From All Financial Matters:

SHUT UP, STOP WHINING & GET A LIFE!

That’s a phrase I have uttered to myself on numerous occasions (usually when I’m watching the news or Oprah Winfrey). It seems as though we have become a nation of victims. It’s much easier for us to point the finger at everyone else for our problems rather than ‘fess up and take responsibility for ourselves. In order to do that, some people need a kick in the pants, and that’s exactly what Larry Winget offers in SHUT UP, STOP WHINING & GET A LIFE - A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life.

I will say that Larry’s style spoke to me from the very beginning of the book. In fact, I found myself smiling when I read this portion in the “Before You Start” section of the book:

If you are going to use quotes from this book either in your own writing or speaking or if you want to share what I have said in this book with others, then remember: I said this stuff. Give me credit. If I did not say it, then I have given credit to the person who did. I fyou quote them, give them credit. If you write a book and I quote you, then I will give you credit. Is that a deal?

Do not share this book. If you think it is good enough you want your friend to read it, then buy her a copy. By the time you finish the book it should be marked up and written in anyway, and that will make it too personal to share with anyone else. Besides it is just tacky to give someone a used book that has been written in. If you think you are going to loan your book to someone who should read it, expecting to have it returned, then you are truly naive. (Besides, how am I going to make any money if you give away you book? Buy another one or two or even a case to share with those who need to shut up and stop whining.)

That part cracked me up. I learned from reading this book that you can always count on Larry to tell you EXACTLY how he feels and what he believes in. Whether you believe the same way or not, it doesn’t matter to Larry so SHUT UP AND STOP WHINING ABOUT IT!

However, since this is a book review, I owe it to you to tell you what I thought about the book. I will state right here and now that I don’t agree with some of the things Larry says. For instance, I don’t necessarily agree with his thoughts on God, divorce, and kids and sex. In fact, those topics seemed out of place in this particular book.

Still, even with my dislikes, I found a lot to like about this book. For instance, here’s Larry’s three reasons why people are not successful:

1. They are stupid.

2. They are lazy.

3. They don’t give a damn.

How’s that for honest? Whether or not you like Larry’s assessment, the fact remains that lots of people aren’t successful and one of the reasons above is probably the source of their lack of success. Fortunately, there’s hope for most people. For instance, you are stupid, then educate yourself. If you are lazy, then get off your butt. If you don’t give a damn, then start giving a damn. F0r most people, the solutions are simple.

If you don’t like harsh, then don’t read this book. If you don’t like feeling like someone is yelling at you while you are reading, then don’t read this book. If you don’t mind that kind of stuff or you are in the mood for a different kind of motivational book, then SHUT UP, STOP WHINING and buy SHUT UP, STOP WHINING & GET A LIFE - A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life.