The Confident Woman

Megaselling author Meyer (Approval Addiction ; Battlefield of the Mind ) turns her pointed pen to building confidence in women. She defines confidence as "all about being positive about what you can do—and not worrying over what you can't do." She quickly moves into describing God's view of women ("God never intended for women to be less than men in anyone's estimation") and what the Bible says about women in ministry, offering her interpretation of the Apostle Paul's controversial comments in 1 Corinthians. Meyer's quick jabs become less defined as she describes the seven secrets of the confident woman; rattles on about the Proverbs 31 woman; lists 10 women who overcame barriers to become leaders; and then describes 10 steps to female independence. The last seven chapters focus on how women can eliminate fear from their lives. As usual, Meyer presents a relentlessly upbeat message to her legion of eager readers: be confident, here's how, get going. It's a vital message to be sure, but discerning readers might prefer fewer platitudes and examples, less repetition and a bit more depth.