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Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey From Neediness to Freedom
Sound familiar?
1. You spot a cute boy (we'll call him Boy A).
2. You dream about Boy A.
3. You do whatever it takes to make Boy A notice you.
4. Even though Boy A doesn't pursue you, you hang on to your dream of Boy A until he (a) moves to the North Pole with no access to a cell phone or computer, (b) dies and is buried or cremated, or (c) begins dating another girl.
5. You mend your broken heart by hating Boy A and finding another cute boy (Boy B). You replace Boy A with Boy B and begin all over again . . .
Paula has gone through an entire alphabet-and more-of boys over the years.
As she shares her journal entries and stories-the good, the bad, and the ugly-you'll be encouraged to trust God with your love life and buckle up for the ride!
Written for teen girls, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl will help you on your own journey from neediness to freedom.
1. You spot a cute boy (we'll call him Boy A).
2. You dream about Boy A.
3. You do whatever it takes to make Boy A notice you.
4. Even though Boy A doesn't pursue you, you hang on to your dream of Boy A until he (a) moves to the North Pole with no access to a cell phone or computer, (b) dies and is buried or cremated, or (c) begins dating another girl.
5. You mend your broken heart by hating Boy A and finding another cute boy (Boy B). You replace Boy A with Boy B and begin all over again . . .
Paula has gone through an entire alphabet-and more-of boys over the years.
As she shares her journal entries and stories-the good, the bad, and the ugly-you'll be encouraged to trust God with your love life and buckle up for the ride!
Written for teen girls, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl will help you on your own journey from neediness to freedom.
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2013
14 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Paula Hendricks
2 books13 followersPaula graduated from the Moody Bible Institute in 2005 with a degree in Print Communication. Two weeks later, she began working at Revive Our Hearts, where she currently serves as Writing and Editorial Manager. Her first book, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey from Neediness to Freedom, released September 2013. When she's not blogging, you'll find her hanging out with people indulging her insatiable curiosity by asking lots of questions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 20, 2017
For part of homeschool with my 13 year old daughter, we read this book together and had great discussions after every chapter! What a priceless gift! Today after we completed the book, we both prayed over a few prayer requests and then all of a sudden, my daughter started praying "Help me to see that a boy's rejection is really God's protection." I was floored! Those are Paula's words from her book! Thank you for being faithful and journaling your journey so we can learn through your experiences, Paula. My daughter wants to meet you now! :)
May 13, 2018
wow i wish i had read this book when i was in a *COUGH* certain stage in my life a few years ago hahaha...it was comforting having someone to relate to some circumstances and being able to glean advice from an older girl who had gone through all the experiences!
it was a super quick and easy read (i read it in one night!) and can teach anyone to learn from her (and our own!) mistakes!
one of my favorite parts was how she emphasized a girls relationship with her father, because he's the first male relationship you will have, aside from Jesus!
overall, good easy read, i would recommend it, but not super highly...it did hold some encouraging points though :)
it was a super quick and easy read (i read it in one night!) and can teach anyone to learn from her (and our own!) mistakes!
one of my favorite parts was how she emphasized a girls relationship with her father, because he's the first male relationship you will have, aside from Jesus!
overall, good easy read, i would recommend it, but not super highly...it did hold some encouraging points though :)
April 4, 2024
i definitely would have appreciated this more when i was 12-ish. it still had some good points, i just felt a little old for it 😅
September 13, 2013
Review from www.BiblicalWoman.com
It isn’t easy to take an honest, vulnerable look at your dating experiences. Try publishing it for everyone to read. In Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey from Neediness to Freedom, Paula Hendricks describes how her revolving door relationship with “cute, innocent crushes,” eventually became costly investments. The writing manager of Revive Our Hearts and frequent blogger on Lies Young Women Believe opens up her heart (and her journal entries) to share all her personal triumphs, tears and the truth that set her free.
But this isn’t your typical dating/singleness/relationship book. It’s an invitation to follow God with the most vulnerable, fragile, and hope-hungry pieces of your heart, written by a young woman offering her personal journey as “Exhibit A.” For Paula, trusting God with her love life meant total surrender: “I never thought I’d say this, but I was treating God like a math equation: trust God + wait on God + pray about everything +be led by Scripture = getting the guy and the love I’ve always wanted. But I was never any good at math. And God is not a formula.”
The book is divided into two parts, sort of a spiritual before-and-after: “The Searching (Doing It My Way)” and “The Breaking and Remaking (Relinquishing Control).” What I love about Paula’s book is her ability to hit the root issue of the heart, sometimes even hitting a nerve. She talks about the danger of “Awakening Love” (ch. 3) before the right time and running ahead of reality with “The Relationship in My Head” (ch. 6). And who hasn’t bought into the lie that romantic bliss is just a cosmetic counter away, convincing ourselves, “If I Could Just Be Beautiful Enough” (ch. 4)? She even addresses that confusing time, “When You Get What You Want But It’s All Wrong” (ch. 12) and the painful, humiliating setback of rejection in “The Part Where Everything’s Supposed to End Happily Ever After (ch. 15).
After a string of heartbreaks and disappointments, Paula came to a profound realization: In running after love, she was actually running away from it. The love and the identity she had been chasing was a God-sized craving. And in a moment of total soul-transparency, Paula’s love life was changed from the inside out. “Suddenly I realized I didn’t have to be jealous of that pretty girl. I didn’t have to covet every guy I saw. I didn’t have to hate that guy for not liking me. I wasn’t powerless anymore. In fact, in Christ I was no longer that helpless, hopeless boy-crazy girl. I had a new identity now.” To discover how…you’ll have to get the book!
I wish I’d had read this when I was in college! Ideal for young women in their teens and twenties, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl is both lighthearted and spiritually deep. Paula writes in a voice of emotional maturity and a candidness that makes you feel like you’re sitting together and sipping Caramel Macchiatos. Its fast-paced chapters are saturated with Scripture, sound theology, and Paula’s witty sense of humor. Make sure you, your daughter, or the boy-crazy girl in your life has this book for the journey from neediness to freedom!
It isn’t easy to take an honest, vulnerable look at your dating experiences. Try publishing it for everyone to read. In Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey from Neediness to Freedom, Paula Hendricks describes how her revolving door relationship with “cute, innocent crushes,” eventually became costly investments. The writing manager of Revive Our Hearts and frequent blogger on Lies Young Women Believe opens up her heart (and her journal entries) to share all her personal triumphs, tears and the truth that set her free.
But this isn’t your typical dating/singleness/relationship book. It’s an invitation to follow God with the most vulnerable, fragile, and hope-hungry pieces of your heart, written by a young woman offering her personal journey as “Exhibit A.” For Paula, trusting God with her love life meant total surrender: “I never thought I’d say this, but I was treating God like a math equation: trust God + wait on God + pray about everything +be led by Scripture = getting the guy and the love I’ve always wanted. But I was never any good at math. And God is not a formula.”
The book is divided into two parts, sort of a spiritual before-and-after: “The Searching (Doing It My Way)” and “The Breaking and Remaking (Relinquishing Control).” What I love about Paula’s book is her ability to hit the root issue of the heart, sometimes even hitting a nerve. She talks about the danger of “Awakening Love” (ch. 3) before the right time and running ahead of reality with “The Relationship in My Head” (ch. 6). And who hasn’t bought into the lie that romantic bliss is just a cosmetic counter away, convincing ourselves, “If I Could Just Be Beautiful Enough” (ch. 4)? She even addresses that confusing time, “When You Get What You Want But It’s All Wrong” (ch. 12) and the painful, humiliating setback of rejection in “The Part Where Everything’s Supposed to End Happily Ever After (ch. 15).
After a string of heartbreaks and disappointments, Paula came to a profound realization: In running after love, she was actually running away from it. The love and the identity she had been chasing was a God-sized craving. And in a moment of total soul-transparency, Paula’s love life was changed from the inside out. “Suddenly I realized I didn’t have to be jealous of that pretty girl. I didn’t have to covet every guy I saw. I didn’t have to hate that guy for not liking me. I wasn’t powerless anymore. In fact, in Christ I was no longer that helpless, hopeless boy-crazy girl. I had a new identity now.” To discover how…you’ll have to get the book!
I wish I’d had read this when I was in college! Ideal for young women in their teens and twenties, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl is both lighthearted and spiritually deep. Paula writes in a voice of emotional maturity and a candidness that makes you feel like you’re sitting together and sipping Caramel Macchiatos. Its fast-paced chapters are saturated with Scripture, sound theology, and Paula’s witty sense of humor. Make sure you, your daughter, or the boy-crazy girl in your life has this book for the journey from neediness to freedom!
September 3, 2013
I never thought of myself as being “boy-crazy.” I remember driving around in high school with two of my best friends in the car, both of whom were screaming and giggling at boys in normal teenage girl fashion. I considered myself a little above that.
And yet when it was time to come up with a name for our son, my husband and I had to cross several off the list just by virtue of the fact that I had dated guys with those names. Now, I’m not saying there were scores of names. But there were more than a couple. My boy-craziness might not have led to posters of JTT (google it) on my wall, but I can look back and see that I was indeed far too concerned with the approval of boys, and, later, men.
Would I have the guts to spill all my journal entries and heartache in a book that anyone might read? Um, no. But one author did just that, and I wish I could go back and give it to 13-year-old Catherine, the AWANA trophy winner who had a major crush on the high school drop-out who had been shot in the arm. Seriously. Or the 15-year-old Catherine who was naively sure she would marry the 18-year-old she was dating. Or the 18-year-old Catherine who got into a serious relationship 2 weeks into her freshman year of college, convinced she had finally found “the one.” The list could go on, but the point is the same–I was looking for something none of these guys could give me.
In Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey From Neediness to Freedom, Paula Hendricks shares her heart with her readers. And not just a little bit of her heart. I mean she really pours it out, holding nothing back out of love for those girls who might pick up this book and see the incredible love of Christ written on its pages. This is not a story of “I became the woman God wanted me to be, and then He brought me an amazing husband.”
Instead, this is a book that exposes our idols, what she calls “‘little g’ gods,” and encourages us to replace them with something far greater. I found young Catherine on so many pages in this book, and honestly, I found 30-year-old Catherine on some too. I still want to be liked, admired, and loved. There’s not a lot of difference between a 15-year-old girl and a 30-year-old, now that I think about it. The individual situations and idols may be different, but the root is the same.
But there is hope, and the author shares it so lovingly and passionately. She encourages her readers:
"No, you can’t fix who you are on your own, but God is in the business of transforming broken girls into beautiful trophies of His grace."
I commend this book to every younger girl (middle school, high school, college and beyond), as well as to parents who want to see the depths of what their daughters are going through. The freedom from neediness is only found in Christ, and Paula Hendricks writes from a heart that has clearly been transformed by Him.
*I was given a copy of this book by Moody Press, but the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
And yet when it was time to come up with a name for our son, my husband and I had to cross several off the list just by virtue of the fact that I had dated guys with those names. Now, I’m not saying there were scores of names. But there were more than a couple. My boy-craziness might not have led to posters of JTT (google it) on my wall, but I can look back and see that I was indeed far too concerned with the approval of boys, and, later, men.
Would I have the guts to spill all my journal entries and heartache in a book that anyone might read? Um, no. But one author did just that, and I wish I could go back and give it to 13-year-old Catherine, the AWANA trophy winner who had a major crush on the high school drop-out who had been shot in the arm. Seriously. Or the 15-year-old Catherine who was naively sure she would marry the 18-year-old she was dating. Or the 18-year-old Catherine who got into a serious relationship 2 weeks into her freshman year of college, convinced she had finally found “the one.” The list could go on, but the point is the same–I was looking for something none of these guys could give me.
In Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl: On Her Journey From Neediness to Freedom, Paula Hendricks shares her heart with her readers. And not just a little bit of her heart. I mean she really pours it out, holding nothing back out of love for those girls who might pick up this book and see the incredible love of Christ written on its pages. This is not a story of “I became the woman God wanted me to be, and then He brought me an amazing husband.”
Instead, this is a book that exposes our idols, what she calls “‘little g’ gods,” and encourages us to replace them with something far greater. I found young Catherine on so many pages in this book, and honestly, I found 30-year-old Catherine on some too. I still want to be liked, admired, and loved. There’s not a lot of difference between a 15-year-old girl and a 30-year-old, now that I think about it. The individual situations and idols may be different, but the root is the same.
But there is hope, and the author shares it so lovingly and passionately. She encourages her readers:
"No, you can’t fix who you are on your own, but God is in the business of transforming broken girls into beautiful trophies of His grace."
I commend this book to every younger girl (middle school, high school, college and beyond), as well as to parents who want to see the depths of what their daughters are going through. The freedom from neediness is only found in Christ, and Paula Hendricks writes from a heart that has clearly been transformed by Him.
*I was given a copy of this book by Moody Press, but the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 30, 2013
Confessions of a Boy-Crazy girl is not a typical Young adult book as the title might suggest its a hardcore christian book about Paula's faith and God's everlasting Grace.
Paula one after the other is tempted to lust behind her parents back ,find approval & love in Mike ,Jack, Edward ,Jim and countless of other boys only to find disappointment,rejection and heartbreak .She goes through dozens of heartbreaking experiences to eventually let God take over the steering wheel of her life and let Him have His own way for the good.God & faith are spilled on the book's every single page in form of Biblical passages.It's a book that makes you want to become a better person than you already are .It's encourages you to have a look beyond the lifestyle that's typically popular in the West ; dating, wrong choices ,heart break , regret ,moving on and repeat.It's makes you want to question yourself, Do you want to live a mess for your life or you want to live a more meaningful and a rewarding life?.
How many times did you have your dreams shattered & your heart broken? , How many times the prince charming turned out to be just a frog and you are left with a ache in your heart ? , How many have you thought you will never find love its better to go and just become a nun instead so the pain in the heart would just stop bugging you? ,Jesus love you but how many times you are tempted you want more ? A boy ? and How many times you have decided stop to copping up yourself and actually ask The Almighty God for help to sort out the matters for you? .Paula's journey testifies in " God " you will find ultimate love,acceptance and satisfaction .It's a book about Trusting God,His ways ,letting Him take charge,letting His will be done ,having faith ,finding hope and true love in God.
Paula one after the other is tempted to lust behind her parents back ,find approval & love in Mike ,Jack, Edward ,Jim and countless of other boys only to find disappointment,rejection and heartbreak .She goes through dozens of heartbreaking experiences to eventually let God take over the steering wheel of her life and let Him have His own way for the good.God & faith are spilled on the book's every single page in form of Biblical passages.It's a book that makes you want to become a better person than you already are .It's encourages you to have a look beyond the lifestyle that's typically popular in the West ; dating, wrong choices ,heart break , regret ,moving on and repeat.It's makes you want to question yourself, Do you want to live a mess for your life or you want to live a more meaningful and a rewarding life?.
How many times did you have your dreams shattered & your heart broken? , How many times the prince charming turned out to be just a frog and you are left with a ache in your heart ? , How many have you thought you will never find love its better to go and just become a nun instead so the pain in the heart would just stop bugging you? ,Jesus love you but how many times you are tempted you want more ? A boy ? and How many times you have decided stop to copping up yourself and actually ask The Almighty God for help to sort out the matters for you? .Paula's journey testifies in " God " you will find ultimate love,acceptance and satisfaction .It's a book about Trusting God,His ways ,letting Him take charge,letting His will be done ,having faith ,finding hope and true love in God.
December 31, 2017
I enjoyed reading this little book. I could totally relate with her struggles (I'm not the only one with guy trouble?!), and I appreciated her transparency. I also thought it was great how she kept pointing back to Jesus. It was a quick read for me, but there are journal prompts at the end of each chapter, so you could definitely go deeper with it. Great book, with wise advise.
November 18, 2017
Regarding boy craziness(girl neediness), Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl follows Paula Hendricks, who struggles to break bad habits, on a Christian Journey of finding her ¨Prince.¨ For me, Confessions of a Boy Crazy Girl is a favorite because it made me realize so many movies are infiltrated with love messages that contradict my faith. For example, seeing older generation Disney Princesses makes children think children that love is just falling for a guy when they are cute or falling for a guy for their heroic deeds. However, this book and Christianity teach that love is patient, kind, faithful,(trusting in God), selfless, humble, and persevering. It´s clear to me that revival will come to unbelievers only by rebuking ungodly things(activities) such as idolatry in order to share the gospel and make God look good. From this book I´ve learned that forcing a fairy tale is unacceptable because it tires people out and it makes God look bad. Due to all the wisdom I´ve gained, I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for anyone struggling to let go of their idols.
September 3, 2018
This book is so important for teenage girls to read. Everyone deals with this problem, and the author admits her deepest problems and tells her craziest stories so girls won't feel alone. Even if you feel like you already know what this book will say, it's important to read and be reminded. It's a quick, simple and entertaining book.
October 8, 2023
Like how the write is brutally honest about her journey of being a boy-crazy girl, so encouraging. Though it ends with still waiting and praying for a godly man (the perfect ending I think), but it helped a lot of just admitting the fact that I am crazy about boys, I am on my way to surrender this aspect of life everyday. And I can keep praying about it. It's a great book.
February 20, 2018
This was such an excellent book!!! I'll write a blog review later, and leave a link here haha
February 10, 2022
Don't really feel that this book was very helpful or substantial.
October 18, 2023
Vulnerability. Practical help. Transforming gospel truth. These are three of the elements you will encounter when you pick up Confessions of a Boy-Crazy girl. I read this book from the vantage point of a 20-something single and although I have outgrown some of the immature expressions of Boy-Craziness, Paula helped me dig deeper to see the heart of my problem: Idolatry. I was blessed to join Paula on her journey from neediness to freedom, and she has inspired me to take the next steps on my own.
July 24, 2025
The last chapter is the best and had what I was looking for (and deep down knew). The good thing is it’s a short book that can be read in a day and the stories give context and establish trust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2014
About the Book:
Sound familiar?
1. You spot a cute boy (we'll call him Boy A).
2. You dream about Boy A.
3. You do whatever it takes to make Boy A notice you.
4. Even though Boy A doesn't pursue you, you hang on to your dream of Boy A until he (a) moves to the North Pole with no access to a cell phone or computer, (b) dies and is buried or cremated, or (c) begins dating another girl.
5. You mend your broken heart by hating Boy A and finding another cute boy (Boy B). You replace Boy A with Boy B and begin all over again . . .
Paula has gone through an entire alphabet-and more-of boys over the years.
As she shares her journal entries and stories-the good, the bad, and the ugly-you'll be encouraged to trust God with your love life and buckle up for the ride!
Written for teen girls, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl will help you on your own journey from neediness to freedom.
About the Author:
Paula Hendricks lives in southwest Michigan where she no longer tries to catch guys' attention by swallowing live goldfish, arm wrestling, and jumping down flights of stairs. Instead, she blogs for teen girls and women by day and journals her adventures by night. She's worked at Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for nearly nine years (whew!), where she currently serves as Writing and Editorial Manager. Catch more of her writing at PaulaWrites.com .
My Review:
How do you see yourself when you talk about boys? Is it just a casual talk or is it the modern day fangirling? Depending on your answer, that will tell you how boy-crazy you truly are. But your not alone, there is millions of other girls like that out there, including Paula Hendricks, the author. She knows how you feel on the whole boy subject. She not only will tell you of her own experiences but also how she ended up dealing with each guy. From innocent crushes to lustful relationships, Paula has a story for them all. Along with God's help, Paula shows you how her life went for many years and who she came to marry.
In Confessions Of A Boy-Crazy Girl, you will find tips on how to handle typical and not so typical situations with boys. The author shows you just how common your thoughts and feelings are amongst other girls in the same age group. She has also written the perfect book for teen girls because I know several and they all have had some of the same experiences.
My daughter seems a little boy crazy, I think all teenage girls have some of that boy craziness in them. The authors insight and experience lead us all to rethink those crushes and relationships with the male gender. My daughter has skimmed through the book and she agrees there is alot of helpful advice to value and learn from. If you are interested in purchasing this book for the boy crazy girl in your life, than you can find out more here.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from MP Newsroom.
Sound familiar?
1. You spot a cute boy (we'll call him Boy A).
2. You dream about Boy A.
3. You do whatever it takes to make Boy A notice you.
4. Even though Boy A doesn't pursue you, you hang on to your dream of Boy A until he (a) moves to the North Pole with no access to a cell phone or computer, (b) dies and is buried or cremated, or (c) begins dating another girl.
5. You mend your broken heart by hating Boy A and finding another cute boy (Boy B). You replace Boy A with Boy B and begin all over again . . .
Paula has gone through an entire alphabet-and more-of boys over the years.
As she shares her journal entries and stories-the good, the bad, and the ugly-you'll be encouraged to trust God with your love life and buckle up for the ride!
Written for teen girls, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl will help you on your own journey from neediness to freedom.
About the Author:
Paula Hendricks lives in southwest Michigan where she no longer tries to catch guys' attention by swallowing live goldfish, arm wrestling, and jumping down flights of stairs. Instead, she blogs for teen girls and women by day and journals her adventures by night. She's worked at Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for nearly nine years (whew!), where she currently serves as Writing and Editorial Manager. Catch more of her writing at PaulaWrites.com .
My Review:
How do you see yourself when you talk about boys? Is it just a casual talk or is it the modern day fangirling? Depending on your answer, that will tell you how boy-crazy you truly are. But your not alone, there is millions of other girls like that out there, including Paula Hendricks, the author. She knows how you feel on the whole boy subject. She not only will tell you of her own experiences but also how she ended up dealing with each guy. From innocent crushes to lustful relationships, Paula has a story for them all. Along with God's help, Paula shows you how her life went for many years and who she came to marry.
In Confessions Of A Boy-Crazy Girl, you will find tips on how to handle typical and not so typical situations with boys. The author shows you just how common your thoughts and feelings are amongst other girls in the same age group. She has also written the perfect book for teen girls because I know several and they all have had some of the same experiences.
My daughter seems a little boy crazy, I think all teenage girls have some of that boy craziness in them. The authors insight and experience lead us all to rethink those crushes and relationships with the male gender. My daughter has skimmed through the book and she agrees there is alot of helpful advice to value and learn from. If you are interested in purchasing this book for the boy crazy girl in your life, than you can find out more here.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from MP Newsroom.
July 28, 2014
When I was fourteen, I attended the Christian In Training (also known as CIT) camp at Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, MI. CIT consists mainly of classes that focus on prayer, the Bible, and service but can also expand to issues that affect young people and more specific such as womanhood. It was here that I heard Paula Hendricks, the author of this book, speak. I remember being both angry and baffled at what she had to say. Feminism is not a popular topic at Bair Lake period, and my buttons were being pressed. At fourteen, I was such a different person. I didn't understand what Paula was saying.
Now, at seventeen, I stumbled upon Paula's book in the camp's shop known as the Bair's Cove. I decided that enough time had passed and that I wanted to hear what she wanted to say one more time. Oh, what a difference time makes. Some of Paula's book felt redundant to me, but much of it sang. This is not the book of a woman who is saying feminism is evil. This is a book of a woman who was trapped in her need for love and looked for it in earthly men when the best One was waiting to gain her attention. What a hard journey Paula had to experience, and what a familiar one too. Don't we all look for comfort and love in the wrong places when God is waiting in the wings?
I particularly enjoyed the sections when she talks about the idols we worship instead of God. She really opened my eyes to the faults I had in that area. I had never considered the fact I and people in general disobey two commandments (I am your God; you shall have no god before me; and you will not worship false idols) that some consider obsolete consistently. I also liked the section where Paula talks about how we put our perceptions of our earthly father onto our Heavenly one. I didn't even realize I was doing that.
For me, Confessions of A Boy-Crazy Girl is a three star book for two reasons. The actual topic of the book (being boy crazy) is hard for me to relate to. I also feel like some of Paula's guy troubles are either to draw out or too skimmed story wise. Otherwise, this is a very enlightening fast read that will make you stop and reevaluate your relationship with God and with men.
Now, at seventeen, I stumbled upon Paula's book in the camp's shop known as the Bair's Cove. I decided that enough time had passed and that I wanted to hear what she wanted to say one more time. Oh, what a difference time makes. Some of Paula's book felt redundant to me, but much of it sang. This is not the book of a woman who is saying feminism is evil. This is a book of a woman who was trapped in her need for love and looked for it in earthly men when the best One was waiting to gain her attention. What a hard journey Paula had to experience, and what a familiar one too. Don't we all look for comfort and love in the wrong places when God is waiting in the wings?
I particularly enjoyed the sections when she talks about the idols we worship instead of God. She really opened my eyes to the faults I had in that area. I had never considered the fact I and people in general disobey two commandments (I am your God; you shall have no god before me; and you will not worship false idols) that some consider obsolete consistently. I also liked the section where Paula talks about how we put our perceptions of our earthly father onto our Heavenly one. I didn't even realize I was doing that.
For me, Confessions of A Boy-Crazy Girl is a three star book for two reasons. The actual topic of the book (being boy crazy) is hard for me to relate to. I also feel like some of Paula's guy troubles are either to draw out or too skimmed story wise. Otherwise, this is a very enlightening fast read that will make you stop and reevaluate your relationship with God and with men.
March 3, 2014
I believe this is a book every preteen girl, teen girl, young woman and their mothers should read! As crazy as it sounds I think it is appropriate for grown women who are caught in the trap of thinking they need a man to be complete and happy.
A great deal of damage is done to young girls and their future relationship with their husbands by society’s and parent’s acceptance and even encouragement that being “boy crazy” is normal. There is nothing “normal” about it and I do not believe it is God’s plan for the spiritual and emotional well-being of women of all ages.
Paula does an amazing job of addressing this subject, not only from personal experience, but also from the Bible and the heart. This is not a big book but it is so well written that it holds an encyclopedia of wisdom! She beautifully illustrates how the modern day obsession to attract the opposite sex and secure a “relationship”, is not the “freedom” to eventually find the right husband, but is actually Satan’s snare to ruin young lives.
Gently and skillfully she shares this preoccupation with boys (or men) is simply another void in one’s life that only God can fill. She reveals the story of her journey from being a boy crazy girl to a young woman who’s first love is God. With scripture and much humor Paula shows that only through trusting God, praying, and studying His Word can a girl finding not only God’s best but also the kind of love and man she truly wants for a lifetime. Her book makes it clear that God wants the best for us too, but in His time and His way. I liked all the scripture references that were used throughout the book. Not once was it ever preachy or condescending. It is written as if two good friends are simply visiting with each other. At the end of each chapter is “Journal Corner” for reflection on scripture and a particular challenge girls would face. A life changing book!
I received this book free from Moody Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
A great deal of damage is done to young girls and their future relationship with their husbands by society’s and parent’s acceptance and even encouragement that being “boy crazy” is normal. There is nothing “normal” about it and I do not believe it is God’s plan for the spiritual and emotional well-being of women of all ages.
Paula does an amazing job of addressing this subject, not only from personal experience, but also from the Bible and the heart. This is not a big book but it is so well written that it holds an encyclopedia of wisdom! She beautifully illustrates how the modern day obsession to attract the opposite sex and secure a “relationship”, is not the “freedom” to eventually find the right husband, but is actually Satan’s snare to ruin young lives.
Gently and skillfully she shares this preoccupation with boys (or men) is simply another void in one’s life that only God can fill. She reveals the story of her journey from being a boy crazy girl to a young woman who’s first love is God. With scripture and much humor Paula shows that only through trusting God, praying, and studying His Word can a girl finding not only God’s best but also the kind of love and man she truly wants for a lifetime. Her book makes it clear that God wants the best for us too, but in His time and His way. I liked all the scripture references that were used throughout the book. Not once was it ever preachy or condescending. It is written as if two good friends are simply visiting with each other. At the end of each chapter is “Journal Corner” for reflection on scripture and a particular challenge girls would face. A life changing book!
I received this book free from Moody Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 7, 2014
When this book arrived in the mail, my daughters could hardly wait to dig into it, but I told them they couldn't read it until I'd finished it first.
They didn't need to wait long. I devoured the book, and my 12-year-old did, too, once she got her hands on it (the 14-year-old is reading it now). Paula has such a transparent and engaging writing style, I felt like I was sitting right across the table from her. I could readily relate to many of the personal anecdotes she shared.
Although it’s been a few years, I was once the same boy-crazy girl she describes: stealing sidelong glances of myself in the mirror, going to desperate lengths to attract a guy’s attention, wondering distractedly whether any of my male classmates might be “the one” (a tendency exacerbated by the fact that I was frequently the only female student in many of the classes I was taking, beginning with wood and metal shop in junior high, right on up through differential equations, abstract algebra, hermeneutics, and New Testament Greek in college).
I might easily have penned Paula’s relationship-in-my-head chapter myself!
Paula uses her old journal entries as a starting place, which allows readers a candid but beautiful glimpse of how God has matured the thoughts and desires of her heart through the years as He has taken her “on her journey from neediness to freedom.” She weaves in lots of poignant Scriptures and personal insights to support her points.
The book was written with teen and tween girls girls in mind, but it is packed with wisdom that some twenty-somethings (and their moms!) may have missed… which is why I also sent a copy to my twenty-something daughter in dental school and so enjoyed reading it myself.
Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl would be a great book for any mom to read and discuss with her daughters, as it touches on so many concepts that are vital to our contentment and maturity in Christ. Paula makes it easy to dig deeper by providing questions to ponder (and/or journal about) at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend it.
They didn't need to wait long. I devoured the book, and my 12-year-old did, too, once she got her hands on it (the 14-year-old is reading it now). Paula has such a transparent and engaging writing style, I felt like I was sitting right across the table from her. I could readily relate to many of the personal anecdotes she shared.
Although it’s been a few years, I was once the same boy-crazy girl she describes: stealing sidelong glances of myself in the mirror, going to desperate lengths to attract a guy’s attention, wondering distractedly whether any of my male classmates might be “the one” (a tendency exacerbated by the fact that I was frequently the only female student in many of the classes I was taking, beginning with wood and metal shop in junior high, right on up through differential equations, abstract algebra, hermeneutics, and New Testament Greek in college).
I might easily have penned Paula’s relationship-in-my-head chapter myself!
Paula uses her old journal entries as a starting place, which allows readers a candid but beautiful glimpse of how God has matured the thoughts and desires of her heart through the years as He has taken her “on her journey from neediness to freedom.” She weaves in lots of poignant Scriptures and personal insights to support her points.
The book was written with teen and tween girls girls in mind, but it is packed with wisdom that some twenty-somethings (and their moms!) may have missed… which is why I also sent a copy to my twenty-something daughter in dental school and so enjoyed reading it myself.
Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl would be a great book for any mom to read and discuss with her daughters, as it touches on so many concepts that are vital to our contentment and maturity in Christ. Paula makes it easy to dig deeper by providing questions to ponder (and/or journal about) at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend it.
September 11, 2016
This was an inspiring book all together. I could hardly wait for the book to arrive and then when it did, my 14 year old daughter snagged it before I got a chance to look at it. Although its been a few years (or maybe more), I remember being that same boy-crazed girl who could not get enough of what ever boy I was madly crushing on. Waiting to see him, stealing glances, spending time with him, brushing against him “accidentally”, etc. Basically desperate to get him to notice me, desire me and want me. I could have easily wrote this book myself, it felt so familiar to me.
What impressed me about this book was how Paula weaved Gods truth throughout the whole thing. Reminding us that our hope, love, security should be found in His love for us, not some boy we are crushing on that will never give us what we really need! There is so much wisdom packed into this little book that its mind boggling at times. So simple, yet so complex. We all have this romantic idea of what love is and should be and sadly the entertainment industry helps us glorify it more. Paula reminds us time and again what love is and is not, by showing us glimpses of God and His hearts desire for us all.
Although I am way outside the age range for this book that was wrote for tweens, teens and young adults, the principles and promises still hold true. This is an easy one that I can recommend for mothers and daughters to sit down together and discuss and go through to strengthen their bond.
What impressed me about this book was how Paula weaved Gods truth throughout the whole thing. Reminding us that our hope, love, security should be found in His love for us, not some boy we are crushing on that will never give us what we really need! There is so much wisdom packed into this little book that its mind boggling at times. So simple, yet so complex. We all have this romantic idea of what love is and should be and sadly the entertainment industry helps us glorify it more. Paula reminds us time and again what love is and is not, by showing us glimpses of God and His hearts desire for us all.
Although I am way outside the age range for this book that was wrote for tweens, teens and young adults, the principles and promises still hold true. This is an easy one that I can recommend for mothers and daughters to sit down together and discuss and go through to strengthen their bond.
December 1, 2013
This was a interesting spin and take on how to become a independent person and take dating as it is a day at a time.
There are parts that are hysterical and we all can relate to like the middle school crushes. There are parts that will have you laugh so hard you will cry and there are parts where you see extremes.
It’s funny because she goes to extremes. She is all about the boy and dating and how it never works and it makes her sad and than she goes to the extreme of God being the only way to find the answers. Don’t misunderstand me God is important in all lives but a healthy balance is good too. Here she turns to the bible to answer her questions about her relationships including whether or not to date or continue dating someone. That to me should be a decision of the heart and gut but it does show a interesting take on that concept. It also shows how when she brought religion into her life she became more confident in herself and in life itself.
Just the extremes are really eye opening. We can all relate to her dating tales though and they are funny. A fun book about dating and how she left the world of being boy crazy.
There are parts that are hysterical and we all can relate to like the middle school crushes. There are parts that will have you laugh so hard you will cry and there are parts where you see extremes.
It’s funny because she goes to extremes. She is all about the boy and dating and how it never works and it makes her sad and than she goes to the extreme of God being the only way to find the answers. Don’t misunderstand me God is important in all lives but a healthy balance is good too. Here she turns to the bible to answer her questions about her relationships including whether or not to date or continue dating someone. That to me should be a decision of the heart and gut but it does show a interesting take on that concept. It also shows how when she brought religion into her life she became more confident in herself and in life itself.
Just the extremes are really eye opening. We can all relate to her dating tales though and they are funny. A fun book about dating and how she left the world of being boy crazy.
December 31, 2013
Okay, I’m pretty sure Paula must have stolen my journals and used them in her book. Totally kidding :) But her thoughts so resonated with me and what I was like most of my life until a few years ago.
This book is written for a teen girl, but honestly, I think any woman who struggles with being obsessed with wanting a man should read this. Seriously. I needed this book desperately only a few years ago and even today it is a great reminder for me to keep my mind on Christ and not on myself, my appearance or what others think of me.
Paula shares actual snippets from her journal. This is unedited, raw feelings and I love it. If you see your daughter starting to become boy-crazy you need to get this book in her hands. As always, I recommend reading it first or with her so you can have dialogue about the book. I’m holding on my copy if/when my daughter needs it.
Even more, if you see something in yourself as an adult woman, whether married or single, and you’re struggling with being obsessed about what men think about you, this book could speak even to you.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest rev
This book is written for a teen girl, but honestly, I think any woman who struggles with being obsessed with wanting a man should read this. Seriously. I needed this book desperately only a few years ago and even today it is a great reminder for me to keep my mind on Christ and not on myself, my appearance or what others think of me.
Paula shares actual snippets from her journal. This is unedited, raw feelings and I love it. If you see your daughter starting to become boy-crazy you need to get this book in her hands. As always, I recommend reading it first or with her so you can have dialogue about the book. I’m holding on my copy if/when my daughter needs it.
Even more, if you see something in yourself as an adult woman, whether married or single, and you’re struggling with being obsessed about what men think about you, this book could speak even to you.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest rev
August 3, 2016
I was impressed with how the Word of God was woven, skillfully and appropriately (as in her arguments matched and built from her scripture - sadly not a small or common feat in modern Christian nonfiction), throughout this account - it seemed both truthful and well done, as well as impactful and full of the gospel. Despite being outside the target audience and despite the title, I found this to be a well written and aimed discussion on some of the ways we create our own idols in the midst of seeking the American/Disney dream of romance. I was both encouraged and convicted in the reading of this book, which went to the root (so often missed) of many of the problems in our not-so-hook-up-but-still-often-wrongly-directed church single scene (if we can say there is one) or in people's perceptions of it. Wondering how I might pass this on to some of my students, struggling in the midst of that young adult search for love... ah, the sad reality of e-books - easy to access, but more difficult to pass along.
March 18, 2014
This is the perfect reading for teen girls or young women who are boy-crazy and like to read journals.
Here you’ll find great advises, funny quiz games, good questions to ask yourself and much more.
I've enjoyed reading Paula’s confessions and I find it an entertaining book.
Here are some quotes I like:
“Like it or not, our relationship with God is shaped by our relationship with our dad, and our relationship with God and our dad shapes our interactions with guys.”
“boy craziness is really just girl neediness”
“true love doesn't take – it gives.”
“I learned (wrongly) that if a guy is mean to a girl, it’s because he secretly likes her. If he’s nice, it’s because he likes her.”
“you can’t love someone when you’re busy hating them!”
“human rejection can be God’s divine protection.”
“God created men to initiate and pursue and women to wait and respond.”
Here you’ll find great advises, funny quiz games, good questions to ask yourself and much more.
I've enjoyed reading Paula’s confessions and I find it an entertaining book.
Here are some quotes I like:
“Like it or not, our relationship with God is shaped by our relationship with our dad, and our relationship with God and our dad shapes our interactions with guys.”
“boy craziness is really just girl neediness”
“true love doesn't take – it gives.”
“I learned (wrongly) that if a guy is mean to a girl, it’s because he secretly likes her. If he’s nice, it’s because he likes her.”
“you can’t love someone when you’re busy hating them!”
“human rejection can be God’s divine protection.”
“God created men to initiate and pursue and women to wait and respond.”
August 17, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm usually not a reader of nonfiction, but Paula's stories definitely made it better than just a regular nonfiction book. It also showed that her wisdom came from real stuff, that she wasn't just spouting untested ideas. I really loved that. When I first started it, I thought some of the things said were a bit harsh but as I thought about it more, I realized they were totally correct. It was a good reality check. It was a little on the short side and I was a bit more than sad at the way it ended, but I'm still hopeful to hear the rest of Paula's story (when it happens)! Overall, it's a timeless book that deals with the heart issues that so many girls face. I recommend it for all girls, specifically pre-teens and teens.
May 26, 2014
This book is like a cherished letter from your big sis; lovingly and vulnerably sharing her diary with you, in order to help you avoid similar heartbreak, "When [we] tried to force our fairy tales, we were acting more like orphans than adopted daughters of God (see Romans 8:14-17). We mistakenly thought we had to fend for ourselves. Can you believe it- princesses of the King acting like poor beggars?" This spoke straight to my heart, as God often reveals that I act like an orphan...protecting myself, worrying about my needs, putting up walls, forgetting His promises; when in reality I am adopted by the King and privy to all the love, forgiveness and benefits of His Kingdom (see 1 John 3, Galatians 4, Psalm 103).
July 25, 2014
I received this book through goodreads.
This book seemed to be written for a much younger audience than I was expecting, but it was still an effective tool for self-reflection. One problem I had with the book was the author's isolationist attitude about Christianity. She encourages readers to cut out as much temptation from their lives as possible, which is not a bad thing, but she takes this to the extreme, stating that one of the reasons why she chooses not to date one man is because he has non-Christian friends. She seems to forget that one of the main things that God wants us to do is to go out and tell the good news, which can be pretty hard to do when you've surrounded yourself with only like-minded people.
This book seemed to be written for a much younger audience than I was expecting, but it was still an effective tool for self-reflection. One problem I had with the book was the author's isolationist attitude about Christianity. She encourages readers to cut out as much temptation from their lives as possible, which is not a bad thing, but she takes this to the extreme, stating that one of the reasons why she chooses not to date one man is because he has non-Christian friends. She seems to forget that one of the main things that God wants us to do is to go out and tell the good news, which can be pretty hard to do when you've surrounded yourself with only like-minded people.
May 5, 2014
Paula is painfully straight forward about the roller coaster her boy-craziness kept her on. Starting at age 10, she began craving male attention. Her story doesn't have the fairy tale ending we might expect. She hasn't found an earthy prince charming. She has found a deeper relationship with the Lover of Her Soul, but it was a long road. I admire Paula's openness and honesty about her struggles. Her concern for girls is evident; she genuinely wants to spare them from making the mistakes she made. The journal questions that follow each chapter are perfectly suited to help the reader understand her heart and admit her own struggles in this area.
August 12, 2013
i got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE NOT RELIGIOUS!!!!!
this book to me really has nothing to do with being boy crazy. This book is about a girl who has massive "DADDY" issues, and how praying and reading the bible helped her.
then she went on and on about girls should have diary entries, and if you think about boys or talk about boys it is a sin and you need to pray.
all in all, this 160 page book just about the bible and how praying will help little girls succeed.
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE NOT RELIGIOUS!!!!!
this book to me really has nothing to do with being boy crazy. This book is about a girl who has massive "DADDY" issues, and how praying and reading the bible helped her.
then she went on and on about girls should have diary entries, and if you think about boys or talk about boys it is a sin and you need to pray.
all in all, this 160 page book just about the bible and how praying will help little girls succeed.
October 16, 2013
Great book!
Paula lays out the gospel story clearly in the first chapter, using it as the cornerstone of all the chapters to follow. She uses analogies to explain would-be confusing points, as well.
Keep your Bible within arm's reach as you're reading this book; Paula uses many references in her writing.
Her translucency and real-ness encourages me! She's a very friendly and riveting author, and it's obvious that she loves teen girls and believes in what she's writing. This book has really helped me!
Good job, Paula!
Paula lays out the gospel story clearly in the first chapter, using it as the cornerstone of all the chapters to follow. She uses analogies to explain would-be confusing points, as well.
Keep your Bible within arm's reach as you're reading this book; Paula uses many references in her writing.
Her translucency and real-ness encourages me! She's a very friendly and riveting author, and it's obvious that she loves teen girls and believes in what she's writing. This book has really helped me!
Good job, Paula!
November 24, 2014
Great christian book, mainly for young single women/teens who want to get a godly perspective on boys and dating. But I think it's also great for older single women and married women because throughout it, you are reminded, that god should be your first priority.
Paula Hendricks is a great writer, very entertaining and easy to read. She is very honest, which I admire.
There aren't any How Tos in this book. Paula doesn't say you should behave like this... when you're with a boy. Instead she fixes the readers eyes on Jesus and from that point of view, everything will make sense by and by.
Paula Hendricks is a great writer, very entertaining and easy to read. She is very honest, which I admire.
There aren't any How Tos in this book. Paula doesn't say you should behave like this... when you're with a boy. Instead she fixes the readers eyes on Jesus and from that point of view, everything will make sense by and by.
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