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Summary: A Nice Lunchtime Read That Will Stay With You a Lifetime
Review: I picked up this book because I'm a fan of Ben Stein, the modern Renaissance man and ueber compassionate conservative. The droll title leads one to think it's anything other than what it is: A "self-help book in reverse."Basically, this is Ben waxing dryly humourous on how to totally screw up your life: If you do the exact opposite of what he suggest, then you will succeed. A kind of backwards hermaneutics: From Ben's antithesis, you'll get his thesis for the good life, which if you apply to your everyday habits, will supply a generous synthesis of good vibes. It is too soon to tell whether or not this book "worked for me," however, here's a clue that Stein is on the right track: If the reader is honest with himself, he will find himself guilty of some of these recipes for disaster. About 1/3 of the loser behaviours Ben outlines I have been, or currently am, engaged in. And you know what? Stein is right; these behaviours have not benefited me, but to some degree or another have conspired "to ruin my life." Touche!
Rating: 
Summary: Right between the eyes.
Review: I've always liked Ben Stein, and now I like him even more, though this little book really stepped on my toes a bit. Now, we can add wisdom to Mr. Stein's positive attributes. For another great book employing the same "how to fail" technique used by Stein, see "The 77 Habits of Highly Ineffective Christians," by Chris Fabry.
Rating:
Summary: An easy, fun read.
Review: If you're a fan of Ben Stein, you'll like this. His dry sense of humor pervades. Next to "No One's Even Bleeding", this is the funniest book I've read all year. Well worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: An easy, fun read.
Review: If you're a fan of Ben Stein, you'll like this. His dry sense of humor pervades. Next to "No One's Even Bleeding", this is the funniest book I've read all year. Well worth the money.
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Summary: It's my bible !
Review: It's good, very enjoyable and full of reversed wisdom.
You can skip chapters, or read it backwards, it really doesn't matter :)
There's only one minor thing a don't agree with : he writes you need to believe in god to be succesfull ...
Rating:
Summary: How a Court Jester would make his point
Review: There are some basic rules we're taught early in life: cherish your family, let bygones be bygones, don't hang out with the wrong crowd, etc. However, over time, these rules become cliches that we discard. Their mere mention attracts groans. They remind us of the stern lectures we had as children. The genius with this book is that it causes us, as adults, to re-examine our lives according to these basic principles. Stein gives us 35 chapters of how to live our life if we want to be unhappy and unsuccessful: Do take for granted those who are always nice to you, Do make others feel inferior by contrasting what you own with their possessions, Ignore life's little pleasures (after all, you're into the big stuff anyway). The way it's presented, the basic principles are brought alive again- even to the most cynical adult. We can laugh at ourselves while realizing how we can change the way we act and perceive the world. It's a short read but it definitely caused me to re-analyze my mindset and actions.
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Summary: Wow. This is really, really BAD.
Review: This book can be summarized in about 3 sentences: 1. Don't be egocentric. 2. Don't be mean. 3. Don't be dumb.
I'm very sorry I wasted the money on this, and even more sorry that some of the money will go to Ben Stein.
Rating:
Summary: Best on the CD.
Review: This book has so many little common mistakes that people make without even realizing the catastrophic effects, and Ben Stein is just as funny as ever. This is a good, quick read that everyone should pick up.
Rating:
Summary: Best. Book. Ever.
Review: This book has so many little common mistakes that people make without even realizing the catastrophic effects, and Ben Stein is just as funny as ever. This is a good, quick read that everyone should pick up.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent guide on how to save yourself alot of trouble
Review: This books is both funny and informative. When I first saw the book and read the title "How to Ruin Your Life" I was immediately intrigued; a book on ruining your life? After picking it up and opening it, it was immediately obvious that it was meant as a guide on how not to ruin your life by doing the opposite of what he tells you to do. I of course thought that I had no use for such a book as I already know how not to ruin my life. But after I read the table of contents I conceded to myself that I did alot of the things he suggests that ruins your life, so I purchased it and read it. It was hilarious, and made me take a much more honest look at myself. Most people are not going to be guilty of all his "recommendations", but many will be guilt of a majority of them. This book shows you how to aviod the pitfalls of ego, selfishness, and laziness. This book is especially usefull for an overconfident young college punk like myself who likes to think I got everything already figured out. I highly recomment this book to anyone.
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