© Maria Foy | Happy Mum Happy Child
Book Review: Like A Queen by Constance Hall
Before I launch into the review, let me say that I’ve enjoyed most of Constance Hall’s posts online for a while. Some of them I don’t like, but I don’t have to – we’re not all the same and if we were it would be a boring world.
One thing I enjoy about Constance, is that she has a way of bringing women together and making them feel empowered and less alone. That is something that isn’t to be dismissed, and is wonderful for all Mum’s who can relate.
When Constance revealed she was writing a book, I really wasn’t excited to be honest. But I think that has more to do with the fact that I didn’t feel a personal connection with Constance online, not like some others did.
However, the reviews were coming in thick and fast and it seemed unanimous: the book is amazing. People were laughing. They were crying. They were ordering copies for their friends, or sharing the ones they had.
It felt overwhelming the response I was seeing, so I figured: “hmmm I think I should get this and see what it’s all about”.
So I ordered it… Constance then came to New Zealand and I was fortunate enough to attend the interview with her and Anika Moa. I was actually impressed – Constance has a presence about her that is actually inspiring. I felt inspired! I couldn’t wait to read the book …
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THE BOOK
I started reading this book on an aeroplane to Wellington, when I got invited to speak at a Post Natal Depression event; I was excited for a moment to actually focus on it.
Within a few pages I felt uncomfortable; I felt bad. I wasn’t experiencing the same thing I heard everyone talking about: this amazing joy and connection that they felt with Constance through her words.
I kept reading, however, because you can’t judge a book by a few pages.
As I got further and further in, I realised something: It wasn’t written very well at all. Now I’m no book critic, but I am a lover of reading (especially before kids). I don’t know the ins and outs of writing a book, but I knew something wasn’t right about what I was reading. I’ve never ever had a book where I couldn’t read it. EVER.
In my opinion, it was like an eternal Facebook status update. It was all over the show.
I couldn’t focus my attention on the words at all, they weren’t making me want to read more. Soon it started feeling like a chore to read it. I kept going though, tried to persevere through it; but I just couldn’t.
In fact, to this day, I still haven’t finished reading the book. I can’t bring myself to do it. I think I have read about 3/4 of it.
I did find her stories of the relationship with her husband absolutely fascinating though. It was a bit like reading a drama novel at times, but I felt disconnected from the rest of it.
I’m not sure if this is because there is something wrong with myself and I just don’t connect, or perhaps because it’s self-published and not edited by a professional (not a dig, just an observation).
MY RATING
2/5 – I personally just didn’t connect with it. Nothing against Constance at all, just my personal opinion.
WHERE TO BUY
You can buy your copy of Like A Queen online through Constance Hall’s WEBSITE. Because Constance self-published, this is the only place you can buy it from. If you dislike my opinion and haven’t read her book, then I highly recommend buying it and reading it yourself ?
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My opinion is of course just my opinion. I realise there are a truck load of people who absolutely love this book. I feel really bad that I don’t like it, but the truth is, I don’t.
Have you read her book? What did you think?
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