common sense, not "secrets"
595549
I bought this book thinking that the "secrets" therein would enlighten me as to things we might be missing in our planning for retirement.  The other reviewers on this site made it sound like the book would have advice on little-known health care deals, finding a good place to live, etc.  Instead, it is filled with common sense tips, such as "enjoy sex" and "learn to forgive."  Gee, thanks.  This might be a good book if you're retired and bored, but don't buy this looking for much more.
669402
I have always been taught to express my opinions, speak my mind and stand up for what I think is right.  However, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things and the wrong way won't really get you very far.  This book outlines what should be obvious to intelligent people but for the most part is not.  Mainly this is how to modify your behavior in such a way as to breed "good will" from others - whether in the short term to get them to see your point of view and agree with you, or the long term and make friends and allies out of them.  The advice is simple and makes sense.  Although written in a bit of an outdated style, the author fills the text with examples of how the strategies could work.  I did find it a bit too rosy and simplistic sometimes, but the basic lessons ring true.  I have already instituted some of the advise and of course it works.  I would give this to a kid who was having trouble getting along with the other kids.
2844216
This is an easy to read book that may help you and your family to get out of debt and save money. Is it for everyone? Certainly not. If you have a modicum of common sense, you've already stayed out of debt your entire life, save the max you can for retirement, and have a big emergency fund.

I don't agree with everything Ramsey has to say in this book. In fact, I tend to go a bit overboard on some ideas, such as keeping two years' worth of monthly expenses in cash instead of his recommendation of six months. My formula for our family's net worth is pretty simple: 30 percent real estate; 50 percent investments (stock/bond mutual funds), 10 percent insurance (annuity, etc.), and 10 percent cash. This works for us, but definitely not everyone.

And that's the point: This book is not for everyone, but if the majority of Americans subscribed to this book's philosophy we probably wouldn't be in our current mess (or at least most of us wouldn't). Diverse investment and money saving strategies are the key to financial safety and freedom. In this regard, this book could be a lifesaver or at the very least, an extra take on money management.

Ramsey has built a big empire on a few sound ideas fleshed out in this book. I enjoyed reading it, especially the sidebars containing personal stories from families around the U.S. You'll quickly see that there are people who are/were much more in debt than you, and find out how they became debt free.
2062413
As I first started reading Jodi's book "Intimacy: How to Get More of It," I gotta say I was moderately insulted. She was giving such simple common-sense advice. I kept thinking, "Really, we need to be told this stuff?"

And then I remembered: people are stupid... I mean, lack any common sense whatsoever.

So, yes, we really need to be told this stuff.

"Intimacy" is a woman's guide to getting more intimacy from her man. The best -- most important -- advice is number 17... although 19 is a close second; but I'll let you read them for yourself. They are more profound to ponder than the other 18 points, and yet are simple enough to understand and put into use in your own life.

I laughed the loudest at the Author's Note, Take Two (because I could totally see my husband doing this!); but it's no fun unless you've read the entire book first. So, no cheating by starting on the last page first.

Bottom line: If you weren't raised right by your parents, you might need to read this book, or for the men its companion "Sex: How to Get More of It." Remember the book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?" These books are like that, but the end goal is a mutually beneficial sex life between you and your mate. They tell you to do nice things for your partner, compromise and set boundaries. (Sound familiar?)

If you want to change the character of your relationship, peruse one or both of these books. Your time will be well-spent.
3554613
The more you read dating and relationship books geared toward women, the more you realize a lot of the advice they peddle is problematic.  Often their traditional wisdom doesn't quite ring true with personal experience, and at worst, can teach women to override their gut instincts and instead mold themselves into someone they are not to make a guy like them.  If you're nodding along and find yourself thinking, "Enough is enough," then this book is for you.  Essentially, the authors address a lot of the common dating wisdom and challenge it, or provide a modern spin.  It's worth noting that most of these rules aren't sex-based, so the book covers MUCH more ground than the title might lead you to believe.  (And for those who might dismiss this book on the grounds that it discusses sex on the first date, it is worth noting that the authors aren't really encouraging people to sleep with someone on the first date, more they acknowledge that with the right guy, this isn't the worst thing in the world.)

I think the best thing about this book is it reads like a breath of fresh air.  It introduces the radical notion that you can attract men by being yourself (or at least your best version of yourself) and by using common sense.  The potential downside of this book is that since it leans into common sense, a lot of what is shared here isn't revolutionary.  More, I read this and felt it confirmed what I already felt vs. introducing a lot of new ideas.  This isn't inherently a bad thing.  After all, who doesn't love affirmation?  But it does mean you need to set your expectations accordingly.  If you are looking for something that will give you bold new suggestions you haven't thought of while being empowering,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Get-the-Guy-Learn-Secrets-of-the-Male-Mind-to-Find-the-Man-You-Want-and-the-Love-You-Deserve/dp/0062241745/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Get the Guy: Learn Secrets of the Male Mind to Find the Man You Want and the Love You Deserve</a>&nbsp;is probably a better choice.  I also read that book recently and found the tone similar to this one, but with more new information.

The one thing I did question a bit was the book's choice of authors.  I really liked Andrea.  I found her conversational and engaging.  Jeff on the other hand was an odd choice.  His sections make him sound like a commitment-phobe and while I think it can be good to get the perspective of what this kind of guy is thinking, I couldn't help but wonder if the "guy" portion of the advice might be more helpful coming from someone who actually is successful at relationships.  I think it is always hard when you expect one person to speak for their whole gender, but without that point of view it felt like it was a little lacking at times.

That aside, I think this book is highly entertaining and a good balance to a lot of the more traditional relationship books on the market.  If you're looking to read more on dating and relationships I also highly recommend&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-5-Love-Languages-The-Secret-to-Love-That-Lasts/dp/0802473156/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Attached-The-New-Science-of-Adult-Attachment-and-How-It-Can-Help-YouFind-and-Keep-Love/dp/1585429139/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind?and Keep?Love</a>, and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/He-s-Scared-She-s-Scared-Understanding-the-Hidden-Fears-That-Sabotage-Your-Relationships/dp/0440506255/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">He's Scared, She's Scared: Understanding the Hidden Fears That Sabotage Your Relationships</a>.  These books are much more serious in tone and content than this one, but have taught me a lot about relationships and have been greatly helped me in the path to an amazing relationship.
3039617
'Think Smart Not Hard'.

The title says it all, and I'm already in-agreement here.

I'm not usually a fan of self-help books, at least, not anymore. I overdosed on them as a young adult and completing personality tests even got me suckered into Scientology for a few days (which is a story unto itself). However, think of this as pragmatic advice from an accomplished guy who bootstrapped himself out of humble beginnings and went on to apply his techniques to get several degrees at once. This guy lives what he writes, and it shows. You can't teach ambition, perhaps, but you can certainly devise a plan to make the most out of your time and effort. That's what this book is for. It teaches you how to make the best use of your finite resources as well as directing you away from wasted effort, such as the chapter on 'Forgive Those Who Don't Deserve It'.

First, I gotta be honest, I was worried that this book was going to have a religious element. I'm a staunch atheist, and appeals to religion or spirituality piss me right off. This is the primary reason I avoid most self-help books unless the author is well-vetted as a critical-thinker. I don't even like Suzie Orman mentioning spirituality in her financial books...so yeah, it's a thing.

Second, I was skeptical that there were going to be silly affirmation style nonsense that you'd see on an Oprah book club list, but nope, none of that. Despite my bonafides as a critical-thinking atheist who pulls no punches when it comes to politically-correct nonsense, I STILL loved this book. Why? It's smart, and there's no fluff. It's not mindless affirmation or appeals to religious beggary. It's not scientifically illiterate twaddle you'd see recommended by Oprah or her various minions. It's practical advice from a smart guy who has lived what he writes.

One very important example in this book is about not fearing failure. This may be a deeply rooted fear for a lot of people who don't just fear failure, but also fear success. Being honest enough about your own mental state when trying to accomplish a goal is key. WD40 was the 40th attempt at this formula. Edison is even famous for saying that people often quit before realizing how close they were to success.

Another chapter that is something I already live is 'Learn to Say No'. This is HUGE. I won't give too much away (more than is given away already), but I cannot stress how vitally useful this is. For those who don't already do this, it's both advice and permission, so to speak This means having courage to say no, which delves into one having the fortitude to buck social convention (which I do happily as it is). Without saying 'no', people will happily fill your schedule with nonsense and pointless obligations.

The book also has some practical financial advice, and there's nothing in the book I disagree-with, and I was very skeptical of this happening.

All in all, I can honestly write here that I highly recommend this book for everyone. Roy did ask me to review this book honestly and in exchange I got a free copy, but by no means would I give a good review to a book I honestly thought was bad, or bad advice (or badly written).

Get this book. Read it. Re-read it. Learn from someone who suggests in Chapter 52 that we should 'Share Your Success With Others', because that's what this book is all about. :)

-Dan Burke
2662378
Common sense in printed form. I don't see what makes this author an expert other than her own use of online dating apps.
1416669
Wouldn't it be nice to read a little book and become happier?  That is what David Niven offers in his brief book <The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People>.  Niven lists his 100 secrets in a simple, digestible form.  First there is the headline, ranging from "accomplish something every day" to "watch less television" to "have a purpose."  Then for each of these "secrets" Niven provides a brief description of what the headline means, followed by an example of putting this "secret" in to practice, and finally a summary of the study from which the "secret" was derived. There is, no doubt, a lot of wisdom in these 100 secrets.  While none of the insights surprised me, they did nicely reinforce some of the practices I have set for myself.
But one has to wonder if a brief book such as this can really lead to increased happiness.  The philosophy behind the book, Niven states in the introduction, is: "all I can do is point and hope you look." (p. xv).  Well, it seems that this is ignores a central issue: how do people change?  Is simply offering up advice the best means to changing behavior?  It would be surprising if this were the answer from academic psychology.  Couldn't some of the secrets address directly the question of "how to change" alongside this advice of "what to change?"  Another question on which Niven is silent is what is cause and what is effect?  If people are happier who watch less television, couldn't this be because they have other things they prefer doing and have nothing to do with the effects of television watching?  Finally, one wonders on reading this book what definition of happiness or contentment was used and whether it was used consistently across the many studies cited.  At least a footnote on this matter would have been appreciated.
No doubt there is a lot of wisdom captured in the 100 "secrets."  This book also provides a bibliography of recent psychological studies concerning factors correlated with contentment and happiness.  And perhaps a book like this is better than a similar one with no scientific backing.  But too many fundamental questions are simply ignored.  What is cause and what is effect?  How does a static view of correlations help one understand the dynamics that actually lead to change?  And what is meant by these definitions of happiness or contentment?  On all these issues the book is silent, and I fear that this may well reflect the state of the academic psychological thinking as well as this author's limitations.
4412813
This is one book I wish I had read a couple of years ago when I made a decision to go from healthcare management into sales. It makes common sense that not everyone is going to want your service or product, no matter how well you overcome their objections. I developed a totally different mindset after studying the "secrets" presented in Mr. Fuhrman's book.
4579461
Secrets and Lies is well-written and full of interesting stories, but ultimately it doesn't offer help in dealing with the issue at hand. When someone uncovers a family secret (or reveals one), there must be some expert advice on how to handle it. This book does not offer such advice. However, it is imminently readable, and gives compelling examples of actual situations.
2767931
I am usually turned away by cute and quirky book titles, and though this rule is usually a good one to follow, this book is another good reason not to always judge a book by its cover. The sub-title is the real heart of the book on how to "uncover the secret hiding places of stock market profits". If we are to take one of my favorite lines in the book, "you don't have to be a genius, but you do need a basic understanding of financial statements, some common sense, and the patience necessary to gain experience" this quote really sums up the thesis of Mr. Greenblatt. His thesis and theme throughout the book being that I will describe and point the way to some of the hiding places of possible under appreciated value opportunities, but you as the investor must put in the due diligence and a little hard work on your own.

Though this book was originally published in 1997, Mr. Greenblatt is still at his trade and doing fine which bodes well for this book and its teachings. Toss in a little market uncertainty, a special situation, your own due diligence, and you are on your way as you now know the hiding places.
2020007
Dr Ben Carsen has "common sense" solutions to problems that face us and our country today. He is a straight talker.
His life experiences more than qualifies him on these subjects.
2569871
Mostly common sense tips.. I don't know what I expected from such a book, to be honest. I shouldn't have bought it, because I kinda knew all the advice inside already.
1910778
There's nothing radical about this book, which is why I liked it.  It just offers a straight-forward, common sense approach to identifying and solving different money issues.  I found it very helpful!
3690582
A reasonable, well-presented book with ideas to implement, not all of them practical, though. Enough wisdom to make it worthwhile.
3733654
I enjoyed this book; however, much of it is common sense. It is quite helpful for those of us with social anxiety to have solid guidelines on how to interact with people.
541082
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a married person can't read too many books about marriage.  I can't speak for husbands everywhere, but I know I need all the help I can get.  Greg and Julie Gorman offer some help in What I Wish My Mother Had Told Me About Marriage: Unlocking 10 Secrets to a Thriving Marriage.  By looking at their own marriage, at lots of scripture, and at solid wisdom about marriage relationships, the Gormans offer their take on improving and loving together.

The first "secret" (it's not really a secret) is "the key to experiencing a thriving marriage is our complete surrender to God."  This is the non-negotiable starting point for all the rest of what they say.  In marriage, as we surrender to God, we commit to serving one another: "Marriage requires us to exchange our selfish nature for Christ's servant-like nature."  That commitment is not easy, and takes a deliberate effort.  They write, "Just because two Christians marry does not mean they'll automatically have a Christian marriage."  Both partners must "cultivate and practice servanthood within your marriage relationship."  If you master that point, the rest of the book is unnecessary.  But it's still helpful.

Without "revealing" the other 9 "secrets" I thought I'd add some general thoughts about the book.

Some things I liked about WIWMMHTMAM:

-- The Gormans are honest and open about their own marriage and struggles they've had.  Julie discusses the abuse she suffered, they talk about their blended family, and they recount the knock-down, drag-out fights they had early on.

-- Each chapter includes "A Letter from the Father," which takes scripture and mashes it together in letter form pertaining to the theme of the chapter.  It's very effective in bringing scriptural thoughts to a first-person divine voice.

-- The book is primarily written by Julie, but each chapter includes "Greg's Turn," in which Greg corrects all of the errors Julie makes.  Just kidding, of course.  He affirms Julie's piece and provides the male perspective.

What I didn't like as much about WIWMMHTMAM:

 -- "Secrets" is overused in book titles.  The 10 "secrets" promised in the subtitle aren't secrets, but age-old, time-tested truths.  This will surprise no one.  Nobody picks up a book like this thinking that they will find among the pages some previously hidden secret formula.  So why do publishers insist on putting this in so many book titles?

-- Many books with "secret" in the title are in the self-help/motivational genre.  Julie makes her living as a motivational/inspirational speaker.  Some of that tone carries over into the book, in both her style and in her selection of writers from which she quotes.  This is a taste issue as much as anything.  The more you sound like Tony Robbins, the more turned off I get.

Whether you've been married for decades or just starting out, you will glean some truth from and be challenged by WIWMMHTMAM.  The Gormans and the couples they discuss here have probably been through whatever you're going through and will help you remember that marriage is worth the effort to make it work and thrive.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!