. . . and the bad book . . .



Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It.

Well, it's not really a bad book. I just didn't like it. It reminded me of the author of The Scarsdale Diet. He had one simple idea but was convinced by a publisher to add a bunch of stuff to it and make it long enough to be published as a book.

I understand and firmly believe in the book's focus - that one needs to boast about one's accomplishments. I also agree with the author that to be done appropriately, how it is done depends on the setting and audience. But I think she is way too "over the top." Every single point is illustrated with an example, supposedly from the author's experience. I just didn't buy it.

But I bought the book (rather than borrowed) so I read it to the end (I hate wasting money that's already been spent). And one of the last chapters is the worst. It has a section entitled "Schmooze!" What does she mean by this? She means "networking!!"

From the book:
Good schmoozers . . . seem (emphasis mine) genuinely interested in what others have to say. And then, when the timing is right, they take the opportunity to seamlessly plant positive seeds about themselves - their background, accomplishments, interests, passions, and projects they are working on - in a meaningful and measured way."

Give me a break - this is not what I believe "Givers gain" means at all. Seem interested in others so you can jump in with what's great about you? I don't think so.

Now that I've dissed the book, I'm sure no one wants to buy it from me. But I'm genuinely interested in giving you a good deal on it.

I know some of you who may read this have read the book. What do you think?