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Inside My Heart: Choosing to Live With Passion And Purpose
I believe we were put on this earth to enjoy lives of joy and abundance, and that is what I want for you and for me. It's not my intention to give people advice on how to solve their problems (I leave that to my husband). But I've had my share of struggles over the years, and I know a thing or two about what has worked for me. I have chosen to be an active participant in my life rather than a spectator, and in so doing I have chosen how to be a woman, how to be a wife, and how to be a mother in ways that are uniquely my own. I offer the stories of these choices as evidence of the power of sheer determination, will, and faith in God.
You've seen her on television with her husband, Dr. Phil. But now it's time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Robin McGraw. In Inside My Heart, Robin speaks woman to woman, inspiring you to embrace and celebrate the many roles you play and encouraging you to make deliberate choices that lead to a richer, happier, and more meaningful life.
She shares with you the life-changing moments of her childhood years, dating and marrying Dr. Phil McGraw, raising two sons, and asserting herself as a woman in a man's world to show you that you have the power to make choices in your life. In fact, she's convinced that you must choose to go after the life you want.
With a deep and abiding faith in God, Robin McGraw shares her story so you too can make choices that reflect your own heart's truest priorities and highest goals.
You've seen her on television with her husband, Dr. Phil. But now it's time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Robin McGraw. In Inside My Heart, Robin speaks woman to woman, inspiring you to embrace and celebrate the many roles you play and encouraging you to make deliberate choices that lead to a richer, happier, and more meaningful life.
She shares with you the life-changing moments of her childhood years, dating and marrying Dr. Phil McGraw, raising two sons, and asserting herself as a woman in a man's world to show you that you have the power to make choices in your life. In fact, she's convinced that you must choose to go after the life you want.
With a deep and abiding faith in God, Robin McGraw shares her story so you too can make choices that reflect your own heart's truest priorities and highest goals.
221 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
56 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 1, 2007
I'm very hesitant to write this review. Why? Because I am a huge fan of both Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw. I admire them both tremendously, and think both offer a needed dose of common sense and compassion in a "do what feels good" world.
However, my admiration doesn't help my opinion of this book. In fact, it may hurt it -- I expected so much!
I find that I learn more from people's struggles and failures than from their successes. And this book was loaded with the latter and didn't hold too many of the former. I wasn't sure how to take McGraw's advice... apparently she's never had a moment of self-doubt or lack of confidence in her life. For someone like me -- who questions everything from what clothes I put on in the morning to the direction of my life -- her "This is what I do and it works great!" advice doesn't help much. In fact, I ended the book feeling worse about myself than when I had started.
I don't think that was her intention at all, and I did enjoy reading more about her life with Dr. Phil. But I would have enjoyed even more hearing about her own experiences with questioning her path, times when she was unhappy and unsure of herself, and times when she didn't feel 100 percent loved -- and loveable. Maybe in Volume II.
However, my admiration doesn't help my opinion of this book. In fact, it may hurt it -- I expected so much!
I find that I learn more from people's struggles and failures than from their successes. And this book was loaded with the latter and didn't hold too many of the former. I wasn't sure how to take McGraw's advice... apparently she's never had a moment of self-doubt or lack of confidence in her life. For someone like me -- who questions everything from what clothes I put on in the morning to the direction of my life -- her "This is what I do and it works great!" advice doesn't help much. In fact, I ended the book feeling worse about myself than when I had started.
I don't think that was her intention at all, and I did enjoy reading more about her life with Dr. Phil. But I would have enjoyed even more hearing about her own experiences with questioning her path, times when she was unhappy and unsure of herself, and times when she didn't feel 100 percent loved -- and loveable. Maybe in Volume II.
January 5, 2009
There are times that I enjoy reading a book, and I read it quickly, and still, I cannot give it top marks. Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw, perhaps better known as wife to Dr. Phil, is one of those books. It is an easy read, one chapter leading into another, as we grow warm with empathy and curious about the life of this woman, arguably successful via her marriage more than for any particular accomplishment of her own. I've come to respect her husband's work (and I didn't initially, feeling he was riding on Oprah's coattails and reducing psychiatry to sound bites, yet after watching some of his shows and reading his columns in O Magazine, realized this man has pretty sound judgment about the quirks of human nature), and so, rather vicariously, became interested in what his wife had to say...
Robin has nothing new to say that we haven't already read in other women's inspirational and empowerment type of books. Nor am I clear on why a religious-based publisher like Nelson would have chosen to market her book in Christian circles and bookstores; there is very little mention in it about Robin's spiritual beliefs or influences on her life. And yet, I must admit, by the end of the book, I'd grown sympathetic to this woman, could imagine enjoying a personal friendship with someone like her, and give her my nod of respect for the life decisions she has made, and for her courageous value system. Ah yes, values. Something of which we are so achingly devoid in modern society. Robin makes sense of having them again. She writes about her approach to being a woman, a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, all based on well-defined and usually very traditional values. Husband Phil comes out pretty shiny and admirable, too, subscribing to the same values, as any good husband and father would and should. Even if we already know these values, we certainly can use reminders such as this. They work.
Nothing literary about this writing, reading more like a protracted magazine article than a soul-baring deep-diving personal expose. And the pull quotes are rather annoying every few pages, serving no purpose that I can see other than getting in the way of a smooth flow. But you know? I liked it. It's a nice book, with nice things to say, and perhaps it is time to fly the flag for the value of niceness again. I dare say we all secretly long for it.
Robin has nothing new to say that we haven't already read in other women's inspirational and empowerment type of books. Nor am I clear on why a religious-based publisher like Nelson would have chosen to market her book in Christian circles and bookstores; there is very little mention in it about Robin's spiritual beliefs or influences on her life. And yet, I must admit, by the end of the book, I'd grown sympathetic to this woman, could imagine enjoying a personal friendship with someone like her, and give her my nod of respect for the life decisions she has made, and for her courageous value system. Ah yes, values. Something of which we are so achingly devoid in modern society. Robin makes sense of having them again. She writes about her approach to being a woman, a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, all based on well-defined and usually very traditional values. Husband Phil comes out pretty shiny and admirable, too, subscribing to the same values, as any good husband and father would and should. Even if we already know these values, we certainly can use reminders such as this. They work.
Nothing literary about this writing, reading more like a protracted magazine article than a soul-baring deep-diving personal expose. And the pull quotes are rather annoying every few pages, serving no purpose that I can see other than getting in the way of a smooth flow. But you know? I liked it. It's a nice book, with nice things to say, and perhaps it is time to fly the flag for the value of niceness again. I dare say we all secretly long for it.
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August 4, 2009Way to ride on the coattail of your hubby!
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June 14, 2013I got this book through a bookswapping website and honestly don't remember why I chose this book in the first place. These self-help-type books are typically not my style, but this week I picked it from my bookshelf out of curiosity and because I was looking for an easy, lite read.
Quick summary of the book: 1) I am very happy with myself because I stand up for myself (this is probably the same stuff dr Phil preaches on his show, which I have never seen), and, more importantly: 2) dr Phil is the best husband in the world. Indeed the book is filled with so many examples of how great this guy is that you wonder whether he perhaps wrote it himself.
There are a few entertaining anectdotes in the book, and you can finish it indeed in a few hours, so it was not a real waste of time. Most interestingly, though, it offered a quick glimpse into the life of the writer; for someone who did not grow up in the US, and never lived anywhere but on the west and east coasts, a book like this is just an interesting case study of what family life here may look like.
Quick summary of the book: 1) I am very happy with myself because I stand up for myself (this is probably the same stuff dr Phil preaches on his show, which I have never seen), and, more importantly: 2) dr Phil is the best husband in the world. Indeed the book is filled with so many examples of how great this guy is that you wonder whether he perhaps wrote it himself.
There are a few entertaining anectdotes in the book, and you can finish it indeed in a few hours, so it was not a real waste of time. Most interestingly, though, it offered a quick glimpse into the life of the writer; for someone who did not grow up in the US, and never lived anywhere but on the west and east coasts, a book like this is just an interesting case study of what family life here may look like.
August 30, 2023
Robin's book is a book that every woman should read. If you're married, single, divorced, have kids, don't have kids, it's the book for you. I learned and heard things that I never thought of and other things that impowered me even more. I got reassurance on how I am as a woman, wife, and mother. I saw new ways to look at my marriage and how I do things, and how my husband does things. I learned new and better ways of looking at things and respecting others. Not that I didn't already, but we all need a check-up! This book was encouraging, motivating, inspirational, heartwarming, eye-opening, compassionate, straightforward, and honest. I'm glad I finally read this book, and I had been wanting to for some time. I do believe that we make choices for a reason, and life is all about choices. This book helps guide you through some choices you might have made through Robin's eyes in a whole new light. Yes! I loved this book. I thank Robin for writing it, and her book also inspires me to work harder on my own book. Thank you, Robin!
Heather
Heather
September 1, 2016
Loved it! I read this book in a day, it's a very easy read. But also very enjoyable. I loved the stories about growing up with an alcoholic father and the choices she'd made throughout her life.
The book was very personal and touching and I cried several times.
I've read other reviews that complained Mrs McGraw is 'always right'. Well, if I wrote an autobiography, I'd probably paint myself in the best light... But I don't agree with the criticism. Mrs McGraw shares a story about feeding her newborn and nearly killing him. Wow, it takes a brave person to admit that!
This book is worth reading if only for the little insights into how men and women think differently, something you can never know too much about.
The book was very personal and touching and I cried several times.
I've read other reviews that complained Mrs McGraw is 'always right'. Well, if I wrote an autobiography, I'd probably paint myself in the best light... But I don't agree with the criticism. Mrs McGraw shares a story about feeding her newborn and nearly killing him. Wow, it takes a brave person to admit that!
This book is worth reading if only for the little insights into how men and women think differently, something you can never know too much about.
October 12, 2007
I believe this book was written as a biography, not as an instruction manual of any sort. I admire Mrs. McGraw, independent of her famous husband. She is intelligent, witty, down-to-earth, and beautiful. I appreciated reading her stories and experiences -- they were well written. I believe that knowing others and their poignant moments connects us all on a humane and personal level. I also believe that every single person who has lived, is living, and will live should have their biography published, because everyone's life matters and has a story we can all benefit from. I'm generally more of a cynic, but that much I know.
June 12, 2008
Based on a few reviews I read before reading the book, I expected this to be a cheesy, not so great book. That just goes to show that you can't always rely on other people's opinions. I thouroughly enjoyed this book and I think Robin McGraw is one special woman. She was very honest and open in writing this book, even when it may have been difficult to do so... it was like having a "heart-to-heart" conversation with her. This is one book I will not be giving away (I only keep "the good ones") and I definitely reccommend this book to others.
September 24, 2011
"I have always felt content in the role I chose to play in this life and this family - even when times were hard - because my husband has always shown his appreciation for what I do.
Appreciation is a big component of a successful marriage, and I hope that every underappreciated woman who reads this will circle that last sentence and put it where her husband and kids can see it."
(on hubby buying embroider kit) "The simple act of turning your consciousness away from your own inner world to connect with your partner’s is a great gift to a relationship; in fact, it’s the essence of relationship. You’ve got to be willing to put energy into listening to your partner - not just hearing, but really listening - so you can pick up signals he’s sending out about what he needs to be happy. And you’ve also got to be willing to send out some signals yourself that enable your partner to make you happy."
"Every woman is different, and what works for me may not work for you. But there is one thing that works for all of us, and that is confidence. There is nothing unfeminine about confidence; in fact, many men will tell you there is nothing more attractive than a woman who knows her own mind and stands by what she thinks. When you are confident, you tell the world that you will not be taken advantage of. You teach the men in your life to treat you with dignity and respect, and you set an example for your children of what a strong, independent woman can accomplish in this world.
Have confedence in yourself. Trust your own judgment. When you know you’re right, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t stop; don’t back down. Stand up for yourself and defend what you know is true. If you don’t, no one else will."
Appreciation is a big component of a successful marriage, and I hope that every underappreciated woman who reads this will circle that last sentence and put it where her husband and kids can see it."
(on hubby buying embroider kit) "The simple act of turning your consciousness away from your own inner world to connect with your partner’s is a great gift to a relationship; in fact, it’s the essence of relationship. You’ve got to be willing to put energy into listening to your partner - not just hearing, but really listening - so you can pick up signals he’s sending out about what he needs to be happy. And you’ve also got to be willing to send out some signals yourself that enable your partner to make you happy."
"Every woman is different, and what works for me may not work for you. But there is one thing that works for all of us, and that is confidence. There is nothing unfeminine about confidence; in fact, many men will tell you there is nothing more attractive than a woman who knows her own mind and stands by what she thinks. When you are confident, you tell the world that you will not be taken advantage of. You teach the men in your life to treat you with dignity and respect, and you set an example for your children of what a strong, independent woman can accomplish in this world.
Have confedence in yourself. Trust your own judgment. When you know you’re right, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t stop; don’t back down. Stand up for yourself and defend what you know is true. If you don’t, no one else will."
July 13, 2008
I really liked it and she kind of bugs me. Some of my favorite things...The whole book's theme is life is a bunch of little choices that make up who you are. You can be whoever you want to be by making the right choices for you. For example, you don't have to be who your parent's are. But you can take the good from your mom and the good from your dad and choose to make that part of who you are. You can take all the bad stuff and decide that the bad stuff will NEVER be part of who you are. I really liked that.
I was touched by the story about her mother's death and how she dealt with it and I hope it is something I won't experience for MANY, MANY years. I really like one chapter where she emphasised the importance of standing up for yourself and your family. Don't let professionals make you feel like you don't know what you are talking about if you feel strongly about something.
Here is the only thing that bugged me. She acted as if she ALWAYS made the right choice for her. She gave tons of examples of the "right" choices that have shaped her life. I would have really liked to see when she made a mistake or wrong choice that she had to fix. Something that made her seam less perfect. She mentions that she's made them but no examples were offered.
All in all I give this book 4 stars out of 5. I laughed, I cried (a couple of times) and I came away thinking about the person I truly want to be.
I was touched by the story about her mother's death and how she dealt with it and I hope it is something I won't experience for MANY, MANY years. I really like one chapter where she emphasised the importance of standing up for yourself and your family. Don't let professionals make you feel like you don't know what you are talking about if you feel strongly about something.
Here is the only thing that bugged me. She acted as if she ALWAYS made the right choice for her. She gave tons of examples of the "right" choices that have shaped her life. I would have really liked to see when she made a mistake or wrong choice that she had to fix. Something that made her seam less perfect. She mentions that she's made them but no examples were offered.
All in all I give this book 4 stars out of 5. I laughed, I cried (a couple of times) and I came away thinking about the person I truly want to be.
March 8, 2017
This is no Ben Okri (would Robin McGraw even know this guy?) or Günter Grass, no Jared Diamond or Carl Sagan either (if you prefer the non-fiction type). Which leads me to think: There are best sellers and best sellers .... Some stand the test of time, some don't. This one is such a best seller (i.e. made the #1 New York Times list for non-fiction) because the American society today knows a certain Dr. Phil (her husband). And the said society dies to read what his wife has to say (on whatever subject she choses).
Fast forward a couple of generations, and I suspect nobody will remember this book (rightfully so, I'd add). Heck, people will not remember the good ol' Dr. Phil either.
Sometimes it bothers me how books of all feathers sit together on a shelf in a library, completely oblivious to the value the neighbour holds in between its covers. Quality next to intellectual garbage. I wonder who arranged these books, and that the alphabet should not always be the all-powerful, deciding factor.
Writing a book can be an excuse to get some money for a new cottage or another new whim. Whenever you are in the public eye, you can sell things that commoners can't sell, a banana or a dream.
Books of different kinds together on a bookshelf - it rings to mind the human metropolis, and the folks living with each other, in neighbourly/brotherly love. How ignorant are we, really? At least books don't have to wonder that.
Fast forward a couple of generations, and I suspect nobody will remember this book (rightfully so, I'd add). Heck, people will not remember the good ol' Dr. Phil either.
Sometimes it bothers me how books of all feathers sit together on a shelf in a library, completely oblivious to the value the neighbour holds in between its covers. Quality next to intellectual garbage. I wonder who arranged these books, and that the alphabet should not always be the all-powerful, deciding factor.
Writing a book can be an excuse to get some money for a new cottage or another new whim. Whenever you are in the public eye, you can sell things that commoners can't sell, a banana or a dream.
Books of different kinds together on a bookshelf - it rings to mind the human metropolis, and the folks living with each other, in neighbourly/brotherly love. How ignorant are we, really? At least books don't have to wonder that.
August 11, 2012
Although I liked a lot of what she had to say, especially in regards to healthy relationships and insisting on respect as a woman, I found her to be a little self-righteous and holier-than-thou - smug, even. She states a few times her life is not perfect, yet she certainly speaks as though it is and I find it all a little hard to believe and unrealistic. No marriage could possibly be that perfect, and although her life has turned out fairly well, I certainly find it hard to believe that it's all to do with her making every perfect decision....life is just not like that, some things are just left up to chance - sometimes you just get lucky. Despite the fact that I found her to be a little smug and self-congratulatory, I did take some good things away from the book, but it's certainly not a book that would have been published had she not been married to who she is, unfortunately. But good on her for having a go.
February 2, 2008
I'd really give this a 3 1/2 * rating, but there are no halfs here I guess. I loved the challenge she gives to women to realize they have choices in life and to make the ones that will make them happy.
Most non-fiction books I've read are of a more spiritual nature and I kept waiting for her to follow up her personal stories with how it relates to the gospel and share scripture and insight to those principles. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't an LDS book. She did talk a lot about God though, and I was happy to be reminded that God loves all his children.
I enjoyed it and learned a lot from it. I loved that she was personal and I felt connected to her. I got the book from the library, but wouldn't mind owning a copy as I'm sure I'd read it again a few times throughout the rest of my life.
Most non-fiction books I've read are of a more spiritual nature and I kept waiting for her to follow up her personal stories with how it relates to the gospel and share scripture and insight to those principles. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't an LDS book. She did talk a lot about God though, and I was happy to be reminded that God loves all his children.
I enjoyed it and learned a lot from it. I loved that she was personal and I felt connected to her. I got the book from the library, but wouldn't mind owning a copy as I'm sure I'd read it again a few times throughout the rest of my life.
August 6, 2011
I'm lukewarm on this book. It was too repetitious for me. It isn't necessary to reword the same topic for two pages. I get it!
The book isn't what I had thought it would be. I thought it would be about living a better life, but this was more of a memoir.
I didn't know she was Christian and wonder why it took so many years for it to be put in print. I didn't know her parents were alcoholics, but she has persevered and that is commendable.
She is a high energy person and it shines through in the book. But what I really liked about this book, was her hospital emergency story about her son and the man who takes the phone call from her to convey the message she couldn't get out of her mouth while telling her Dad to come to the hospital. She she turned to tell the man thank you, he was gone. I think she would be a genuine person to be friends with, but the book isn't a keeper for me.
The book isn't what I had thought it would be. I thought it would be about living a better life, but this was more of a memoir.
I didn't know she was Christian and wonder why it took so many years for it to be put in print. I didn't know her parents were alcoholics, but she has persevered and that is commendable.
She is a high energy person and it shines through in the book. But what I really liked about this book, was her hospital emergency story about her son and the man who takes the phone call from her to convey the message she couldn't get out of her mouth while telling her Dad to come to the hospital. She she turned to tell the man thank you, he was gone. I think she would be a genuine person to be friends with, but the book isn't a keeper for me.
October 13, 2007
This was a good book and easy read; not a must-read or overly compelling though. Robin cites some key experiences from her life as a wife and mother, and says it is her purpose in life to play these two roles and do it as best she can. She discusses her background about being born into a chaotic alcoholic family, and how that influenced her life into one in which she chooses to set clear boundaries for her relationship with 'Phillip' and how she seeks to maintain a order in her and her family's lives. Her lovingness toward her family is abundantly clear, and she gives insightful examples of how to express your love for your husband and children purposefully, thoughtfully, and consistently. She is clearly a woman who actively takes care of herself and her needs as an individual as well.
May 9, 2008
A friend gave me this book, and I found myself really enjoying it. I identified with much of her life. Her Dad was a great man but a "fun" alcoholic.She lost her mom and talked about how difficult it is to navigate through that time. Which is something I can attest to. It leaves a hole in your heart like no other loss.I appreciated her struggle to make a new life with her boys gone from home. I admire her stance on motherhood and marriage.It was a quick book that was honest and easy to read. My favorite quote was:
"Being a mother is more than a phase in my life; for me, it's a never-ending calling here on Earth. And when the time comes and I'm standing before my Heavenly Father, I just want Him to say to me, Job well done"
"Being a mother is more than a phase in my life; for me, it's a never-ending calling here on Earth. And when the time comes and I'm standing before my Heavenly Father, I just want Him to say to me, Job well done"
January 21, 2009
I enjoyed this book. As a stay at home mom when my boys were growing up there were times when you felt like is this is?? Is this my purpose? Then they come home from school and they tell me about their accomplishments. This book has taught me that we stay at home moms have the perfect job on this earth. We are totally blessed when we can raise our boys and be there to support our husbands. I applaud Robin for the great work she has done supporting her husband and raising two boys. It is great to know that I am not the only person who feels totally fulfilled with the fact that being a mom and wife has been my purpose in life. It truly is. Thank you Robin for reminding us that this truly is the best role in life.
January 3, 2013
I liked this book. I couldn't help it. I respected Robin's strong will to take charge of the things she can in her life and to give up to God the things she can't. That's how I've chosen to live my life and I think it's a logical, practical, successful strategy for anyone. I am inspired by books that light a little fire under me to try harder and do better. I admired Robin's ability to look at people and consciously decide to accept the things she liked about them and forgive and overlook the things she didn't. The negative doesn't have to overtake the positive and prevent a relationship. I thought she perfectly summed up what it is to be human and that being non judgmental is really a gift to self. She's a spunky, caring, firecracker of a woman. What's not to like about that!
October 6, 2014
I bought this book from a thrift store,this I mention because I am not the type of person that like to follow celebrities. I had to fill up a bag of goods for $10 and her book was in the mix. When I started reading I thought oh my this is going to be a slow boring read. I was surprised how it kept my attention. I loved the stories about how Dr. Phil would mess up badly. This makes me feel better about my husbands mess-ups. The story did seem a little one sided, but it was her story. I just wonder now about Dr. Phil's story. I guess when your truthful as a Christian the story can seem a little corny. I support her in this book, and I will pass it on to another woman who need a laugh about menopause and our husbands.
September 24, 2017
I had always wondered how things were for Robin before her life got to be where we know it as now. Her book made me realize so many things. I think this is a book that women of all walks of life could read and walk away with something positive that they can use for themselves or walk away saying she makes sense .
Most of all She is so open and raw about all parts of her life from growing up in not the greatest of ways . To the love she has for her mother and how her death forever changed her. She even admits to the mistakes of being a first time mother and wife.
She just as human as you or I and that our lives our truly our own and that our life is as Robin points out many times "Choices- life is all about choices" It's up to us on what choices we make for our life
Most of all She is so open and raw about all parts of her life from growing up in not the greatest of ways . To the love she has for her mother and how her death forever changed her. She even admits to the mistakes of being a first time mother and wife.
She just as human as you or I and that our lives our truly our own and that our life is as Robin points out many times "Choices- life is all about choices" It's up to us on what choices we make for our life
December 4, 2017
I have a great deal of respect for Robin McGraw. I admire how she supports her husband and is devoted to her family. These reasons are what prompted me to read her book. I was expecting a bio, though, and this book is more of an autobiographical self-help book. It reads a bit choppy as it discusses past and present events in the same paragraph and repeats the points over and over throughout the book. I do appreciate her message of confidence and to trust our guts. We make choices and our own happiness. I also appreciated her advice for married women - to listen to your husband's words when he says what he wants. Overall, the book includes plenty of encouragement and challenges for women, and I do recommend it, but realize it's more of a self-help book.
May 8, 2008
I really liked this book. I feel that it lets us know as women that we do need to be treated with respect. I have a daughter that did not see this and when a date would come and pick her up she would get mad at us because we insisted that he come to the door to get her instead of honking. I passed this book on to her to read. When she got done she said there is a lot of good life lessons in there and I am worth it. Her views have really changed and realizes that she is a daughter of god and therefore should be treated as such. She also realizes that she is no better than anyone else. I would really recommend this book.
March 30, 2009
I really enjoyed this book....not only the content, but also getting to know Robin McGraw. I love her recurring message about life being a series of choices. We are who we choose to be! Her honesty about her own family problems and issues she has had to deal with as a mother were very encouraging. I admire her for her role as a stay-at-home-mom, and now for taking on something like writing a book because it's something she wanted to do. She hasn't lost her self identity, and she isn't about to sit home and crawl inside herself just because her sons are grown and out of the house now. A quick and easy read that will lift a woman's spirits!
August 6, 2012
I picked up this book for no particular reason, quite amused by the thought of a self-help book by the wife of Dr Phil. However I must say that this book actually contained many germs of wisdome. I am glad I read it (though not cover to cover I must admit) and I feel that some of the advice contained within it's pages will really help me in my life. It has taught me to have more respect for people who, although I may not agree with them theologically, nor really like their manner; have a far far greater understanding of concepts like commitment, forgiveness, wisdom and family than I, in all of my 18 years have thus far achieved.
September 22, 2023
Some great tear jerkers inside. I'd recommend it to my lady friends, though there were quite a few philosophies I couldn't agree whole heartedly with as I read. Like a time she got mad at a nurse for doing her job training a new nurse by trying to put an iv into her son. No way was Mrs. McGraw going to let someone who wasn't seasoned use her son as a "pincushion". And she felt perfectly justified to shun both women from her son's care forevermore. (I'm sensitive to this one because my husband is a resident and I can't tell you how poorly he is treated for what he doesn't know yet). She is a highly volatile, charged woman (I mean, eat your mom's pie, silly). Still a very good book.
March 27, 2013
I was not really expecting anything from this book, cos i did not know what to expect. I appreciate the idea of the book, as to why it was written,am not sure i can relate with the book or if i took anything away from it. Quite a good story to tell over lunch or for someone trying to know more about the family. other than that.......hum , i will give it a "OK". Judging from the book she will be a good friend to have in your corner and i can feel her dependency on her husband in her writings which is not a bad thing to be.Too much of herself is in the book, i want to read from somewhere else but not from here poodle.
August 3, 2016
I think Robin McGraw is cute as a button. She is a go-getter who knows what she wants and goes after it. Her book is upbeat and positive. She talks a lot about choices. I loved that. I too believe that life is all about our choices. It's not the cards you are dealt, but how you play those cards that show who you are. I only gave it two stars because while I appreciated her focus on choices, I think she kind of glossed over how hard it is to make the right choices for yourself (especially if you have made a series of bad ones). The one thing I realized after reading this book is that I am not really a goal setter and that I might need to take a look at setting some goals for myself.
August 26, 2015
I wanted to love it, sadly I did not. I do enjoy Dr. Phil and Robin very much on his show. However, I could NOT get into this book. I cannot think of anything that stands out in my mind about this book. I'm sure this book come from a good place for Robin, but for me I needed MORE. I didn't find it to be very deep or thoughtful. Everyone has their own struggles and Robin's struggles were just not comparable to my own. I don't think our struggles are a competition so don't misunderstand me please. I just found it difficult to relate to what we're struggles for HER. I found it to be more of a biographical storyline about her life with Phil.
August 9, 2007
This book contained a few points that were friendly reminders that served to keep my self-esteem in check. However it mostly contained moments in her life (that most of us have experienced) that were overly emphasized & extremely repeatitive. It proves that any one with a famous name can author a book. This short read could've been even shorter had I been the editor. All that being said; if you need a little inspiration in order to take control of your life and haven't learned that much of what we do is a choice, then you will find her stories helpful. Happy self-helping!
November 21, 2007
Thought that this book would be a little sticky sweet, but I really enjoyed it. We are strong women that live our lives with a purpose. I know that what I am doing right now is what I am supposed to be doing, want to be doing. We can't let things just happen to us. Stand for what we believe and know to be true. Study, learn and do what is best for our family. Nobody is going to know that better than you. Be happy for who you are and what you are doing right now. If you are not, then do something about it.
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