Customer Reviews

The Primal Shrug: A Technique for Straightening Out Your Fouled-Up Life

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At first I thought this was pure silliness, a parody of self-help books without any substance of its own. It wasn't long before I noticed myself saying, "Yes! I do this too." Although Mr. Whitney asserts that The Primal Shrug is a methodology or tactic, it is in fact an attitude. I'm not sure that it can be taught, but the narrative voice is so personally engaging that you feel connected to him in such a way that your guard is lowered and you gain sudden insight.

Throughout the book, the first-person narrator sets up situations in which he can apply The Primal Shrug as an antidote to various common small traumas, like work, family, and personal achievement. You are placed in the shoes of the narrator, and feel for yourself the awesome power of the Shrug (which amounts to simply not getting hung up on stuff). Bring your sense of humor and an appreciation for the absurd, and you may just learn something. Recommended for all public libraries, and for otherwise intelligent people who tend to think themselves into corners.

Mr. Whitney's to the point and humor-ridden approach to "shrugging" off unwanted and unnecessary seriousness in your life is refreshing. It is by no means a gentle or coddling approach to handling problems we may face. It is a technique that we've all used at one point or another in shrugging off the tedious things in life that really serve no importance other than adding irritation to our otherwise happy existence. The Primal Shrug doesn't mean becoming an insensitive jerk although if someone thinks you are that's not my problem. It may be nothing new but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of our capabilities in adapting. To appreciate the Primal Shrug you may need to make some changes in your life including having to laugh at yourself every once in a while - which if your sensitive might hurt your own feelings - you can practice shrugging that off too! It is amusing and useful and the technique is easy to learn. Obviously there will be those who will not appreciate such humor and prefer to dwell on their miserable lives while reading dry, boring self-help books dealing with dysfuction and what-nots.

This book is exceptionally well written and Mr. Whitney's use of words are amazingly harmonious. Take a different path and pick up a book that will make you laugh your way to finding freshness in your life (once again).