Overall, a decent book. I read the portions that apply most to my current situation and skimmed the rest to familiarize myself enough with the content...moreOverall, a decent book. I read the portions that apply most to my current situation and skimmed the rest to familiarize myself enough with the content that a future thought, conversation, or experience may trigger a memory of this book and I can return to it for insight.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the freedom given to considering an alternate plan and Ferriss’ ability to speak truth to power — and, yes, I even enjoyed his crassness. The arbitrariness of the 8-hour work day, the ineffectiveness of 10 vacation days a year, retirement as worst-case-scenario insurance, the blindness that makes unimportant things seem important — these confirmations to what I’ve always felt were welcome passages. Also, his reminders that assumptions and blindly following the status quo are really nothing more than fearing an alternative path — that, or laziness — was refreshing to read.
I loved his honesty and transparent dealings with fear and the consuming — usually irrational — power it has over us. Yeah, the Q&A sections at the end of chapters can be a little cheesy, but if approached with an open mind, it is interesting to see what comes to light as you write down your own worst-case-scenario — after all, short of death, worst-case can be quite different for each individual. Ferriss isn’t the first to suggest this activity, but it is effective nonetheless.
With regards to the meat of his book about creating a source of income generation that requires little to no attention… I found it interesting — intriguing even — but it really doesn’t line up with where I’m at in my life. It was good to read and file away in case I have an idea that may fit into this schema. However, his recommendations for how to structure work days and think about priorities and deadlines were helpful. My goal is not to use them to work 30 hours a week instead of 40 without my boss knowing; rather, I hope to use his recommendations to help me focus and do my best work while at work so I can reclaim my evenings and weekends for myself. And who knows, maybe those evenings and weekends may eventually include chasing an alternative revenue stream that changes my work life forever. But for now, I am content in the affirmation that there are other options than the standard 9-5 and to not let fear or the status quo hold so much power.(less)
Liked the premise of knowing under what conditions you're willing to quite before even starting, as well as other nuggets throughout the book, but, li...moreLiked the premise of knowing under what conditions you're willing to quite before even starting, as well as other nuggets throughout the book, but, like some others here, I just couldn't get beyond the conceit of being #1 in the world as the only goal you should have. Once or twice Godin wiggles out of that black and white statement by suggesting that the definition of "world" is flexible (i.e., be #1 in *your* world).
Nonetheless, still a decent read with enough points worthy of mulling over, and at 80-some pages, not that much of a commitment. (less)
Found some helpful ideas in the book that maybe wouldn't have been so apparent from their blog, but overall I enjoy reading their blog more. I truly a...moreFound some helpful ideas in the book that maybe wouldn't have been so apparent from their blog, but overall I enjoy reading their blog more. I truly appreciate their perspective and how they share their take on minimalism, and I look forward to seeing what they will create in the future.(less)
If non-integers were allowed, this would be a 3.5: 3 stars for the first half; a strong 4 stars for the second half when I truly started caring for th...moreIf non-integers were allowed, this would be a 3.5: 3 stars for the first half; a strong 4 stars for the second half when I truly started caring for the characters. Because the second half is what will come to mind when remembering this book, I will round up the rating.
There are several excellent reviews for this book already on Goodreads, so I won't provide a synopsis. With regards to recommendations, I would have trouble recommending this book to readers whose only experience with Irving is "A Prayer for Owen Meany" and/or who have trouble reading works that include frank discussions surrounding sexual identity (after all, that is the premise of the book). Otherwise, if you enjoy good stories with unique characters and are able to suspend disbelief for awhile (it is fiction), then I suggest you give this book a try... just make sure you keep at it to get to the second half. (less)
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