Samara O'Shea

I don't happen to currently be in the throes of unrequited love, but I've been there before, and know well the place from which this author was coming. But to be honest, despite not actively suffering myself, I found this book to be easily readable and immensely helpful. Yes, as the title suggests, it is mostly written from the perspective of a girl who is suffering because of unrequited romantic love for a man. But that is not the sum total of the book. Every relationship between people has show more some aspect of love, and there can just as easily be unrequited (or unequal) love among friends. This book will be a boon for people who are carrying a torch - You are not alone!! But also helped me to identify aspects of my own personality that have made it possible for me to suffer under the weight of unrequited love in the past. It's about loving yourself first and foremost - an old idea, but presented here with a new and palatable view. I found the author funny and engaging, the science and philosophy supportive of her points without being heavy-handed. It is really a book about addiction in a way. And I think there is something here for all of us. Well done! show less

I have seen many reviews on this book floating around out there. Some of them are great, and some less so. But for me, this book was one that falls in the “LOVE” category. I love the voice the author uses, and how she peppers everything with blog entries, both of her own and others. She adds lots of anecdotes, both the good and the bad. She made some points which made me think, not just about journaling but about things in general. I like books that make me think, and more than that, show more decide WHAT I think. When I came upon this book, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to write or journal. Or what I wanted to write. Reading this gave me inspiration for both, and lots of fodder for my imagination. It also broadened my perspective on journaling. I always thought of it as more of a “Dear Diary, I had the worst day with my boyfriend…” book. And she does talk about reflecting, and recording your day, but also talks about adding song lyrics, quotes, poems, pictures, ect. And who knows? I have been wanting to start a ‘family life story’ for years. I could include some interesting details in it if I do this. I got so into the process, for a while, journaling really became my priority over writing (and sometimes reading). You know when you find a non-fiction book that is so good you can’t decide if you want to go do what it’s talking about, or stay and read more about it? This is exactly what this was like. I discovered a nice cheap hobby, if you like to write (and I do =D), and very portable, with only needing a notebook and a pen. And I didn’t even go out and buy a journal (who knew how long this would last?). I used a note book I had on hand. I was surprised how quickly it started to fill up, as I carried it with me, and used it, all the time. (In fact, I am referring to the notes I made for this review out of it, heh). I am a bit of a blogger (only 4 at current count) and I was a little afraid how the journal and blogs would work together. I am finding they coexist quite nicely together, and one doesn’t have to replace the other. There are very few books I re-read (I don’t see the point when there are SO MANY new books out there to read all the time), but this is one I can see myself re-reading. When I decided this was the case, and it was time to return it to the library, I tracked down a new copy on the internet (the only place I could find it) and bought it. Now, to get my hands on her book about letter writing…

So what is your favorite book on journaling, or journal (ex. Diary of Anne Frank)? show less

I surprised myself by adoring this book. Not a trite look at heartbreak....or a pick yourself up by your bootstraps and get back in there kind of book. I was inspired to try and do better for myself. Not just in dating, but just for myself. Loves Me...Not covers a lot of common sense advice but, sometimes, it is good to hear this advice from another source.

It's not all recovery though. Allowing yourself leeway to heal and recover in order to be stronger to possibly love again, how to deal show more with the invasive questions "Are you seeing anyone?" "Why haven't you married?"...etc..., when to walk away, when to try again, etc.

I will definitely recommend this book to anyone I know going through heartbreak. show less

I don't read self-help books. Not my thing. And this one showed up when the topic was current in my life - too current. I was bogged down in the very sort of self-pity that this book addresses, and reading it wasn't comfortable at all. So I put it away.

Loves Me...Not is well written and very humorous. Also smart and, dare I say, helpful. It probably won't tell you anything you don't already know, but it may tell you something you need to hear.