Dear Woman:

by Michael Reid

Stop cutting yourself You must wear your crown at all times. If you were waiting on someone to give it to you, Dear Woman is here to inform you that you can give it to yourself. Every woman is a queen, especially you. Put your crown on and get ready to rule. Take a No one has just one page in their life story. That’s why Dear Woman has everything―quotes, letters, short stories, and poems to educate, motivate, encourage, and provide a little tough love. This open letter is just as multi-faceted and inspirational as you are. Want the best for Michael E. Read wrote this book because he wants nothing more than for you to be the best woman possible, regardless of circumstance. In Dear Woman , he encourages you to feel the same way. This is more than a self-help book, more than just relationship advice for women―though it does include both of those things. No, this inspirational open letter, full of poetry and wisdom, is life advice just for you. Do it for You are an amazing woman. Deep down, you know that. Dear Woman isn’t here to tell you that you need to improve. Rather, it’s here to tell you that you can be your true self―for yourself. This is the life advice you need, because you deserve to thrive for no other reason than the fact that you are a woman. Dear Woman was written in hopes of shedding a little light and love. Let it add some brightness to your life. After reading this book, you

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Self Help

259 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2015

About the author

Michael Reid is a journalist, writer and commentator on Latin American and Iberian affairs. He has been a staff journalist with The Economist since 1994. His books include "Forgotten Continent: The Battle for Latin America's Soul" (2007) and "Brazil: The Troubled Rise of a Global Power" (2014).

Reviews

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dear Woman,
Sometimes you’ll just be too much woman.
Too smart,
Too beautiful,
Too strong.
Too much of something that makes a man feel like less of a man,
Which will make you feel like you have to be less of a woman.
The biggest mistake you can make
Is removing jewels from your crown
To make it easier for a man to carry.
When this happens, I need you to understand
You do not need a smaller crown—
You need a man with bigger hands.”

love is an action word. If there are no actions that can prove the word, then the word itself is just a word

This is what this book does to you:



to find out why:

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was first turned to this book from a picture on Twitter, it was a picture of one of the pages, and that picture alone spoke to me in so many ways that I had to give he book a chance. I am so happy that I did, this book provoked so many thoughts that I have had but never dared to articulate. There are also many poems that I believe that I was in denial about some of the things that Mike talks about in Dear Woman. I did realize how much that I related to everything he was saying, he truly inspired me to be a better stronger woman for the future. Mike spoke directly to my heart and I would recommend this book to anyone that needs a little truth and inspiration in their life.

[Claire Nolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend. I was looking forward to reading it upon first looking at it. Overall it's just a very clean no from me. a) I don't need a man telling me how to be a woman. b) I feel like a therapist would shred this. Sure it's maybe 5% *inspiring*. But he says ish like "if you grew up with an absent parent get over it. YOu can't miss something you never had". Umm, but wait, I think you can..... It's got some toxic positivity. I think I could have been down w/ this book in college but now I've grown beyond this sort of harmful ideology that seems to be more of bandaid action.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would've received five stars from me, if it wasn't for all of the grammatical errors. Reid brings up several valid topics for women of all ages and circumstances and challenges them to be better women. While some poems weren't particularly relevant to me, it was great to read the entire book, and refreshing to hear how much respect this man has for women. He urges women to own their voice, and never settle for less than they deserve.

[H.L. Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book. It was a hard one to track down but I managed to find a hardcover through Amazon. I have been going through a rough time and the letters and inspirational segments are really what I have needed. It is a powerhouse of reminders of how a woman should view herself and live herself first. And there are parts where it admonishes women to stand up and stop putting ourselves the same places over and over. Love it! This is a keeper and a rereader.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This came across a bit condescending and judgemental. It seemed to labour under the apprehension that women are so desperate for love, that they have no self respect. It appeared to put all women in the same basket... (that they search for love in sex).
My take was that "when it comes to love be patient, some men are dense", which also is insulting to men.
I'm all for men writing poetry about women being strong and loving themselves, but it doesn't need to be depressive and miserable.

[Zaria R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving book to women. A book dedicated to showing appreciation for women while guiding them to show appreciation for themselves. This book makes one reflect on their life as well as love. It provides insight with small poems and excerpts to how to make your way to the greatest form of self love.

[April Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like the author was speaking right to me. Very profound and many realizations were made while reading. I did not want this to end. To all the women here, read this book. You will not disappointed!

[Renee Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great. I feel like it's written with my life in the author's mind. 😂 I related so hard on so many points and I will surely read this one over again. Now, where can I buy a physical copy of this book...

//re-read 31-12-21//
I actually don't like this book that much anymore... I felt "blegh" as I read through it. I don't know why I liked it so much years ago, maybe because I was going through a painful phase and it kinda validated how I felt. But reading it again this time when I am in a much more different state of mind, I find this book not special at all.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get more than 20 pages into this book and I tried twice. There was so much hype around this book I was so excited to read it, but the numerous typos are just so off-putting and the content is mediocre at best.

[Sokunna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every woman.

P.s. is it only me who notice the grammatical errors here and there? This is a great book with great messages. I just wish the author would have had better editors.

[Taniaisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, empowering book about the beauty of woman. Mike The Poet writes about the wonder and burden woman carry from the moment they are born, well past womanhood. He provides woman with his perspective through what his witnessed happen to the woman around him when it comes to love. Out of all the book two of his phrases stuck with me. “Love is an action sword. If there are no actions that can prove the word, then the word itself is simply a word”. And “You keep looking for the same version of an old love”. I myself loved the book and it made me think about past decisions and how it how affected my present. I would 100% recommend this book to any poetry lovers.

[Trinisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book! It's beyond a self-help book. Its more of a guide to being a woman and owning the crown that us Queens already possess. It's set up in form of poetry and "Dear Woman" letters. I read it multiple times. I highly recommend all young girls starting ages 16 and older and all women read this book. What incredible insight from a mans POV. I will have my daughter read this book. It teaches you to value yourself, set standards, and barriers before you decide to get involved in a romantic relationship. I am recently divorced and this book have helped me tremendously. I wish I had read this book years ago!

[Leslie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing so much about this book on social media, I was happy to find a revised edition of this book available at mango.bz.com [ Mango Publishing]. It is poetry+ self help + inspirational all wrapped up in one. Such a good read and reminder for every woman to be confident, stay empowered and love thyself always and in all ways! Even though it was written from a man's perspective, you can tell that the author recieved insight from women in his life. This book is written in a raw and honest way but also celebrates the beauty and strength in all women.

[Laura Moresi · Rating 4 out of 5]

se avete intenzione di leggere un unico libro quest'anno (pazzi!) allora dovrebbe essere questo. Lo consiglio anche come regalo per le amiche. Tocca il cuore, è schietto e incoraggiante quasi fino a commuoverti. Non so se ci sia in italiano, ma è scritto comunque in un inglese semplice quindi comprensibile ai più.
Non ho dato le 5 stelle solo perché c'erano diversi errori di grammatica e ortografia.

[Neerja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents with a good piece of advice to all the women out there. The author discussed all aspects of life of a woman that she has to go through and all the problems she has to face. He advices them on how to be and how to act on certain situations and encourages to be strong. I loved the way the author has portrayed women with his words of encouragement, love and support. I would recommend this book to every single woman.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dear Woman,
Sometimes you’ll just be too much woman.
Too smart,
Too beautiful,
Too strong.
Too much of something that makes a man feel like less of a man,
Which will make you feel like you have to be less of a woman.
The biggest mistake you can make
Is removing jewels from your crown
To make it easier for a man to carry.
When this happens, I need you to understand
You do not need a smaller crown—
You need a man with bigger hands.”
― Michael Reid

[Damaris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I desperately wanted to love this book of poetry by Michael Reid. The idea behind it is great: A collection of short stories, letters, quotes and poems by the author. And the theme was certainly one that any woman could identify with: Finding your worth beyond relationships and circumstances.

But the poems read flat and generic, and while I did love one or two of the pieces, the rest did come off to me as cliche.

Mike's written a few more books, so maybe I'll give him one final chance. I do have a soft spot for poetry....

[chels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I debated whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars - because some parts of this book were wonderful and exactly what I needed to hear. But at the same time, the fact this was all coming from a man felt off-putting to me. I could’ve, however, gotten past that but the most glaring aspect that irked me was the fact this book was so painfully heteronormative. I much preferred the passages that didn’t specifically say “man” or “him” (though they were few and far between).

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!! I'm speechless.

This book made me think about about things in my life that I thought I was over. Things I thought were okay. It being up questions I have asked myself for a while (who is a woman's ride or die?)

[Francheska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be given to all of the female species on the planet. I devoured this book but still can’t get enough. It had the right amount of poetry to feel your pain and lessons to feel inspired. Looking forward to more of your work.

[Tori McCollum]

Eye opening

This book is for every woman. From the lost, to the ones in the progress of growth, to the women who have found themselves. This book gives ever reminder and uplifting phrase to remind US woman just how amazing we are. Worth the read...and on repeat.

[Bookywitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to stop on every page to observe and think.
The reading makes you stop and think about your past love, heartbreaks, sacrifices, moving on, staying in a relationship that is long dead.
It's a great hope for women all around the world who are struggling with themselves or need some push.

[Izzie Cesarone · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not like this book. The poetry piece was decent but the actual writing was horrible. The author in my opinion, had some pretty sexist views and lots of opinions on women’s sex life. It was not relatable at all

[Maui Rochell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book about women empowerment ever. I can re-read this!

[Althea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing, positive, and uplifting book! Had it not been for the consistent grammatical errors throughout the book, it would have been a 5-star rating.

[Achieng Odhiambo]

Dear Woman
Greatness awaits!

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a beautiful book, but it spoke to much about how to be a perfect woman for a man.

[Reading For Sanity · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this review and others at https://www.readingforsanity.com/2022...

[Iva Nesheva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good messages. Probably will be very useful to some young girl, who hasn't yet realised that women are the moving power of the world. For me, it has good thoughts, but is a little bit light.