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What's He Really Thinking?: How to Be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life
A woman's guide to enriching relationships with a male partner offers insight into male logic and feelings, sharing inspirational counsel on the gender-based sources of communication gaps as drawn from the author's two-decade work in couples counseling. Original.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Paula Rinehart
23 books36 followers I'm happy to share with you my latest book (written with Connally Gillam). It's called ...And Yet Undaunted: Embraced by the Goodness of God in the Chaos of Life. I think you'll find it a fresh take on God's goodness when life look anything but that, so to speak. Some of you know I wrote Strong Women, Soft Hearts and Sex and the Soul of a Woman. I'm a counselor and speaker living in Raleigh, North Carolina, but really, my first love is writing and books.
I think you'll find this latest book, especially, describes the life you are living....and the hope on the horizon you can see, however faintly at times.
I think you'll find this latest book, especially, describes the life you are living....and the hope on the horizon you can see, however faintly at times.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 2, 2012
I selected this book from the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program because I'm a woman and anything that can give me insight into the male mind is always helpful.
In What's He Really Thinking?, author and speaker Paula Rinehart offers fresh concepts and emphasizes other accepted ideas on the male thinking process. She urges women to understand the male mind and not only speak his language but formulate questions and responses geared to promote more effective communication. Chapters include discussion guides and prayer point make this an engaging book for a book club, women's bible study, or small group.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Thomas Nelson Publishing
Disclaimer: The review copy of What's He Really Thinking by Paula Rhinehart was provided free of charge by BookSneeze, the Thomas Nelson Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review.
In What's He Really Thinking?, author and speaker Paula Rinehart offers fresh concepts and emphasizes other accepted ideas on the male thinking process. She urges women to understand the male mind and not only speak his language but formulate questions and responses geared to promote more effective communication. Chapters include discussion guides and prayer point make this an engaging book for a book club, women's bible study, or small group.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Thomas Nelson Publishing
Disclaimer: The review copy of What's He Really Thinking by Paula Rhinehart was provided free of charge by BookSneeze, the Thomas Nelson Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2017
Good book. All couples should read. Helpful.
July 11, 2018
Very good insight on how men view life and relationships; a must read for every married woman!
June 19, 2011
I was pretty excited to read this book to see what insights Paula Rinehart could teach me that would help me understand my husband specifically better.
This book is written to help women understand how men think, why they do what they do, and what they struggle with. Author Paula Rinehart uses her more than twenty years of counseling experience to help unlock the age-old mysteries of the male mind-set. She walks readers through a path of first understanding the men (helping to unlock those mysteries), then learning to love the men that you now understand.
This book was full of those insights that I so wanted, things like, "A propensity for doing, because it needs to be done and can be done, is the best of who a man is." If you really sit and think about it, I'm sure you can come up with numerous situations where a man in your life did something just because he could or because he felt the need to do something. Men are made for doing and I loved how Rinehart used this as the backbone of her book because it makes perfect sense to me. It helps me also to understand why when I don't allow men (okay who am I kidding, my husband) to help me, it makes them feel weak and unneeded. I may be an extremely independent woman but allowing my husband to be there for me and to feel needed as a part of my life can strengthen our relationship immensely.
Insights like that one really made me stop and think about what I can do to look at the picture from my husband's point of view and to make my decisions based on how the typical brain works. Another part of this book that I loved was how spiritual truths were littered throughout - Rinehart talks about praying for the men in your life and praying for ways you can understand and love him better. Marriage is a triangular relationship - you, your husband, and God. Without any of the three points the relationship is not as strong, and she gets that point across without it being too over the top.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and was eye-opening for me in a lot of different ways. I would recommend it to anyone since like the book itself says, "If there is one universal in any woman's life it's this: she will always be relating to a man." 4 stars.
This book is written to help women understand how men think, why they do what they do, and what they struggle with. Author Paula Rinehart uses her more than twenty years of counseling experience to help unlock the age-old mysteries of the male mind-set. She walks readers through a path of first understanding the men (helping to unlock those mysteries), then learning to love the men that you now understand.
This book was full of those insights that I so wanted, things like, "A propensity for doing, because it needs to be done and can be done, is the best of who a man is." If you really sit and think about it, I'm sure you can come up with numerous situations where a man in your life did something just because he could or because he felt the need to do something. Men are made for doing and I loved how Rinehart used this as the backbone of her book because it makes perfect sense to me. It helps me also to understand why when I don't allow men (okay who am I kidding, my husband) to help me, it makes them feel weak and unneeded. I may be an extremely independent woman but allowing my husband to be there for me and to feel needed as a part of my life can strengthen our relationship immensely.
Insights like that one really made me stop and think about what I can do to look at the picture from my husband's point of view and to make my decisions based on how the typical brain works. Another part of this book that I loved was how spiritual truths were littered throughout - Rinehart talks about praying for the men in your life and praying for ways you can understand and love him better. Marriage is a triangular relationship - you, your husband, and God. Without any of the three points the relationship is not as strong, and she gets that point across without it being too over the top.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and was eye-opening for me in a lot of different ways. I would recommend it to anyone since like the book itself says, "If there is one universal in any woman's life it's this: she will always be relating to a man." 4 stars.
September 12, 2009
Book Description
A woman's guide into a man's heart and mind offering invaluable insights, understanding, and the tools for building healthier relationships.
Even in the best of relationships, over time, men and women drift apart because of the communication gaps they naturally possess. In What's He Really Thinking?, author and speaker Paula Rinehart gives incredible insight into these differences. In her conversational, almost poetic style, Rinehart unlocks some of the age-old mysteries of the male mind-set.
With more than twenty years of counseling experience, Rinehart sheds a realistic light on:
* how men think
* why they do what they do
* what they struggle with
She believes women who truly understand men have an ability to make an extraordinary impact on their lives. From scientific research to practical real-life stories, Rinehart removes the guess work and shows women how to become the relational geniuses they have always longed to be.
***MY REVIEW***
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about relationships with the men in my life. I appreciate that this book is written not just for the significant man in your life but also your dad, brother, son, etc.
The most pivotal part of this book was the chapter titled "Conflict". Paula Rinehart hit the nail on the head for me in this chapter when she provided an example of what a man hears when his woman is angry with him. She also touches on the vulnerability of a man and how women can easily overlook this.
Overall, this is a very informational book that I would recommend for any woman, but especially those who are dating and contemplating marriage. I would have appreciated reading this book prior to my marriage as I feel that maybe some of the things I did would have turned out differently.
A review copy of this book was obtained through Thomas Nelson Publishers (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/) through which I am member of their Book Blogger Review program.
A woman's guide into a man's heart and mind offering invaluable insights, understanding, and the tools for building healthier relationships.
Even in the best of relationships, over time, men and women drift apart because of the communication gaps they naturally possess. In What's He Really Thinking?, author and speaker Paula Rinehart gives incredible insight into these differences. In her conversational, almost poetic style, Rinehart unlocks some of the age-old mysteries of the male mind-set.
With more than twenty years of counseling experience, Rinehart sheds a realistic light on:
* how men think
* why they do what they do
* what they struggle with
She believes women who truly understand men have an ability to make an extraordinary impact on their lives. From scientific research to practical real-life stories, Rinehart removes the guess work and shows women how to become the relational geniuses they have always longed to be.
***MY REVIEW***
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about relationships with the men in my life. I appreciate that this book is written not just for the significant man in your life but also your dad, brother, son, etc.
The most pivotal part of this book was the chapter titled "Conflict". Paula Rinehart hit the nail on the head for me in this chapter when she provided an example of what a man hears when his woman is angry with him. She also touches on the vulnerability of a man and how women can easily overlook this.
Overall, this is a very informational book that I would recommend for any woman, but especially those who are dating and contemplating marriage. I would have appreciated reading this book prior to my marriage as I feel that maybe some of the things I did would have turned out differently.
A review copy of this book was obtained through Thomas Nelson Publishers (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/) through which I am member of their Book Blogger Review program.
March 11, 2011
I think the title of this book has probably been posed by every woman on the face of the earth since creation--"What's he really thinking?" In her book, Paula Rinehart tackles the many facets that make up a man's psyche. She also examines influence that many outside forces have on a man. Most importantly, she addresses how women can influence the men in their lives and can consequently build them up or tear them down.
This book is easy to read and engaging. I appreciate the real-life examples that Paula uses to illustrate her points. This book is not a book that you can just speed right through (like I normally do), instead it is a book to ingest, ruminate on, and apply to the different men in your life. The other great thing about this book is that you don't need to be married to have it apply to you! It is not just about having a husband or how to relate to your husband. It is, in fact applicable to ANY man in your life whether it be a father, brother, and even your husband (if you have one).
I would recommend this book to any woman. Even if you have known the man in your life for their entire life (say if it is a brother) your relationship can still benefit from this book. We can all use a little reminder in how to better encourage and understand those of the opposite gender.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes from Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is easy to read and engaging. I appreciate the real-life examples that Paula uses to illustrate her points. This book is not a book that you can just speed right through (like I normally do), instead it is a book to ingest, ruminate on, and apply to the different men in your life. The other great thing about this book is that you don't need to be married to have it apply to you! It is not just about having a husband or how to relate to your husband. It is, in fact applicable to ANY man in your life whether it be a father, brother, and even your husband (if you have one).
I would recommend this book to any woman. Even if you have known the man in your life for their entire life (say if it is a brother) your relationship can still benefit from this book. We can all use a little reminder in how to better encourage and understand those of the opposite gender.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes from Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 2, 2016
I decided to read What’s He Really Thinking because the inspiring subtitle-- “How to be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life"--seemed like a worthy outcome.
Paula Rinehart has over 20 years of counseling experience, and also conducted a research study before writing this book, so I think some of her insights are helpful and not the usual things you read in books on marriage and relationships.
One thing that really struck me throughout the book was how many men feel a need for someone to believe that they have what it takes, to know that someone knows what they are up against and believes in them. This factors in with why respect is so deeply important to men and why it’s important that women don’t neglect to affirm men in what they do that is good and right.
I appreciated the various ways Rinehart looks at how God uses marriage to move us toward holiness and cause us to grow. Although I think this concept is dealt with more in-depth in What Did You Expect?, Rinehart’s book also has some good insights.
The end of the book includes a helpful appendix of verses you can use to pray for your husband, and study/discussion questions you could use in a book club or small group.
Although I’m not sure I’m a relational genius after reading What’s He Really Thinking? I do feel like it was worth my time to read it, and it gave me plenty to think about.
{Read more of my reviews at A Spirited Mind.}
Paula Rinehart has over 20 years of counseling experience, and also conducted a research study before writing this book, so I think some of her insights are helpful and not the usual things you read in books on marriage and relationships.
One thing that really struck me throughout the book was how many men feel a need for someone to believe that they have what it takes, to know that someone knows what they are up against and believes in them. This factors in with why respect is so deeply important to men and why it’s important that women don’t neglect to affirm men in what they do that is good and right.
I appreciated the various ways Rinehart looks at how God uses marriage to move us toward holiness and cause us to grow. Although I think this concept is dealt with more in-depth in What Did You Expect?, Rinehart’s book also has some good insights.
The end of the book includes a helpful appendix of verses you can use to pray for your husband, and study/discussion questions you could use in a book club or small group.
Although I’m not sure I’m a relational genius after reading What’s He Really Thinking? I do feel like it was worth my time to read it, and it gave me plenty to think about.
{Read more of my reviews at A Spirited Mind.}
August 13, 2016
In What’s He Really Thinking? : How to be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life, Paula Rinehart uses stories and her professional expertise to give any female insight into how the male brain works. I’m sure most women out there have been utterly stumped by how a man in their life has acted. Well, Rinehart gives the reader those answers and the why behind them! This is a quick read never ceases to capture the reader’s attention. Humans tend to over think and make relationships complicated. Rinehart somehow makes everything that usually seems extremely complicated seem almost simplistic. I took away an understanding that as a single woman I can keep in my back pocket and pull out in the future for use in all current and future relationships of any type. I find the idea to react to someone based on how not only you feel the need to react, but on how they need you to react to simplistically genius! Rinehart’s insight and advice dealing with relationships is useful not just in romantic relationships but in every kind of relationship. If you want to take the guesswork out of relationships; you need to read this!
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing
August 21, 2014
The subtitle of Paula Rinehart's book is "How to be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life" and this book will go a long way towards making you just such a genius. Rinehart walks you through understanding your man and tackles issues such as the pain in men's pasts and how they deal with change. The second part is about how such things as expectations and conflict resolution influence the love we have for the men we understand.
Rinehart's writing is easy to read and understand and examples from her life and others that she knows are very enlightening illustrations. At times I laughed out loud at some of the stories and others made me teary. She also grounds all of her comments in scripture and is quick to point us to the Word for direction. As a single-again woman, this book gave me some marvelous insights into my male friends, my adult son and my father. This book will definitely stay on my bookshelf and I expect I'll open it again one day when stumped by interactions with the male species!
I would recommend this book to all women who want to know their men better and improve their relationships.
Rinehart's writing is easy to read and understand and examples from her life and others that she knows are very enlightening illustrations. At times I laughed out loud at some of the stories and others made me teary. She also grounds all of her comments in scripture and is quick to point us to the Word for direction. As a single-again woman, this book gave me some marvelous insights into my male friends, my adult son and my father. This book will definitely stay on my bookshelf and I expect I'll open it again one day when stumped by interactions with the male species!
I would recommend this book to all women who want to know their men better and improve their relationships.
August 5, 2014
"...men aren't just women with big feet and beards. They are other "
Whether you've known this quote to be true all your life or whether you're just starting to figure this out, this book not only helps you identify how men think and feel things differently but it also teaches how to better respond to those differences.
I would recommend this book to young adult Christian women and older. Although most of the book is geared toward married women and their relationship with their husbands, anyone can take away helpful information, tips, and guidelines on how to relate to men better. For the "marriage parts," I've made mental notes for one day in the future, and in the meantime, I've been learning how to treat the men in my life with the respect and understanding they need.
Whether you've known this quote to be true all your life or whether you're just starting to figure this out, this book not only helps you identify how men think and feel things differently but it also teaches how to better respond to those differences.
I would recommend this book to young adult Christian women and older. Although most of the book is geared toward married women and their relationship with their husbands, anyone can take away helpful information, tips, and guidelines on how to relate to men better. For the "marriage parts," I've made mental notes for one day in the future, and in the meantime, I've been learning how to treat the men in my life with the respect and understanding they need.
August 25, 2009
Overall, I was expecting to get “greater” knowledge from this book than I did. Though the author had “good” ideas, nothing was really new to me. I may use some of the “questions” in the back to pose to my spouse for fun discussion items, but not sure it is worth consulting again.
March 9, 2010
The author's style is easy to read and pretty enjoyable. I almost called it quits earlier due to some boredom, but am glad I stuck w/ it because I thought the last 3 chapters were the best--some great nuggets of wisdom to apply to all relationships, esp. w/ men.
August 22, 2009
I have a friend who knows the author. As a way to promote the book, she sent it to people who would talk about it.
Want to read
September 3, 2009my mother in law sent me this book. lol, I'm not sure how to take this, but I tried to read it and its just absolutly crazy!!
January 25, 2013
A quick read, but very enlightening as to what my actions mean to my husband. I recommend it for every woman who interacts with a man regularly.
January 22, 2014
Don't let this book fool you ... though simple and easy to read, the concepts are life-changing. I'll definitely pull this one out to read again and again.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews