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Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild
Inundated by popular culture, many women have lost their bearings and no longer trust the internal compass that intuitively affirms those things that are good, true, and noble about womanhood. And as Jesus' favorite and most powerful teaching tactic was the parable, it is appropriate that Mary Kassian walks the reader through the compelling tale of the wild versus wise woman found in Proverbs 7. By using 20 points of contrast, the reader will be able to discern the difference between wild and wise. Is she living as a wise, biblically savy woman' Or has she bought into the one our culture holds as ideal: the wild woman'Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild will captivate, convict, and challenge women to become decreasingly wild and increasingly wise. Includes questions for personal reflection at the end of each chapter.
264 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2010
157 people are currently reading
1595 people want to read
About the author
Mary A. Kassian
33 books93 followersMary Kassian is an award winning author, popular speaker, and a distinguished professor of women’s studies at Southern Baptist Seminary. She has published several books, Bible studies and videos, including: Girls Gone Wise, In My Father’s House: Finding Your Heart’s True Home, Conversation Peace, Vertically Inclined, and the Feminist Mistake.
Mary graduated from the faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of Alberta, Canada and has studied systematic theology at the doctoral level. She has taught courses at seminaries across North America She is a popular conference speaker and has ministered to women’s groups internationally. Mary has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Marriage Uncensored.
Mary was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada. She and her husband, Brent, have three adult sons and one daughter-in-law. Mary has mastered the art of cheering after spending countless hours in rinks, arenas, and gyms: her husband is chaplain for a professional football team, her two older sons play ice hockey, and her youngest, volleyball. The Kassians enjoy biking, hiking, snorkeling (when they can find some warm water!), music, board games, mountains, campfires, and their family pets: Miss Kitty and black lab, General Beau.
Mary graduated from the faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of Alberta, Canada and has studied systematic theology at the doctoral level. She has taught courses at seminaries across North America She is a popular conference speaker and has ministered to women’s groups internationally. Mary has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Marriage Uncensored.
Mary was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada. She and her husband, Brent, have three adult sons and one daughter-in-law. Mary has mastered the art of cheering after spending countless hours in rinks, arenas, and gyms: her husband is chaplain for a professional football team, her two older sons play ice hockey, and her youngest, volleyball. The Kassians enjoy biking, hiking, snorkeling (when they can find some warm water!), music, board games, mountains, campfires, and their family pets: Miss Kitty and black lab, General Beau.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 8, 2015
Look, there's nothing wrong with contrasting Proverbs 7 and Proverbs 31. But don't turn it into a parade of judgement, condemnation, and blaming women for mistakes that are equally the man's (specifically in regard to sexual sin).
I'm sure Kassian is a great mom and a nice person, but even in just the introduction she comes off as shaming women who wear makeup and like to keep up their appearance. She also shames people who stumble in their Christian walk. She puts all the responsibility for staying "pure" on the women/girls in relationships and none on the men. This is not what girls need to be reading to teach them to be Christlike. This is teaching girls to judge their peers and their elders, to blame themselves when boys push them for more, and to aspire to a standard that a lot of women and girls, myself included, don't find at all appealing--marriage and motherhood.
Paul says when he talks about marriage that while it's better to marry than to burn with passion, marriage (and relationships in general) are NOT to be our primary focus. Our focus is to be on God and on serving him the best we can as we are right now. He also says that marriage is not to be entered into lightly, and that sometimes it is better to remain single.
We need to stop teaching girls that the ultimate end they can achieve is to get married and have children. As Christians, our ultimate end is to lead a Christlike and God-pleasing life, bringing Glory to God by our words and deeds. The boys get taught that. Why should girls be different?
I'm sure Kassian is a great mom and a nice person, but even in just the introduction she comes off as shaming women who wear makeup and like to keep up their appearance. She also shames people who stumble in their Christian walk. She puts all the responsibility for staying "pure" on the women/girls in relationships and none on the men. This is not what girls need to be reading to teach them to be Christlike. This is teaching girls to judge their peers and their elders, to blame themselves when boys push them for more, and to aspire to a standard that a lot of women and girls, myself included, don't find at all appealing--marriage and motherhood.
Paul says when he talks about marriage that while it's better to marry than to burn with passion, marriage (and relationships in general) are NOT to be our primary focus. Our focus is to be on God and on serving him the best we can as we are right now. He also says that marriage is not to be entered into lightly, and that sometimes it is better to remain single.
We need to stop teaching girls that the ultimate end they can achieve is to get married and have children. As Christians, our ultimate end is to lead a Christlike and God-pleasing life, bringing Glory to God by our words and deeds. The boys get taught that. Why should girls be different?
March 14, 2021
*inhales calmly*
This book was a nightmare to read.
My mom picked it out for my sister and I to use as curriculum for my sister's homeschooling. It had good reviews from known Christian authors and seemed promising. However it was not a good book and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I should say right now that *most* of what Mary Kassian wrote was biblically accurate. The problem was that she allowed a lot of her personal preferences to come between her message and tended to come off as condescending and judgmental.
Kassian is a mother of two grown boys and I don't know about you, but it rubs me the wrong way when a woman who has never raised girls tries to tell girls how to act, dress, talk, etc. Many of her statements veered off from biblical ideals and into how poor her boys suffered at the hands of willful teenage girls and about how scary it is having boys in this world. I think every woman I know would agree that it's a lot scarier being a woman in this world.
In the chapter about boundaries, we learn of a woman who met a man at a coffee shop. After hanging out for two weeks, he invited her to go to a party at a club. At that said party, he raped her. Kassian makes the point that she does not blame the woman for what happened but (and a big but) if this woman had kept up her boundaries, there was a better chance of this not happening. In my opinion, it is never the victims fault for being raped, ever. No amount of avoidance of clubs or bars is going to stop you from getting raped, if that were true children would not get raped. The fact the Kassian even slightly implied that the incident was the victim's fault seems wrong and in support of rape culture.
In chapter 9, Kassian makes a lot of great points about roles in a relationship and how we need to let men take the reigns. She then veers into a story about a dominating and "pushy" woman who created a lazy and deadweight husband. Rather than having the blame lie on the husband and his poor choices and actions, Kassian blames his wife for how he turned out. I do think that it's probably a mix of influences and actions on both parts but the bottom line is that a husband can make his own decisions and it's not his wife's fault if he's "lazy".
Kassian's writing style would make a fantastic fiction novel but wading through lists of adjectives and synonyms to get to the point of the message was awful. Ironically, in the chapter about women talking too much, she describes flattery as, quote: "apple-polishing, boot-licking, back-scratching, soft-soaping, currying favor, toadying, candy-talking, buttering up, kissing up, or managing up" and this is the second time that she lists off ten synonyms for one word in this chapter.
I mentioned before that Kassian allows her personal feelings to interrupt her message and chapter 11 drives that home. According to her, the times between midnight and three are the most sin-inducing times and that "nothing good happens after midnight". Thankfully her editor made the point that some people are night owls and that not every one is up to no good in those hours. Kassian still continues on with boundary ideas for women and draws conclusions from the Bible that there is a strong connection between sin and that time of night.
This book also comes off as very hypocritical. Mary Kassian is a woman who obviously enjoys dressing up, wearing makeup, and looking nice. However some of her teachings in this book made it appear that women who wear makeup and nice clothes are sinners who need to repent. Chapter 5 really comes after extroverts and those who enjoy leaving the house and being "out and about". I understand that this was not the point she was going for but it was how it came across.
Mary Kassian gives full warning that many people wouldn't like her book and I guess I am one of them. If you're going to read it, you'll need to have a strong knowledge of the Bible to wade through her opinions and sort out the facts.
1/5 stars
This book was a nightmare to read.
My mom picked it out for my sister and I to use as curriculum for my sister's homeschooling. It had good reviews from known Christian authors and seemed promising. However it was not a good book and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I should say right now that *most* of what Mary Kassian wrote was biblically accurate. The problem was that she allowed a lot of her personal preferences to come between her message and tended to come off as condescending and judgmental.
Kassian is a mother of two grown boys and I don't know about you, but it rubs me the wrong way when a woman who has never raised girls tries to tell girls how to act, dress, talk, etc. Many of her statements veered off from biblical ideals and into how poor her boys suffered at the hands of willful teenage girls and about how scary it is having boys in this world. I think every woman I know would agree that it's a lot scarier being a woman in this world.
In the chapter about boundaries, we learn of a woman who met a man at a coffee shop. After hanging out for two weeks, he invited her to go to a party at a club. At that said party, he raped her. Kassian makes the point that she does not blame the woman for what happened but (and a big but) if this woman had kept up her boundaries, there was a better chance of this not happening. In my opinion, it is never the victims fault for being raped, ever. No amount of avoidance of clubs or bars is going to stop you from getting raped, if that were true children would not get raped. The fact the Kassian even slightly implied that the incident was the victim's fault seems wrong and in support of rape culture.
In chapter 9, Kassian makes a lot of great points about roles in a relationship and how we need to let men take the reigns. She then veers into a story about a dominating and "pushy" woman who created a lazy and deadweight husband. Rather than having the blame lie on the husband and his poor choices and actions, Kassian blames his wife for how he turned out. I do think that it's probably a mix of influences and actions on both parts but the bottom line is that a husband can make his own decisions and it's not his wife's fault if he's "lazy".
Kassian's writing style would make a fantastic fiction novel but wading through lists of adjectives and synonyms to get to the point of the message was awful. Ironically, in the chapter about women talking too much, she describes flattery as, quote: "apple-polishing, boot-licking, back-scratching, soft-soaping, currying favor, toadying, candy-talking, buttering up, kissing up, or managing up" and this is the second time that she lists off ten synonyms for one word in this chapter.
I mentioned before that Kassian allows her personal feelings to interrupt her message and chapter 11 drives that home. According to her, the times between midnight and three are the most sin-inducing times and that "nothing good happens after midnight". Thankfully her editor made the point that some people are night owls and that not every one is up to no good in those hours. Kassian still continues on with boundary ideas for women and draws conclusions from the Bible that there is a strong connection between sin and that time of night.
This book also comes off as very hypocritical. Mary Kassian is a woman who obviously enjoys dressing up, wearing makeup, and looking nice. However some of her teachings in this book made it appear that women who wear makeup and nice clothes are sinners who need to repent. Chapter 5 really comes after extroverts and those who enjoy leaving the house and being "out and about". I understand that this was not the point she was going for but it was how it came across.
Mary Kassian gives full warning that many people wouldn't like her book and I guess I am one of them. If you're going to read it, you'll need to have a strong knowledge of the Bible to wade through her opinions and sort out the facts.
1/5 stars
May 10, 2010
Girls Gone Wise by Mary A. Kassian is a powerful indictment of the modern woman. Kassian compares the foolish woman and wise woman of Proverbs and contrasts them both to the modern woman. She doesn't pull any punches, and readers will feel deeply convicted. I know as I started reading the book, I initially had a long list of people I wanted to give a copy to, but as I progressed further, I realized that it was me who needed these words of wisdom. Kassian castigates the popular idea of serial monogamy and uses Scripture to support her attack on a lifestyle that God certainly doesn't condone. That's not the only life choice that's under attack, flirting, selfishness, gender role confusion are all discussed. Kassian's words will not earn her the title of Most Popular, but they are true words that must be spoken in a world that continually turns away from God and biblical living. I found myself convicted again and again by my own selfishness. This is not an easy book to read, but I highly recommend it to every woman who wants to strengthen her relationship with God and live a more fulfilling life.
August 28, 2024
El libro ha sido bueno de principio a fin. El problema es que no es para mi. No quiero pecar de presuntuosa o jactarme de nada, por eso es que me tardé más de lo esperado en terminar de leerlo... Pero es que, yo todo esto ya lo sabía.
Todo lo referido a la conducta, al pudor, a los modales y la forma de conducirse de una mujer, lo que realmente importa espiritual y moralmente, esto siento yo que es de lógica. Estos son mis principios, y no precisamente porque me los hayan inculcado sino por mero sentido común... No voy a ahondar en ello porque de verdad que es de conocimiento público. Que el mundo hoy en día busque desesperadamente "liberarse" del pudor, es muy cosa aparte, sinceramente.
Aún así, a pesar de todo, veo a mi alrededor y sé que no es de dominio público esto, me refiero a que nadie parece saberlo, nadie parece sospechar que es esto lo correcto y está bien. Libre albedrío, después de todo, cada quien decide con qué veneno envenenarse. Las chicas que de verdad merecen esta información no la leerán, así de sencillo, porque esas chicas no leen.
No obstante, ha sido un contenido edificante, hubo cosas, pequeñas, pero significativas, que si capturaron mi atención por no saberlas. Y es por eso que le otorgo la cantidad de estrellas que le he dado. Pienso intentar que mi hermana menor lo lea aunque sea una vez en su vida, a ella puede ser que si le servirá.
Todo lo referido a la conducta, al pudor, a los modales y la forma de conducirse de una mujer, lo que realmente importa espiritual y moralmente, esto siento yo que es de lógica. Estos son mis principios, y no precisamente porque me los hayan inculcado sino por mero sentido común... No voy a ahondar en ello porque de verdad que es de conocimiento público. Que el mundo hoy en día busque desesperadamente "liberarse" del pudor, es muy cosa aparte, sinceramente.
Aún así, a pesar de todo, veo a mi alrededor y sé que no es de dominio público esto, me refiero a que nadie parece saberlo, nadie parece sospechar que es esto lo correcto y está bien. Libre albedrío, después de todo, cada quien decide con qué veneno envenenarse. Las chicas que de verdad merecen esta información no la leerán, así de sencillo, porque esas chicas no leen.
No obstante, ha sido un contenido edificante, hubo cosas, pequeñas, pero significativas, que si capturaron mi atención por no saberlas. Y es por eso que le otorgo la cantidad de estrellas que le he dado. Pienso intentar que mi hermana menor lo lea aunque sea una vez en su vida, a ella puede ser que si le servirá.
June 4, 2010
One of my habits is to listen to the radio in the morning while I am getting ready. My radio is a rather old, battery operated little thing that I keep expecting to just conk out. It is rather temperamental. Sometimes--for a day or a week--it will only pick up one channel.
Sometimes it is NPR. True confession time--I do enjoy listening to some of NPR's programs, however, early morning is not the time for me to listen to NPR. I usually end up starting my day really agitated!
Sometimes the channel of the day is the local Moody Broadcasting station. Again, there are some things on there that I really enjoy. (Southern Gospel music is generally not among those programs!)
Anyway...
For a week or more I was listening to Moody and kept hearing about a book, Girls Gone Wise in A World Gone Wild by Mary Kassian. I was intrigued by the bits I was hearing and decided to see if I could get a copy sent from the publisher to review.
Moody Publishers were very kind and sent me a copy. I just finished reading it. It is an easy read in that the chapters are not long but is definitely not a quick read. There is much to be pondered and digested.
The author looks at 20 points of comparison between a Girl Gone Wild (much of that is taken from Proverbs 7) and a Girl Gone Wise (some taken from Proverbs and some from other places in scripture). She also does an excellent job of tying in "modern day" examples with each of the points.
I have to tell you honestly that I got this book with an eye toward guiding Gracen through the pre-teen and teen years in a culture that I don't even understand half the time! Reading through this book gave me many points to think through in my own life. It is definitely not just for the younger crowd.
The sections on appearance, sexual conduct, and hedges were among the best I thought. In the section on hedges, there are lists of ideas of hedges that a woman (both for singles and married women) may want to think about putting in her life. These were not given in a legalistic, this is what "good" Christian girls do but simply as thinking points.
Overall, the book was clear, well-written, and Biblically sound. I think this may be one I refer to in the next few years!
Thanks to Moody Publishers for sending a copy!
Sometimes it is NPR. True confession time--I do enjoy listening to some of NPR's programs, however, early morning is not the time for me to listen to NPR. I usually end up starting my day really agitated!
Sometimes the channel of the day is the local Moody Broadcasting station. Again, there are some things on there that I really enjoy. (Southern Gospel music is generally not among those programs!)
Anyway...
For a week or more I was listening to Moody and kept hearing about a book, Girls Gone Wise in A World Gone Wild by Mary Kassian. I was intrigued by the bits I was hearing and decided to see if I could get a copy sent from the publisher to review.
Moody Publishers were very kind and sent me a copy. I just finished reading it. It is an easy read in that the chapters are not long but is definitely not a quick read. There is much to be pondered and digested.
The author looks at 20 points of comparison between a Girl Gone Wild (much of that is taken from Proverbs 7) and a Girl Gone Wise (some taken from Proverbs and some from other places in scripture). She also does an excellent job of tying in "modern day" examples with each of the points.
I have to tell you honestly that I got this book with an eye toward guiding Gracen through the pre-teen and teen years in a culture that I don't even understand half the time! Reading through this book gave me many points to think through in my own life. It is definitely not just for the younger crowd.
The sections on appearance, sexual conduct, and hedges were among the best I thought. In the section on hedges, there are lists of ideas of hedges that a woman (both for singles and married women) may want to think about putting in her life. These were not given in a legalistic, this is what "good" Christian girls do but simply as thinking points.
Overall, the book was clear, well-written, and Biblically sound. I think this may be one I refer to in the next few years!
Thanks to Moody Publishers for sending a copy!
August 15, 2024
I heard about this book on Moody Radio. I really disliked this book. I found most of the points she tried to make contrived...and solely based on her opinion. I did not trust the author as a narrator or guide as I was constantly required to dissect and analyze every assertion made. Many points were not biblical even when she cited verses. When placed in context, she was stretching The Word much farther than it was intended to go. I was frequently reminded of the adage, "Any fool can make the Bible say anything they want." As I didn't trust her, it made the easy-read, much more difficult. I would not recommend this book for anyone...except maybe a married woman, and then not even with a strong recommendation.
May 13, 2011
Well thought out and presented. Kassian shows how the ancient book of Proverbs still addresses the moral dilemas faced by young (and older) women today. Not stuffy or preachey, she gives real life examples and scripture references to help young women to chose a healthy, godly lifestyle. There was so much to cover that I took a long time to read and digest.
Of course she wants you to buy the book, but the web-site is full of articles and resources for any woman who wants to live like a Girl Gone Wise, including download study guide and leader guide for group study.
This is a resource I will be turning to again and again.
Of course she wants you to buy the book, but the web-site is full of articles and resources for any woman who wants to live like a Girl Gone Wise, including download study guide and leader guide for group study.
This is a resource I will be turning to again and again.
December 27, 2012
It is very solid and biblically based on God’s Word, which Mary Kassian always does. She articulates very well her subjects and helps us understand how important is to take a look at our lives as women and make sure we are sending out the message we really want to the world. Which is being centered on the gospel, which is centered on Christ and then his call on our lives as his beloved women.
I would recommend this book for young girls 15 and over. This because of certain issues she brings up that our to sensitive or lacking in maturity to deal with before that age, according to my personal point of view.
Ann L Beaulieu
I would recommend this book for young girls 15 and over. This because of certain issues she brings up that our to sensitive or lacking in maturity to deal with before that age, according to my personal point of view.
Ann L Beaulieu
August 31, 2021
Muy muy buen libro. Creo que toda mujer que es sigue a Cristo necesita leer este libro. Probablemente si lo hubiera leído hace dos años me hubiera parecido radical y ridículo ya que no conocía o entendía lo que dice la Palabra de Dios. Está completamnete basado en la Biblia y el Espíritu Santo me confrontó muchas veces mientras leía el libro referente a mi comportamiento,etc. Creo que ayuda a destapar los ojos en muchas de las influencias o confusiones que cualquier persona puede llegar a tener en esta época respecto al hombre y la mujer.
Lo único que no me gustó fue la traducción, creo que algunas de las palabras o frases que se utilizaban son ofensivas.
Lo único que no me gustó fue la traducción, creo que algunas de las palabras o frases que se utilizaban son ofensivas.
March 9, 2024
This book was an amazing masterpiece!
Every woman, whether Christian or non-Christian, old or young, should read this book. It opened by eyes tremendously to my own faults and taught me how to resist the temptation to be a "Wild Girl."
Truly an amazing, solid book, by an incredibly wise woman.
Every woman, whether Christian or non-Christian, old or young, should read this book. It opened by eyes tremendously to my own faults and taught me how to resist the temptation to be a "Wild Girl."
Truly an amazing, solid book, by an incredibly wise woman.
July 6, 2013
I've really only flipped through this book. I was a little disappointed--was hoping for a more timeless aspirational message. E.g.: the title is tied to a specific cultural thingamabob and already sounds dated. And I've always found too much emphasis on clothes, makeup, and flirting frustrating: kind of like, "Look, I'm not really attractive, I'd just look stupid going around in lots of cleavage and flirting--plus I have no guy friends so it's not an issue anyway. Give me more of what to be than carping on what not to do."
Oh, and another thing. Sometimes Mrs. Kassian gets a bit Mother Bear--kind of like, "all these immodest girls attacking the purity of my sons!"
Oh, and another thing. Sometimes Mrs. Kassian gets a bit Mother Bear--kind of like, "all these immodest girls attacking the purity of my sons!"
July 10, 2012
This book was really good. There were times when I was confused and there were times when I felt like some of the chapters didn't apply to me....yet; I know that if I mess up or stray in my spiritual walk, I will eventually have an understanding of every topic this book has touched on. I definitely will be referring to this book in the future and visiting the book's website. I loved it! I especially loved all the little stories and personal touches the author added to make her statements more relatable and easy to understand.
God Bless!
God Bless!
March 5, 2021
Es un libro diferente y claro, es muy explícito, lo que me gusta de la autora es que es Directa no habla con rodeos, a veces el libro se volvía cansón al momento de llenar cosas obvias, peroooo me gustó mucho, al principio fue incómodo por las descripciones gráficas de las acciones de la chica salvaje (tengo 17 y nadie me había hablado sobre ese tema tan claro) sí, lo recomendaría pero a chicas más grandes, aunque no me arrepiento de haberlo leído, este libro fue un regalo y me gustó mucho!!.
August 23, 2012
Great book! Fathers and sons should read this book as a help in raising their little girls and finding the their potential spouse. Good reading for Moms and daughters too. Eye-opening and informative! Written for the layman,Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild is an easy read. But don't be fooled! It's not watered down, just straight forward.
November 21, 2011
This is a life changing book. It opened my eyes to my wild behavior I thought I had tamed and challenged me to cross to the wise side. I encourage every woman to read this book and share it with her sisters in Christ so it's message reaches all generations.
January 18, 2012
Excellent book. Worth reading multiple times and giving to your daughters!
August 21, 2012
Great outlook on becoming a God-fearing lady in a world full of independent girls. Good book!
May 3, 2014
Book didn't really apply to me but the wisdom within has been resourceful in helping others.
January 21, 2019
I really needed to read this book and I am so grateful that it was given to me as a gift. It has changed my perspective about approaching things of this world, responding to others, and the way I should view young men and males in general. Kassian brings motherly (and biblical) counsel to her audience. While at times it felt like she was putting her momma bear suit on, it was necessary. How could one write a book contrasting the Girl Gone Wild from Proverbs 7 to that of a Girl Gone Wise in Proverbs 31 without reinforcing the importance of repentance and correction over and over again? I will definately be putting this on my to re-read list!
May 30, 2024
This book cleared up so much fog and corrected so much confusion. It put me on the road to faith. Every woman would benefit from this book!
September 7, 2024
Lots of good points and insights — not really anything new. I could see how parts of this could come across as legalistic; it’s hard to write a book on being different from the culture without doing that. However, the principles she discusses are good ones and worth reflecting on and applying. Having the right mindset is important and will affect your choices, which I think is what the author is driving at.
July 2, 2011
Kassian starts by showing how the "Girl-Gone-Wild" of today isn't very different from the Adulterous Woman of Proverbs 7. She then goes on to explore 20 points of contrast between her and the "Girl-Gone-Wise" based on the Proverbs 31 woman and other examples of wisdom Proverbs and Scripture. She emphasizes the point that the woman in Proverbs 7 was a religious woman, and the Girl-Gone-Wild could be in your youth group, on the praise team, or even you--because we all have a sin nature that leads us away from God's path.
I really appreciate that this book is not just for the teens-early 20s Christian girl waiting for a husband. Though I fit that description, I've read enough books that put me in that box. Kassian challenges all women--married or single, 17 or 75--to grow in wisdom and walk more closely to the way God designed us.
Kassian solidly bases her points in Scripture. Though I found a couple of instances of proof-texting (taking a verse out of context just to support your point), generally her interpretation and use of the Bible is sound. She's not basing her arguments merely on her own opinions on Christian (or secular) pop culture.
And it isn't fluffy. Kassian gives you a lot to chew on. For example, this book contains one of the best explanations of/arguments for modesty in dress that I have ever read. Kassian doesn't just reiterate the fact that "guys are visually stimulated" that every Christian girl has heard again and again. She goes back to the very reason we wear clothes in the first place. We wear clothes because God gave them to Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness and shame in their sin. He shed the blood of an animal to make them "presentable". Our clothes are a picture of how God still covers our sin with the shed blood of Christ. So our thinking about our clothing shouldn't be just "how low is too low?" but "is this glorifying to Christ who covers my sin and shame?"
No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, Kassian will challenge you to live more and more like a Girl-Gone-Wise.
I really appreciate that this book is not just for the teens-early 20s Christian girl waiting for a husband. Though I fit that description, I've read enough books that put me in that box. Kassian challenges all women--married or single, 17 or 75--to grow in wisdom and walk more closely to the way God designed us.
Kassian solidly bases her points in Scripture. Though I found a couple of instances of proof-texting (taking a verse out of context just to support your point), generally her interpretation and use of the Bible is sound. She's not basing her arguments merely on her own opinions on Christian (or secular) pop culture.
And it isn't fluffy. Kassian gives you a lot to chew on. For example, this book contains one of the best explanations of/arguments for modesty in dress that I have ever read. Kassian doesn't just reiterate the fact that "guys are visually stimulated" that every Christian girl has heard again and again. She goes back to the very reason we wear clothes in the first place. We wear clothes because God gave them to Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness and shame in their sin. He shed the blood of an animal to make them "presentable". Our clothes are a picture of how God still covers our sin with the shed blood of Christ. So our thinking about our clothing shouldn't be just "how low is too low?" but "is this glorifying to Christ who covers my sin and shame?"
No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, Kassian will challenge you to live more and more like a Girl-Gone-Wise.
April 27, 2014
Great study for women of all ages, single or married. Exegesis of the woman Solomon warns his son about in Proverbs 7. Takes 20 different aspects of this woman that are gleaned from this passage and compares/contrasts this "wild" woman's actions, attitudes, morals to a woman has a committed relationship with Christ and who uses scripture to understand how to conduct herself.
Examples of topics that focus on our relationships with men...could be as friends, boyfriends, husbands include:
- Body Language/Non-Verbal Behavior
- Boundaries: Setting appropriate hedges to protect purity, marriage, reputation
- Approach: Who directs her love story (whether single or already married)
Other topics:
- Heart: What holds first place in your heart/directs your thoughts/actions?
- Counsel: Who do you seek counsel from, discussion includes aspects of pop culture that influence us slowly over time without our realizing it
- Authenticity: Public vs Private Persona
Discusses gender roles, including complementarianism (God created men & women different and equal, he made them to complement one another). I like one of her comments, "A man's authority is unique to what it means to be a man. A woman's authority is unique to what it means to be a woman."
Does not directly speak to the topic of women working outside the home. The author makes it clear that the primary responsibility for provision for the family rests on the man's shoulders. In general, I agree but feel there are exceptions. Also the scripture she uses to make her case makes sense but seems a little shaky to me. In general, the book doesn't speak to all family situations so those are additional topics for discussion if desired.
Website girlsgonewise.com includes free leaders guide & weekly discussion questions.
Enjoyable to read, very convicting, pulls no punches with the truth. would like to do this study with my daughters when they are a little older.
Examples of topics that focus on our relationships with men...could be as friends, boyfriends, husbands include:
- Body Language/Non-Verbal Behavior
- Boundaries: Setting appropriate hedges to protect purity, marriage, reputation
- Approach: Who directs her love story (whether single or already married)
Other topics:
- Heart: What holds first place in your heart/directs your thoughts/actions?
- Counsel: Who do you seek counsel from, discussion includes aspects of pop culture that influence us slowly over time without our realizing it
- Authenticity: Public vs Private Persona
Discusses gender roles, including complementarianism (God created men & women different and equal, he made them to complement one another). I like one of her comments, "A man's authority is unique to what it means to be a man. A woman's authority is unique to what it means to be a woman."
Does not directly speak to the topic of women working outside the home. The author makes it clear that the primary responsibility for provision for the family rests on the man's shoulders. In general, I agree but feel there are exceptions. Also the scripture she uses to make her case makes sense but seems a little shaky to me. In general, the book doesn't speak to all family situations so those are additional topics for discussion if desired.
Website girlsgonewise.com includes free leaders guide & weekly discussion questions.
Enjoyable to read, very convicting, pulls no punches with the truth. would like to do this study with my daughters when they are a little older.
June 11, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Girls Gone Wise is the captivating comparison of a wise girl who has Christ at the center of her heart versus the wild girl of Proverbs 7. This easy-to-read, yet intensely thought-provoking book will have you mulling over life changing Biblical truth as you hold your life up to the light of Scripture.
Mary Kassian addresses the lives of women in the areas of their heart, boundaries, habits, attitudes, body language, speech, appearance, approach, and more. While this book appears to be for younger women, it is incredibly applicable for a woman of any age - 15 to 115. Each chapter deals with a specific area as listed above and clearly compares the worlds view with the plans that God has for His daughters.
I love how this book brings such deep meaning to a passage and opens it up in a whole new way. I appreciated Mary's direct approach with her writing and her commitment to saying the hard things that I am sure will hit home with every woman who reads this book. This should be the text book for all women on being a godly female in a world where we are constantly bombarded with the lies of the flesh.
This would make a perfect gift for any woman seeking to be a woman who glorifies God, but especially to a young woman just graduating high school as she takes the next step to being on her own.
Direct, fresh, real, and straight-shooting are a few of the words I would use to sum up this excellent resource for pursuing wisdom in a world gone wild.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishing.
Girls Gone Wise is the captivating comparison of a wise girl who has Christ at the center of her heart versus the wild girl of Proverbs 7. This easy-to-read, yet intensely thought-provoking book will have you mulling over life changing Biblical truth as you hold your life up to the light of Scripture.
Mary Kassian addresses the lives of women in the areas of their heart, boundaries, habits, attitudes, body language, speech, appearance, approach, and more. While this book appears to be for younger women, it is incredibly applicable for a woman of any age - 15 to 115. Each chapter deals with a specific area as listed above and clearly compares the worlds view with the plans that God has for His daughters.
I love how this book brings such deep meaning to a passage and opens it up in a whole new way. I appreciated Mary's direct approach with her writing and her commitment to saying the hard things that I am sure will hit home with every woman who reads this book. This should be the text book for all women on being a godly female in a world where we are constantly bombarded with the lies of the flesh.
This would make a perfect gift for any woman seeking to be a woman who glorifies God, but especially to a young woman just graduating high school as she takes the next step to being on her own.
Direct, fresh, real, and straight-shooting are a few of the words I would use to sum up this excellent resource for pursuing wisdom in a world gone wild.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishing.
June 12, 2010
Summary: Examining today's culture, Kassian challenges the prevailing notion of womanhood offering up a Biblical viewpoint and challenging the reader to bring herself more in line with God's Word.
Thoughts: I didn't know anything about this book when I was browsing Netgalley but I thought it could be interesting so I requested it and started reading it. It took me longer than I thought because a. I was reading it on my computer because I don't have an e-reader and b. I also did the interactive worksheets, which got me deeper into the text but also slowed me down (more on that later).
The guidepost for this book is Proverbs 7 which outlines the kind of women we should not aspire to be like. There are twenty points of contrast such as speech, clothing, and attitude where the "wild woman" is described in comparison to a "wise woman" using a mix of Biblical verses and modern examples.
The worksheets were very helpful (they can be downloaded at the website) and I received a lot from them. They challenged me in the areas where I lack and affirmed me in the areas where I've had success.
I thought Kassian was a bit harsh on the feminist movement and was also somewhat homophobic although that is not a large part. For me, those were outweighed by the interaction of the worksheets and the engaging writing style.
Overall: 4 out 5. I am thinking of recommending this to some of my friends who like to read.
Cover: I like the colors-unfortunately the version I read was all black and white so no pretty colors :-(
Thoughts: I didn't know anything about this book when I was browsing Netgalley but I thought it could be interesting so I requested it and started reading it. It took me longer than I thought because a. I was reading it on my computer because I don't have an e-reader and b. I also did the interactive worksheets, which got me deeper into the text but also slowed me down (more on that later).
The guidepost for this book is Proverbs 7 which outlines the kind of women we should not aspire to be like. There are twenty points of contrast such as speech, clothing, and attitude where the "wild woman" is described in comparison to a "wise woman" using a mix of Biblical verses and modern examples.
The worksheets were very helpful (they can be downloaded at the website) and I received a lot from them. They challenged me in the areas where I lack and affirmed me in the areas where I've had success.
I thought Kassian was a bit harsh on the feminist movement and was also somewhat homophobic although that is not a large part. For me, those were outweighed by the interaction of the worksheets and the engaging writing style.
Overall: 4 out 5. I am thinking of recommending this to some of my friends who like to read.
Cover: I like the colors-unfortunately the version I read was all black and white so no pretty colors :-(
May 16, 2014
It took me a while to finish Girls Gone Wise, not because it was a bad book, but there is so much information packed into this little paperback that it takes a while to digest. I started this book back in June when I was working at a Bible Camp for the summer. Then it went back to my bookshelf for a while in lieu of fiction reads. I'd gotten about halfway through the book, and I knew it was one I wanted to review, so I pulled it out again.
Girls Gone Wise is an insightful, convicting, and straightforward book. Mary isn't afraid to put it all out there and point out behaviors of a Girl Gone Wild. She also doesn't shy away from labeling these behaviors as destructive and sinful. To back up her claims, she uses Scripture and real life stories of girls and women of all ages who've “Gone Wild”, and the destruction that followed.
I liked the way Mary went about contrasting the attitudes, behaviors, and habits of a Girls Gone Wise vs. a Girl Gone Wild. Instead of simply telling the reader what was good and what was bad, she used illustrations and stories to show her point.
If you're looking for a convicting read, then I would highly recommend Girls Gone Wise. This book is for more than just the college girl, the newly wed, or the young unmarried single. This is a book that challenges the behavior of all women, young and old. It has the potential to change your life. I was convicted in areas that I had tendencies of a Girl Gone Wild.
Girls Gone Wise is an insightful, convicting, and straightforward book. Mary isn't afraid to put it all out there and point out behaviors of a Girl Gone Wild. She also doesn't shy away from labeling these behaviors as destructive and sinful. To back up her claims, she uses Scripture and real life stories of girls and women of all ages who've “Gone Wild”, and the destruction that followed.
I liked the way Mary went about contrasting the attitudes, behaviors, and habits of a Girls Gone Wise vs. a Girl Gone Wild. Instead of simply telling the reader what was good and what was bad, she used illustrations and stories to show her point.
If you're looking for a convicting read, then I would highly recommend Girls Gone Wise. This book is for more than just the college girl, the newly wed, or the young unmarried single. This is a book that challenges the behavior of all women, young and old. It has the potential to change your life. I was convicted in areas that I had tendencies of a Girl Gone Wild.
July 11, 2017
I borrowed this book from my church library. It's one that I heard about a few years ago, but the cover really put me off. BUT I wrote out 5 pages of quotes from this book!! Reading it encouraged me to press on in living my life to glorify God. It also challenged me in a few areas that I have become lax. I recommend this book to any lady who wants to know what it looks like to live a wise and biblical life in the midst of the variety of influences which come from without and within.
The only thing that I found was a bit too heavy handed was that, because this book was written to women, sometimes it seemed like the author put too heavy blame for sexual sin on women. I understood that she was explaining certain character traits contrasted in Scripture, but there were times that I thought that she should recognize that there is a lot of manipulation and oppression that can occur to make women act sexually brazen.
On the other hand, it was a challenging book for me to read because it exposed a few areas in my life where I need to grow and encouraged me to continue keeping God at the centre of my decisions and attitudes. One section where I felt like I learned something was where she explained the reason behind our need to wear clothing (it's not for other people's benefit or merely for modesty sake, but because wearing clothing reflects the covering of forgiveness that God has given us through Jesus Christ...Point of Contrast #7: Appearance).
The only thing that I found was a bit too heavy handed was that, because this book was written to women, sometimes it seemed like the author put too heavy blame for sexual sin on women. I understood that she was explaining certain character traits contrasted in Scripture, but there were times that I thought that she should recognize that there is a lot of manipulation and oppression that can occur to make women act sexually brazen.
On the other hand, it was a challenging book for me to read because it exposed a few areas in my life where I need to grow and encouraged me to continue keeping God at the centre of my decisions and attitudes. One section where I felt like I learned something was where she explained the reason behind our need to wear clothing (it's not for other people's benefit or merely for modesty sake, but because wearing clothing reflects the covering of forgiveness that God has given us through Jesus Christ...Point of Contrast #7: Appearance).
December 30, 2014
A must read for single christian ladies everywhere!!! I love love loved this book and keep copies of it on hand to give away to girls. My parents and my church gave me a fantastic biblical foundation for my life and I thought I had a lot of what I wanted and how I wanted to behave figured out. This book filled in gaps for me that I didn't even know I had! I had so many aha moments reading it. As a christian lady you want to interact with the young men so that you know you can maybe get married some day and you usually have some good boundaries in place. Don't be a flirt, be modest, don't get physical, guard your heart. All good advice and the book covers these but it goes so much deeper. Too often even my "church approved" interactions with boys made me feel uncomfortable and I didn't know why. The book helped me understand in specifics and practical advice how certain interactions were inappropriate (even if mildly so) and explained why I always felt uncomfortable in those situations. Probably the most important thing covered though is how to get your heart and your head in the right place as a single lady. Its such a tough thing to do but so important. This book was an invaluable tool for me to get my head screwed on straight as a teen.
May 1, 2014
Wow. This book is a must have for any Christian teen/woman. At first I wasn't so sure about reading it because I didn't really see myself as a "Wild Thing", but boy was I wrong! It's opened my eyes to see that every woman/girl has a bit of Wild Thing in her- and it isn't good. Thank God that a friend of mine gave me this book to read. She's blessed me more than she will ever know.
Warning: This is not a book for young girls to read by themselves because there is a lot of examples of heart-break and sin in order to drive home the importance of become a "Girl Gone Wise". There is one chapter in particular that made me really uncomfortable because it uses the word s$x multiple times in each paragraph while she's talking about God's plan for physical intimacy.
Warning: This is not a book for young girls to read by themselves because there is a lot of examples of heart-break and sin in order to drive home the importance of become a "Girl Gone Wise". There is one chapter in particular that made me really uncomfortable because it uses the word s$x multiple times in each paragraph while she's talking about God's plan for physical intimacy.
August 28, 2015
The author of this book takes Scriptures out of context as well as manipulates them to try and support her points. Nothing biblical about that. If Kassian had written this book as simply a compilation of her personal views on femininity based on her interpretation of Proverbs only, I would easier overlook it but she continually sites other Scriptures and either completely misquotes them or takes one singular verse out of its context and twists it to mean what she wants it to. Regardless of your view on men, women, roles, etc that is not okay and should not be overlooked just because you agree with her views she is promoting. I personally do not believe her views agree with how Jesus viewed women in the first place.
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