Customer Reviews

10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People: The Successful Loser's Guide to Life

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike most motivational books, this one plays the devils advocate and basically says, "So ya wanna be a loser?...go right ahead and I'll even show you how." I know that after reading this book, I was thinking, "I don't want to be like that guy he is describing...I better make some changes real fast in my life." I give this book five stars. A quick and great read that you will come back to often.

I heard the author on the radio and he was very articulate and funny. His book did not convey that same thing. It was good for a few pages and the theme is great, but it seemed to ramble and lose focus and got rather tedious after awhile. I would recommend looking for speaking engagements where you could hear the author vs. buying this book.

Whether it's stress management, diet, meeting planning, and everything in between, everybody needs a little help now and then. Most of us seek help, not from a professional, but from a book. Doug Giles's new book, 10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People: The Successful Loser's Guide to Life, is one of those books.

In this hilarious romp through the psyche, Giles uses reverse psychology to goad readers into getting off their rears and do something with their lives.

By merely perusing the chapter headings, readers can quickly and effectively race to the chapter that fits their particular need for living the loser's life. Sad part is, I know somebody who excels at each habit, and many (dare I say friends?) fall into multiple categories.

If I had to pick one (yes, just one) chapter that described me, I think it would be Chapter 8: "Quit When the Going gets Tough." Why? I can start and write novels and short stories but I never follow through; I quit when it comes to the little things, like actually finishing those thousands of short story beginnings that I've written or revising the several novels that are in an old chest in the basement. And thanks to Giles' I've learned that my problem is losing focus and making up a lot of excuses why I don't just plant rear to chair and write. Hey, if I want to be a successful loser, all I have to do is keep right on track and cultivate the other nine habits.

Speaking of nine, the funniest chapter is Chapter 9: "Rip People Off." I'm curious, what does it say about me that it took me 30 minutes to figure it out?

10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People: The Successful Loser's Guide to Life is not one of those books people really buy. We stand in the bookstore and peruse it. None of us could really buy a book on this taboo subject. After all, the dream of becoming a successful loser is one a dream that must be kept secret, in case those successful people around us try to influence our life-choice.

Armchair Interviews says: Well said, and well read.

This book is the perfect gift for that family member or friend who just keeps banging their heads against the same wall of stupidity. Maybe this candid look at what they're doing wrong will snap them out of it! Giles really has a way of cutting right to the center of the problem in plain terms that mean something. This book could truly be a wake-up call to someone in desperate need of a positive change. I also think every teenager about to embark on a college experience should take this book with them to remind them what will happen if they make the wrong choices. Prepare your children and they will have a better chance of beating the stupids!

If you can't get your point across with kindness and tact, try a little sarcasm. It works every time!

From cover to cover, it's a fun and insightful read. Doug is always spot-on with his analysis and so incredibly hilarious as well. Whether you're 15 or 50, "10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People" is for you!

Finally a self-help book that laughs all the woe-be-gone drek off the shelves. I wonder if this is actually a political book, though? The first 152 pages bear a striking resemblance to the Democratic Party platform, and the last five pages cross the aisle. Worth investigating!

This is a reminder that Christ loves those we sometimes feel free to despise, reject, or ignore, and that this ..uh.. is wrong. David talks a bit about his own experiences, and his readings from the bible of God's heart for the poor and the neglected. A simple, concise, and wonderful surprise.