Wise Words for Women

by Donna Lancaster

Donna is a popular guest on radio broadcast and podcasts including Chris Evans Virgin Radio, and pods Postcards from Midlife and Ctrl Alt Delete.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2023

Reviews

[Heather Coffee_Kindle]

Such a wonderful book full of wisdom and inspiration.
I love that you can randomly pick a page and read as and when you want, you don't have to read it from start to finish, it can be quite random. I keep it on my coffee table & pick it up and read bits each day.

[Jana]

„Sei ganz du“ ist ein eine Erinnerung, ein Wegweiser, ein Stups und eine Umarmung.
Neben dem richtig praktischen softcover Format (im a sucker for cute little books) beschreibt es auch richtig schön im Rahmen des „Ältesten“ Prinzips das Leben als eine Reise, die wir mittlerweile in unserer Zeit selten teilen. Mich hat besonders das Vorwort berührt, dass früher Geschichten, Erfahrungen und Rat gemeinsam um ein Lagerfeuer versammelt geteilt wurde. Man hat sich ausgetauscht und das Leben gemeinsam bestritten. Heute ist alles schnelllebig, hochfordernd und besonders: isolierend. Die Gesellschaft will uns zum Erfolg treiben, wobei wir die ehrlichen und persönlichen und kleinen Erfolge oft übersehen, weil sie von uns oder anderen nicht anerkannt werden. Es war schön, von einer „Ältesten“ durch die Kapitel geführt zu werden, Wohlwollen und Wärme zu lesen, auch zwischen den Zeilen.
Und was mir besonders gut gefallen hat: Dieses Buch beschönigt nichts. Die Schattenseiten unserer Psyche, die Abgründe, die Teil der Erfahrung sind, werden thematisiert und manchmal sogar etwas in der Wunde gestochert. Aber das hat das Ganze nochmal authentischer gemacht.
Eine Empfehlung an diejenigen, die sich oder anderen sagen wollen: Ich bin da und höre deiner Geschichte zu. Denn sie ist es immer wert, gehört zu werden.

[The Dreamy Library]

Honestly I don't know how to rate this book. It's a love hate relationship, I hate this book but this book helped me in a way I couldn't imagine before.

[Sinniati]

I had high hopes for Wise Words for Women, expecting empowering messages and meaningful reflections. Unfortunately, the book leans more toward personal anecdotes that often feel shallow and underdeveloped. While some stories might resonate with certain readers, many of the passages lack clarity and depth, making it hard to extract any lasting wisdom or impactful message.

Additionally, several parts feel disjointed and irrelevant, almost as if the author was trying to include as many experiences as possible without weaving them into a cohesive narrative. There’s a noticeable absence of structure or flow between passages, which weakens the overall reading experience.

In short, while the intention behind the book is admirable, the execution falls short. I wish it had offered more insightful, grounded, and empowering reflections rather than surface-level storytelling.

[Наталья Черных]

Amazing book. It includes short essays conсerning different stages and periods of life. Honestly saying i cried every time while reading it. As they say right books come at right moments. Looking forward to read another book of Donna Lancaster.

[Mattie]

I expected a book of proverbs, poems and motivational stories full of humanity, femininity and hope.

But this collection is so reliant on the author's own experiences of trauma, her spirituality and beliefs in the power of nature and rebirth that none of it was relevant or enjoyable to me.

[Gem]

this book was a thoughtful gift that I really appreciated. So much so I bought another fried a copy for a gift. this book feels light a right to passage of sorts, its got the good stuff in here ladies! very uplifting and helpful read.

[Kim Day]

It's fine. Some pages were great, some were fine, some just didn't hit for me. The format is a bunch of personal anecdotes and snippets, so it is super easy to pick up for a few pages hear and there or fly through.

[Emilie Reads]

So much insight and wisdom. If you feel lost and need someone to guide you back to your path this book is for you.

[Florence Orchard]

Some good advice but didn’t have a clear overarching point so it’s quite bitty - works as a pick up and put down kind of thing

[Aimée Bell]

A lovely book of thoughtful quotes!

[Mahi Ismail]

Very relatable for every woman of every age and life phase. It was my daily dose of hug in paper form.

[Natalie Cherry]

Love love love

[Emily Rebekah]

Enjoyed this. Nothing revolutionary but some heavy reminders.

[Alberte]

1.5⭐️ Not my cup of tea, very spiritual and abstract.

[Millyona]

It’s collection of short pieces of the author’s experience, the book will inspire you and soothing for sure. It’s not just an advice book, it’s more offering another perspective from someone who might be a few steps further in life.
Donna Lancaster summarizes her thoughts in topics such as Family conflict, Healing steps, Relationship, Gratitude, and Wisdom.
What I like about this book is that,
you can start any page you want any topic that you feel like it.
I also love how the author plays with language in this book.
You don’t have to read it in order because any topic will suite you.

For me, reading this book making me feel like an old wise lady more like a mother figure but not birth-mother trying to talk me down in any topics.
That’s how Impactful the book is.
You could run back to this book anytime. (9,5 / 10)

[Eva Malone]

Loved it

[Ivy]

I fear most of this is common sense. Yes, always a good reminder to be your own biggest supporter and be grateful. Often times words are easier said than done.

The author seems rooted in deep trauma, motherhood, and spirituality. All good, but I’m personally am not on that path. Sure, we can learn the same things from different experiences, but I just can’t relate.

[Yoana]

I agree with Emma Watson - "word medicine"!