Customer Reviews

My Reality Check Bounced! The Twentysomething's Guide to Cashing in on Your Real-World Dreams

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4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
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My Reality Check Bounced is a practical, workable book of advice, written by a twenty-something for other twenty-somethings who are trying to develop a career and a life. The advice is given with all the contagious enthusiasm of the youth of the author, but its content is more in keeping with the writing of a seasoned, professional forty-something. Mr. Dorsey may have dropped out of college to pursue his dream, but he's still doing his homework. Like any good self-improvement text, his book appears to be a solid combination of reading, research and experience. I tend to be brief in reviewing, so I'll just say that if I used more words to describe his book, they would mostly be synonyms for "excellent." And I recommend it to anyone of any age who is still developing a career or business.

Using numerous interesting and compelling stories as a starting point, he applies critical analyses to the issues typically facing young careerists. He then models problem-solving skills and provides clear how-to's for dealing with those issues. The essentials he covers include self-motivation, self-confidence, networking, relationship-building, critical thinking, work-life balance, effective communication, freedom of choice and overcoming excuses, fear and indecisiveness -- and more.

Dorsey's style is bright and upbeat; the book is easy and fun to read, inspiring, and the stories are so real and engaging that you won't want to put the book down until you're finished.

My mother bought My Reality Check Bounced for me. I was initially apprehensive at first - But boy did some of the stories hit a little too close to home!!!!!

I nearly devoured the book in one sitting.

I am definitely glad that my mom bought this book for me. -Timing couldn't have been better as I map out my goals for 2007.

Dorsey includes practical and powerful action steps that anyone can take towards achieving their goals. Buy this book if only to discover the simple and sincere methods of finding your mentors. Use it like a handbook - follow the instructions and troubleshoot when necessary. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for the "secrets" of building a rewarding life.

Jason Dorsey hits the nail on the head in "My Reality Check Bounced". For anyone who has ever felt like they lost their way, or life wasn't exactly as planned, this book is a must read. Even if you feel that life is going well for you I think you'll takeaway a lot from this book. Dorsey does a good job using real life stories to explain his messages. The book is organized well and an easy read.

Among my favorite parts: finding mentors, networking, work-life balance, and not compromising your ethics.

Jason Dorsey has written an excellent guide to tackling the challenges of life in your twenties. I particularly appreciate the numerous real world examples that help keep the advice grounded, and useful. I recommend the title to any one nervous about making their way in the world.

My only complaint: it's not only for 20-somethings! This book has so many great ideas of things I started doing the SAME day I read the book. I gave the book to my 40-year-old brother, and he learned great ideas in the book, too! And they're simple, and easy, and make total sense. AND THEY WORK! It's been one month, and already my boss treats me better, I'm making smarter decisions at work, understanding the whole system, and learning the right way to get what I want from my career. Thanks!!!

As a father of two twenty something young men, I found this book to be very relevant as a parent. I strongly recommend this book to parents as a guide for their children and young people who want a to succeed in this unpredictable world. Jason Dorsey thanks for the help. I feel better prepared to help guide my children to a brighter future.Excellent well written book.

I take the time to write reviews of books I have read because the reviews of others are such a great help to me when I consider buying a book or getting it from the library.

This is a review I have thought long and hard about. I am somewhat concerned that I have a different take on the book than the other fine reviews, so get it from the library and if I am wrong buy it:)

The book is written by a young man who says he had a "challenging background" and left college in his junior year at the age of 18 to "follow my gut to write a book" after he "felt the path I was on - the standard go to college, get a good job, get married, make babies, and so on --- was no longer inspiring."

He wrote that a few years ago and I am not sure if he has changed his mind about getting married and making babies but anyone who makes those choices based on "inspiration" probably has a questionable decision making process.

The fact that he made a success selling his first book and then became a successful speaker does not, for me, suggest that what worked for him is good advice for other 18 year olds, or "twentysomething's" nor that he has much wisdom to impart. Because most of the book is stories of other people's experiences and conclusions and only part is based on the author's logic and philosophy the book has merit.

He dedicates the book to "twentysomethings who bravely leave the paved path to pursue their authentic path." The dedication bothers me because I believe it is possible that a lot of twentysomethings who are on the paved path may be on their authentic path. He goes on to say that he "became focused on addressing this twentysomething search for meaning". This book, though there are many great ideas in it, does not deliver on that focus.

The author talks about creating a "tag team" people who will help you get to where you want to go without getting paid. I am just not sure how many twentysomethings know all that many people anxious to help them without getting paid. He talks about ethics and says that somehow "treating people the way you want to be treated" is tied into ethics. Having worked in the corporate world I know that ethics and treating people in a certain way are simply not related. Ok, so he was a business major that forgot to take an ethics course, no big deal but it might confuse readers.

Some of the author's suggestions are really right on, especially useful to those trying to change their position in the social and / or financial order. I was thinking of using this book in a course for students because the author's first book was used by so many universities but was disappointed in the content of his second book. I will get his first book from the library to see what he has to say in that book.

My recommendation is get the book from the library, read it and get the gems that are there but weigh each concept proposed carefully to determine if it really rings true for your goals and values. There is simply nothing wrong with doing what you want and are happy doing, even if it is staying on a beaten path.

If you're looking for a motivational gift for yourself or another twenty-something in your life that is stuck or overwhelmed with life, work or relationships, this book is for you. You don't even need to be twenty something. I'm certainly not, and I found this book incredible. The first several chapter titles spell out Dorsey's message perfectly - stand up for your life, break free, light your fire, and unleash opportunity. Dorsey writes, "Once you let go of common twenty-something beliefs-such as "it's out of my control" and "it's not my fault" and "its not the right time"-you will be free to start doing what it takes to get what you want." This message is for everyone. He just writes it to Generation Y.

Dorsey uses practical coaching techniques to guide readers through a process of identifying their Future Self and then becoming that future self. Dorsey is a Gen-Y twenty-something entrepreneur himself. He published his first book at age 18. All of his tips are personally tried and true. He provides examples, resources and really great stories from his, his client's and his friend's experiences to illustrate each point. His concepts bridge career, relationships, and generally living life to the fullest. The book is a bit preachy at times, but well worth the instruction. And it is a quick read at only 227 pages, although I suggest you either use it as a workbook doing and learning as you go, or read through it twice; once to get the info and the second time to do the exercises.

Older than twenty -something? No problem. This is a good book. Read it. Unemployed? Thinking of starting a business? Sleeping on a relatives couch? You too-read it. And most of all, Do it! You deserve to be excited about everyday. Think of how liberated you will feel. © 2010 Career Momentum,LLC

Awesome book. I have found what I want to do and I am in my 20's and I found this book very valuable. I have highlighted 20 different pages with key points and lists for me to remember while facing challenges or examining opportunities. Dorsey is the new Covey for 20 somethings.