What do you think?
Rate this book
The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping
Early in life, we learn to exaggerate our positive personal qualities and hide or deny our failures and weaknesses. The Skeleton Code is a satirical and humorous look at the many ways we protect our public personas by closeting our personal secrets, an ultimately self-deluding way of life. As a parody of the self-help “success” genre, the book presents facetious strategies about how to cover up our silly and scandalous secrets before turning to The Skeleton Cure.
230 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 12, 2017
I found this to be a difficult read but it does conclude with a positive message. I had to keep reminding myself this was satire. And as satire, for 80% of the book, the authors do a very good job.
Alla Campanella and Ken Massey rightly note that almost everyone has skeletons in their closets – secrets we just don’t share. But then we worry about keeping those secrets from popping out, or being found out or outed by someone else. The authors are careful to provide a disclaimer that they are not promoting immoral, unethical or illegal behavior. They then proceed to present several chapters of tricks for protecting your secrets: dressing for diversion, mimicking the masters, taking the offensive. There are several chapters sharing methods to encourage fear and help prepare a response in the event of exposure, either accidental or purposeful. There can be an art in self disclosure that minimizes the potential for negative impact. The authors provide a fitting quote from Sidney Poitier: “I know how easy it is for one to stay well within moral, ethical, and legal bounds through the skillful use of words—and to thereby spin, sidestep, circumvent, or bend a truth completely out of shape.” The authors also do a nice job of summarizing the techniques and testing the progress of the reader.
I really had difficulty sticking through this to the end. I knew it is satire but that didn’t help stop my feeling that what they were describing was somewhat ‘slimy’. Still, it just didn’t feel right or good and I didn’t want to read it. This made me feel like when I stop reading a book because the language used is just too foul – it makes me feel uncomfortable and unhappy.
I knew there was a better message but that isn’t shared until the last two chapters. The closing points note that hiding secrets may cause physical pain as well as emotional illness. It is healthier to uncover the secrets, face them and remove the skeleton from your life. This did make me feel better. The closing remarks reminded me of the Transactional Analysis course I took in my late twenties which featured resource books like I’m Ok - You’re Ok and Games People Play.
The book is well written and laid out in an easy to follow fashion. I think the authors’ introduction tried to reassure the reader that the ultimate message was positive… and it is. I just think there could be more positive ways to present the message. This one wasn’t real comfortable for me but could be very useful for the right people, right situation.
I received this title from ProBook Marketing through iRead Book Tours for an honest review. My rating 3.75.
Alla Campanella and Ken Massey rightly note that almost everyone has skeletons in their closets – secrets we just don’t share. But then we worry about keeping those secrets from popping out, or being found out or outed by someone else. The authors are careful to provide a disclaimer that they are not promoting immoral, unethical or illegal behavior. They then proceed to present several chapters of tricks for protecting your secrets: dressing for diversion, mimicking the masters, taking the offensive. There are several chapters sharing methods to encourage fear and help prepare a response in the event of exposure, either accidental or purposeful. There can be an art in self disclosure that minimizes the potential for negative impact. The authors provide a fitting quote from Sidney Poitier: “I know how easy it is for one to stay well within moral, ethical, and legal bounds through the skillful use of words—and to thereby spin, sidestep, circumvent, or bend a truth completely out of shape.” The authors also do a nice job of summarizing the techniques and testing the progress of the reader.
I really had difficulty sticking through this to the end. I knew it is satire but that didn’t help stop my feeling that what they were describing was somewhat ‘slimy’. Still, it just didn’t feel right or good and I didn’t want to read it. This made me feel like when I stop reading a book because the language used is just too foul – it makes me feel uncomfortable and unhappy.
I knew there was a better message but that isn’t shared until the last two chapters. The closing points note that hiding secrets may cause physical pain as well as emotional illness. It is healthier to uncover the secrets, face them and remove the skeleton from your life. This did make me feel better. The closing remarks reminded me of the Transactional Analysis course I took in my late twenties which featured resource books like I’m Ok - You’re Ok and Games People Play.
The book is well written and laid out in an easy to follow fashion. I think the authors’ introduction tried to reassure the reader that the ultimate message was positive… and it is. I just think there could be more positive ways to present the message. This one wasn’t real comfortable for me but could be very useful for the right people, right situation.
I received this title from ProBook Marketing through iRead Book Tours for an honest review. My rating 3.75.
January 12, 2017
I personally greatly enjoyed reading The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Ken Massey & Alla Campanella. I found many of the stories to be downright amusing while others were a bit creepy. I never really gave much thought to the types of secrets people could have or the ways in which they could truly affect or change someone. As a psychology student I found the subject to be so interesting that I am considering doing further research into the topic as my potential final paper for my psychology senior seminar class.
The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Ken Massey & Alla Campanella was not just interesting, but also well written. The style of writing employed by Ken Massey & Alla Campanella was perfectly chosen for the maximum effect on the audience.
The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Ken Massey & Alla Campanella was not just interesting, but also well written. The style of writing employed by Ken Massey & Alla Campanella was perfectly chosen for the maximum effect on the audience.
December 12, 2016
MY THOUGHTS
ARE THERE SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET?
THE SECRET TO THE SKELETON CODE
IS
THE SKELETON CURE
We all have deep secrets that we try to keep hidden. Sometimes we will do most anything so people don't find out what we are hiding. The book contains a definite message. The first part of the book has some interviews with real people (names changed) and their stories of how keeping those secrets hidden have ruined relationships and changed their lives, not for the good. When we are hiding something, we are always on edge, afraid that someone will find out. We watch what we say and what we do at times, just out of fear. We keep honesty at bay, afraid if we're hones the secret will slip out. When you have secrets that you're afraid will slip out, you can't be happy. Life's too short to go around unhappy all the time. What does it take to let go? I believe first off, you have to accept those secrets, accept your possible failures. Everybody fails at one time or another. Everybody has imperfections. We may not like it but it's a fact. Another thing, you have to learn to love yourself, flaws and imperfections set aside. How do you go about being honest to people when you're afraid they will judge you?The authors take the different ways people try to keep their secrets hidden and show the humor in it, and if you think about it, sometimes it is pretty funny what you'll do to keep others from knowing. The authors tell how to to let your secrets out, not be afraid, just be honest. Now I find that something I've always known, but it's easier said than done.The book has a lot of humor in it and some I've heard in passing before.I'm sure the book helps you get started but I feel it's really up to you and how much those secrets have a hold on you. The authors offer ways to help release the past, get rid of those hidden enemies that keep you from happiness and truthfulness.So take those hidden skeletons and work out the skeleton code to find the skeleton cure. IT may change your whole life. I was impressed that the publisher, Morgan James, takes a percentage of the book sales as long as the book is on the market and donates to Habitat For Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. Worthy cause!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors and Pump Up Your Book and voluntarily decided to review it.
ARE THERE SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET?
THE SECRET TO THE SKELETON CODE
IS
THE SKELETON CURE
We all have deep secrets that we try to keep hidden. Sometimes we will do most anything so people don't find out what we are hiding. The book contains a definite message. The first part of the book has some interviews with real people (names changed) and their stories of how keeping those secrets hidden have ruined relationships and changed their lives, not for the good. When we are hiding something, we are always on edge, afraid that someone will find out. We watch what we say and what we do at times, just out of fear. We keep honesty at bay, afraid if we're hones the secret will slip out. When you have secrets that you're afraid will slip out, you can't be happy. Life's too short to go around unhappy all the time. What does it take to let go? I believe first off, you have to accept those secrets, accept your possible failures. Everybody fails at one time or another. Everybody has imperfections. We may not like it but it's a fact. Another thing, you have to learn to love yourself, flaws and imperfections set aside. How do you go about being honest to people when you're afraid they will judge you?The authors take the different ways people try to keep their secrets hidden and show the humor in it, and if you think about it, sometimes it is pretty funny what you'll do to keep others from knowing. The authors tell how to to let your secrets out, not be afraid, just be honest. Now I find that something I've always known, but it's easier said than done.The book has a lot of humor in it and some I've heard in passing before.I'm sure the book helps you get started but I feel it's really up to you and how much those secrets have a hold on you. The authors offer ways to help release the past, get rid of those hidden enemies that keep you from happiness and truthfulness.So take those hidden skeletons and work out the skeleton code to find the skeleton cure. IT may change your whole life. I was impressed that the publisher, Morgan James, takes a percentage of the book sales as long as the book is on the market and donates to Habitat For Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. Worthy cause!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors and Pump Up Your Book and voluntarily decided to review it.
January 17, 2017
The Book isn't Really Lighthearted--When you Think About It. Some of the secrets shared throughout the book; while shared with a bit of sarcasm and "humor"--are really sad. Some of the weights carried by the people in the books' stories are really not very "funny" at all. Initially, as I read some of the stories, I found myself setting the book aside in disgust. Who could try to portray these situations with humor? Then, I think I began to read the book with an understanding of the sad realities that so many of us try to hide beneath jokes and laughter and smiling facades. That's when the book's message began to form.
The Skeleton Code is a Different Sort of Self Help Book. This book approaches skeletons in closets differently than most self help books. By showing the many ways in which people try to bury their secret skeletons--to approaching some of the reasons people seek to bury rather than rattle those skeletons--the book lets the harm of those secret-keeping cats out of the bag. As readers see the painfully, obvious errors in the ways of the people featured in the book; readers may begin to see that their own secrets could break down the closet doors at any moment. They may also begin to see that unlocking those skeletons may free more than the skeleton.
Would I recommend The Skeleton Code by Ken Massey and Alla Campanella? This book takes a serious look at the damage done by living with secrets--through a satirical, sarcastic approach. If you are expecting humor--you will find some--but, you will also find deeper, darker realities that may hit home for you or someone you know. The book spends a lot of time sharing stories as the book "guides" readers toward satirical, safe secret keeping--and--some of those stories are far from lighthearted. However; the authors do a great job illustrating the serious points of their book with those stories. I would recommend this book for anyone feeling weighed down or worried about some, deep, dark secret--even if it's rather trivial compared to some! This book doesn't preach or promise--it helps readers recognize a problem, understand a problem--and brainstorm some ways to work toward resolution.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
The Skeleton Code is a Different Sort of Self Help Book. This book approaches skeletons in closets differently than most self help books. By showing the many ways in which people try to bury their secret skeletons--to approaching some of the reasons people seek to bury rather than rattle those skeletons--the book lets the harm of those secret-keeping cats out of the bag. As readers see the painfully, obvious errors in the ways of the people featured in the book; readers may begin to see that their own secrets could break down the closet doors at any moment. They may also begin to see that unlocking those skeletons may free more than the skeleton.
Would I recommend The Skeleton Code by Ken Massey and Alla Campanella? This book takes a serious look at the damage done by living with secrets--through a satirical, sarcastic approach. If you are expecting humor--you will find some--but, you will also find deeper, darker realities that may hit home for you or someone you know. The book spends a lot of time sharing stories as the book "guides" readers toward satirical, safe secret keeping--and--some of those stories are far from lighthearted. However; the authors do a great job illustrating the serious points of their book with those stories. I would recommend this book for anyone feeling weighed down or worried about some, deep, dark secret--even if it's rather trivial compared to some! This book doesn't preach or promise--it helps readers recognize a problem, understand a problem--and brainstorm some ways to work toward resolution.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 20, 2017
The definition of Satire is: “The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues”.
“The Skeleton Code” by Alla Camponella and Ken Massey is a satirical self-help book that “helps” the reader deal with the skeletons in his or her closet. Everyone lies every now and again, but what happens when that lie turns into another and another and so on and so on? That’s when you start to load your closet with skeletons- the truths that you don’t want others to know about.
The book starts off with ways to keep those skeletons in the closet, whether it’s by deflecting the attention, adjusting your personal image, or a number of other over-the-top ways that can be used to keep the secret a secret. Part of satire is often humor. While there were some instances that made me chuckle (such as a specific line about where men really keep their brains), the majority of the book didn’t read as funny to me. However, another big part of satire is exaggeration, and that was something that was very much present in “The Skeleton Code”. The authors use extreme examples to demonstrate their tips and tricks of secrecy, the types of big secrets that most people (hopefully) don’t have in everyday life.
The last few chapters, however, take a break from the hyperbole of satire and offer some real tips about secret keeping and unburdening yourself of those skeletons. This last bit was nice because suddenly the book went from a satirical self-help book to an actual self-help book, ending on a positive note for the reader.
While I might not have laughed my way through the book, others may. I don’t normally read satire/humor/self-help or any non-fiction usually, so I thought it might have been a bit of a chore to get through this book. However, that was not the case. The book is small enough to not be daunting, and the examples and “advice” given were interesting enough to keep turning the pages. It might not have been my favorite book, but I would recommend it to those who enjoy satire, secrets, and extreme stories of other’s secrets (such as a farmer’s inappropriate relations with his sheep).
So read, enjoy, and keep those skeletons in the closet.
“The Skeleton Code” by Alla Camponella and Ken Massey is a satirical self-help book that “helps” the reader deal with the skeletons in his or her closet. Everyone lies every now and again, but what happens when that lie turns into another and another and so on and so on? That’s when you start to load your closet with skeletons- the truths that you don’t want others to know about.
The book starts off with ways to keep those skeletons in the closet, whether it’s by deflecting the attention, adjusting your personal image, or a number of other over-the-top ways that can be used to keep the secret a secret. Part of satire is often humor. While there were some instances that made me chuckle (such as a specific line about where men really keep their brains), the majority of the book didn’t read as funny to me. However, another big part of satire is exaggeration, and that was something that was very much present in “The Skeleton Code”. The authors use extreme examples to demonstrate their tips and tricks of secrecy, the types of big secrets that most people (hopefully) don’t have in everyday life.
The last few chapters, however, take a break from the hyperbole of satire and offer some real tips about secret keeping and unburdening yourself of those skeletons. This last bit was nice because suddenly the book went from a satirical self-help book to an actual self-help book, ending on a positive note for the reader.
While I might not have laughed my way through the book, others may. I don’t normally read satire/humor/self-help or any non-fiction usually, so I thought it might have been a bit of a chore to get through this book. However, that was not the case. The book is small enough to not be daunting, and the examples and “advice” given were interesting enough to keep turning the pages. It might not have been my favorite book, but I would recommend it to those who enjoy satire, secrets, and extreme stories of other’s secrets (such as a farmer’s inappropriate relations with his sheep).
So read, enjoy, and keep those skeletons in the closet.
February 9, 2017
Admit it! I’m sure you’ve told a lie or two in your time. You may even think of yourself as good at it. Does it really help? Or is it just leading you to a delusional way of life by covering up the flaws that might in fact really be blessings? The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Ken Massey and Alla Campanella could be the book you need to live a happier life.
If you are looking for better ways to keep secrets or hide the Skeletons in your closet, this book has that. It gets into how to distract people from seeing through your lies, how to use plausible deniability, how to use celebrities as examples on keeping your secrets and much more. As this book outlines great and humorous ways to keep your secrets, it slowly moves forward to it’s real point, which is to say the best way to keep your secrets hidden is by not having them.
While I think this book really has its moments, the problem is that it’s a little long. The Skeleton Code makes its point about how ridiculous lying about yourself is, pretty quickly. Then its a little like beating a dead horse. It’s a funny book, but when I got to the middle I found myself thinking “ok I get your point, you can stop now.” That being said, towards the end of the book it picks up again as it gets into how to deal with your secrets and live a more honest life.
The Skeleton Code is a self-help book that is worth your time. There are some good life lessons to be learned here. The biggest one is total honesty and how it will lead you to a better life. The point to the book is that we make up lies to cover up who we really are as a person. If we can learn to be honest and get rid of the skeletons in our closet, we can experience a more enlightened way of living. Towards the end of the book the authors mention the movie A Beautiful Mind and how John Nash through love and trusting another gets freed from his delusions, starts to deal with reality and manages to create a better life and win a Nobel prize. I loved the example given and that’s what’s being taught here, a better life through honesty and without having an ego. I also like how humor is used to get the point across which works much better than taking a serious approach.
If you are looking for better ways to keep secrets or hide the Skeletons in your closet, this book has that. It gets into how to distract people from seeing through your lies, how to use plausible deniability, how to use celebrities as examples on keeping your secrets and much more. As this book outlines great and humorous ways to keep your secrets, it slowly moves forward to it’s real point, which is to say the best way to keep your secrets hidden is by not having them.
While I think this book really has its moments, the problem is that it’s a little long. The Skeleton Code makes its point about how ridiculous lying about yourself is, pretty quickly. Then its a little like beating a dead horse. It’s a funny book, but when I got to the middle I found myself thinking “ok I get your point, you can stop now.” That being said, towards the end of the book it picks up again as it gets into how to deal with your secrets and live a more honest life.
The Skeleton Code is a self-help book that is worth your time. There are some good life lessons to be learned here. The biggest one is total honesty and how it will lead you to a better life. The point to the book is that we make up lies to cover up who we really are as a person. If we can learn to be honest and get rid of the skeletons in our closet, we can experience a more enlightened way of living. Towards the end of the book the authors mention the movie A Beautiful Mind and how John Nash through love and trusting another gets freed from his delusions, starts to deal with reality and manages to create a better life and win a Nobel prize. I loved the example given and that’s what’s being taught here, a better life through honesty and without having an ego. I also like how humor is used to get the point across which works much better than taking a serious approach.
February 7, 2017
The Skeleton Code is a different kind of Self Help book.
Each of us has secrets that we try to keep deeply hidden. Most of them are just embarrassing, not life threatening, but some we feel might embarrass us to death. Addressed are skeletons (secrets) that any one of us may have.
This book looks at the damage done by living with secrets, whether or not they are discovered.
In today's recordable, researchable, viewable shareable society, what are the odds that your skeleton won't slip into the light, probably at the worst possible time?
The authors are careful to disclaim promoting immoral, unethical or illegal behavior while they
present several chapters of ways you may protect your secrets. They also claim the ability to keep their own skeletons deep in the shadows.
The first part of the book, written in a sarcastically satorical humor includes interviews with real people and stories of how keeping those secrets hidden have ruined relationships and changed their lives. Secrets and skeletons become a big deal based on the reactions they get when disclosed.
When you think of skeletons in a closet, the first people to come to mind are those in the public spotlight, entertainers, yes, but even more so - politicians, We learn from them about cherry picking and spin. Even when you feel your skeleton is starting to show, never express fear or hesitation. Lay a false trail to draw attention away from your skeleton. Dress it up in disquises.
The authors offer ways to help release the past, get rid of those hidden enemies that keep you from living with truth and happiness.
The writing is intelligent, informed with literary and pop culture allusions. The Skeleton Code is best read in small doses to absorb the tactics.
In the final section, the writers blow their own cover. They propose a method of “The Skeleton Cure” with an engaging tale to teach good points about negative characteristics and traits.
Take a closer look at your own skeletons and give them a different interpretation. Define why you are keeping them secret and hidden away. Could there be benefits from releasing them into the light?
This is a book you may have to revisit when you notice you again have skeletons lurking in your closet.
Each of us has secrets that we try to keep deeply hidden. Most of them are just embarrassing, not life threatening, but some we feel might embarrass us to death. Addressed are skeletons (secrets) that any one of us may have.
This book looks at the damage done by living with secrets, whether or not they are discovered.
In today's recordable, researchable, viewable shareable society, what are the odds that your skeleton won't slip into the light, probably at the worst possible time?
The authors are careful to disclaim promoting immoral, unethical or illegal behavior while they
present several chapters of ways you may protect your secrets. They also claim the ability to keep their own skeletons deep in the shadows.
The first part of the book, written in a sarcastically satorical humor includes interviews with real people and stories of how keeping those secrets hidden have ruined relationships and changed their lives. Secrets and skeletons become a big deal based on the reactions they get when disclosed.
When you think of skeletons in a closet, the first people to come to mind are those in the public spotlight, entertainers, yes, but even more so - politicians, We learn from them about cherry picking and spin. Even when you feel your skeleton is starting to show, never express fear or hesitation. Lay a false trail to draw attention away from your skeleton. Dress it up in disquises.
The authors offer ways to help release the past, get rid of those hidden enemies that keep you from living with truth and happiness.
The writing is intelligent, informed with literary and pop culture allusions. The Skeleton Code is best read in small doses to absorb the tactics.
In the final section, the writers blow their own cover. They propose a method of “The Skeleton Cure” with an engaging tale to teach good points about negative characteristics and traits.
Take a closer look at your own skeletons and give them a different interpretation. Define why you are keeping them secret and hidden away. Could there be benefits from releasing them into the light?
This is a book you may have to revisit when you notice you again have skeletons lurking in your closet.
February 7, 2017
The surgeon is to what as a satirist is to words? The answer is scalpel. The surgeon uses it to cut out disease and the satirist uses words to mock a social ill. Authors Alla Campanella and Ken Massey ridicule secrets and the extremes to which people hid them in their book, The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping (Morgan James Books, 2017, 205 pages).
The subtitle gives the reader some expectations. Few contemporary writers work the genre of satire and when they do, they used parable or vivid imagery for the social issue they wish to address and correct. Think of Orwell and totalitarianism in Animal Farm or Cervantes and idealism in Don Quixote. The touchstone for most readers might be Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal. I have given these examples because satire has range, whether it is imaginative, as in Orwell and Cervantes, or abrasive wit, as in Swift. Wit is neither humor nor Snark; it is intellect and associated with a rapier.
The Skeleton Code is not as abrasive as Swift. I’m not sure who the intended audience is for this book. The concept is unique. The writing is intelligent, informed with literary and pop culture allusions. Most of the chapters offer summaries. Some of those secrets and behaviors are cringe- worthy, depressing, but unfortunately realistic. Use the scalpel to excess, the blade becomes dull, and the patient bleeds too much from trauma and has a harder time healing. The book spent a lot of time on the types of secrets and their costs. The best chapter was The Cure and I suspect that readers will find it the most rewarding. The Skeleton Code is best read either in small doses for the humor, or when you need moral cheerleader and a road map, which you get from The Cure chapter.
I received this book free from Pro Book Marketing. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The subtitle gives the reader some expectations. Few contemporary writers work the genre of satire and when they do, they used parable or vivid imagery for the social issue they wish to address and correct. Think of Orwell and totalitarianism in Animal Farm or Cervantes and idealism in Don Quixote. The touchstone for most readers might be Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal. I have given these examples because satire has range, whether it is imaginative, as in Orwell and Cervantes, or abrasive wit, as in Swift. Wit is neither humor nor Snark; it is intellect and associated with a rapier.
The Skeleton Code is not as abrasive as Swift. I’m not sure who the intended audience is for this book. The concept is unique. The writing is intelligent, informed with literary and pop culture allusions. Most of the chapters offer summaries. Some of those secrets and behaviors are cringe- worthy, depressing, but unfortunately realistic. Use the scalpel to excess, the blade becomes dull, and the patient bleeds too much from trauma and has a harder time healing. The book spent a lot of time on the types of secrets and their costs. The best chapter was The Cure and I suspect that readers will find it the most rewarding. The Skeleton Code is best read either in small doses for the humor, or when you need moral cheerleader and a road map, which you get from The Cure chapter.
I received this book free from Pro Book Marketing. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 6, 2017
In their lives, people learn how to embellish good personal qualities while simultaneously concealing their weak posts. This book, billed as a satirical guide to keeping secrets, looks at the many ways individuals closet their secrets, which the authors consider a self-deluding method of living one’s life. The narrative aims to be a parodic take on the self-help genre, providing asinine resolutions about how to cover up inane secrets before turning to something known as “The Skeleton Cure.” The preface opens the book with an indication that most have skeletons in their closets, how one can find it entertaining to play with them when belonging to somebody else.
The authors continue with the well-known assertion that one’s secrets aren’t always secure, and present a set of guidelines for reading the book, among them warning readers not to use them to commit illegal acts. After the preface, the writers acknowledge various individuals in the production of their book, including family and friends, although they indicate that the openness and vulnerability of them inspired it, not to mention their publishing team, editor, and cover artist.
The guide contains a second introduction opened by a Benjamin Franklin quote that asserts that most people feel insecure in modern society. The intro informs that people find it both offensive and delightful when they see skeletons in someone’s closets, such as those of friends, family, celebrities, and politicians. Most of the book is spent detailing the various kinds of skeletons in closets, concluding with what the writers call “The Skeleton Cure,” which overall accounts for a humorous, engaging tale that teaches readers good points about negative characteristics and traits.
The authors continue with the well-known assertion that one’s secrets aren’t always secure, and present a set of guidelines for reading the book, among them warning readers not to use them to commit illegal acts. After the preface, the writers acknowledge various individuals in the production of their book, including family and friends, although they indicate that the openness and vulnerability of them inspired it, not to mention their publishing team, editor, and cover artist.
The guide contains a second introduction opened by a Benjamin Franklin quote that asserts that most people feel insecure in modern society. The intro informs that people find it both offensive and delightful when they see skeletons in someone’s closets, such as those of friends, family, celebrities, and politicians. Most of the book is spent detailing the various kinds of skeletons in closets, concluding with what the writers call “The Skeleton Cure,” which overall accounts for a humorous, engaging tale that teaches readers good points about negative characteristics and traits.
January 30, 2017
Everyone has secrets or skeletons in the closet, some are little and some are quite big. But the thing to remember about skeletons is that everyone loves to hear about them except their own skeletons. So how do we keep those skeletons from creeping out? This book goes into different methods that one could use. With titles such as Dress for Diversion, Take the Offensive, Plausible Deniability, and others you will find the best way to keep your own skeletons locked up tight.
We all have secrets, little or big, that we don’t want getting out. This book talks about different people and things that they have hidden, which I have to say make my little secrets look petty, but I can understand some of them. I had to laugh at all the instructions. I swear this is more what people do in real life to ignore things rattling around in their heads. Some of them are sad but others I had to laugh about.
The first one got me. A husband and wife have been together for 5 years and have come to hate each other. One recommendation was to go to many events together that way you can evade with your other half. Ridiculous right?!
But the last portion of the book is the best. It’s easier to keep secrets when you don’t have any. Kinds of like how my mom used to tell me about shutting the barn door after the horses have escaped. Take care of things from the start and you won’t have to worry about your skeletons creeping out.
This is a good laugh for those that can laugh about the silly things people do.
I received The Skeleton Code from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
We all have secrets, little or big, that we don’t want getting out. This book talks about different people and things that they have hidden, which I have to say make my little secrets look petty, but I can understand some of them. I had to laugh at all the instructions. I swear this is more what people do in real life to ignore things rattling around in their heads. Some of them are sad but others I had to laugh about.
The first one got me. A husband and wife have been together for 5 years and have come to hate each other. One recommendation was to go to many events together that way you can evade with your other half. Ridiculous right?!
But the last portion of the book is the best. It’s easier to keep secrets when you don’t have any. Kinds of like how my mom used to tell me about shutting the barn door after the horses have escaped. Take care of things from the start and you won’t have to worry about your skeletons creeping out.
This is a good laugh for those that can laugh about the silly things people do.
I received The Skeleton Code from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
January 10, 2017
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
The Skeleton Code is a different kind of self-help book. It is full of satire and humorous stories intended to explain how the skeletons in our closets can affect us and how many of us will do anything to keep those skeletons hidden.
The last two chapters take a serious turn. Chapter 10 explains how toxic keeping secrets can be, causing both physical and psychological problems. Chapter 11 is about the Skeleton Cure and explains how to face your fears and how you can eventually become your truest self. Not having skeletons in the closet is the best way to live. With no skeletons, you can’t fear that someone will open that closet door and find out your secrets.
The authors came up with a fun way to address a serious topic. By using satire and humor, their book isn’t just another boring self-help book, but one that is more enjoyable to read while hopefully learning something about yourself.
The Skeleton Code is a different kind of self-help book. It is full of satire and humorous stories intended to explain how the skeletons in our closets can affect us and how many of us will do anything to keep those skeletons hidden.
The last two chapters take a serious turn. Chapter 10 explains how toxic keeping secrets can be, causing both physical and psychological problems. Chapter 11 is about the Skeleton Cure and explains how to face your fears and how you can eventually become your truest self. Not having skeletons in the closet is the best way to live. With no skeletons, you can’t fear that someone will open that closet door and find out your secrets.
The authors came up with a fun way to address a serious topic. By using satire and humor, their book isn’t just another boring self-help book, but one that is more enjoyable to read while hopefully learning something about yourself.
February 3, 2017
I enjoy satire so I was looking forward to reading this. It did have good satirical points about secret keeping and keeping others secrets...how we have secrets we don't ever share or even articulate to ourselves. How we seem to keep the thought process of keeping all secrets locked up on the back burner for the fear that they may burst out and show the truth. Both authors did a wonderful job keeping the majority of the book at a satire level. Which can be very difficult when you cant hear inflection of tone or read body language or facial expressions. They did feel the need (probably a smart choice!) to premise the book with a disclaimer that they do not support or condone immoral, illegal, or unethical behaviors...probably for those that may take this satire seriously...
There is even parts in the book where they help prepare you for an incident of exposure of secrets; i.e. how to react and respond.
To read my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
There is even parts in the book where they help prepare you for an incident of exposure of secrets; i.e. how to react and respond.
To read my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
December 29, 2016
The Skeleton Code by both Alla Campanella and Ken Massey is a great read. The book is a super neat way of getting the past to stay in the past. We are all human. Meaning we're bound to make mistakes that keep us on edge if ever leaked. Both writers go through every step of addressing skeletons and how to move forward. Their advice and self-guide helps going through the process. Plus, there's situation of skeletons inside that help us relate to our own skeletons. From there it makes us feel that we can take on the future and not be dragged downward by the mistakes. The help also leads readers into a more productive, positive, and engaging lifestyle. Limit future skeletons. Funny, well-written, and absolutely the best self-help book I have come across in a while. Overall, I recommend The Skeleton Code to readers worldwide.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews