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Your Name Here Guide to Life
Life Lessons from People Like You.....Cops and psychologists, bureaucrats and salesmen, lion tamers and morticians...everybody's got a story to tell and a life lesson we can take to heart. In the "Your Name Here GUIDE TO LIFE", you'll meet all kinds of accidental teachers, from balloon boy to Mother Teresa and Mr. Totally Secure. It's all here, along with a few insights about how to be truly happy. This is the book you'd write about your life and your wisdom, if we hadn't done all the work for you. Author Michael Rosenbaum has been recording the insights of everyday people for decades, capturing our essential truths and documenting our follies. This collection of life lessons delivers an instructive and funny tour of the human condition. Warning: Intended solely for people with open minds and common sense. Contains no preaching, lecturing, threats or magic formulas. Do not read this book while operating heavy machinery or performing brain surgery.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
23 people want to read
About the author
Michael Rosenbaum
23 books3 followersMichael Rosenbaum is a dad, a husband, a friend and a very good listener.
He’s also a very bright guy; so bright, in fact, that he knows he has lots to learn. And he knows he can learn something new from everyone he meets.
A former reporter and editor for newspapers, magazines and wire services, Michael knows everyone has a story worth hearing. So he listens, and he takes notes, as people reveal their special insights into their corner of the world.
Michael is also a very efficient guy who figured out how to save lots of time and energy by learning from the experiences—and errors—of other people. “Why duplicate the mistakes of other people,” he asks, “when I can come up with tons of new mistakes on my own?”
A business consultant by trade, Michael is the author of three business texts; former president of Financial Relations Board, the nation’s largest investor relations agency; co-author of Pitching Penguins, a theatrical comedy; founder of Friends of the Forum, a non-profit focused on Polish/Jewish dialogue; active in a number of non-profits and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.
Books by Michael Rosenbaum include:
• (Your Name Here) Guide to Life, Barosum, 2009
• Board Perspectives: Building Value Through Investor Relations, CCH, 2004
• The Governance Game, Aspatore, 2003
• Selling Your Story to Wall Street: The Art and Science of Investor Relations, book, McGraw-Hill, 1994
He’s also a very bright guy; so bright, in fact, that he knows he has lots to learn. And he knows he can learn something new from everyone he meets.
A former reporter and editor for newspapers, magazines and wire services, Michael knows everyone has a story worth hearing. So he listens, and he takes notes, as people reveal their special insights into their corner of the world.
Michael is also a very efficient guy who figured out how to save lots of time and energy by learning from the experiences—and errors—of other people. “Why duplicate the mistakes of other people,” he asks, “when I can come up with tons of new mistakes on my own?”
A business consultant by trade, Michael is the author of three business texts; former president of Financial Relations Board, the nation’s largest investor relations agency; co-author of Pitching Penguins, a theatrical comedy; founder of Friends of the Forum, a non-profit focused on Polish/Jewish dialogue; active in a number of non-profits and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.
Books by Michael Rosenbaum include:
• (Your Name Here) Guide to Life, Barosum, 2009
• Board Perspectives: Building Value Through Investor Relations, CCH, 2004
• The Governance Game, Aspatore, 2003
• Selling Your Story to Wall Street: The Art and Science of Investor Relations, book, McGraw-Hill, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 15, 2010
I won this in a Goodreads contest. Very appealingly and sensibly written.
The best piece of advice in the book, IMHO: "If your net worth is $3,000 or more, you're in the upper half of global wealth."
Some of my favorite parts besides that one:
"Be nice to everyone you meet: busboys, cabdrivers, waitresses, garbage men, beggars, maids, fast-food servers—everyone. They might not be the person who pulls you from a burning car. But you don't really know that, do you you?"
"Nobody learns anything while talking."
"When we're all alone in the world, we meet our real friends."
"It all happens in the margins." In other words, you think that because there are 24 hours in a day, you should be able to get everything done--but there aren't 24 hours because you need to sleep, work, commute, eat, do errands, etc., and what you really want to do most likely has to fit into the leftover time.
"More often than we care to admit, the difference between us and them is access, not ethics." For example, if you were rich and/or well-connected and your kid got arrested, you too would try to pull strings on the kid's behalf.
The best piece of advice in the book, IMHO: "If your net worth is $3,000 or more, you're in the upper half of global wealth."
Some of my favorite parts besides that one:
"Be nice to everyone you meet: busboys, cabdrivers, waitresses, garbage men, beggars, maids, fast-food servers—everyone. They might not be the person who pulls you from a burning car. But you don't really know that, do you you?"
"Nobody learns anything while talking."
"When we're all alone in the world, we meet our real friends."
"It all happens in the margins." In other words, you think that because there are 24 hours in a day, you should be able to get everything done--but there aren't 24 hours because you need to sleep, work, commute, eat, do errands, etc., and what you really want to do most likely has to fit into the leftover time.
"More often than we care to admit, the difference between us and them is access, not ethics." For example, if you were rich and/or well-connected and your kid got arrested, you too would try to pull strings on the kid's behalf.
August 12, 2009
I have found myself questioning the curve balls life has thrown at me lately. Don't get me wrong, all-in-all, I have a phenomenal life - I am engaged to be married to the love of my life, I have a great job, great friends, great family. And at the same time my aforementioned fiance has recently lost his job, and this wedding has brought some tension between friends/family members. Like many people, our 'savings' towards buying a new place has dramatically decreased, and sometimes it feels like I can't keep up. So I began searching for a book to help me re-think my position on everyday events. This book does just that. I haven't felt this 'centered' in a VERY long time. Rosenbaum takes a charming, funny, realistic approach to life. I highly recommend this book as a great 'pick me up' to slap you right back to reality! (In a non-violent way of course ;) Fabulous, quick read to share with your family and friends!!!
January 16, 2010
This was a very interesting book. Just as the title suggests had I had the time I very well could have written this one. The book is full of some very common sense information that we all (me included) forget sometimes.
The book is broken up into very small chapters. That makes it great to read if you're short on time. You don't have to invest much time to get through a section, and as each sections isn't really tied to another section you don't have to "get back into the book" to keep up with it.
What I liked the most about the book is that it was pretty humorous. Each section has a witty title and each is ended with a quote or saying that relates to the section. I also liked that the author shows us, on many occasions, how he himself had fallen victim to some of the situations he describes.
This one was very easy to read, it was entertaining, and it kind of made me think "yeah, that's me..."
The book is broken up into very small chapters. That makes it great to read if you're short on time. You don't have to invest much time to get through a section, and as each sections isn't really tied to another section you don't have to "get back into the book" to keep up with it.
What I liked the most about the book is that it was pretty humorous. Each section has a witty title and each is ended with a quote or saying that relates to the section. I also liked that the author shows us, on many occasions, how he himself had fallen victim to some of the situations he describes.
This one was very easy to read, it was entertaining, and it kind of made me think "yeah, that's me..."
January 22, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I'd expected it to be a decent read, but found it quite enjoyable. The voice is perfect, and the nuggets of advice are right-on. Many times I found myself nodding and smiling in recognition of what I was reading. I could relate to much of what was said. The references to life in Chicago helped that for sure - especially talk about Chicago sports teams. I chuckled as I read it, because that's something I've always said, too. (I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so I could relate to the Chicago talk.) I did find myself wondering whether people without a Chicago connection could appreciate the references - even the one about the Chicago Bears.
I honestly would prefer to give this four and a half stars, but that's not an option, so five stars it is. It was an enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it to my friends as something fun - and light - to enjoy.
I honestly would prefer to give this four and a half stars, but that's not an option, so five stars it is. It was an enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it to my friends as something fun - and light - to enjoy.
December 1, 2009
Michael Rosenbaum, [Your Name Here:] Guide to Life (Barosum Books, 2009)
I've read a hundred books like this before. Most likely, so have you. Inspirational self-help stuff delivered almost aphorism-style, with the kinds of stories you expect to see in a book like this. So given all that, why on Earth would I tell you to read it? Because Rosenbaum's style, his delivery, is something you haven't seen before; I find his no-bull approach to what he's saying a bit paradoxical, but enormously appealing. Your mileage may vary; I can see where this sort of thing might grate on people who are more about decorum than the impartation of information. But if the idea of making small talk annoys you to no end, I think you'll find Rosenbaum's narrative style as appealing as I do. Give it a shot. *** ½
I've read a hundred books like this before. Most likely, so have you. Inspirational self-help stuff delivered almost aphorism-style, with the kinds of stories you expect to see in a book like this. So given all that, why on Earth would I tell you to read it? Because Rosenbaum's style, his delivery, is something you haven't seen before; I find his no-bull approach to what he's saying a bit paradoxical, but enormously appealing. Your mileage may vary; I can see where this sort of thing might grate on people who are more about decorum than the impartation of information. But if the idea of making small talk annoys you to no end, I think you'll find Rosenbaum's narrative style as appealing as I do. Give it a shot. *** ½
October 25, 2009
This is a good little short book of sound advice from a man who has raised or is raising his children. When I first started it, I wondered if it was too light to keep my attention. That was not so, it was good and full of sage advice. Would be a good gift to give to your kids, especially early teens (before they know everything) or to older than teen after the world has bruised them a bit. I would like to get a maybe three copies of it for my kids . . . when it is available.
December 1, 2009
An endearing look at life and its challenges taught through humor and a very personal perspective. Rosenbaum gives some life lessons that will appeal to everyone. Chances are that the author has encountered many of the issues you have faced and has come up with solutions that will give you greater confidence and the tools to take on anything that comes your way. A quick read and a delightful way to spend quality time with your inner self!
February 20, 2010
I wish I had read this book (or something like it) years ago. It's packed with great advice and life's important lessons. The best part... no bullshit! Rosenbaum doesn't waste your time. He gets right to the point and adds a quick example or two to illustrate the point. He offers sage advice in a quick read that's perfect for anyone.
August 20, 2009
We all share so many experiences in life. We often, however, do not realize this. I loved this book because it was true and funny and I'm sure that it was all about me. When you read it, you will be sure that it is all about YOU.
January 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, in fact it might be one of my favourite self-help books.
"Aren't you getting just a little bit tired of reading books about other people? Especially those people? You know the books I mean. There's the one by the 14-pound model describing her secrets to beauty [...:], or maybe you're fed up with celebrity guides to happiness [...:], or CEO memoirs [...:] What's wrong with all these books, other than the smug, self-satisfied, revisionist histories on every page? [...:] The truth is that there's little we can learn from the rich and powerful, the incredibly successful and the genetically blessed." pg 3-4
This paragraph is the very first text in the book. Don't you love that first line? Go on, read it again. Anyways, I rarely find myself agreeing with a book in the FIRST paragraph. In fact I don't think it's ever happened. I AM sick of seeing self-help books by people who don't live lives like me and sometimes got where they are by luck or connections.
The book is filled with very short chapters, each by a different person on a life lesson they wanted to share. We never find out who the story is by, their name, occupation, nothing. I think this is a good thing as we aren't focused on the person, but the lesson. At the end of each chapter is a quote that pertains to the story. These could be used as affirmations.
The only qualm I have is that there were a few short forms that I didn't necessarily understand at first. I was able to figure it out but personally I don't think authors should use short forms as their books are usually read worldwide and short forms can be different. For example do you know what cred or bestie refer to? Of course reading it in context helps you figure it out. Cred is short for credibility and bestie refers to a best friend. I've certainly never said or wrote it like that.
One more thing, there are quite a few words I didn't know the meaning of. I chose not to look them up although I will eventually (if someone can tell me where that game/event is for learning new words from books). I was usually able to understand what they were saying anyways.
"Aren't you getting just a little bit tired of reading books about other people? Especially those people? You know the books I mean. There's the one by the 14-pound model describing her secrets to beauty [...:], or maybe you're fed up with celebrity guides to happiness [...:], or CEO memoirs [...:] What's wrong with all these books, other than the smug, self-satisfied, revisionist histories on every page? [...:] The truth is that there's little we can learn from the rich and powerful, the incredibly successful and the genetically blessed." pg 3-4
This paragraph is the very first text in the book. Don't you love that first line? Go on, read it again. Anyways, I rarely find myself agreeing with a book in the FIRST paragraph. In fact I don't think it's ever happened. I AM sick of seeing self-help books by people who don't live lives like me and sometimes got where they are by luck or connections.
The book is filled with very short chapters, each by a different person on a life lesson they wanted to share. We never find out who the story is by, their name, occupation, nothing. I think this is a good thing as we aren't focused on the person, but the lesson. At the end of each chapter is a quote that pertains to the story. These could be used as affirmations.
The only qualm I have is that there were a few short forms that I didn't necessarily understand at first. I was able to figure it out but personally I don't think authors should use short forms as their books are usually read worldwide and short forms can be different. For example do you know what cred or bestie refer to? Of course reading it in context helps you figure it out. Cred is short for credibility and bestie refers to a best friend. I've certainly never said or wrote it like that.
One more thing, there are quite a few words I didn't know the meaning of. I chose not to look them up although I will eventually (if someone can tell me where that game/event is for learning new words from books). I was usually able to understand what they were saying anyways.
January 5, 2010
The idea behind this book is what made it sound so appealing to me. However, a person could easily read the Handbook of Epictetus and get the same message: I can only control that which is up to me. I suppose this is more accessible to those who have never really looked into stoicism, but nothing presented in this book made me say, "Yes! Why hasn't that been said before?" because everything in this book has been said somewhere before.
The anecdotes were cute and mildly entertaining, but not enough to where I would run out and get a copy for all of my friends.
In the end I was some what irritated at Rosenbaum romanticizing mediocrity. He does have a point that most individuals are not as "special" as they are led to believe, but he puts this notion in a way that almost discourages ambition all together. As a high school educator, I am in a constant battle with might students to keep them from settling for minimal standards. If they got a hold of a book like this, their maturity levels would not allow them to understand the point Rosenbaum is trying to make about accepting one's individualism as not so individual. Instead, my students would see it as proof that they shouldn't have to work hard to get what they want.
It was not a terrible book, but there are better inspirational works out there.
The anecdotes were cute and mildly entertaining, but not enough to where I would run out and get a copy for all of my friends.
In the end I was some what irritated at Rosenbaum romanticizing mediocrity. He does have a point that most individuals are not as "special" as they are led to believe, but he puts this notion in a way that almost discourages ambition all together. As a high school educator, I am in a constant battle with might students to keep them from settling for minimal standards. If they got a hold of a book like this, their maturity levels would not allow them to understand the point Rosenbaum is trying to make about accepting one's individualism as not so individual. Instead, my students would see it as proof that they shouldn't have to work hard to get what they want.
It was not a terrible book, but there are better inspirational works out there.
January 6, 2010
(note)I won this book on FirstReads here and received it very quickly!
This is a short, very easily readable guide to life that is supposedly applicable to everyone. However I found myself having a difference of opinion to almost all of his lessons! For example, his third chapter emphasizes that "when you've won the race, stop running." In other words, if you've met a goal, stop. I strongly disagree with that. If you've met a goal, perhaps you can do more/better/faster or perhaps you made the goal too easy. For example, someone back in the 1990s may have thought having a million in retirement was great, met his goal and stopped. But a million in 2020 dollars isn't enough. I also disagree with his chapter on "write the check and move on." In retrospect (I'm 50) there were times I SHOULD have made a fuss and stood my ground, instead of being a pushover. You need to pick your battles. And I don't know any woman who doesn't multitask, which he says you shouldn't do. I can wash clothes, have a casserole in the oven, iron and talk to mom all at the same time. Mindless tasks are mindless, it doesn't matter if you concentrate 100% on it or 10% if 5% is all you need. So the good news is, it made me think but the bad news is, I must not think like everyone else.
This is a short, very easily readable guide to life that is supposedly applicable to everyone. However I found myself having a difference of opinion to almost all of his lessons! For example, his third chapter emphasizes that "when you've won the race, stop running." In other words, if you've met a goal, stop. I strongly disagree with that. If you've met a goal, perhaps you can do more/better/faster or perhaps you made the goal too easy. For example, someone back in the 1990s may have thought having a million in retirement was great, met his goal and stopped. But a million in 2020 dollars isn't enough. I also disagree with his chapter on "write the check and move on." In retrospect (I'm 50) there were times I SHOULD have made a fuss and stood my ground, instead of being a pushover. You need to pick your battles. And I don't know any woman who doesn't multitask, which he says you shouldn't do. I can wash clothes, have a casserole in the oven, iron and talk to mom all at the same time. Mindless tasks are mindless, it doesn't matter if you concentrate 100% on it or 10% if 5% is all you need. So the good news is, it made me think but the bad news is, I must not think like everyone else.
January 2, 2010
I found rating this book a bit hard since i wouldn't necessarily called it a book. More of a composition of short essays that was compiled into a book. In that format i give it four stars. The thing the author has really done is to give a person permission to be all about yourself while reading the book. Most of the time in life your told to think about others; here instead, you get a chance to be all about "me". Because the essays are really directed at the self. The book isn't a difficult read and not really a long one either. I read the whole thing in less than three hours. It's something that can really be read before bed, while eating breakfast in the morning, or riding the bus to work. Each entry is relatively short and you certainly don't need to read all of them in order. The essays are really thought provoking though. I found myself making many mental notes from it from the way i act to the way i think. Nothing in the book/essays is ground breaking to say the least, but it does make for an interesting and insightful read.
December 2, 2009
This is a book that I had to read twice... not because I didn't understand it, but because it made so much sense that I wanted all of Rosenbaum's concepts and themes to really sink in and become part of my daily life. It seems that I have been going through my life really focusing on the negatives and neutrals. The stories in this book showed me that life moves quickly, and if I spend too much time being pessimistic, I may just miss it. This book is a must read, and I can't wait to read it again!
March 15, 2017
I don't agree with all of the lessons, but it is a worthwhile book because it does make you think.
It is a very short book, but reading it straight through may not be the best way to get the most from it. I think I would have preferred the short lessons to be grouped together by topics into chapters so you could read one chapter at a time and think about those lessons for a while before continuing.
I received this book through the first-reads program.
It is a very short book, but reading it straight through may not be the best way to get the most from it. I think I would have preferred the short lessons to be grouped together by topics into chapters so you could read one chapter at a time and think about those lessons for a while before continuing.
I received this book through the first-reads program.
December 29, 2010
**Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads** It is a great little book (light reading) to perculate in some advice collected by the author, Michael Rosenbaum. The book was jam-packed with tidbits of useful and insightful ideas/points. Some points I will need to mull over a bit and see how I can implement in my own life.
February 19, 2010
What a fun book! Its an easy read since chapters are only a few pages. Each chapter is a life lesson told in story format with the punch line at the end. Ex. chapter title: "No Returns Policy", lesson: "You can't unsay it". Many great insights that can lead to a happier life. This is a book that I'll re-read to refresh my memory. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
This sassy little book presents lots of common sense wisdom and unfettered advice for the everyday life decisions and experiences we all share. Written in a humorous and "we're buddies" tone of voice, it's a quick read with nuggets to keep thinking about after the book is put down.
December 4, 2009
An inspirational read - deep with wisdom and priceless in value. The author has hit on so many key points it blows me away...Well done, Michael!
December 6, 2009
Fun book. Full of wisdom that we probably already know, but lose sight of. Great guidance for a balanced, productive and happy life!
July 16, 2010
I tried to read this book but had difficulty. I put it aside and then picked it up again but it didn't catch my interest. Could be just me...
January 15, 2010
I won this book on goodreads, and can't wait to read it!
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August 20, 2009Great read. This is very inspirational and a fun book to read.
December 28, 2009
A goodreads win! A great little book full of advice and meaningful sentiments.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews