Wow! Winget obviously ticked some people off with this one. I had to go back and look at the book again to be sure we were reviewing the same one. The book I read was about the power of taking action, positive role models, personal responsibility, keep on learning, be charitable, the role of integrity, and a lot of other ideas that must be incredibly controversial to some people. Look, Larry's style might not be your cup of tea. He gets in your face. Admittedly, he's not all cute and cuddly like some motivational gurus. But his goal is (my guess) to make us think about the consequences of our actions. Period. With this economy like it is I'm personally grateful for a well timed kick in the butt. I don't need to be blaming anybody for anything right now. I need to get on with life and understand that I've got choices to make every day. Larry's book helps me make better choices.

I finally got to sleep this morning at 6AM. "People Are Idiots" literally kept me awake all night. Not just because it's a "page turner" (which it IS), but also because it had me thinking so much about my life that I couldn't stop writing notes, pondering the future, and contemplating Larry's advice.

I'm always wary of reviewers who write a long treatise here. It seems they have an axe to grind -- positive or negative -- and that their position is more about them than it is the book. So, here's the bottom line: If you want to get fuzzy inspiration, this isn't the book for you. If, however, you want a book that shows you how to get your act together, quit sabotaging yourself, and have a better year in 2009, regardless of the economy, stop reading reviews and start buying (and reading) this book.

You may -- or may not -- like HOW Larry makes his points. However, WHAT he says will change your life. It has mine. Sometimes the most valuable advice is the stuff we don't want to hear.

Larry is bald and brash, wears loud cowboy shirts, smokes cigars, drinks scotch, rants, and surely you feel strongly about him one way or another. (Or, both.) But that's not a basis for a positive OR a negative review. That's his genuineness and is the way he singles himself out. That's the way he gets people to listen to him THE FIRST TIME. Like Scotch in a pretty bottle, if the contents turn out to be rotgut, the bottle will be ignored real quick next time you're looking for a quaff. If Larry doesn't come through with quality from behind the sunglasses, nobody will be listening. So if you judge a book by the cover (either literally or figuratively) or can't hear the message because you react to the messenger about irrelevancies, your review is worthless to an intelligent reader. This is the Marketplace of Ideas, not Tea Time at the Little Church in the Valley.

Let me suggest a three step process for reviews, and then apply it to People are Idiots.

Step One: What is the quality of the writing? Is it grammatical? Consistent? Does it maintain ones' interest?

Step Two: What is the quality of the information (if non-fiction) or story (if fiction)? [NOT "Do I like it?" That's next.] Is it researched and footnoted if appropriate? If it is free-form, it is logical? Does the author use appropriate examples? Does s/he understand logic?

Step Three: How do I personally react to the book as a whole? Do I agree with it? Even if I don't agree with it, does it make a significant contribution to the public discourse? (Note: I've positively reviewed books I don't agree with for precisely that last reason.)

In a 5-star system like Amazon uses, I'm thinking that we put step one and step two together and account for at least 4 of the stars. (I say all 5 stars, and step three gives the review character and meaning, but others will differ.)

OK, People Are Idiots:

Writing: As advertised. Larry is brash and obnoxious, harranging and ranting. You want mealy-mouthed, look elsewhere. His writes more like he speaks than most "motivational gurus," which makes the content readable. To me, it's fun and I throw in a lot of "Right on's" (Wait a minute, that's Step Three. Sorry.)

Information: There's not a whole lot of research, but that doesn't bother me. It may bother others. He is drawing conclusions from impressions of American society which, if we are honest with ourselves, will match our own observations. As to the information, one review is right, Larry doesn't put much about the grey areas of life in People Are Idiots. Shame, shame, Larry. Wait a minute - He also doesn't mention French cooking, menopause or romance, either. Why the hell not, Larry? Well, only Larry can answer for sure, but I'm guessing that the shades of grey aren't there because they aren't what the book is about. This book doesn't teach subtlety, stealth or feeling good through meditation. That's because most of us (me included) still haven't learned the basics adequately. We are dreadfully in debt. That's not grey, it's black & white. Most of us are overweight, obese or really fat. That's not grey. At least part of the time, just about all of us whine and duck responsibility. Nope, no grey there. I don't know about you, but I don't have the basic lessons down by a damn sight. Learning is good. Repetition is good. New approaches are good. New motivation is good. Before you hang the wallpaper in a house, a carpenter has to build the house level, plumb and square. If s/he doesn't, you have pretty wallpaper on a flimsy house.

And Step Three, People Are Idiots did speak to me. Larry speaks to me. This time, he put out a quality product. Whether you agree with all or most of what he says, it causes thought. For that matter, if you agree with ALL of what he says, you may be one of the idiots. We are supposed to exercise independent judgment. It's America, remember?

As for me, I'll keep walking with Larry, learning from him, and taking heart.

Pippa passes.

I have read through the negative Amazon reviews on Larry's latest book, "People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It"...and I was shocked!

I believe this to be one of his most entertaining and thought provoking books yet. Larry says: "the truth hurts; that's how you know it's the truth!", and another one of my favorite sayings he has is, "Expect the best. Be prepared for the worst. Celebrate it all!" Neither of these are totally negative or "inside the box".

Larry's delivery method is different. It is caustic. It is in-your-face. I have found that many motivational speakers and authors tend to sugar coat the truth. They try to present everything in a postive light and try and teach you ways to be more uplifting and successful. THAT approach does not always get results! The book is different and edgey. For those who need a thicker skin...READ THE BOOK! For those who need to step up to the plate in life, professionally and personally...READ THE BOOK! For those who don't think they know-it-all, READ THE BOOK!

The book goes over the, "Ten Ways People Are Sabotaging Their Success" AND gives many anecdotes to implement change. He provides "Action Lists For Success". Larry tells us that, "any change in behavior will bring about a change in results". He provides advice on so many levels of a variety of different topics ranging from; fashion, family, friendships, parenting, running a business, being a better manager, employee, finding a financial advisor, being healthier...and says, "wishful thinking is not a strategy for success"...

Larry is right on as usual! As with all of his other books, he is informative, as well as entertaining. You will have several, "ah-ha" moments and well as a few laughs! READ THE BOOK!

Larry Winget writes early on in this book that (1) you may have heard these concepts before; (2) some of it you will agree with and some of it you won't ; and (3) his goal is to make you think regardless if you agree with him or not. This book does exactly what it says it will do. There were several times when I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cringe at being reminded of things I know I should do. It seems to me that a book that is honest in its goals, causes you to think and question what you believe is the truth, and pushes you to take responsibility for your own results is a very good book. Larry has written just such a book and done it with a sense of style that is refreshingly different.

I have been waiting for this book to come out since the fall. I was excited that Larry Winget was writing a book with this title. Yes, People Are Idiots. Just look around, they are everywhere, even the idiots that thought this book was trash. When I saw some of the reviewers say that they did not like the book, I had to see for myself. I went to a local book store to see what the the issue was. Their was no issue at all. Besides I went and read most of the book and found it RIGHT ON the mark. I was so impressed, I came back home and order the book on Amazon.

Larry's book is not only truthful in nature but entertaining.
I have all the other books by Larry and they are all GREAT!!

I am a Personal Development Coach and Speaker myself. I love Larry's style. The bottom line is if you can't stand the heat, stay out of Larry's kitchen.

Larry is really striking a nerve for me in this book! So I have to thank him, once again, for shaking me out of the norm into taking personal responsibility for everything I do and say. Here's the rub. Some people aren't going to like this message because they have to change. These whiners don't want to look at themselves from a real world point of view. I've been an idiot and don't want to go back and that is why I just LOVE the reminders and new ideas. I have fresh advice on how to make 2009 much better than 2008! I don't care what problems and troubles are happening in the world because I am in control. I know there are idiots out there. I am choosing not to be one! Read this book! It will give you a new view to old problems. Marsha

Right on target Winget, just as I expected and beyond. Early in the book Larry said someone once wrote a letter to him saying his books contained plain old common sense and Larry said there was no argument from him on that. That is a very powerful statement and here's why, the state of our economy and the mentality of our people are in severe trouble because we somehow reached the point where common sense just wasn't common anymore! That is step one in getting our country back on track. So many Americans have lost sight of what is important and they've come to expect certain things to come their way. Well folks the free ride is over and we have to work for what we get. Larry in People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It forces the reader to take a close look at their own self with exercises that involves the reader forcing them to think about where they are and where they want to grow. This book can be a quick read, you can do it in an evening, however if you want to truly realize how valuable the book can be to you then do each and every exercise, give each serious thought and you will be forming a road map to a much better life. Larry is different and different is good, we've become a society where too may go to the same stores buy the same suits, drive big SUV's, live in a house that is exactly like the third house up and down the street, we buys boats, jet skis, RV's, way more house than we can afford have huge credit card debt and on and on, soon our stuff owns us. Get it; read it, do the exercises and you will receive great benefit. Also if anyone who chooses to read this is involved in education I think Larry's book It's Called Work for a Reason should be required reading for every high school student in American as it will give them great guidance to enter the working world. Those already in the working world should read it as well as it will certainly improve their outlook on their job.

If you've seen Larry Winget on television or read other books he's written and you liked him in other settings, chances are good that you'll enjoy "People Are Idiots..." as well. If this is your first impression of the author and you don't like his style, don't get his other books. It's that simple. With Winget, you get what you see.

There are more than a few references throughout the book to his other books and media presentations. He freely acknowledges in one section he's repeating material that he put at greater length in his other books. Rather than feel cheated, I appreciated the reminders.

And I appreciate his stating the obvious but what often goes unsaid when it comes to what might be called motivational speakers and authors -- there really is nothing new. It's not complicated to have a better life and be better at what you want to do in life. He's well paid to state the obvious, and should be.

For exammple, the book provides the most concise and effective program to stop smoking, and the only one that ultimately works -- "Stop putting cigarettes in your mouth" (page 206). Someone might say, "It's not that easy!" Maybe not, but it IS that simple.

And so it is in many other ways people want to improve their lives. People work hard at making excuses and avoiding the simple truth that (for the most part) we are responsible for our own actions and their outcomes. It's as old as the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve blaming each other for what they did wrong.

Of course, perhaps the book could have been much shorter just by saying, "Stop acting like an idiot!" Every once in a while, a good friend will say that to you...and you need it.

Nobody in this world WANTS to admit that they are an idiot, but it is the true admission that thrusts us forward, leaving a wake of vile and grotesque idiocy behind us.

As people have said here, Larry is ALL about personal responsibility. What are YOU gonna do about your problems? It's usually not until we feel great pain that a much needed catharsis happens and Mr. Winget is kind of like your personal concierge of pain, if you will. He'll walk along your side, smash you in the head with a shovel several hundred times, and call you a dumbass until you're tired of being a dumbass and decide to do something about it.

The drill instructor in the film Full Metal jacket was an acerbic hell of a man, and he said to his recruits, although you will hate me, you'll be better soldiers for it. I am definitely a better soldier since reading ALL of Winget's books and now, in an odd and bizarre little way, I love the guy.

The few people who gave this book a low rating are the true idiot's that Larry is speaking of - eyes and ears closed tightly shut, insulated from any pain, hoping for someones else to bail their arses out of trouble.

This book is outstanding. No fluff, no pats on the back, just tough love from a bald son of a biotch who irritated me to no end until I did something about it.

Thank you Larry Winget.

Former Idiot,
- Tommy Z.

I just finished reading People Are Idiots and I can Prove it by Larry Winget. I could hardly put it down and finished it in about 3 hours. What he wrote is clear and to the point. He doesn't mince any words and everyone can greatly benefit by reading this book. I've ordered another book, You are Broke Because You Want To Be and can't wait until it arrives. We need more straight to the point books like these in our nation today. because many Americans are asleep at the wheel and don't know what is happening to them. Larry gives the tools to help people get off their duff and get to work and has some great advice from marriage to money.

Larry's typical, no-holds barred style brings it home again!! Larry's advice is not new; Walt Kelley said it in his classic Pogo strip, "We have met the enemy and they (sic) are us". Later, R. Lee Ermey, USMC, Retired said it more succinctly, "You are the a#@hole in charge of your own destiny". What is new and refreshing is the timeliness of the book; it not only applies to us as individuals but as a country. Profligacy, sloth, lack of initiative and ambition are, in my opinion, the proximate causes of the disaster that we are experiencing. Keep up the great work Larry.

If you're not happy with your life then get this book. If you're
happy but still want to do even better, then get this book.

This book will tell you exactly what's holding you back...and
how to fix it. You will not be left with questions on what
to do next. You'll learn exactly what you need to do to make
things better for yourself.

Some of the stuff you'll read in Larry's book will make you
uncomfortable because you'll realize most of your problems
have been caused by YOU. The good news is that you'll learn
how to solve most of your problems.

You no longer have to wait for someone else to come to the
rescue because you'll have the knowledge to rescue yourself.

Believe me, you'll be glad you bought this book!