Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Help yourself: He's Just Not That Into You

Can a book make you a younger, thinner, better person? Probably not, but we test and review self-help and diet books anyway.

He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.   

I was definitely skeptical about this book before I read it.  It's a little hard to take seriously a book inspired by an episode of Sex and the City, especially when one of the co-authors of the book has exceptionally silly hair .  I also wasn't into the movie version of the book, though Justin Long was charming in it.  That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  It's a breeze to read, funny, and offers sound advice to women receiving an abundance of mixed messages from the jerks that they are dating.

Pros: Though the title sounds harsh, the overall message of the book is empowering.  Women shouldn't settle for men who treat them like they don't care about them.  The book is a quick read and funny, so even though some of the book's insights may seem obvious (i.e. don't date a married guy), you don't really feel like you are wasting your time.  Also, the question and answer format of the chapters allows you read about other people's relationship problems, thereby allowing you to feel better about your own love life.

Cons:  This book is definitely gimmicky.  Every chapter has a summary of what you should have learned and work book exercises.  Be prepared to read the line "he's just not into you" at least five times per chapter.  If you want a subtle and nuanced view of relationships, this is not the book for you. The author's view of romance is two-dimensional, either he's into you or he just isn't.  Finally, Greg's advice on not asking men out or calling them seems a bit old fashion.

Find it in the catalog.
See the movie.