I started reading this book and then actually heard Brandon (the author) speak at a Conference. Afterwards I approached him to ask a question. He was rude and brash and refused to answer my question. Instead he dismissed me by saying, "Just read my book, I beg you, just read my book." I truly wondered afterward about how authentic he is (he speaks alot about authenticity in this book). I wondered about his level of self-esteem. Friends who were standing nearby were equally appalled by his words and attitude. I came home and tried again to wade through his book, though I must admit I was far less enthusiastic because of his arrogance (which shows up in this book as well).

My question involved his concept that people must "earn" their self-esteem. In thinking more about it, I realize I truly disagree with this theory. We are not responsible for having developed low self-esteem which forms in childhood and is the result of what we've been taught to believe about ourselves, our worth, our competency. Yes, we can do something about it, we can change our view of ourself and learn to like ourselves. But self-esteem is not something we earn--it's something we learned and can now relearn, if necessary.