Customer Reviews

Having What Matters: The Black Woman's Guide to Creating the Life You Really Want

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I think of reading a book, I never think of a self-help book. Not because I believe I know everything but when I read, I want entertainment. I could not envision a self-help book that could do that. Having What Matters, entertaining moments were strategically placed throughout the book. The author's calm wit kept me turning pages.The nine chapter titles were simple such as, "Successfully Defining Success and "Leaving the World a Better Place," but they were filled with an abundance of information.

After reading the first paragraph of the introduction, and remembering a time my sister took me by Mrs. Greenwood's Bedford Stuyvesant mansion, I regarded her as EF Hutton and I intended to listen to her narration. If listening to her would help me achieve what she has, an eighteen room mansion, a closet filled with designer clothes and shoes, owning four prosperous businesses, two bed and breakfast inns, a restaurant, a coffeehouse as well as a stint as editor in chief of Essence magazine, my ears and eyes are wide open.

Having What Matters helps the black woman to define her success. Mrs. Greenwood proudly wears the term "bootstrapper" mentality. It means a person who has the mindset of not the victim but the winner; an individual who can rise above the trials and tribulations she is faced with. Mrs. Greenwood's burning desire is to be able to give each of us what we need to get what matters to us. What does it matter to have a high paying job, but you dread going to work everyday? This book should be amongst all the things that matter the most to you.

Missy
APOOO BookClub

Having What Matters is one of the best motivational books that I've read in a long, long time, because it seems written straight from the heart. Not only does Ms. Greenwood open up about her successes, which are many, but she talks openly about her modest background, struggles with her weight, and the demands of trying to be all things to all people. Many people discuss these topics in their book, but none are Monique Greenwood. She opens herself up candidly and freely, and takes us into her heart and mind. This is a book with plenty of substance, written with a lot of style.Cynical people with a chip on their shoulder should not bother with this book, but if you are ready for a positive change in your life, and open to loving yourself and others, this is the book for you!

This book should definitely be in any african-american woman's library along with her bible. Learning to step out of your on way and stop blocking your blessings. Ms. Greenwood helps the reader define what is important to them personally. This book put me on the right track.

I've never been big on self-help books because they tend to reiterate "common sense", Monique Greenwood's "Having What Matters" is somewhat different. Instead of telling the reader what they need to do, Monique discusses episodes in her life. These episodes may have lead her to achieving a goal or backfired and forced her to re-evaluate her actions. I felt like I was having a heart-to-heart discussion with a sista that knows herself as well as me.

This book is a blessing!! As I read this book, I felt that Monique was always a step ahead of me, answering questions and cutting off excuses as quickly as they arose in my mind. As a working woman, a wife and a mother of three about to cross the 40-year plateau, this book understood, empathized and encouraged me to aspire higher. Thanks Monique!!

I really enjoyed Monique's book. It is conversational, on-point, relevant, inspiring and educational. The author's business savvy, family balance and spirit jump off the pages. This is a refreshing easy read book that motivates and reminds us what really matters in life!

A guide every women should try to follow...The "Bootstrappers" approach make perfect sense - every sistah can have that meaningful life which they deserve. If nothing else, the book will make you think about how your going about your life, and what changes you could make to make it even better!

In the wake of September 11, just about everyone is trying to define what really matters to them. Reading this wonderful book helped me pinpoint my passions, and prioritize the many demands on my time so that at the end of the day I can truly say I'm happy about the direction my life is taking. In this book, Monique talks to me like I'm her best friend. There is no pretense, just get-real, make-it-happen advice on everything from managing finances to carving time out just for me. I'm inspired by her story and motivated to claim my own success. You need this book!

Monique's book is a thought-provoking, sister-loving guide that will help those seeking guidance to new mind-sets, techniques and tools to re-affirm their self-worth as well as help them get their personal, financial and professional lives together. The book could've used more references to parenting and to relying on faith/God, but Ms. Greenwood's book is a great start on the journey to a new life. For those seeking spirituality, they won't find it here, but this is still a worthwhile read.

This is a wonderful book!!!! An excellent addition to your "must read" booklist! It is filled with encouragement, wisdom, and action steps for a more meaningful life. I absolutelly enjoyed it! I order this book a month before it was available (I read the review in Black Issues) and was NOT disappointed when I received it. As I read the book (over the weekend), I was motivated and encouraged to continue focusing on my dreams, to keep balance in my personal world, and reminded to work on maintaining joy in my journey. The book is well-written, easy to read, and filled with "tried and proven" success steps to follow from a woman who considers herself "ordinary." Well, she has accomplished some extraordinary things! Sure does make me proud to be called woman! Buy this book! You won't regret it! Oh yeah, much joy in your journey!