Review: Men, Take Note!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 31, 2012
As a single man for the last few years, there have been moments of self-doubt when I have second-guessed my ability to find and attract a beautiful woman with wit, intelligence, sex appeal, empathy, and vivacity to boot.Granted, that is a rather tall order. Nonetheless, Stephen Williams has written a straightforward tome that speaks to a man's vulnerabilities and foibles and offers to him a sense of accomplishment and success with what is commonly known as in some (outdated) circles as "the fair sex.""Beautiful Women" is appealing for its acknowledgement of male insecurity and unspoken desire. By dealing with these perceived flaws in the male psyche, Williams desires to address some all-too-familiar shortcomings: lack of social/sexual/emotional confidence; ability to initiate and hold conversation; improving listening skills; and so forth.Attraction, beauty, wit---these are all subjective traits in an individual. Williams seeks to identify universal commonalities found in most men in order for them to succeed in pursuing and attaining the love of a woman.I certainly agree with Williams's exhortation to "(get) along with everyone." To do so can expand beyond casual dating and eventual romantic intimacy into the realm of all social interaction. This is certainly a strength to develop and assert in all forms of relationships, whether platonic, familial, or intimate. Honing this quality simply demonstrates an individual's tenacity to pursue and maintain an emotional and physical connection regardless of level of familiarity. Even if the exchange is casual, each subsequent tete-a-tete builds upon the person's character and sociability.Since the focus is upon a man's ability to get the woman of his dreams, the author exhorts the reader to build up his confidence and rely upon gradual social encounters to reinforce his ability to attract and maintain an attractive woman. This approach is certainly a noble and worthwhile endeavor, since confidence and a positive outlook seem to be attractive qualities in a man that women like and admire.Humor is a terrific equalizer and leveler. Just as there are numerous styles of humor, so, too, are there different tastes and predilections in people for certain comedic styles. Some women enjoy a dry, Monty Python-esque approach replete with quirky punchlines (if there even IS a punchline). Others are partial to caustic humor a la Don Rickles. Some enjoy visual comedy as demonstrated by Gallagher and Carrot Top. And, yes, some men, in an overzealous effort to impress a lady, can overdo it with the universal fart joke. Williams treats this subject with great care and, despite his urging to make the humor "not cheesy and not sly,"  there are those who can pull off such aforementioned humor with great aplomb---and even win the woman's affections in the process!Williams writes with the confidence borne of experience and wisdom. "Beautiful Women" is certainly a tool that can be used with great efficacy by some men in their romantic pursuits. However, it should be stressed that such advice can and probably should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt, especially where humor is concerned. Nevertheless, "Women" is an enjoyable read.