The Underachiever's Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great [Hardcover]

Ray Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 2006

Lower the bar. Turn it down a notch. Get off the Stairmaster. The Underachiever's Manifesto is the playfully persuasive pocket guide to living life to the least and loving it. With sharp humor and genuine wisdom, this welcome little book extols the fabulous benefits of underachievement in our overextended society. A witty introduction makes the case for the right amount of efforta lot less than we've been led to believe. Ten principles of underachievement establish the basics (#8: The tallest blade of grass is the surest to be cut); and practical applications show how mediocrity is the key to happiness at work, in relationships, dieting, exercise, investment, and more. Devilishly enlisting examples from philosophy, economics, science, and good common sense, The Underachiever's Manifesto is a lighthearted, life-changing rallying call for those who dare to do less and enjoy more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ray Bennett is a medical specialist in the Seattle area who is still guilty of overachievement in treating his patients. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811853683
• ISBN-13: 978-0811853682
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Humor > Self-Help & Psychology
  • #40 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Humor > Parodies
  • #58 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > United States > History & Criticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why Bother with A Snappy Title?, July 4, 2006

By 

William Holmes "semloh2287" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Underachiever's Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great (Hardcover)

My wife and I picked up "The Underachiever's Manifesto" on a whim and read it together over a glass of wine. We're both a little driven, and we laughed aloud at the book's tongue-in-cheek advice about how to let someone else be excellent for a change. From the "blank pages" at the end to the obligatory top ten list to the quiz to determine your Underachiever's Quotient, the Manifesto is a delight. I'd write a longer review, but . . . just buy it and read it. Is that so hard?

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who Needs Therapy?, June 11, 2006

By 

SuzieMac (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Underachiever's Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great (Hardcover)

Get this book instead and save hundreds of dollars. I read this book in about 20 minutes and it changed my attitude completely. I loved it. It's hilarious. I wanted to buy the book in bulk so I can hand them out to my friends. It's the perfect gift for anyone with a sense of humor.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Entertaining (and surprisingly helpful)!, December 21, 2007

By 

D. Horan "Franciscan Friar" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Underachiever's Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great (Hardcover)

I am a type 1 personality who is, in many ways, the typical overachiever. This book was given to me as a gift and I almost read it completely in one sitting - it's that good (and short). While much of the book is prone to hyperbole and satire, there is a great message that can be found underneath the well-timed humor: sometimes you just need to relax. The humorous reminder that no one is perfect is refreshing in the face of a busy life with many demands. Anyone who is extraordinarly pressured by work, family and life-in-general, should pick up this little book - or - pass it on to your favorite overachieving friend.