Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius

by Lisa Cotter

Lisa Cotter sure did. Coming of age in a world that told her women should be like men, she often found herself confused and frustrated with the concept of femininity. That was until she encountered St. John Paul II's writings on the "feminine genius". In Reveal the Living the Feminine Genius , Lisa uncovers a transformational vision of a woman's purpose, meaning, and gifts, which might not be exactly what you expect. Learn from saints and other heroic women how

Genres: Faith, Catholic, Feminism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2022

Reviews

[Salem Hollst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of books (secular and Christian) about motherhood as I struggle to care for my own family. I bought this book after listening to an excellent talk by author Lisa Cotter. Reveal the Gift focuses on the meaning of the term “feminine genius” as discussed in St. John Paul II’s writings. To learn what it means to live the “feminine genius,” Cotter examines the lives of 9 saintly women (or groups of women).

Cotter’s book is excellent. Several years ago, I was given a book about Catholic saints intended to inspire moms, and I didn’t really enjoy or relate to the book. This book illustrates the lives of these saintly women, including Chiara Corbella Petrillo, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Julia Greeley. Each chapter describes the spiritual gifts of these women and discusses how we can reveal these gifts in our own lives. Cotter includes a good bibliography at the end of the book, and I am actually inspired to read more about these saintly women.

[Lucina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after hearing about it through a podcast led by Catholic psychologist Greg Bottaro. It’s written by a former FOCUS missionary and it goes through JPII’s teachings on unique femininity and the gifts it brings women. Taught me how to live out my femininity without feeling the need to conform to societal or even community (even Catholic community) expectations. Will definitely be looking into some of the books and advice Cotter gave throughout the book for further reflection.

[Janet C-B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very thought-provoking. It is also a great choice for a womens discussion group. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are helpful. Responses in my group of 12, ranged on a wide continuum which created an enriching experience.

[Cathy Q de V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I anticipated a cheesy book full of clichés. I also thought that I may not necessarily be the target audience as a traditional-leaning stay at home mom. This book was a pleasant surprise.

A simple reflection on the concept of the "feminine genius", Lisa helps us take a dive into 8 gifts which she identifies throughout St. John Paul II's works . Each gift is explored with a saint and a challenge. It is straightforward but, if you allow it, it will touch your heart profoundly. Lisa is faithful to the Magisterium to the Catholic church, drawing from the richness of the faith to paint a picture of authentic femininity much needed today. And yes, this book is applicable to women in any state of life. She did a good job of making gifts such as "sensitivity" or "receptivity" be more palatable to a more modern audience who may bristle at these words, while not compromising or cutting corners. I loved reading about some lesser known saints and historical women (especially the faithful Catholic women during the French Revolution!!!). I personally felt convicted in a number of areas and at the end of it all I felt more drawn towards devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

[Michael Shurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of the partnership of men and women.

While reading this book I looked back on the 59 years of my marriage and I began to see more clearly how we did those 59 years together. We did not get through that through the genius of one of us but both of us.
However, I give great credit to her genius for keeping it going. I have to thank her for her genius. She helped me work together more than I thought. It was a great partnership.

[Katie Karns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book, but I read it over the span of two months so sadly I remember little of it but I would read it again in the future.

[Liz Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I brought it along with me to adoration and like the book suggested, I read at the most one chapter a week to really focus on a gift a week. That was very helpful as it allowed me to see where these gifts come to play in my life, and where I may fall short. This book was not judgmental, did not try to tell women exactly as they are supposed to be. In fact it did the opposite which was a relief. It showcased through the lives of different saints and holy women how different people can live out the feminine genius in their own unique way as God intended. This book explains in a simple and hopeful way one of the main principles of JP II’s letter to women. It also has some insightful discussion questions as well and good challenges. Would recommend to any woman at any stage in their life. For context, I am a 26-year old single practicing Catholic, but I think it has insights for everyone.

[Stephanie Caffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for my Catholic Mom's Group

Wow. I'm only giving this book two stars for the stories of the saints.

I did not like this book, and found myself rolling my eyes a lot. I am Catholic and I am a Feminist, and apparently that does not make me "the ideal woman." This book felt condescending and it was soooo gendered it hurt. Using absolute language about how these traits are "only" possessed by women was ridiculous. The examples of how to live each feminine genius being literal martyrs was a lot too.

[Cheryl Hahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great exploration of female role models from St. Catherine of Siena to Servant of God Julia Greeley. It is a very basic interpretation of St. John Paul II’s writing about women and the role of women in society.

It is accessible and thoughtful and a good introduction to the feminine genius.

It introduced me to women I wasn’t familiar with and provided me with exercises to explore and experience my own feminine genius.

It also introduced me to Sr. Prudence Allen, whose encyclopedic Concept of Women was source material for this book. I have started reading her more academic history of womanhood and theology.

I am grateful for this little book and will likely read it over and over again as a devotional.

[Anna Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the BEST books I’ve ever read. Understanding the feminine genius on a deeper level and the connection to embracing being a woman in today’s world is such a refreshing read. Definitely going to be a book I reference and reread for the rest of my life. Loved the connections to saints and the options for furthered reading with resources. A beautiful book to embrace God’s purpose for women!!! Love love love

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author presents the idea and description of "the feminine genius" in an easy-to-read format and provides concrete examples through the lives of women throughout history. I love how she also provides discussion questions and challenges for each gift she writes about, as well as explaining how one could mismanage each gift and how to avoid doing so.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Did a "book club" with this book and Katie. It was good. It was nothing extraordinary or riveting but there some aspects that I will definitely keep in my mind for awhile. I enjoyed learning about different female saints and holy women! The discussion with Katie was the best part.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful topic for today's women to explore...great questions to ponder.

[Char Krepel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, i came away appreciating the distinct gifts that women have, and appreciate/value the differences between men and women.

[Clare Birkeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read now, and great re-read whenever its wisdom is needed.

[Anniepeaches · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with a group at church. It is well-researched.

[Marissa Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, a must read for any female especially if you are wanting to grow in your faith but also your life.

[Mary Borchers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been reading this book for a while, but it’s one I like to read in chapters! Really enjoyed the concept and was a nice faith-read :)

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this look at so many female saints and the feminine gifts. Inspiring.

[nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really nice introduction and “manual” on the Catholic perspective of feminine genius and explores 8 gifts that women have - self-giving, receptivity, maternity, sensitivity, intuition, generosity, fidelity, and strength. The gifts are tied to stories of female Saints and other women in church history to show how these gifts can be used living fully as women and celebrating the things we are naturally good at which ultimately, lifts up, protects, and saves humanity.

It’s written in a very easy to read format and set up nicely for group book discussions. It’s also easily accessible for teenagers which is really nice when thinking of our daughters and young women who could benefit from this so much as they enter adulthood.

It’s definitely an introduction to these topics, and since I want to go deeper and get more I will go to other suggested readings as well.