Customer Reviews

The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

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"The Game", at first, appears to be an informative, eye-opening, entertaining and DANGEROUS MANUAL ON HOW TO SEDUCE WOMEN. Deep within this controversial book, however, lies one of the best self improvement books available to man... as long as he understands and embraces the fundamental reality that the acquisition of confidence and personal worth are strictly required in order to succeed at the Game. A lot of low self esteem individuals will read this book and become, I believe, better men.

And I completely understand the threat many women would feel by this material. But intelligent women are insulated from the manipulation at which many of the individuals featured in this story are so inept. Only the naïve are at risk, as they always have been.

Many people refer to this book as a manual on how to seduce women. But Neil Strauss, its author, never made such a claim. It was merely his honest and humorous account of his experience in the PUA (pickup artist) community. But Strauss is a talented writer. And, as such, he not only managed to make this the very entertaining and insightful manual everybody said it was, but has also given an extremely valuable tool to goodhearted men with benign goals - a tool that can be used with mutual benefit, without anyone getting hurt or played. In spite of other reviewers' claims to the contrary, Strauss does disclose the nature and vivid examples of the emotional and spiritual consequences PUAs reap when they manipulate people for narcissistic purposes.

This endeavor began when Strauss, a writer for the New York Times, was given an assignment to write about the underground pickup artist community. Strauss was a skinny, balding intellectual who felt awkward around women and hadn't had much success with them prior. He immediately homed in on a character named Mystery and hit the mother load. Mystery was a modern day Casanova and widely considered, by the cumulative underground community of PUAs, to be the preeminent pickup artist in the world. Tom Cruise's seduction guru character in "Magnolia" was supposedly based on Mystery. By the time Strauss finished his assignment, he had transformed himself and assumed Mystery's title as tenth degree pickup master of the universe.

As I began reading the book, I felt uneasy. Knowing this knowledge was out there felt akin to suddenly discovering a bunch of troubled kids figured out how to make nuclear weapons.

I've always had great interest in psychology and what makes people do the things they do. I discovered my knowledge of psychology was pale in comparison to these guys. They (the serious ones) study contemporary literature on psychology and ancillary subjects, many of which involve some sort of self-improvement. The young, horny ones operate with one laser-focused mission: Bed women... bed as many "9+" women as possible! The more they bed, the more they validate themselves. But some, more enlightened ones, were simply looking to find the best wife/partner they possibly could.

Strauss began as Mystery's student. After a few successes, he began to catch the eye of other PUAs to whom he quickly acclimated himself. He soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. At the end of two years, Strauss had studied, one-on-one, the methods of all the world's alleged greatest pickup artists and took that which best suited his own personal style and made it his own. In the process he became an underground, worshipped legend - Code Name: Style. But in the process, he also greatly strengthened his core person and acquired the Holy Grail: self-esteem. This book doesn't just contain the cumulative knowledge of the PUA community, but one hell of an entertaining story.

It must be stated that the Game's contribution to much of Strauss' unstoppable success is mitigated by the fact that he was a writer for one of the most respected publications in the world, living in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills over Sunset Boulevard (a consequence of rising to the top of the PUA community), regularly interviewing celebrities and driving a nice car; most men with these assets aren't having issues dating. Still, I believe the majority of what he achieved was aided by his mastery of the basic principals of "The Game". And those are:

1. You can only "game" a woman with whom you are prepared to fail (if you find yourself wanting her too badly, you'll never have her)
2. Exude extreme confidence
3. Demonstrate some kind of value, skill or talent NEAR your target, but not directly to her. Initially, pretend you don't even notice her.
4. Win over her friends
5. Be hard to get
6. Be fun
7. Handle challenges from competing men intellectually and psychologically. Never fight.
8. Respond to any signs that she's not interested as if it were "no big deal"
9. Once you have your target's attention, playfully insult ("neg") her. For example, "I like your hair, is that your natural color?" The more beautiful the woman, the more effective the neg is in garnering interest as they rarely hear comments of that nature.
10. Once attraction has been established, punish any unwanted behavior by withdrawing and disinterest, but do not pout or have an attitude.
11. Alternate between attraction and disinterest signals in a push-pull fashion until rapport is established

There are many other rules, but those are the ones that stuck out to me.

As I read, I found myself subconsciously adjusting my behavior, according to Game theory... and getting surprising results. Women that used to intimidate me with their "presence" were suddenly acting goofy/nervous around me. Could this be real? After I got over the initial excitement of my newfound knowledge, I began to get disappointed that the women that made ME goofy/nervous for so long could be so easily manipulated. I feared that I would start to lose respect for women. Who wants someone they don't respect?

But by the time I got to the end, I realized that I wasn't manipulating anyone. I was simply carrying myself with more confidence. I found myself initiating conversations with strangers. There were no signs of neediness or social anxiety. I realized a man with a conscience can take a small portion of the knowledge shared in "The Game" to simply get over that first, most difficult hurdle of establishing rapport with a woman to whom he is attracted. I realized all anyone reading this book is really looking for is confidence. And many individuals that happen to gain a skill or talent as a result of his quest for a better sex life might just get some self esteem in the process. And that, I believe, is the greatest good of this material. The greater one's self esteem, the higher his goals.

Knowledge is power. And it's only how that power is used that can reveal the nature of its possessor. The only real dangerous "players" out there are the ones whose cognitive reasoning and emotional maturity never fully develop and, at the same time, possess Oscar-worthy acting skills. Yeah, there are a few out there. But an intelligent woman knows when she's being played. And as Strauss saw repeatedly, manipulating and seducing a woman, in and of itself, is a victory that invariably leaves one hollow, still unfulfilled. In the end, your true self is what counts and is the only thing that can find and keep love.

First, a disclaimer, because of the sniping going on about this book: I don't know any of the people portrayed in "The Game." I have no biases in either direction regarding any of them. In fact, I'm a straight (and married) female, so I really have no vested interest in ANY pick-up strategies.

I read "The Game" after seeing a review of it in the newspaper. I was amused and a bit intrigued at the idea of a whole subculture centered around seducing members of the opposite sex -- at the idea of guys who honestly had NO other goals in life.

In a way, it's almost an inspirational story in the beginning. Everyone likes an underdog, and the short, bald guy who's suddenly able to get all the babes is no exception. But it wouldn't be much of a story if there wasn't a dark side to the success. Strauss describes how he loses interest in everything EXCEPT picking up women and in fact feels compelled to hit on them almost constantly. He holds seminars on seduction. He posts to message boards about seduction. He lives in a house full of guys whose sole interest is seduction -- some who spend thousands of dollars attending seminars around the country.

Of course, at the end, he realizes that all the tricks and one-liners he uses to get a woman into bed won't help him when he meets The One. And maybe I'm a bit naive, but isn't that what most of us really want in the end?

Strauss is a fine writer, though not a highly remarkable one. I think the story itself, rather than the writing, is what carries the book. The characters are truly compelling -- especially Mystery, who I almost want to meet to see if he's as irresistable as everyone seems to think. (You have to wonder, though, if his techniques work half so well when the women already know about them.)

So, should guys who can't meet women pick up this book? I don't think so. I -do- believe that some of the advice here could work, such as "negging" -- giving a good-looking girl a subtle put-down to make her want to win you over. I know that, in my single days, I was more intrigued by the guys who weren't under my spell, so to speak. Still, it doesn't make putting people down a nice thing to do.

My problem with this book is that it might be overly seductive to single guys, and draw people in to a rather twisted subculture -- which I think is NOT the author's intent. I also think that the techniques described encourage objectification of women to an extreme, and aren't particularly healthy for guys, either.

It's easy to see how becoming an expert in seduction would sound, well, seductive. But these "expert" philosophies all have one thing in common: They treat women as the enemy. And we're not, I swear!

To summarize: If you're looking for a good read, pick up "The Game." If you're trying to meet women, get some fashion advice and learn how to boost your self-confidence, because magic tricks and insults aren't going to get you into a relationship worth having.

Strippers. Liquid lounge womanizers. It has you hooked in seconds. With each page turned, the alluring to creepy Casanova villains and victims come alive. Drinks are shaken not stirred. Jacuzzis overflowing with blondes. Miniskirts and thongs slice the heated air, hanging from the ceiling fan. The Game is a fast-paced, mesmerizing tale of a underground secret society. A study in social psychology, transformations from nerd to stud, emotional self-destruction, evolving into the creation of the seduction industry.

Investigative journalist Neil Strauss of Rolling Stone/NY Times fame provides an exhilarating memoir as he submerses himself in the shadowy lair of pickup artists. Bizarre. Alluring. It`s a cult-like subculture of hipsters who've cracked the persuasion code. Lives dedicated to seducing as many women as possible. Unpredictable story lines. A flurry of celebs. Replete with a stunningly bizarre cast of narcissistic and yet colorful characters.

But this is not a tale of the skills he obtains, or the women he seduces.

It's a journey of self discovery. It's the tale of the men he befriends, lives with and works with in his quest of becoming a master pickup artist. It's about male bonding and relationships. It's about the emotional trauma the men experience by devoting their lives to the pick up artist endeavor.

Neil's assignment is ironic. He was born a nerdish, unconfident geek. Despite having two bestsellers under his belt, he was a self-described chick repellant. Short, bald, skinny, with a big schnoz. Painfully shy, Neil is as miles away from a world-class womanizer. He schooled for 3 years at a womens college (Vassar) and never had a girlfriend.

He dives in headfirst, burns the midnight oil reading three boxes of persuasion books. He studies aura, handwriting analysis, palm reading, magic tricks, and posts online all day in the seduction message boards. Taken under the wings of the self-proclaimed greatest pickup artists, he researches techniques, obsessively testing gaming theories in clubs seven days a week.

His professional wingman is a charismatic diminutive figure, one Erick Von Markovick, aka Mystery. Mystery is king of the PUAs, with a worldwide following of disciples and students. An outlandish dresser and swashbuckling self-promoter, Mystery single-handedly invents an entire language of acronyms and jargon and field techniques for speed seduction. He adapts group dynamics, reverse psychology and neurolinguistic programming into conversation to subconsciously seduce, in a sleight of hand fashion. Under his tutoring, PUAs perfect a slavish dependency on routines and patterns until they become successful social marketing robots.

In a scant two years, Neil transforms from journalist loner into "Style", a legendary seducer. The seduction community evolves from merely an anonymous online forum into an overnight lucrative business. Soon Mystery and Strauss are world known as the pre-eminent social scientists of attraction. Neil has them set up shop at Project Hollywood - holding court in Dean Martin's old Hollywood Hills mansion. The snake oil characters who frequent the sex frat include a bizarre cast of characters. Mystery, and various luminaries with handles like Juggler and Papa, Sweater, Matador, Juggler and J Dog. It becomes a revolving door for parties, celebs, and loose women. Home to an unknown number of roommates. Even Courtney Love moves in. Tom Cruise lectures Neil about their methods; Neil reminds him he did a movie glamorizing Neil's new lifestyle. (Magnolia). Heidi Fleiss gets in a competition to pick up women, and ends up losing, so she c*blocks Neil at every turn. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears get number closed for dates.

But in the end, Neil discovers "The Game" is a dangerous obsessive Pandora's box. The players are fiercely competitive, full of Machiavellian tactics. The seductive power can corrupt, and bedding babes by the dozens may not lead to self satisfaction. And he loses himself in the insatiable elixir of seduction and lust.

Spellbinding, can only describe the trials and tribulations inside the secret fraternity. Neil gets his bestseller, which has been optioned by a Hollywood studio. Despite the creepy environment, you sense he is a genuine decent human being. He is self-deprecating, and shares his failings and frustrations. He manages to retain sight in the bizarre nature of his surrounding in which he is now embedded. But in the end, he suffers dark reflections on who and what he has become. He feels hollow at the dehumanization of women...and of himself. He loses the respect of women the more successful he is at seducing them. He is passionate about women, but comes to hate being Style.

And his posse of clandestine lady killers experience hedonistic highs, and devastating lows in the aftermath of their endeavors. The emotional toll on the crew is sobering. Project Hollywood becomes a commune infested with inter-community rivalries, dysfunctional neurotic behavior, and complete nervous breakdowns. It all eventually implodes. Neil meets his now steady girlfriend Lisa (the drummer in Courtney Love's band), and decides to retire Style.

The Game is a raunchy expose of epic proportions of a seriously twisted subculture. Strauss pens it in an addictive seductive style. Magnificently crafted with characters and emotions. You share his inner journalist voice as if it's your own. Damn near impossible to put this book down.

Others in the pick up genre you should pick up;
The Mystery Method: How to Get Beautiful Women Into Bed

Written by the guru of the seduction community. His encyclopedia-like book reads like a PHD college course on seduction. It is the template for what Strauss uses in the Game. It lays out the techniques, terminology, and methodology for anyone to learn.

The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho
A hilarious, devious sexual persuasion guide for hooking up, written by a psych doc lounge lizard who conquered the nightclubs for decades. It includes a world bachelor party vacation guide, and an asset protection guide to set up pre-marriage to shield you from divorce.

I'd recommend you get all three. Prepare to get shocked, to laugh and to learn.

I'm 52, married, don't know the author, have never heard of this secret society and still found this book fascinating. I say this because so many reviewers seem to have an agenda. From the arrival of this book b4 a business trip where my wife asked if I was going through another mid-life crisis, to the enjoyable but staccato writing style of Strauss, I read this book in pure fascination but half the time wondering if it was fiction. From reading these reviews it is clear there is basis for this book. But a Project Hollywood with male drama and Courtney Love thrown in for humor? Well, evidently it was true.

This book should be read by all young men. Yes, some have the ability to approach women in some manner, but most DON'T have the ability in ANY manner. This book will help. Does it give contrived starting lines? Sure, but the point of the book is, "men need it" and when most people think of pick-up lines, these are actually exactly the opposite as more fully explained in the book. We are not conditioned to know the appropriate way to approach women! But apparently, we can learn.

This book is educational on talking to women but also an interesting story about the crazy, neurotic lives these guys live. As to the author, his writing style is much too young for me but I did enjoy watching him weave this story and predict a bright journalistic career for him. I had previously read his biography of Jenna Jamison and enjoyed it also. I have not seen much publicity about this book. I heard about it from the short story in Esquire. I would love to read the NY Times article referenced in the book. I recommend this book for both men and women in their dating years but also recommend others read this that just want to learn about interpersonal relationships or read a zany life of needy men.

This is one of the strangest autobiographies I've ever read. I found it difficult to put down, much in the same way that I can't help but slow down and look at the scene of an accident while passing by on the freeway. But does anyone ever turn around and go back for another look at an accident, or tell his friends to drive over and see it? It's easy to cheer on Strauss as he develops more confidence, improves his sex life, and eventually leaves the community of socially damaged pickup artists that he helped establish, but the degree of self-transformation is over-hyped. In the end, the author finally recognizes that pickup artists "derive [their] entire self-esteem and identity from the attention of the opposite sex." Remarkably, it took several years of Strauss' life and 350 pages of text to reach this conclusion.

Here are a few other observations:

* The book opens with an awkward flash-forward that should have been saved for later.

* It does include potentially useful information for picking up young, credulous women with low self-esteem, but one could probably get more detailed information from any of the "how-to" books cited by Strauss.

* Some of the "ESP" tricks used for pickups are so silly that it's embarrassing that they impress anyone.

* Strauss actually quotes Gloria Steinem: "The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn." The author is probably aware of the irony of quoting a feminist icon, but may not realize that the same speech also included this line: "Much of the trouble this country is in has to do with the masculine mystique: The idea that manhood somehow depends on the subjugation of other people." Though the women ("targets") portrayed in the book really do seem to want the sexual encounters, the few resulting relationships portrayed in the book are hard to describe as anything other than subjugation.

* Despite his recognition that the relationships he forms through pickup are ultimately unsatisfying, Strauss truly feels he is a better man for all of his experiences. Disturbingly, he doesn't seem to realize that he's more of a man because he's more confident, not because he's learned how to juggle multiple girlfriends with emotional detachment. Surely there are more direct paths to self-improvement.

If you go to youtube, you can see a television series done on Mystery (The Pickup Artist) which shows the complete transformation of men into pretty successful pick up artists. And that's with a fairly quick program. Another fairly quick program also on youtube details another PUA, this one hosted by a British TV network. The results were also dramatic.

One posted mentioned the "ghost towns" of forums out there. Anyone who has been around the web knows there are many, many blank forums out there in every subject. The website I go to for PU info is so popular (thousands of users) that there's even a section for women - AND a section for those in relationships. People respond to threads in an hour - usually less. And the reason I go is not to pick up women, it's to learn social skills that these men have so carefully perfected over time and to improve as a person. Many of the missions they prescribe - such as those intended to overcome shyness or social anxiety - are applicable to anyone.

Many of the reviewers here have said that this is only applicable to socially awkward geeks. I personally have never had social issues, nor have I ever (since the age of 16) even been single. My entire reason for looking into the community was because I wanted to stop settling for what was easy in life, to improve as a person, to be more interesting and to be a better conversationalist. But, even as a woman, I have never purchased a product from these PUA I didn't think was worthwhile and had direct, measurable impact on my life - and I have products from pretty much every one, including relatively unknown ones that cater to women. My life and my maturity level have changed dramatically. The art forces you to overcome your fears, build a life, and grow. As a direct result of reading these materials, I have become more confident, more mature, more interesting, have a far more interesting life, have more fun socially, and feel like a new person.

People doubt that the things in this book could happen. I can say with absolute certainty that they do. I don't say the following to brag - especially because is simply an illustration of what pretty much anyone can do, if they try. I did it just by reading material, playing around with a couple concepts, letting the teaching speak to me and doing some honest soul-searching to grow in maturity and social intelligence. Within just a few months, I cannot tell you how disorienting it was for me to start out as the normal, all-American "cute" (avoiding conflict) and fun girl who was used to being pursued by a single boyfriend and move to the powerful girl who, without trying, had more guys asking her out than she could fit into a week - far more than she wanted - was the center of social circles, and was subject to pretty harsh jealous behavior from women. It was a shock - in some ways more than I was prepared for.

Just from my own experience, the obvious merit in the materials (who wouldn't be more attracted to a guy if he actually had something interesting going on in his life?), and the PUAs I have talked to, I have absolutely no trouble believing anything in this book. Perhaps some of the men reading it doubt it because they fail to see how difficult it is for women to find interesting men, men who inspire passion. Having seen Mystery at work, I can easily say he does that. While I personally do not like sleeping around, I do know many women that, when exposed to someone like Mystery, would be interested in doing whatever he asked them to do. These PUA, at essence, have learned to develop himself to the point where he has an interesting life, doesn't feel the need to seek validation, knows what women want and crave - and therefore he IS interesting, he is not trying to impress her and seek validation, but instead knows how to seduce her the way she wants to be seduced. I know many men who I wish had a quarter of the skill of some of the PUA out there and who could dramatically improve their love lives with a couple of small steps = if they were actually brave enough to try. Of course the art can be learned. And yes, there are pigs out there - I've seen many on the forums. But with the dedication of these men, the way they go out time and again, trying new things and seeing what works, learning from men who have dedicated years to perfecting it (and who would keep going after a year unless they were making progress), how could they not succeed? Answer: they do.

I realize that, to a certain degree, Style was writing a story. He wanted, if anything, to make the community look bad, and here I am praising it. It's abundantly clear by the way he makes the ending super-sweet. The truth is, I know there's a dark side, but there is a side that transforms people in a way that doesn't make a good story - so, in that sense, you can doubt the story. Still, even if things are embellished or written to "wrap-up" nicely, I don't doubt the validity of the book, and can tell you that many in the "community" were furious that Style was "releasing the secrets".

I've known Neil for almost 3 years, and met him in LA soon after he got to know Mystery. I never knew Neil before he was "Style" so I can't attest to the drastic changes he's made in himself since first stumbling on my web site, which over the years has become the center of the community (references for which saturate the book and permeate the core). I've known him almost solely as "Style the pickup artist", and only later as "Neil Strauss the writer".

I feel a very strong connection to many of the stories he details in The Game, even having only been present for a portion of their happenings, though being witness to almost all of them in one form or another. I know and have met just about every character in the book and it was an intense read, very surreal to me. I try not to judge people on their flaws, but the people throughout the book are as unique as he presents them and I feel that much closer to them now as acquaintances, peers, and friends.

In a sense, The Game filled all the gaps for me and does so in a highly engrossing way. Maybe my perspective is skewed or I feel strongly affected by the book due to my connection to a lot of what it contains, but I can say for sure that Neil is an excellent writer and he weaves the tail of a pickup artist living through the community in an unforgettable way. Many might think he's "exposed" things that should not be exposed but the reality is there is no difference to exposing the basis of ideas and methods in the community than there is to exposing the fact that magazines like Cosmo or Vogue exist for women. Each sex has their "how to" manuals, resources and, yes, "community", and both for the same purpose - how to find, attract, and keep desirable members of the opposite sex.

I will end this review by encourage anyone interested in the topic to read the book and anyone who doubts or objects to the content to read the book.

When I first ran across this at the bookstore, I didn't care to pick it up. Pick up artistry seems so.... slimy! But a second time, I noticed the author's name, having read some of his celebrity bios (Dave Navarro, Marylin Manson, etc.) so I gave it a shot.

It's definitely a fun and insightful read. I highly recommend it on many levels: the story itself, the anthropological aspect, and the author's inner journey.

The story itself is a bizarre ride - alternately inspiring, hilarious, and even a bit frightening. It's very honest, and outright explicit in its discussions of male and female sexuality. It takes place across the globe (L.A., Las Vegas, Toronto, Miami, New York, Belgrade, parts of Russia, etc.) with a cast of bizarre characters that you quickly gain affection for. There's Mystery (the 6-foot-5 Crazy Canadian genius), Ross Jeffries (the aging eccentric), Dustin (the natural), Tyler Durden (the sociopath), Papa (the robot), Juggler (the poet), Extramask (the virgin turned pick up artist), rancid-cheese-feet girl, Katya (the destroyer), Courtney Love (flawed, strung out, but highly intelligent), Tom Cruise, Heidi Fleiss (the best female pick up artist), Britney Spears, and of course Lisa Leveridge (the ultimate rock & roll babe). All, even the "villans", are given empathy, though the author makes fairly clear who he likes and doesn't.

Strauss strikes a clear theme in this book: one can use the pick up attitude and techniques to meet more women, have more sex, etc. But in the end, the most important lessons are personal: confidence can and MUST be learned, take care of yourself and your appearance (but don't worry about it too much), learn how to be a good communicator, and treat all others -- not just women -- with respect and dignity, while never forgetting to protect your own dignity. Techniques alone won't do anything to help you build a long-lasting monogamous relationship!

What's also amusing about the book is that so many of these men are looking for women, but they wind up with... men! In many ways, this is a story about males who bond over their sexuality. Some may say it's homo-erotic. Frankly, I just think it's so rare today for heterosexual men to be honest about their vulnerability that we tend to associate any talk of this nature with gayness.

The story also highlights the potential dangers of these ideas: if rote techniques get you laid, you tend to lose respect for the opposite sex. (Now we know how some women must feel!) On one hand, it is important to view women as equals, and to knock them off pedestals men fashion for them. But these techniques also can be very bad, as there are those who adopt these ideas not for sex or relationships, but for power. This lust for power can lead some into a sociopathic, cult-like state.

As for those who question the truthfulness of this story, nearly all of the incidents are verifiable online or in print. Just Google or A9 search for them: the NY times story, the Tom Cruise interview in Rolling Stone, the Courtney Love interview, the Britney Spears interview, and Strauss' relationship with Lisa Leveridge. Even ABC Primetime did a segment (search for "Can studying turn geeks into Casasnovas?") on this subject, interviewing Strauss, and doing a "hidden camera" segment with one of Mystery's students.

So yes, pick up artistry apparently does work, because people are attracted to and respect certain kinds of behaviour. The harder question, which I think Strauss clearly underlines, is: what are you going to do about it, once you've learned the game? Will you keep playing "the game", where the purpose in life is just to have a thousand shallow relationships? Or will you rise above it?

The majority of the negative reviews seem to come from people who feel it's their duty to turn up their noses at the sleeze 'n' cheese of the Pick-Up Artist Community. After all, a Society that exists for the sole purpose of seducing poor, defenseless club-hopping women isn't deserving of our respect.

Maybe. But we're not reviewing a society. We're reviewing a book. And as such it's one of the most entertaining books I've ever read.

Using a crisp, succinct and witty writing style, author Neil Strauss chronicles his infiltration of a secret society of Pick-Up Artists (PUAs) who prowl the Southern California coast. These men use all means of tools...from neuro-linguistic programming to gimmicks and routines...to play upon the insecurities of women as a means of getting them into bed. Along the way, he examines the psychology of women as a means of illustrating just why some of these tricks work.

It should be noted that this is NOT a "How-To" book. But it definitely gave me a deeper understanding about how women think (as well as some insight into the age-old question "What does SHE see in THAT guy?").

But Strauss also gives you a deeper insight into the male brain, as he exposes many of the PUA Masters as men who simply are in constant need of validation and approval. While on one hand he marvels at the seeming ease in which the PUAs seduce and entice women, he acknowledges that there's something sad about these men.

At the heart of this book, however, is Strauss's own story of transformation. In two years, he goes from a nerdy writer who could never get a date to a master of seduction, juggling a different woman every night of the week. Strauss deftly balances his own disbelief at his conquests with just the right mix of boastful wit and cynical foreboding.

"The Game" is a humorous and well written account of a fascinating world populated by some interesting individuals. And while these people may not necessarily be to your liking, the author does a fine job in showing that...regardless of gender...all we as human beings want is to belong.

You may hate the players...but don't hate "The Game".

I received my advanced copy of the book over Labor Day weekend (since I'm in the book briefly, I was sent one early). The first thing you notice about the book is that it's not your typical hardback book as you'd expect. The cover is actually flexible and black, the pages are all edged in gold, and there's even a thin red cloth bookmark located in the spine. In short, the book looks like the typical Giddeon Bible you'd find in a hotel room.

And I must say, it's quite appropriate.

Move over Lay Guide, so long eBooks, THE GAME is the new bible for any man who wants to improve with women!

A few chapters into this book, I realized that this wasn't going to be the "tell-all expose" I was anticipating. This is a book written by arguably one of the best seducers to ever come out of the community, and in it, he shares everything.

I mean EVERYTHING.

All his teachings, all his tactics, all his theories, all his strategies are all laid bare.

Through the course of the book, we start off by seeing Neil go from your Average Frustrated Chump to a full blown Ladies Man, and as he documents his progress, it's as if you're right there learning along with him. Because of this, I would go so far as to say that is book is a MUST OWN for anyone out there looking to improve with women.

This isn't just a story. This is a "how-to guide." A manual on how to pick up women from the best of the best. Forget Cassanova, forget Don Juan, this is stuff that works now, in this day and age, and is applicable to modern women. Not only that, but it's all based on the tried and tested techniques of the seduction community.

Neil pretty much lays out every form of teaching out there. He gives you the full Mystery Method, he shows you Speed Seduction, he explains the Juggler Method, Double Your Dating, and David X style. Pretty much every major school of thought is laid bare in here, which makes it a great all-encompassing reference manual for guys who want to know what teachings are available to them.

In the book, Neil also shares posts from the private Mystery Lounge message board where some of the greats post their best stuff. This is a good way for the average guy who isn't privileged enough to be part of this private message board to see some of the advanced teachings that are shared there.

Then, Neil shows you how he incorporates the best teachings from all his sources and created a system of pick-up that works for him.

Another great joy in reading this book is hearing about Neil's fumbles with women before he really graduated to PUG (Pick Up Guru) status. These are often very funny, such as seducing one girl back to her hotel room only to be put off by her horribly stinky feet, or trying to get two twin sisters into bed at once by taking a bath at their place. These moments aren't just entertaining, but anyone who's actually gone out in the field, used these tactics, and tried to get them to work can relate to the crazy things that can happen and go wrong when you're in the final stretch.

Another incredibly entertaining aspect of the book comes when Neil actually BECOMES good, and is forced to deal with certain obstacles. For instance, there's a chapter in the book where Neil goes head-to-head in a "Pick-Up Showdown" with Hollywood Madame Hedi Fliess. It's incredibly entertaining to see Hedi try and cockblock Neil when he's picking up women, and in return see Neil fight back with PUA tactics that keep Hedi from turning out the girls.

Then there's another celebrity showdown with actor Andy Dick, where Neil has to keep Andy from stealing his date by whipping out some massive value demonstrations to re-win the attention of his star-struck girl. Of course, this works a little TOO well when Andy Dick, so won over by Neil's tight game, actually propositions him for a little homosex action. (note: Neil politely declined)

Probably the biggest star to appear in the book is non other than Tom Cruise, who requests an interview from Neil after reading his New York Times articles about the "Pick Up Guys." Tom tries to admonish Neil for glamorizing the PUA lifestyle (which he feels responsible for because of his portrayal of Frank TJ Macke in the film Magnolia), but ironically, Neil points out that Tom Cruise isn't much different in personality than the dating gurus he had been following.

This is, bar-none, one of the most complete and entertaining guides on the subject of seduction I have ever seen. In fact, I'd rate it up there along side Robert Greene's classic "The Art Of Seduction."