2.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of sizzle, very little substance, Dec 23 2002
I got through about 3 of the 5 CD's in this audiobook, before giving up. Dr. Phil has an entertaining and charismatic style of reading his own material, so I'd recommend the audiobook over the print version. Unfortunately he doesn't say very much that's useful. His delivery makes you think an important point is just about to be made, but it never seems to come. After listening to the first 30 minutes of him describe what he was about to talk about, I found myself frustratingly muttering, "Get to the point already!"
The main theme seems to be that we need to unearth and live our "true selves" rather than what those around us would like us to be. The author talks a lot about "self esteem" and makes some valuable points. But if you're interested in these topics, you'll learn more elsewhere. For example, you'll get far more valuable insights from listenting to Dr. Nathaniel Branden in just 10 minutes than you will from hearing Dr. Phil babble on for hours.
Those who are big fans of Dr. Phil's plain-talkin' style will probably enjoy going along for the ride in order to get the few pearls of wisdom that he has. But if you're looking for fresh insight, motivation or valuable advice, don't waste your time or money.
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Save your money!, Nov 23 2002
This review is from: Self Matters : Creating Your Life from the Inside Out (Hardcover)
I checked this book out at my local library. Thank God! I usually like watching Dr. McGraw on TV and maybe he's a good counselor, but this book was awful. First of all, it was boring. Secondly, it was poorly written, and thirdly his advice seemed to me to be heavy handed and simplistic. There are better self help books out there, there just have to be. And for those other reviewers who wondered how it got to be a bestseller. Can you say Oprah?
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1.0 out of 5 stars
superficial and self-serving dr. phil, Nov 12 2002
This review is from: Self Matters : Creating Your Life from the Inside Out (Hardcover)
I had hoped for more substance and useful strategies from this book. The man comes across as superficial and as if he is more focused on coming up with "catch phrases" that he can use to take advantage of people. As a self-help book this was next to useless. It bothers me when this type of item makes it to the top of best seller lists and people will end up buying it instead of more thoughtful and thought out books.
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