The Hamlet Syndrome: Overthinkers Who Underachieve

Rating:
Summary: Still Top-Notch 15 Years Later
Review: I first read 'Hamlet Syndrome' just before I graduated from university in the year 2000. It took a lot of work to find the book, but it was an immensely rewarding read. I'm a 20-something now, and re-read the book on occasion, especially now as Reagan has just passed away. Incidentally, the Reagan years of the 80's formed the backdrop of that book.

I can see myself in many pages of the 'Hamlet Syndrome'. It is a truly inspirational read that is a metaphor for my own life. I agree with the authors that there is no 'cure' for this syndrome, no 'happily ever after' ending as it were. This is ironically quite reassuring, as Hamlet's role of an outsider brings fresh perspective and depth of meaning to this confused world we live in.

For myself I can say that reading this book really helped me get off my butt and start taking action to realize my dreams. I can happily say I started a career right after graduation that combines the best of heart and dollar. I've been teaching conversational English and IELTS to adults and teens in Shanghai, China for the past 3 years. Working and living abroad is rewarding from the heart, and the money here is excellent in local terms.

I believe life is cyclical. It is so interesting to read the accounts of Hamlets living under the material 'bliss' of the Reagan era. Right now in Shanghai, the economic boom of this decade parallels the 80's immensely. Despite all the dollar-chasing, I see many miserable people stuck in jobs they can't stand, not to mention gut-wrenching poverty in the midst of it all. Even so, just like the 80's, you can feel pretty isolated by not buying into the materialism.

All things considered, this book was the best I've ever read, and I can't thank the authors enough. Please read it!

Rating:
Summary: Still Top-Notch 15 Years Later
Review: I first read 'Hamlet Syndrome' just before I graduated from university in the year 2000. It took a lot of work to find the book, but it was an immensely rewarding read. I'm a 20-something now, and re-read the book on occasion, especially now as Reagan has just passed away. Incidentally, the Reagan years of the 80's formed the backdrop of that book.

I can see myself in many pages of the 'Hamlet Syndrome'. It is a truly inspirational read that is a metaphor for my own life. I agree with the authors that there is no 'cure' for this syndrome, no 'happily ever after' ending as it were. This is ironically quite reassuring, as Hamlet's role of an outsider brings fresh perspective and depth of meaning to this confused world we live in.

For myself I can say that reading this book really helped me get off my butt and start taking action to realize my dreams. I can happily say I started a career right after graduation that combines the best of heart and dollar. I've been teaching conversational English and IELTS to adults and teens in Shanghai, China for the past 3 years. Working and living abroad is rewarding from the heart, and the money here is excellent in local terms.

I believe life is cyclical. It is so interesting to read the accounts of Hamlets living under the material 'bliss' of the Reagan era. Right now in Shanghai, the economic boom of this decade parallels the 80's immensely. Despite all the dollar-chasing, I see many miserable people stuck in jobs they can't stand, not to mention gut-wrenching poverty in the midst of it all. Even so, just like the 80's, you can feel pretty isolated by not buying into the materialism.

All things considered, this book was the best I've ever read, and I can't thank the authors enough. Please read it!

Rating:
Summary: An insightful but flawed book that was ahead of its time.
Review: There were times I had to put this book down because I found descriptions of myself on almost every page. Miller and Goldblatt have beautifully captured the essence of a very specific band of outsiders. The depth of their insight is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

For several chapters, the authors define the symptoms of the Hamlet Syndrome and provide ample support to make their case. They are able to sympathize with their subjects while also gently criticizing them. This balance is maintained right up until the end of the book, where the tone shifts from an intriguing work of sociological scholarship to a preachy invective of righteous indignation.

This is the place where "The Hamlet Syndrome" goes from being timeless to dated. It is obviously a product of the Reagan era. While the former president and his policies are indeed ripe for criticism, the authors' censure comes from out of nowhere. Furthermore, after spending several chapters gracefully tracing the alienation of modern-day Hamlets without taking sides, Miller and Goldblatt turn around and blame society itself for shutting Hamlets out.

It makes for a rather inappropriate ending to what is otherwise a remarkably intuitive and touching book.

Rating:
Summary: An insightful but flawed book that was ahead of its time.
Review: There were times I had to put this book down because I found descriptions of myself on almost every page. Miller and Goldblatt have beautifully captured the essence of a very specific band of outsiders. The depth of their insight is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

For several chapters, the authors define the symptoms of the Hamlet Syndrome and provide ample support to make their case. They are able to sympathize with their subjects while also gently criticizing them. This balance is maintained right up until the end of the book, where the tone shifts from an intriguing work of sociological scholarship to a preachy invective of righteous indignation.

This is the place where "The Hamlet Syndrome" goes from being timeless to dated. It is obviously a product of the Reagan era. While the former president and his policies are indeed ripe for criticism, the authors' censure comes from out of nowhere. Furthermore, after spending several chapters gracefully tracing the alienation of modern-day Hamlets without taking sides, Miller and Goldblatt turn around and blame society itself for shutting Hamlets out.

It makes for a rather inappropriate ending to what is otherwise a remarkably intuitive and touching book.

Rating:
Summary: To be or not to be.....
Review: This book would help all us overthinkers realize that life is not fair. I would recommend this book to anyone who must reflect on life and what it really all means.