The Hardball Handbook: How to Win at Life

by Chris Matthews

With his more than forty years’ experience observing people and politicians in our nation's capital–ten of those years on Hardball , five nights a week–Chris Matthews has learned from the pros what it takes to be a success. Now Matthews shows us what we can learn from the world’s most accomplished people and, more important, how we can emulate their best habits to improve our own lives.

In The Hardball Handbook , Chris Matthews focuses on four areas–friendship, rivalry, reputation, and success–and shows how we can cull the best traits of others and use them ourselves. Matthews takes us on a raucous road trip through political history and points out the best–and worst–behaviors of some of its most notable characters. Written in the assertive, good-natured style that is Matthews’s trademark, each chapter has something to teach us. Here are a few truths from The Hardball

• People would rather be listened to than listen.
• People don’t mind being used; what they mind is being discarded.
• People are more loyal to the people they’ve helped than the people they’ve helped are loyal to them.
• Not everyone’s going to like you.
• No matter what anybody says, nobody wants a level playing field.

Once you understand these and other universal truths–and how to make them work for you–you’ll be ready to win at life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Political Science

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Christopher John “Chris” Matthews is widely respected for his in-depth knowledge of politics. Now retired, he was a nightly host, news anchor and political commentator on MSNBC (1997-2020), a Washington, D.C. bureau chief for the newspaper, San Francisco Examiner (1987–2000), a Chief of Staff to long-time Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O'Neill, a Carter era presidential speech writer, and penned a number of bestselling books, to name a small part of his impressive resume. Chris has been married to Kathleen (née Cunningham) since 1980 and they share three children and several grandchildren.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like Dr. Daly's class ... which is to say there are some real nuggets, but buried by a lot of "well, duh" advice.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether or not you like or follow the career of Chris Matthews, his book, The Hardball Handbook: How to Win at Life, has some interesting advice on how to improve your life - in whatever aspect that might be. The book is organized in general categories including Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success. Within each of these categories, there are chapters which delve into more specifics. For example, in the Friendship section, one chapter discusses the idea that "Not Everyone is Going to Life You." Etc. In each chapter, he relates stories from his own life, from his illustrious career in journalism and politics, beginning with his experiences in the Peace Corps. Also highlighted are stories about the politicians that many of us who grew up during the same era knew. along with such giants as Winston Church and FDR. Each chapter starts with an appropriate quote or quotes, and ends with a section called "The Bottom Line" which gives you a succinct summary of what you are supposed to have learned. The presentation is well-written, and many of the stories are interesting and his life lessons are worth considering. If there's one fault is that sometimes there are just too many little stories, and the rhythm, after awhile, became a bit perfunctory. I started out enthusiastic, and lost just a bit of interest during middle, but not enough to stop reading. If you like politics and history and what we can learn from both, you might enjoy this book.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

good advice. fascinating anecdotes. Still find his delivery a bit abrasive but, understanding his Washington background, I appreciate his tenacity now in a way that simply annoyed me before. I now understand that he refuses to let politicians talk out of the sides of their mouths and drives home for the honest answer.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book! It is amazing! Though for everyone who is not a political junkie( like yours truly:) would hate this book! IT is ALL about what we can learn from politicans and all the tricks of politicians. I love the show hardball msnbc and i love this book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice little inspirational read for going into the workforce after college, especially if you're interested in politics. I loved some of the learned lessons from political leaders and from Chris Matthews.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Hardball Handbook, Chris Matthews uses the knowledge that he has gained in his political career to provide tips to get an edge in life.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like watching Chris Matthews on his tv shows you will like this book.