu. :P

Nonetheless, despite these minor drawbacks, it was still a solid read that offered valuable insights and perspectives on femininity.

It presented various aspects of what it means to be a woman in a way that was engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, it is a book that I would recommend to those interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted nature of femininity.

It wasn't so captivating.

This statement implies that something failed to hold one's attention or interest in a significant way. Perhaps it was a story that lacked a compelling plot, a presentation that was dull and unengaging, or an experience that simply didn't have that special charm.

When something isn't captivating, it can be difficult to stay focused or invested. Our minds may wander, and we may find ourselves looking for something else to occupy our time.

However, it's important to note that what one person finds captivating may not be the same for another. Different people have different interests, tastes, and preferences. What might seem uninteresting to one could be fascinating to another.

In conclusion, while the phrase "it wasn't so captivating" suggests a lack of appeal, it's a subjective assessment that can vary from person to person.

This book was truly an eye-opening experience!!!

It has allowed me to understand God's design in a completely new and profound way.

I have learned an abundance of things from reading it, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

The knowledge and insights presented in this book are simply invaluable.

It has had a significant impact on my perspective and has deepened my understanding of the world and our place in it.

I absolutely loooooved this book and cannot wait to share it with others.

I believe that anyone who reads it will be equally enlightened and inspired.

It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's plan and purpose.

Overall, this book is a remarkable achievement and I am extremely grateful to have come across it.

I will cherish the lessons I have learned and continue to explore the ideas presented within its pages.

3.5/5!

There were truly some remarkable and profound truths within this work. It presented certain aspects that made me feel understood and recognized during this specific phase of my life. However, one thing that caught my attention was that she seemed to reference "Lord of the Rings" and other movies more frequently than the Bible. This, to some extent, threw me off a little.

Nonetheless, overall, it does a commendable job of highlighting how women, in particular, are created in God's image. It also effectively points out how He pursues us as His bride. It's interesting to see how these concepts are explored and presented in the text.

Despite the slight imbalance in references, the core message about our identity in God and His love for us comes through clearly. It makes one think about the significance of our creation and the special relationship we have with the divine.

All in all, it's a thought-provoking piece that has both its strengths and a minor quirk in the choice of references.

Well written book!

It was truly a remarkable piece of literature. However, towards the end, I did experience a slight sense of boredom. Nevertheless, I deeply appreciate the unique perspective that the authors brought to the table.

My favorite chapters were those that delved into the concept of Jesus being a lover. These sections were not only thought-provoking but also spiritually enriching. They offered a fresh and profound understanding of Jesus' love for humanity.

As I read through these chapters, I couldn't help but take some notes. These notes will serve as valuable reminders and inspirations for me when I engage in prayer.

I believe that this book has the potential to touch the hearts and minds of many readers, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper connection with their faith.

READ WITH SCRUTINY AND DISCERNMENT, but know you can take good things. This piece of advice holds great value. When we approach any work, be it a book, an article, or a conversation, we should do so with a critical eye. We need to analyze and evaluate the ideas presented, looking for both strengths and weaknesses.

Interesting. Loaded with cultural outlooks. This description piques our curiosity. It makes us wonder what kind of cultural perspectives are being offered and how they might expand our understanding of the world. Cultural outlooks can enrich our lives and help us to see things from different angles.

Talking with others I've decided I liked it because I could relate with it, but I don't think a girl who grew up in a different place could relate to it. Our personal experiences and backgrounds play a significant role in how we perceive and respond to things. What we like and what we can relate to is often shaped by our own unique circumstances. However, this doesn't mean that others cannot find value in the same thing. We should be open to the possibility that different people may have different interpretations and connections.

4.5⭐️

I absolutely loved this! It presented topics regarding women, their purpose, the Bible, and so much more in a beautifully simplistic manner.

It serves as an excellent starting point for those in their twenties to take a deeper look into their personal relationship with the Lord. The real testimonies, when combined with our favorite stories, add a rich and engaging element.

Surprisingly, it took me a significantly longer time to fully digest this than I initially anticipated. However, I would highly recommend it.

The quote “The gift of friendship among women is a treasure not to be taken lightly. Women friends become the face of God to one another - the face of grace, of delight, of mercy” truly encapsulates the essence of the importance of female friendships. It shows how these relationships can be a source of spiritual connection and growth, allowing women to see and experience the qualities of God in one another.

This book not only provides valuable insights but also offers a sense of inspiration and encouragement for women on their journey of faith.

Now, I rate this book as 3 stars. The reason is that I don't have the option of a 3.5, and it doesn't quite deserve a 4-star rating. It is indeed a great book, of course, especially for women. Having already read "Wild At Heart" and being deeply impacted by it, I decided to read "Captivating" while my girlfriend was reading "Wild At Heart". We wanted to have a better understanding of each other and of the opposite gender.

"Captivating" seems to be a copy-and-pasted version of "Wild At Heart". They quote a majority of the same movies, mostly men's movies like Braveheart, The Lord of The Rings, and The Last of The Mohicans. Moreover, they often repeat their main points in each chapter. The first chapter is quite good, but it feels like the Eldredges just rewrote it about 11 other times, redundantly stating the same point and only adding something slightly different for a minor impact.

I understand that it might seem as if I didn't like the book, but that's not the case. I did like it. I feel that I have a better understanding of women, although perhaps not all of them. I also plan to strive to become more like the warrior that I am. However, I do think that Stasi and John placed a lot of their own ideals and interpretations into the writing. That's okay, but it sometimes seems a bit of a stretch, making certain goals or situations too easy to overcome, and it can be a little one-sided. Yes, this book is intended for women, but it doesn't do a great job of making the genders equal. Women seem to be invited to play both the part of the Beauty and as a Warrior, while men are only seen as Warriors. That's fine, as I can't imagine how men could be contrived as a Beauty in any way, but I also can't see how women are supposed to play the role of a Warrior if that's what men are called to do.

The message seems to be contradicting. Men need to offer their God-given strength in all aspects, while women offer their God-given beauty. Yet, they state that since men aren't always around, women need to also be warriors. I didn't like that portrayal. Yes, some men may not be present, but they too are battling themselves and their desires just like women are.

They use a lot of scripture to support their points, which is good. However, they also use a lot of stories, and in some cases, these stories take away from their points as they are too long or vague. Stasi's personal testimonies, not all of them, as her dizzy spells seemed a bit exaggerated, spoke to me the most.

If you are a woman, I truly believe this book will be helpful to you. If you are a man, this book will shed some light on the mysteries of a woman's soul, but it may offend you to some extent. Just take it with a grain of salt and then read "Wild At Heart".