This book gives its reader two choices and outlines them very well. As a Dr. Laura fan of years gone by, this book makes you think. The two choices are, to get bitter or get better. Take every situation in your life, decide if its worth the fight, or just suck it up, accept things as they are and make the most of it. Two brilliant examples show the different outcomes. I love the positive vibe you're left with after reading this. I think if everyone would read this the world would be a better place. I am happy to have shared this book to a reading club I'm part of, and I think its made a incredible difference in all their lives. Its a great "pay it forward" message. I only wish it came out when I was much younger!

The general message of this book really struck a chord with me because it is something I've always strived for. Basically, if you are in a situation you don't like - change it! Don't sit there and expect something to just happen, you have to be proactive in order for things to get better. This book really stresses that and while I found it to be a little dry at times, the information is good with lots of research and some real-life examples from real people.

My grandma gave me this book, almost as a joke, because when I was younger, I whined... a LOT. I read it though, because I think all suggestions are good suggestions, it's our perception of them that gives them a "tone". As mentioned, this book covers everything already available in free market. The reason I enjoyed it though, is that it's not in that "self-help" tone. Instead, it's realistic, to the point, and harsh, or rather, truthful! A lot of today's self help books feel like a washout, pandering to that need to be coddled feeling many Americans seem to have adopted. I don't want a book saying, "well you should really do this, but we know it's hard, but really, just try it?". I want a book that straight out says "No, you're wrong, do it this way. Don't argue!". That's how this book reads to me, and I'm glad for it.

While this book is full of information that isn't new or earth-shattering, what I did appreciate about the book is how straightforward and perhaps sternly the information was presented to the reader. However, one could say this is why Dr. Laura Schlessinger has been so successful, anyhow. I have liked her radio show for years for the fact that she tells things simply as she sees them without sugar-coating anything. I think in some cases, other self-help books I have read are perhaps too - kind? That doesn't even perhaps sound right to say, or perhaps even the right word even, but Dr. Laura's no-nonsense approach was refreshing in that realizing the blame is really only with yourself, as it really is only up to US and NOBODY ELSE to fix the problems in our life, anyhow.

I was prompted to buy this book after seeing Dr. Laura all over TV. As some others who have posted reviews have said, some of the tenets mentioned in the book have been written about before, but that's true of a LOT of self-help books. I thought this was a simple to read, straightforward guide to taking personal responsibility, which I think can't be stressed enough in today's culture of "blame." I work with young adults, many of whom don't think there's any need to take any responsibility for their actions! While they may not be the ones reading this book, their parents sure should be reading it. And anyone who finds themselves in a rut could benefit from this as well. It's very comfortable to "whine" -- to our families, our friends, and even to ourselves. The hard part is (as Dr. Laura says)to STOP whining, and start taking responsibility for the life you want to lead.