You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates [Hardcover]

J. R. Parrish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

Full of practical advice for recent grads, such as how to nail that first big job interview, avoid dangerous relationship mistakes, and manage one's finances, this valuable guide synthesizes a life's worth of wisdom into one engaging volume.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is well written with applicable advice, is just over 280 pages long, and is easy to read." --Orato

"Whenever I need a little advice and my mother is busy, I will definitely pick this up." --Grace's Book Blog

"The true gift of this book is the lessons in thoughtfulness that may make you, or your son or daughter, a more loving and caring person." --Blog Critics

"In his book "You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It In the Real World," author J.R. Parrish compiles a guide for high-school and college seniors. But I found the lessons to be a refresher course of Life 101 because, come on, we never stop learning." --Psych Central

"The purpose of You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way is to provide graduates a guidebook in learning the full cycle of life's lessons. It provides a "blue-print" for the graduate to lay the groundwork for not only a successful career, but a successful life." --Bella Online Career Training

From the Inside Flap

The pathway-to-the-future guidebook for recent grads.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY

Chock-full of practical advice for teen and college-age readers on everything, including:

* Nailing that first big job interview * Avoiding dangerous relationship mistakes * Mastering the art of managing your finances * Circumventing the typical pitfalls of adjusting to the adult world * Making friends and forging career alliances * Choosing the right mentors

This valuable guidebook synthesizes a life's worth of wisdom into one engaging volume. The author, a self-made multimillionaire who did learn the hard way, offers what he wishes someone would have given him when he was starting out--a no-nonsense blueprint for personal and professional success. Written with self-deprecating humor and grace, this book is never preachy and features irresistible self-discovery quizzes that guide young readers to deeper self-understanding.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: BenBella Books (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933771747
• ISBN-13: 978-1933771748
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life lessons not to be taken lightly!, September 14, 2009

By 

Rachael Towle "Rachael the Jedi Mommy!" (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates (Hardcover)

I see where another reviewer rated this book poorly because they didn't believe all the hyped up reviews. I think that is a completely unfair review and perhaps would be better suited as feedback to reviews as opposed to a stand-alone rating of the book.

I've got the book sitting in front of me as I type this review, and I will say that all the positive reviews are very fair representations of what this book has to offer.

I honestly believe this book is suited not only for graduates, but also for parents. It is filled with life lessons we should all take time to teach our children.

It works really well for young adults because there are quizzes in each section that allow self-reflection. I believe this makes the book very appealing for those who need it most: college graduates and high school graduates.

For people like me - middle aged with young children, I can take the lessons in this book and apply them to not only my future, but also the future of my children.

FOR EXAMPLE: Chapter four is all about dating, marriage and parenting. Parrish's goal for the chapter is to advise the reader on making good decisions on the topic. Most Americans will tell you there is a serious problem with the way our teens and young adults relate to partners when it comes to dating and marriage. With almost half of all marriages ending in divorce, we honestly do need some good life lessons on the topic. In a numbered list in the chapter, Parrish reminds the reader to remember marriage is about trust and companionship, and not to let the physical excitement we feel during dating to rule whether or not our partner is worthy of our hand in marriage.

Hopefully Parrish's words and the format of this book will encourage young adult readers to consider the ramifications of each decision they make, how to realize a dream and make it come true, and how to truly become the person they aspire to be. It's certainly filled with great advice and life lessons and I look forward to sharing this with those I care about!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I could have read it a younger age, April 22, 2009

By 

Robert E. Babcock "Bob Babcock" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates (Hardcover)

If you know a recent graduate who you care about and wish a happy successful life, just give him/her this book. It will broaden their perspective beyond the academics into the real meaningful aspects of living life.

How about learning the winning human relations skills to get and succeed in that first job, or, selecting and winning the perfect mate. How about learning the value of love in every challenge of life. These are just a few of the topic areas of this wonderful book that J.R. Parrish manages to convey in a concise, readable, and practical way.

In truth, most everyone at any age can benefit from this book. I certainly did and can only wish that I could have been able to read it at a younger age.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A helpful guide, August 18, 2009

By 

Cheryl Koch (CO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates (Hardcover)

You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making it in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates is sort of a handbook/workbook all rolled up into one. Mr. Parrish writes this book ideally for high school and college age students in mind. Though adults can learn and take away things from this book

I like that it was very easy to read. Each chapter is broken out into different topics like Human Relations, Making you dreams come true, and dating, marriage and parenting are just a few of the subjects touched on in this guide. At the beginning of each chapter, Mr. Parrish explains what the objective is for that chapter. He than shares true events that happened to him. Than the subject matter is broken down into sections. Those sections explain why it is important for eye contact, listening, etc. The reader follows the steps on how to help them achieve these skills or goals.

This book is very interactive as there are quizzes throughout this book. You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making it in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates would make a perfect gift for any young adult just learning how to make their own way in the real world, especially now in these times. Pick up two copies of this book today as you will want to keep one for yourself.