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Book Review…A memoir of longing and hope inspires single women
Book: The Not-so-Patiently Waiting Handbook: Will work for love
Author: Day “Dream” Alston
Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby
Often times, it is said that good things come in small packages. Author Day “Dream” Alston
The book cover of Not-so-Patiently Waiting Handbook
proves this adage with “The Not-so-Patiently Waiting Handbook.” Her thesis is concise and neatly presented.
In this deftly written work that fuses a memoir with an inspirational handbook, she remarkably grasps the attention of single women in few words. Arguably, the zeitgeist of modern society is marginalization of the stereotypical male identity in the media or in casual conversations among friends. Alston veers from this abrasive course that pits the sexes against each other, opting for a measured, prudent and practical approach to finding and keeping love.
She speaks of her past and her distrust of the opposite gender. She too had one time fallen for the common belief that men are unreliable and self-centered, euphemisms at best. She recalls the vacuous, painful feeling of experiencing Mother’s Day without a husband, and not having born a child. And she is already in her thirties. She remains hopeful, though, even adopting a healthy view of her longing. She propounds a more philosophical approach, exploring the reality of the law of attraction.
If you believe in something with enough passion, she argues, you welcome it into your life. In other words, women attract undesirables because they hold that men are untrustworthy. She harps back to her childhood, her experiences that have shaped her psyche. It is not all men’s fault. Women must become more introspective, reflect on their lives, understand their shortcomings and learn from their mistakes.
Women must refrain from accepting any man that comes along. They must uphold their self worth, buck the trend and be confident that Mr Right is ever so close. They must be patient and equally hopeful, never throwing in the towel.
As Alston details her experiences, she offers counsel for women at the end of each chapter, to wit: “List the negative thoughts you commonly have about men. Take these negative statements and rewrite them in a positive way. When you think or say something negative practice replacing it with a positive declaration.” Cleverly presented, this injects relevance and marketability to her undertaking.
Interestingly, in the same way that consumer products come with cautionary labels, Alston, too, offers admonitions for men. For example, “Don’t just text her. An occasional phone call makes her feel special.” And adhering to the traditional beliefs that men are providers, she pens, with a disclaimer, “This does not mean she won’t work and contribute to the household.”
Alston may not qualify as the consummate wordsmith in her first literary undertaking. But this is hardly required. Rather, she serves a therapist, a motivational narrator, and a rational voice for personal and social conscience. She speaks to her audience with a profound simplicity, and indeed, that is what matters.
Feedback: [email protected] or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
The Not-so-Patiently Waiting Handbook by Day “Dream” Alston
Copyright@Dabriah Alston, 2013
ISBN -13: 978-1479343171
Available: amazon.com
Rating: Recommended
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