From Publishers Weekly
Rather than put together a list of exciting things you'll never get around to doing, author Harris (When Good People Write Bad Sentences) presents a guide to navigating everyday choices that routinely lead either to "gratification or frustration." Beginning on a festive note, with "Don't watch the colorized version of It's a Wonderful Life," this slim gift book sticks a toe in every area of life, offering simple, sensible advice ranging from obvious ("Don't lock yourself out") to obscure ("Don't think of Paul Winchell as just a ventriloquist"-he's also "the original patent owner for the artificial heart"). Though jokes abound ("Don't confuse Randy Quaid with Dennis Quaid"), Harris proves a keen observer of modern man's most useless pursuits, including "Don't push an elevator button more than once," "Don't read War and Peace," and, naturally, "Don't make a list of 101 unusual things to do before you die." Obviously, some of Harris's suggestions are based on his personal tastes ("Don't make tuna salad with mayonnaise" suggests substituting Thousand Island dressing) and pet peeves ("Don't become a wine expert"), but the particularities of his list serve as great conversation starters, as much for what Harris includes as for what he misses.
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From the Inside Flap
A witty, subversive guide that turns conventional wisdom" upside down!
Too many books tell us what to do to achieve happiness&mdash-unfortunately, often at great risk, expense, or effort. 101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die is not one of those books. It’s a book for the rest of us.
Robert W. Harris says it’s what we don’t do that determines our happiness quotient. Using the exciting principle of selective inaction, the author helps us adjust our thinking so we can make more satisfying decisions in everyday situations.
For example, do you think you’ll feel complete if you try to run with the bulls? Don’t do it! Do you feel compelled to drive around searching for the best parking spot? Don’t do it! Are you sometimes tempted to confuse Randy Quaid with Dennis Quaid? Just don’t do it!
Do you think that you should watch the colorized version of It’s a Wonderful Life? Or ponder the lyrics to Louie, Louie? Or read War and Peace? Or push an elevator button more than twice? Think again! In many cases, you’ll be better off not doing what they say you should do. Let 101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die be your guide to getting more out of life&mdash-simply by doing less.