Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment
Act Like a Lady Think Like a Man What Men Really Think About Love Relationships Intimacy and Commitment
Author: Steve Harvey
ISBN-13: 9780061728976
ISBN-10: 0061728977
Publication Date: 2/1/2009
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 126

3.4 stars, based on 126 ratings
Publisher: Amistad
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

13 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Boy am I glad this book does not speak on behalf of all men. I do think Steve Harvey is funny and if this book were a stand-up comedy routine, then ok, it was entertaining. But since the cover claims he is always truthful, let me dive right in on why I didnt like it.

First of all, Steve suggests so many ways women need to take a step back to let the man feel important, appreciated, and looked up to. Ok, I get that men need to feel needed. I understand there comes a sense of being and pride that comes from having a secure job and providing for your family; these things make sense. But what I dont agree with is being told to be a weakling and not do things I am perfectly capable of in order to let the man have his pride. And there is a difference between romantic (the man opening the door for us when obviously we can get it) and silly (waiting for the man to go to Home Depot to get the tools even though we know what we need). Why does a women need to be completely helpless and NOT do things so the man can feel needed? The security should come from within(hmmm, maybe read Beth Moores book So Long Insecurity??)

Secondly, Steve Harvey tells women we have a good month or so of not giving a man the cookie (you know what he means) before he will find it somewhere else. Really?? A month? He does take a disclaimer by saying after youve had a baby, men understand there will be a 6 week recovery period. Well, gee, thank you for understanding. I find it offensive to suggest that if women dont provide that need, a man will go somewhere else. And I felt like throughout the book, Steve made it sound like if your man ended up doing that, you had no one to blame but yourself. Later, hed say he doesnt promote cheating, but the argument was not convincing at all.

Third of all, WHAT THE HECK is all this talk about meeting the kids? I am going to tread lightly here because there are a lot of single parents in the world raising children because the father (or in some cases, the mother) was of no help or support and they are better without them. And in a perfect world, every child would be raised by two parents that loved and supported them deeply. Obviously, we see more and more single parents trying to do their best. But Steve argues instead of waiting to see if you are serious about someone before introducing them to your children, you need to bring them around sooner because if they dont get along with the kids, its going to be a problem. I tend to disagree with this. Children do not need to get attached to every person their parent dates. Talk about confusion.

And its disappointing to read about the baby mama drama as if everyone out there is a single parent trying to find their mate. There was way too much talk about the children (for either a man or a woman) and maybe Steve is part of a blended family. But I gotta say, as harsh as it may be, by using some of the suggestions in this book, the pattern will probably be repeated.

Im left to question the motives of a man who is ok with his wife giving up things she loves (ex: scuba diving) because he doesnt like it and feels he cant protect her when she risks her life. Its a shame that he doesnt see whats wrong with that picture. So HE can feel like man, his wife gives up what SHE enjoys and is even CERTIFIED in! Unreal

Ladies, do NOT stop being strong and independent women. You can need your man and make him feel that way without pretending to be a weakling you are not, which in a twisted way is what I think Mr. Harvey defines as a lady. And if your man wanders to another woman, Id argue hes got other problems that dont involve you. If he was in a committed relationship, he wouldnt need to cheat.

Nobody is a relationship expert, and we all learn with each one. And sure, I may be more on the old fashioned side with some of my beliefs. But I definitely disagreed with a lot of ideas Steve Harvey writes about in this book. I would not recommend it for anyone, except maybe the serial daters. Its good to have standards and put value on yourself and if you dont already know that, this book could sober you up a bit.

Either way, I do not believe this is a groundbreaking relationship book. I dont even think a lot of it is good advice. I was disappointed, at best.
jenn97 avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a really great book. Steve Harvey gives some really useful information about men.
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on
Helpful Score: 1
Good book. I already do most things he mentions, but yet a nice read.
sharonc9630 avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 63 more book reviews
Well I really enjoyed this book. But of course you can not take it seriously.
Steve's point of view is strictly that-his point of view. His thoughts on love, relationships, intimacy and commitment were humorous and made me laugh out loud.
I can't agree with his views on everything, but he did offer a few gems of wisdom.
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on
I like Steve Harvey, and while much of what he says in this book may be true, the book centers around very antiquated ideas that can keep women weak if they don't read in-between the lines. Mr. Harvey believes women should rely on men, which is a really nice idea, but isn't practical. While it is nice to have a man around to do "manly" things, women need to remember that men may not be around to rescue them when a crisis arises. Women need to remember to work on themselves before they can feel safe relying on men. This way, women know they are capable humans and men get to feel like they are men.

Also, I was appalled that Mr. Harvey didn't cover the topic of having babies with uncommitted men. He spends plenty of time dealing with the fact that many many women have babies with men that don't stick around, but doesn't seem to discourage this behavior.

The book is also a bit preachy about religion, but is easily overlooked.

I really liked that Mr. Harvey encourages women to expect men to be men, not boys.

I was hoping to like this book more, but overall, it didn't offer anything new.
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 46 more book reviews
This books should be a must read for everyone!
osupoke avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 9 more book reviews
Some good information.
melissa420 avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on
Steve Harvey is a comedian, not a relationship expert. Very funny in the movie - real life, I hope women are not following this as a relationship book.
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 38 more book reviews
Amazing book!!!

And this is coming from a strong, independent woman!
If you feel he's telling you not to be strong and independent, then you don't understand what he's saying.

The truth isn't always pretty or nice, but it's the truth that frees you, makes life easier. I didn't like hearing all he had to say, and sometimes his advice rubbed me the wrong way, at first....but after taking an objective look at it, I not only understood, but agreed.

And I now feel I understand my man a helluva lot better now, and as such, we have a better relationship!!! His advice really really works!!!

Love this man!!

And his humor is great! A must read, and a keeper!!
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 4 more book reviews
Very good book. A must read for any lady/girl in the dating scene. Steve gives up the guy secrets that they don't want you to know.
rahiemb avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 10 more book reviews
I went to the movies to see this, and afterward, I was inspired to read the book. I did read and learned a lot about myself and my characteristics in this book. No it's not a complete science book, but Steve Harvey helped me to explain some of my ways. For instance, I often wonder why I am always looking to help and lend my advise to people (not just in relationships). It is innate for a man to genuinely care about other peoples security. Steve Harvey suggested that, it was taught to me as a boy to be that way. I agreed as I used to be responsible for walking home from elementary school at eight with my little sister who was five, and I had a key to the house and had to stay home alone for about an hour until my mom arrived. I was very responsible and cared for my sister. I am concerned about people being accountable and this book just put these things into perspective as it relates to why I am so strict and demanding. I learned why I am frustrated with people that aren't productive or lazy or takes shortcuts, and people do this when choosing mates by way of settling.

In short, this was just a great book that helped me decide if a mate or business partner is worthy of dealing with them. For men, it's a reverse play book that taught, if a woman is not requiring anything of you, perhaps she doesn't require anything for herself, and you may wanna pass on her.
skyqueen avatar reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 14 more book reviews
I think he's got it down for the way men think and his delivery is great!
reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment on + 46 more book reviews
Great book highly recommend to everyone dating or thinking of dating or married.
I have recommend this book to friends and family and given it to the young women in my life so they will not make the mistakes I made growing up.