Cheryl (after reading this book, you'll feel like you're sitting in her kitchen, so we'll go with first-name basis) wrote this book for women, but a few men will find it valuable. Cheryl would suggest, however, that most men won't understand it because, you see, we're clueless. Yes, I'm a man. My wife gave me this book to read, suggesting that a book reviewer like me might find it interesting. Oh, boy.
To sum up Cheryl's philosophy, men are dolts. Well, she didn't use that particular word, but she employed a wide range of synonyms. We don't know how to be husbands, lovers, fathers, or any of those things. We have to be trained, led, managed by a capable woman. The capable part comes from knowing yourself-loving yourself-before looking outside. Women get so many messages that diminish them, self-love and strength is vital. Every woman who has been birthed and raised by another woman, passing mental and psychological garbage down through the ages needs to read-no, absorb-this book. Put it under your pillow after bedtime reading and hope for osmosis.
Now, men. Read this book. Reality: It will only help a little bit in understanding your woman. You won't get as much out of it as a woman will, but if you pay attention you will cower and love with a slightly higher level of effectiveness. My wife insists that I am not clueless, though over dinner tonight she did admit that I used to be. Now I'm a step beyond clueless (and I am like the handsome, wonderful man Cheryl has been married to for 23 roller-coaster years): I'm trainable...and receptive. The rewards are worth the struggle. Be sure to check out page 149 for the list of lessons we can learn from the unconditional love of dogs.
There is no index. You don't need one. But you will find value from the bibliography and the rich collection of resources in the back of the book. This is a wonderful recovery guide for misguided women, confused men, and relationships that can benefit from the nurturing that comes from real love.