Rating: 
Summary: Engaging and thought-provoking...
Review: Awhile back, my father and I attended a fundraising dinner for a local organization in which the keynote speaker was Dennis Prager. This was essentially my first exposure to this gem of a human being and guide unto many. How else can I put it: I was, and still am, enthralled by him. Since then, I have listened to his radio show and have begun to read his articles and books. In Think a Second Time, we read 44 essays covering 44 distinct subjects, in which we are indeed forced to "think a second time". While I certainly don't agree with all of what Prager presents and the conclusions he reaches in certain areas, his arguments are all engaging and well thought out. I previously have never found such convincing arguments in favor of capital punishment before reading this work. I laughed out loud several times when reading Prager's dictionary exposing the true implications of liberal terminology. I appreciated the chapter dealing with religion potentially making a person cruel along with the transcription of Prager's radio conversation with Isaac, a caller to the show, dealing with the evil massacre of Baruch Goldstein in 1994. Today, when many distort and pervert religion to carry out evil, it becomes more imperative than ever to condemn such acts in the strongest of terms. This is especially true within the Orthodox Jewish community in which there are tragically those that laud Goldstein's deplorable act. Prager's conversation with Isaac brings much needed moral clarity in this area. Of note, another chapter particularly illuminating was that dealing with faith in G-d after the Holocaust. Enough said of this outstanding work. Seek it and read it for yourself. You will most certainly be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Let's Critique the Critics
Review: Critics have called Prager's works "Reader's Digest Philosophy" or "religious zealot, rightist rantings". These "critiques" are compliments because Prager's works are popular, enthusiastic intellectualism and actually quite right, though perhaps Prager is "right-brained" . As a non-observant Christian Prager fan, I say: the fact that this book is most entertaining only obscures (mercifully) the profound extremes to which others have taken Dennis' topics. Simplicity is not always shallowness. Here, simplicity is clarity of thought and eloquence. A common criticism of Prager's works (sometimes by me) generally center around the apparent lack of substance. But that criticism is unfortunate because the facility with which one reads Prager is only testimony to his style. Serious detractors are usually priggish and unnecessarily scholastic-sorts of academic Philistines. In fact, Prager's works are excellent popular summaries and syntheses of profound intellectual works he has obviously read, but simply not cited. Regarding the specious claim that Prager's ideas are sectarian reflections of his Judeic background, compare the clearly non-"Jewish" debate of Hobbes and Locke on man's basic evil nature or the "pagan" humanism of the stoic, Marcus Aurelius. For those who enjoy more turgid prose and stodgy profundity: don't buy this book. If you wish to read an entertaining introduction to timeless philosopical-theological social issues, buy the book. For those who criticize books like Prager's I ask: what good are works (some of them I sheepishly admit are mine) read only by the cloistered literati? A book widely mis- or not-understood is just as much a waste of human talent as a book never read? The fact that a book is a "popularization" in its style, which Prager's books are indeed,does not detract from the merits of its contents;it enhances it. Prager could easily expand and footnote this book with all the the great philosophic treatises of the world, but that would not necessarily make his book more meritorious, only ostensibly more ponderous and less appealing to those who need it the most. I suspect that those who criticize the popular style have ignored, or perhaps not even read, the content (See his excellent work on "Happiness"). Prager is really most profound but simply does not seem so. (Prager discovered that thinking clearly does not always have to hurt.)In this respect Prager's works are similar to mass market books by Hawking on cosmology and C.S. Lewis on Love. To those who criticize this book: think twice, you might be wrong. For those who are curious about this book: don't think twice, buy it; you can't go wrong. (Nice job Dennis!)
Rating:
Summary: Let's Critique the Critics
Review: Critics have called Prager's works "Reader's Digest Philosophy" or "religious zealot, rightist rantings". These "critiques" are compliments because Prager's works are popular, enthusiastic intellectualism and actually quite right, though perhaps Prager is "right-brained" . As a non-observant Christian Prager fan, I say: the fact that this book is most entertaining only obscures (mercifully) the profound extremes to which others have taken Dennis' topics. Simplicity is not always shallowness. Here, simplicity is clarity of thought and eloquence. A common criticism of Prager's works (sometimes by me) generally center around the apparent lack of substance. But that criticism is unfortunate because the facility with which one reads Prager is only testimony to his style. Serious detractors are usually priggish and unnecessarily scholastic-sorts of academic Philistines. In fact, Prager's works are excellent popular summaries and syntheses of profound intellectual works he has obviously read, but simply not cited. Regarding the specious claim that Prager's ideas are sectarian reflections of his Judeic background, compare the clearly non-"Jewish" debate of Hobbes and Locke on man's basic evil nature or the "pagan" humanism of the stoic, Marcus Aurelius. For those who enjoy more turgid prose and stodgy profundity: don't buy this book. If you wish to read an entertaining introduction to timeless philosopical-theological social issues, buy the book. For those who criticize books like Prager's I ask: what good are works (some of them I sheepishly admit are mine) read only by the cloistered literati? A book widely mis- or not-understood is just as much a waste of human talent as a book never read? The fact that a book is a "popularization" in its style, which Prager's books are indeed,does not detract from the merits of its contents;it enhances it. Prager could easily expand and footnote this book with all the the great philosophic treatises of the world, but that would not necessarily make his book more meritorious, only ostensibly more ponderous and less appealing to those who need it the most. I suspect that those who criticize the popular style have ignored, or perhaps not even read, the content (See his excellent work on "Happiness"). Prager is really most profound but simply does not seem so. (Prager discovered that thinking clearly does not always have to hurt.)In this respect Prager's works are similar to mass market books by Hawking on cosmology and C.S. Lewis on Love. To those who criticize this book: think twice, you might be wrong. For those who are curious about this book: don't think twice, buy it; you can't go wrong. (Nice job Dennis!)
Rating: 
Summary: Same old tired stuff
Review: If you have listened to Prager's show you know what to expect from the book: Rationalizations of Prager's prejudices. If haven't listened to Prager's show, suffice to say, every topic is twisted to bash certain groups (liberals, women, blacks, environmentalists). The one benefit derived from reading the book is that Prager's arrogant tone isn't as evident on the written page.
Rating:
Summary: We Have A Genius Among Us
Review: In this splendid book, Mr. Prager shares his gift (or is that genius?) of clear thinking and offers true original ideas in this instant classic. There were many subjects covered in "Think A Second Time" that provoked me to rethink issues that I thought I had a handle on. There were so many unique and persuasive arguments set forth in this book that I was actually taken by surprise. Considering the calibre of Mr. Prager's intellect, I am amazed that I had never heard of him before reading his book,"Happiness Is A Serious Problem" a few months ago (another gem). Now I consider his books some of the best I've ever read. Mr. Prager, you now have my full attention.
Rating:
Summary: A Gem
Review: My only complaint about this book is that it had to end. If you're a person who loves clear thinking and not personal agendas, then you will love this book. The book challenges the reader to take another look at pre-concieved ideas concerning morality, wisdom and the world in general. Expertly written and honestly conveyed.
Rating: 
Summary: Reflective and Honest
Review: Prager doesn't easily fit into a mold of conservative or liberal. He calls his own shots and makes his own decisions on a case by case basis and as a result has detractors and admirers on both sides of the aisle. There are some practical insights included in this philosophical book. For example, on page 41 he writes, "Life consists of tradeoffs: When we do X, we can't do Y." On reading, he says, "Since the age of fourteen, I have had a love affair with books and learning, but this was always despite school." He lists three limitations of television: it is superficial, programming is solely based on the bottom line, and there is a lack of serious people watching. Prager gives readers elements of issues covered by media that are not mentioned when those issues are discussed. Consequently, he brings greater depth to public agenda items.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful introduction to clear thinking
Review: This book is well written, and it makes very clear arguments for how our society should be run. Prager sets forth his ideas on a variety of subjects, focusing in on ethics. His first section on human nature, where he makes the case against the argument that all people are basically good is worth the price of admission. From there he talks about everything form television to the sad state of liberalism today. I cannot recommend this book enough for anybody, not just politicos but anybody.
Rating:
Summary: Sound advice...start today.
Review: Truly one of the best books I have read in YEARS! Even if you are like me, and think most issues are pretty black and white, and you know where the line is drawn, Dennis Prager will make you think a second time. With powerful insight into many moral and social issues of today, this book made me rethink positions I once would have thought impossible to budge. Further, he demonstrates why knowing what is right, and living those truths is so important. This book made me think, and it made me pray, and it has likely made me a better person for reading it. One might find fault with Mr. Prager's use of Talmudic Law in support of his positions, if one is not a Jew or familiar with the faith. As a Christian, I did not find that to be a stumbing block, but instead, an opportunity to expand my understanding and sensitivities. I respect Mr. Prager for being a man of faith, and for walking in the light of his faith (not merely wearing the religion, but embodying it.) This made his work MORE powerful, MORE honest, and certainly MORE significant to me than it could have been without this faith-based support. I have liked Dennis Prager on television, but I admire Dennis Prager now, for having read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Morally Intelligent with Incredible Insight
Review: Truly one of the best books I have read in YEARS! Even if you are like me, and think most issues are pretty black and white, and you know where the line is drawn, Dennis Prager will make you think a second time. With powerful insight into many moral and social issues of today, this book made me rethink positions I once would have thought impossible to budge. Further, he demonstrates why knowing what is right, and living those truths is so important. This book made me think, and it made me pray, and it has likely made me a better person for reading it. One might find fault with Mr. Prager's use of Talmudic Law in support of his positions, if one is not a Jew or familiar with the faith. As a Christian, I did not find that to be a stumbing block, but instead, an opportunity to expand my understanding and sensitivities. I respect Mr. Prager for being a man of faith, and for walking in the light of his faith (not merely wearing the religion, but embodying it.) This made his work MORE powerful, MORE honest, and certainly MORE significant to me than it could have been without this faith-based support. I have liked Dennis Prager on television, but I admire Dennis Prager now, for having read this book.
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