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Sep 06, 2009

Todd rated it:

Timothy Ferriss spoke at a management meeting last week where I work. A few of the managers came back pretty impressed, so I cadged a copy off of a manager and skimmed/read it one sitting Friday night.

The effect of this book is like being trapped in a room with a manic-depressive during the manic part of his cycle. Imagine a cross between Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys and a late-night infomercial. Then add a dash of narcissistic personality disorder to get an idea of the tone of this book. More...

5 comments like (64 people liked it)

Mar 15, 2009

Craig rated it:

Instead of focusing on this book's lame contents (it was really bad) I decided to share my review of how it was otherwise used in the hopes that it might inspire others.

First of all, I found the book's paper a little rough in texture. This precluded it from being used in the outhouse or camping, if you know what I mean. The raspy paper DID, however, have just the right stuff to be 'ripped and rolled' into some really effective starter wicks in the old fireplace. Went up like a cha More...

3 comments like (36 people liked it)

Aug 08, 2008

Emma rated it:

At first I thought this was the bee's knees, toes, and ankles. But as I read further I began to realize that this guy "wins" by cheating, "delegates" by leaving everything in the hands of his $5/hour personal assistant in India, and sells books by promising to tell you how to get rich, and delivers a book on how to get everyone around you to be really annoyed with you for shirking any responsibility.

He encourages you to lease expensive cars so you can feel like y More...

2 comments like (37 people liked it)

Jan 07, 2008

Maria rated it:

A few weeks ago in NYC, I sat with two of the smartest people I know at a cool brunch.

"But explain it to me," I said. "Just what is it about the 4-Hour Work Week that we haven't already seen?" Having a background in a "work-smarter-not-harder" industry (the coaching industry), what I'd heard about 4HWW had not impressed me as anything particularly fresh and new.

"Well," said one friend, "It's just never all been put in a book More...

5 comments like (20 people liked it)

Apr 23, 2008

Otis rated it:

I found this book on a recommendation from a good friend, and if it wasn't for that I might have put it down right away, because the tone is very markety, and the author makes a lot of big claims with little substance.

That being said, the author must be a smart guy because there is a lot of good stuff in this book.

Big Takeaways
1. Most of us have the idea that we are supposed to work until we are 60, then retire and live the good life. Tim does a great job pointing o More...

1 comment like (17 people liked it)

May 30, 2008

Aaron rated it:

One of the few books I have read more than once. Timothy Feriss does an excellent job of explaining the lifestyle and methods of the new rich. Not only that, but he provides web addresses, phone numbers, and more for manufacturers, drop shippers, and mentors. This is a life changing book for any person involved or interested in business.

0 comments like (4 people liked it)

Feb 03, 2008

Tommy rated it:

One of the best books out there for breaking you out of the routine way of THINKING about your job, even if some of the model suggestions are a bit preposterous for a non-entrepreneur. Very inspiring!

2 comments like (4 people liked it)

Jan 13, 2011

Todd rated it:

It took me less than a week to read even the expanded version of 4-Hour Work Week. This wasn't for lack of content, but for a combination of speed-reading reminders and rants about focus and Getting Things Done (GTD).

In all honesty, I started this book with ill intentions. I'm often skeptical of anything too many people get excited about and author Tim Ferriss fits the bill. Still, I figured if I wanted to bag on the guy I was going to do the homework first.

I'm glad I d More...

2 comments like (2 people liked it)

May 10, 2008

Chip and Katie rated it:

Overall, I appreciate the idea he brings up in the fact that people waste their days with nonsense (this may come from the fact that I worked in the government for years). As a computer guy, I also appreciate the fact that many people don't fully harness the power of auto-replies, faqs, macros, scripts, batching, etc. to eliminate a good 80% of their work in an office environment. That being the case, the idea of doing all of this doesn't work everywhere (only certain office/sales jobs I suspe More...

0 comments like (4 people liked it)

Apr 13, 2008

Amber rated it:

Reading the first third of this book was one of the most self-indulgent activities I’ve ever done. (And yes, I read fiction.) It was so nice to hear that someone else in the world doesn't understand why we spend so much time on meaningless meetings and other time-fillers when there are so many meaningful things we long to do.

This book is worth reading though there are a few things you'll have to endure to finish it:
-potty-mouth words
-author-coined terms and antonyms that More...

2 comments like (5 people liked it)

Oct 05, 2007

Kara rated it:

I just started this book, and I can't even finish it. Aside from the author grating on my last nerve with each page turn, I find his outlook on life to be overly fantastical. This book appeals to people who are working in dead end jobs that are hellish to say the least, and offers a way out to people who have lost hope. But I'll tell you something. If making a ton of money, working a 4-hour work week, and living like a millionaire were easy, everyone would do it. The fact that he's one of FEW th More...

0 comments like (9 people liked it)

Dec 02, 2008

Rasmus rated it:

Although mr. Ferriss has some good ideas and goals, there is one word that describes why, I am not a fan of this book: Scumbaggery.

While I totally agree with Tim Ferriss, when he says that most meetings are useless and should be avoided, I cannot agree with his recommendation of making up excuses and lies, in order to leave early or not show up. This is just one example of behavior recommended in this book, and it quite frankly disgusts me.

I am all for automating the dull More...

0 comments like (20 people liked it)

Mar 03, 2008

Douglas rated it:

Many of my friends have read this book and my friend Alex kept talking it up, so I picked it up.

Very few books have really changed the way I envision how I am going to live my life. So far, I have only two: Rich Dad Poor Dad and this one. Though Rich Dad introduced me to the concept of owning assets that pay you to free your time, 4-hour workweek dispels a lot of myths about the need to make millions to live the life that we all dream about. In actuality, its a lot closer than we More...

0 comments like (3 people liked it)

Aug 09, 2009

Kyle rated it:

I am always interested in life-hacks that can make work more productive and leave more time for leisure so this book grabbed my attention. Little did I know that reading it would feel like listening to a confessional from someone who will leave no corner uncut. If you have no qualms about out-sourcing work and under-paying people to do it, then this book may be for you. If not--and you have no anthropological interest in the delusional contours of petty bourgeois entrepreneurial capitalism at th More...

1 comment like (6 people liked it)

Oct 01, 2009

Jason rated it:

So far, not yet having finished this book, it seems like he created it for those who are: 1. in the sales of PRODUCTS industry, and 2. of those people, for those who are in a management/ownership position. For those who are in a service-oriented industry, his tactics do not seem to apply. Some of his tips do have merit however, such as keeping distractions to a minimum by only checking email and phone messages sparingly and delegating smaller tasks not absolutely necessary to other people to b More...

1 comment like (2 people liked it)

Jul 16, 2010

Amanda rated it:

It seems some people have a problem with this book because it encourages the middle class to leave aforementioned middle class, which somehow violates the social contract. Social contract, my ass. I didn't sign anything that said I had to waste my life in a cubicle.

Anyway, I read this after I had already left my job to be a writer, so I guess I'm nontraditional enough to relate to the author. It's obvious his priorities are life experiences, not accumulating a retirement account and More...

2 comments like (5 people liked it)

Oct 08, 2009

Jonathan rated it:

I hesitantly recomend this book. The reasons why are towards the end of the review.

The douchebaggery and straight up disengenuity espoused almost drips off the pages: quite remarkable even in the self-help, think-outside-the-box, start-your-own-business genre. Much of what Ferris recommends just plain doesn't work (I'm talking from experience). Other things are slightly ridiculous: an entire chapter is spent discussing how one can get people to stop bugging you at your cubicle by lyi More...

1 comment like (8 people liked it)

Jul 07, 2008

John rated it:

Ryan Clauson, a Northeastern student and friend who I informally mentor and advise, gave me a copy of this book. The book is about how you can arrange your life so that you only need to spend 4 hours per week to attain the income that you need. Then with all the time that you freed up, you should do the things you love. The overall premise is less applicable to people who already love what they do for a living (like me and many of you on my list). However, there are definitely nuggest of useful More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Mar 17, 2010

Joy rated it:

I received Timothy Ferriss’ hot, new bestseller “The 4-Hour Workweek” for Christmas and, cautiously optimistic, proceeded to read what I hoped would not be yet another rendition of a worthless get rich quick scheme. While at times a bit pompous for my taste, I found the author succeeded to deliver readers a realistic, executable plan that, with the right amount of effort, could actually work. Unlike many others who have taken their stab at the genre, Ferriss does not package a timeless, one si More...

0 comments like (3 people liked it)

Dec 16, 2009

brian rated it:

It is nice to know that somebody is out there attempting to shed some light on the American rat-race lifestyle...

Although this book has its obvious flaws, namely:

1. Author is an ivy league entrepreneur (of course he's not worried about money).

2. Many of his "time-saving" work tips have no relevance in many fields of work. In fact, I cant really see how they would work unless you already have some independence in your job.

3. The Get-Rich- More...

0 comments like (3 people liked it)

Oct 10, 2007

George rated it:

It was interesting to read about the author's journey to his current lifestyle. It was even more interesting to read about his ideas for redesigning your lifestyle from the soul crushing 40 hr. week 30 year cycle of work, to one that does not defer your "retirement". Some of his ideas are not for everyone and he does not say it is all or nothing. Take what you want and leave the rest. I read this book in a day and have gone back to it and I bought two copies of this book and gave one a More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Dec 16, 2009

Shannon rated it:

Just finishing up this book and although it isn't a complete waste of time it is SOOOO friggin annoying that 1 star remains generous. The first 1/4 of the book is filler...plenty of little tidbits and setting the stage with the author going on and on [and ON AND ON AND ON] about his tango dancing or trip here or eating there...like anyone cares! Do yourself a favor and skip 80% of the book while looking for the 20% that has anything whatsoever of value to add.

The author makes a big t More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 28, 2010

Armand rated it:

That there is another way to escape the 9-5 hour lifestyle and focus on joining the New Rich group that chooses to indulge in mini-retirements throughout their lives. Follow the DEAL plan, Design, Eliminate, Automate & Liberate. A Interesting inovative idea except it becomes to complicated to go to the automate state where you outsource and read through all the High tech wonders to tedious to read in one sitting. There is a universal thought in the Liberate state where one can get lost and depr More...

2 comments like (1 person liked it)

Feb 03, 2008

Emily rated it:

I have mixed feelings about this book. The author is someone you don't like from the beginning, and so it is hard to want to be like him. Thankfully, he offers some interesting tips for time management and challenges your work paradigm...maybe even life paradigm. I do look at my definition of productivity differently, and have challenged my idea that if I'm not busy doing something work-related for 8 hours a day that I am a sloth. There are other things of value in this life that we will reg More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Feb 25, 2008

Joy Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ rated it:

So glad I got this book from the library. If I'd purchased the book I would have felt cheated out of money, not just time. Really, this is a book with a great title but it's more a brag book. There was so much talk of self indulgence, living the 'rock star life'. So much talk in fact , it is almost laughable at page 272 he devotes 4 paragraphs to service. Which he defines as "doing something that improves life besides your own." It was a lame afterthought.

In my opinion - us More...

1 comment like (4 people liked it)

Nov 15, 2010

Jacob rated it:

The popularity of this book boggles my mind. It is mainly about how to avoid work by setting up, optimizing, and marketing get rich quick schemes on the internet.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jan 28, 2012

Ryan rated it:

Let ME save YOU a few hours.

1. You're a game changer and a rule breaker.
2. Quit checking your fucking email and get off the computer. No, seriously. Go.
3. Outsource everything--even your soul. It's all about you.
4. Retire, vacation, go mobile.
5. Tim Ferriss is an ass.

Questions?
Ryan: Hey Tim, I work in a pickle factory in Poland and have a minimal education, how do I make the above program work for me?

Tim: *head explodes*

More...

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Oct 10, 2007

Sarah rated it:

The other reviews of this book are pretty spot on. I did want to say that I found the idea of mini-retirements interesting. Why should we wait until we are old to enjoy what life has to offer?

I like the idea of taking a month or two off and exploring something new, interesting and educational. This can be done individually and as a family.

I also thought Ferriss' time saving tips can be applied not only to a work, but even to running a household. I didn't really agree wit More...

0 comments like (3 people liked it)

Jul 01, 2008

Nathan rated it:

Overall Tim provides a good perspective on how to put your life on auto-pilot, if you are running your own business or are in a career where the physical presence is not 100% necessary. Some of Tim's ideas can be applied in an everyday manner, such as identifying a few key items that need to be completed for the day and dedicate time, early in the day to completing these activities without interruption. Another key point is: Do not be consumed by e-mail and frequently check it. Otherwise you More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Oct 14, 2011

Nick rated it:

Read this book, and was hooked immediately. Love this guy and he is truly a visionary. It will only be a matter of time before businesses start outsourcing everything to VAs (virtual assistants) in other countries.

I'm all about this, and I'm excited to see my traditional vision of business change.

~NR

0 comments like (1 person liked it)