Set-Apart Femininity

Set-Apart Femininity, by Leslie Ludy is really my type of book in that it’s going to raise a whole lot of arguments by just about anyone who reads is. Baring the possibility that you have the exact mindset of Mrs. Ludy, the chances of you falling in love with this book are slim. However, the chances of this book making you think harder, read more widely, study more diligently and know what you believe are very high. She doesn’t mince words and you probably wouldn’t either when sharing your opinion of it.

I’ve read two other books by Leslie Ludy which I rather enjoyed. This one was more, um, conclusive than the other two. But I think as she has learned and grown as an author, she is becoming more firm in her opinions and beliefs. She doesn’t want to leave her reader content with the thoughts they had when they cracked open the book. She wants to motivate you to change your way of thinking and living. That is her goal. The reason why I love this book is because she makes no bones about her goal. She is straight forward, blunt and honest which is something I very much appreciate. I’ll take that any day over an author who has a (very valid) point to make but feels the need to sugar coat the doctrine to make it go down better. I’m frequently confused by that type of author. Ludy leaves no room for confusion, much like her hero of the faith, Elizabeth Elliot.

I received this book from Harvest House for review and I was under the impression that this book would be be more along the lines of an encouraging word for how to have a more gentle and quiet spirit (something I’m desperately lacking in!) and maybe dress up more. I don’t really know why I thought that, but there you have it. How to be more feminine. That is the point of the book but it’s really much more than about dress. It’s about a heart attitude. It is about living to your full potential in Christ.

Ludy has definite ideas of how that looks and I really can’t say that I agree with (most) of them. On the other hand, I think there is much to glean from in this book. She will make you question the way that you think, the entertainment you pursue, the books that you read and the way you view the world. Questions like that are GOOD. The moment I become content with myself is the moment that I cease to grow in fellowship with God or man. I want to learn and I want to grow and this book promotes both in myself. She uses this book to get up on her soapbox, rattle the windows and knock the dust off our inactive brains. (You so think I’m joking, don’t you?)

Quite frankly, I really don’t want to give too much away in this review. I want you to read it and tell me what you think of it. Better yet, grab a friend and read it with them (it’ll make discussing this book so much more fun!). Ask God what He would have you change (or validate you in) after thinking through her points. This book is challenging. I respect Ludy for her opinion and passion for living truth, whether or not I agree with her method. I submit to you that you won’t regret reading this book. It’ll set you on fire one way or another and once the flame as been lit – come back and tell me where it’s burning. I want to know!

Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.