“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” from 2016 is a self-help book written by Mark Manson that teaches readers how to live life more carefree.
My Thoughts
Since its release, this non-fiction book has gained immense popularity, and people often advertise it as the ultimate guide to living a worry-free life. In this review, I will share my honest opinion about the book and whether it lived up to its hype or not.
At first glance, Manson’s approach stood out as unique compared to other self-help books I have read before. The writing style is unconventional, which makes it more engaging and personal. I felt like the author was speaking directly to me, which is something I appreciate in a book. However, as I continued reading, I realized that there were some significant flaws in the narrative.
The overuse of profanity in the book was a major turn-off for me. While I don’t mind swearing, it felt like Manson was relying too heavily on it to make his point. Yes, I understand it’s part of the book’s title, but does it have to appear in every other sentence? No. It made me feel like the author was trying too hard to sound edgy.
Another issue was that the stories he used as examples were often offensive and superficial. Although they were based on his personal experiences, they didn’t resonate with me. None of his stories stuck with me, and I think it’s because the author came across as arrogant throughout the writing. It made me question whether I was even the target audience for this book. I also noticed that several women who also read the book felt the same way. It seems like the author was trying to appeal to a male audience with his style and tone, which is disappointing. I think a self-help book should be inclusive and relevant to everyone, regardless of gender.
While the book had some reasonable points, the flaws outweighed them for me. The excessive use of profanity, offensive stories, and an undefined target audience made me wonder about the author’s intentions. Even so, I think the book’s core message is worthwhile if you can get past its flaws.
My rating for ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’
The book was decent. I didn’t love it, and I didn’t dislike it. A few things could be improved, but I still recommend it.
About the author
Mark Manson is an American self-help author and blogger. He is the author or co-author of four books, three of which became New York Times bestsellers.
Translated into dozens of languages, his books have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. In 2007, he began writing online about psychology, relationships, personal growth, and culture.
