Customer Reviews

Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I enjoyed some aspects of this book, but question some of the premises. I will begin with what I got out of it, then move on to aspects that I believe bear more discussion, if not scrutiny.

First, some of the solutions were clever and very practical. "Cross-reading," that is, reading something you disagree with or is written from a viewpoint other than your own is terrific advice. I will try to pick up an occasional one of those. The book reads well, and I enjoyed her personal passages about her grandmother, mother and father. We'd all do well to think about the origins of our world view. Another major point we are in agreement over is that the media does not cover important issues adequately. The insipid and banal stories some mainstream news outlets serve up should make the editors blush.

The aspects I am not on board with follow: First, the breathless tone of some of the statements remind me of Wolf Blitzer jazzing you up with excitement with that piercing disaster-reporting tone. Usually after he has your ear, you realize he is talking about something quite mundane. Second, Bloom's statement about how only beautiful people get friends and get ahead in this society does not ring true to me. I just tossed the barely-used tube of lipstick I bought when I got married over thirty years ago. I don't wear makeup and am only dimly aware of current fashion. I have never lacked for friends or been passed over for a promotion. One should be clean and tidy, yes, but wear makeup and have plastic surgery? That is overstatement. Finally, I fail to see the harm in watching reality tv. It is not my cup of tea, but, like the weather, it gives afficionados something to discuss and therefore provides social lubrication. I am surprised some women still wear high heels after we worked so hard to get out of the compulsory mini-skirts of my youth. But Ms. Bloom, they are OPTIONAL today. And I fail to see a correlation between them and lack of thinking. There are equal numbers of thoughtful young women in heels and vapid creatures in flats.

This book was not only captivating to read in one sitting, but it also had a lasting impact and has evolved my perspective on decisions I make in my own life and also the role I play in the collective. I am so grateful for the author taking a stand for the fullest expression of each woman by tapping into her powerful ability to think. Imagine a whole world of women who read this book and remembered the importance of tapping into their own ideas, big dreams, desires and finding the place where they want to use their gifts to make a positive impact in the world. Imagine all these powerful women rising up vs. being weak, uninformed and allowing themselves to be herded by modern media to buy this, not eat that and look like everyone else. Our world needs people to wake up and to innovate and this book is the perfect wake-up call for us all to reclaim the joy of life through our ability to use our mind. A great gift for any woman, any age.

Whenever I hear Lisa Bloom speak, I know I'll get the straight story backed up by logic, facts and years of experience. Now, with this book, I can refer to Lisa whenever I face a dilemma. This book has already helped me explain the right path to my daughter and talk my friend out of a harmful decision. It pays for itself in just one smart move you might have missed. I am looking forward to the paperback so I can keep it in my handbag at all times.

This book gave me a rude awakening. I found myself questioning the things I knew... Lisa was right. I could name more Kardashians (all of them) before I could name a correct level of government. I knew nothing of any world events. But I definitely knew about Brangelina, Speidi, etc. Throughout reading this book, my ears perked up, and I found myself reading something Lisa said and going to google it to find out how true it actually was! Haha! When I finished this book, I started reading her recommended books and I love them. They're not something I would EVER pick out for myself, but she suggested the right books to give me more information on topics I should probalby know more about. I should know what I'm eating instead of being ignorant as to how it got to my plate. I should know more about world events and what goes on in other countries, and it's lead me to writing to our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. It's sparked educated discussions with my husband, family and friends. THings I oculd have never talked about before. I would say this is the most awakening, real, and motivating book I've ever read. But it does mean taking a look at, and changing, some tough things I've accepted about myself for 25 years - celebrity media and start reading the newspaper.

Lisa Bloom is something rare in this world, a straight-talking media personality whose mission is to improve the world, not "dumb it down." She uses her high-profile status and her law degree to stand up for children and families. Ms. Bloom is already a super-heroine on issues like discrimination, bullying and women's rights. I often quote her, and now I'll have her wisdom always at hand with "Think." I know this book will inspire conversations between mothers and daughters, and women everywhere.

Loved this book! Every woman, especially women with girls, needs to read this book and embrace her intelligence and her full potential. Inspired to continue to grow, and after reading this I've decided, that although I'm 45, I'm not too old to keep learning and growing...I'm starting my PhD in the fall.

This book really had an effect on me; it changed how I think, act, speak, and carry myself. It was also really fun, fast, and easy to read, which is impressive considering how interesting and informative it was, too. But none of this is a surprise coming from the incredibly smart and talented Lisa Bloom. I can't wait to read whatever she comes up with next.

Lisa is a true visionary and this is one of those books that absolutely will change your life. There are very few books that I put in the "must-read" category and this is one of them. Not only will it inspire you but it will teach you about yourself, I'm pretty sure this will make it into my "read twice" category as well, definitely something you'll want to own as you'll find yourself picking it up over and over again after you've finished it!

I am recommending this to just about everyone I know! Great job and so far the best book I've read in 2011!

Wow -- Lisa Bloom is a force of nature -- smart, funny, informative, and she pulls no punches. I hate the tired cliche' "must-read", but this IS a must-read for women and girls, parents of girls, teachers and mentors of girls, people who like girls. . . okay, everyone. This book shows why caring about good education is more important than caring about how your butt looks in those jeans. And it makes you laugh at the same time!

Even at the age of 79 one can learn a lot.After reading Lisa Blooms "Think" I had to ponder over situations that I can change. I realize I am not reading enough nor am I accomplishing enough. I have put myself on a new set of options and I feel good about it. I have also purchased Lisa's book for my granddaughter who has just graduated from Med school and is now a Doctor. I also purchased her book for my other granddaughter, a senior at Berkeley. At any age we can all lead lives to be more meaningful