The great book for you is the book that has the most to say to you at the moment when you are reading. I do not mean the book that is most instructive, but the book that feeds your spirit. And that depends on your age, your experience, your psychological and spiritual need.
You can't take people's opinions personally. Usually what people say about it is a reflection of them own issues.
I think that women are much more collaborative; men are much more competitive.

