How to Mess Up Your Life: One Lousy Day at a Time
by Darrin Zeer
Published by Conari Press
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Reviewed by Barbara Broom
My guess is How to Mess Up Your Life: One Lousy Day at a Time was designed and aimed at much younger people who look at life different than I do. Written for the pre/pre-Baby Boomer set, it contains a variety of typefaces, some that look "old (broken letters), to show change in type of content.
This book (and I hope the reader starts at the back cover so they truly understand it is written in reverse psychology) as stated by the author, should be read in a high, whiny voice and in small doses.
The chapter head are reverse psychology as well:
-- How to get dumped
-- How to get fired
-- How to get depressed
-- How to get angry
-- How to get stressed
The author says the book is written for "failures," and I believe the idea is to make one see that failure isn't that bad--as we all mess up sometimes.
Sadly, from my point of view, this book appears to tie into that "meanness mentality" seen on reality TV shows where contestants do mean things in order to win. Perhaps if I were younger I'd find it 'uproariously funny and useful guide for those of us 'failures' who can use a little realistic help."
One saving grace: If the reader realizes that this "advice" is all wrong and does the opposite...what a great life they could have!
Another "tongue in cheek" book that buys into the me-ness of too many people today. It seems like it is giving people the right to mess up--to be less than they can be.
Armchair Interviews says: That's already happening too much without this book.