The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About - Mel Robbins - 4 Stars

[Jason]

Let Them!! Control what you can control. Allow people to make their own decisions and then...Let Me!!! I make my decisions.

I am of two feelings about this book.

The Positives:
The information in this book is beneficial. It seems well researched. Even if you don't struggle with this, it's good reminders or you know someone who might benefit. This isn't a book of not caring what other people do or a license to be a jerk and say, Let Them or Let Me with no consequences and no feelings. Instead, it's about perspective and sphere of influence.

The Negatives:
I am not a Mel Robbins fan. She comes across as an infomercial salesperson, and she has experienced everything. She tries way too hard to be relatable. Also, there is no reason for this book to be this long. This philosophy is basically stoicism repackaged but it's presented as this new in-depth theory that is repeated and repeated and repeated. My wife and I listed to this together in an audiobook. My son finally said, "if I hear Let Them one more time!!!! I get it!!!" Of course, our response was, "Let Them" haha

[KateNZ]

Great review, Jason!

I’ve avoided this book because I figured I’d have a very similar reaction to it. As you say it’s basically stoicism in a 21st century influencer package. I have a bit of time for aspects of stoicism, but I think I’d rather read Marcus Aurelius!

[Robin P]

I think many self-help books have one message they repeat over and over (not that I read a lot of them!)

[Sue]

I read this book when it came out last year. I had a customer who was being bullied by her boss. She was excited to read this book to help her get some clarity on her situation. I read along with her in solidarity.

For reference, I sell enterprise software. I'm often in a position to see just how well my customers' companies function - or in this case how much they don't function. I do more emotional counseling than I would have thought when I picked this career path.

She quit her job shortly after reading the book. I'm not sure there was a direct connection to the book, but reading self-help books to deal with a toxic workplace is a clear sign that it's time to move on. Now I have to deal with her obnoxious boss directly, but he's just a small part of my overall job and I can just keep rolling and say a silent thanks that I don't work there.