The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists Reviews

• Fascinating ... and not a little creepy

  
  By A1C760KGFSRI6F on 2005-10-19
  First, a disclaimer, because of the sniping going on about this book: I don't know any of the people portrayed in "The Game." I have no biases in either direction regarding any of them. In fact, I'm a straight (and married) female, so I really have no vested interest in ANY pick-up strategies.
  
  I read "The Game" after seeing a review of it in the newspaper. I was amused and a bit intrigued at the idea of a whole subculture centered around seducing members of the opposite sex -- at the idea of guys who honestly had NO other goals in life.
  
  In a way, it's almost an inspirational story in the beginning. Everyone likes an underdog, and the short, bald guy who's suddenly able to get all the babes is no exception. But it wouldn't be much of a story if there wasn't a dark side to the success. Strauss describes how he loses interest in everything EXCEPT picking up women and in fact feels compelled to hit on them almost constantly. He holds seminars on seduction. He posts to message boards about seduction. He lives in a house full of guys whose sole interest is seduction -- some who spend thousands of dollars attending seminars around the country.
  
  Of course, at the end, he realizes that all the tricks and one-liners he uses to get a woman into bed won't help him when he meets The One. And maybe I'm a bit naive, but isn't that what most of us really want in the end?
  
  Strauss is a fine writer, though not a highly remarkable one. I think the story itself, rather than the writing, is what carries the book. The characters are truly compelling -- especially Mystery, who I almost want to meet to see if he's as irresistable as everyone seems to think. (You have to wonder, though, if his techniques work half so well when the women already know about them.)
  
  So, should guys who can't meet women pick up this book? I don't think so. I -do- believe that some of the advice here could work, such as "negging" -- giving a good-looking girl a subtle put-down to make her want to win you over. I know that, in my single days, I was more intrigued by the guys who weren't under my spell, so to speak. Still, it doesn't make putting people down a nice thing to do.
  
  My problem with this book is that it might be overly seductive to single guys, and draw people in to a rather twisted subculture -- which I think is NOT the author's intent. I also think that the techniques described encourage objectification of women to an extreme, and aren't particularly healthy for guys, either.
  
  It's easy to see how becoming an expert in seduction would sound, well, seductive. But these "expert" philosophies all have one thing in common: They treat women as the enemy. And we're not, I swear!
  
  To summarize: If you're looking for a good read, pick up "The Game." If you're trying to meet women, get some fashion advice and learn how to boost your self-confidence, because magic tricks and insults aren't going to get you into a relationship worth having.
  
  

• Fascinating!!!

  
  By A136YD08SCJ2LV on 2005-09-23
  I'm 52, married, don't know the author, have never heard of this secret society and still found this book fascinating. I say this because so many reviewers seem to have an agenda. From the arrival of this book b4 a business trip where my wife asked if I was going through another mid-life crisis, to the enjoyable but staccato writing style of Strauss, I read this book in pure fascination but half the time wondering if it was fiction. From reading these reviews it is clear there is basis for this book. But a Project Hollywood with male drama and Courtney Love thrown in for humor? Well, evidently it was true.
  
  This book should be read by all young men. Yes, some have the ability to approach women in some manner, but most DON'T have the ability in ANY manner. This book will help. Does it give contrived starting lines? Sure, but the point of the book is, "men need it" and when most people think of pick-up lines, these are actually exactly the opposite as more fully explained in the book. We are not conditioned to know the appropriate way to approach women! But apparently, we can learn.
  
  This book is educational on talking to women but also an interesting story about the crazy, neurotic lives these guys live. As to the author, his writing style is much too young for me but I did enjoy watching him weave this story and predict a bright journalistic career for him. I had previously read his biography of Jenna Jamison and enjoyed it also. I have not seen much publicity about this book. I heard about it from the short story in Esquire. I would love to read the NY Times article referenced in the book. I recommend this book for both men and women in their dating years but also recommend others read this that just want to learn about interpersonal relationships or read a zany life of needy men.
  
  
  

• Learn the Rules, but Don't Play "The Game"

  
  By A1UJ5ZMLHB9CEW on 2007-10-30
  "The Game", at first, appears to be an informative, eye-opening, entertaining and DANGEROUS MANUAL ON HOW TO SEDUCE WOMEN. Deep within this controversial book, however, lies one of the best self improvement books available to man... as long as he understands and embraces the fundamental reality that the acquisition of confidence and personal worth are strictly required in order to succeed at the Game. A lot of low self esteem individuals will read this book and become, I believe, better men.
  
  And I completely understand the threat many women would feel by this material. But intelligent women are insulated from the manipulation at which many of the individuals featured in this story are so inept. Only the naïve are at risk, as they always have been.
  
  Many people refer to this book as a manual on how to seduce women. But Neil Strauss, its author, never made such a claim. It was merely his honest and humorous account of his experience in the PUA (pickup artist) community. But Strauss is a talented writer. And, as such, he not only managed to make this the very entertaining and insightful manual everybody said it was, but has also given an extremely valuable tool to goodhearted men with benign goals - a tool that can be used with mutual benefit, without anyone getting hurt or played. In spite of other reviewers' claims to the contrary, Strauss does disclose the nature and vivid examples of the emotional and spiritual consequences PUAs reap when they manipulate people for narcissistic purposes.
  
  This endeavor began when Strauss, a writer for the New York Times, was given an assignment to write about the underground pickup artist community. Strauss was a skinny, balding intellectual who felt awkward around women and hadn't had much success with them prior. He immediately homed in on a character named Mystery and hit the mother load. Mystery was a modern day Casanova and widely considered, by the cumulative underground community of PUAs, to be the preeminent pickup artist in the world. Tom Cruise's seduction guru character in "Magnolia" was supposedly based on Mystery. By the time Strauss finished his assignment, he had transformed himself and assumed Mystery's title as tenth degree pickup master of the universe.
  
  As I began reading the book, I felt uneasy. Knowing this knowledge was out there felt akin to suddenly discovering a bunch of troubled kids figured out how to make nuclear weapons.
  
  I've always had great interest in psychology and what makes people do the things they do. I discovered my knowledge of psychology was pale in comparison to these guys. They (the serious ones) study contemporary literature on psychology and ancillary subjects, many of which involve some sort of self-improvement. The young, horny ones operate with one laser-focused mission: Bed women... bed as many "9+" women as possible! The more they bed, the more they validate themselves. But some, more enlightened ones, were simply looking to find the best wife/partner they possibly could.
  
  Strauss began as Mystery's student. After a few successes, he began to catch the eye of other PUAs to whom he quickly acclimated himself. He soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. At the end of two years, Strauss had studied, one-on-one, the methods of all the world's alleged greatest pickup artists and took that which best suited his own personal style and made it his own. In the process he became an underground, worshipped legend - Code Name: Style. But in the process, he also greatly strengthened his core person and acquired the Holy Grail: self-esteem. This book doesn't just contain the cumulative knowledge of the PUA community, but one hell of an entertaining story.
  
  It must be stated that the Game's contribution to much of Strauss' unstoppable success is mitigated by the fact that he was a writer for one of the most respected publications in the world, living in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills over Sunset Boulevard (a consequence of rising to the top of the PUA community), regularly interviewing celebrities and driving a nice car; most men with these assets aren't having issues dating. Still, I believe the majority of what he achieved was aided by his mastery of the basic principals of "The Game". And those are:
  
  1. You can only "game" a woman with whom you are prepared to fail (if you find yourself wanting her too badly, you'll never have her)
  2. Exude extreme confidence
  3. Demonstrate some kind of value, skill or talent NEAR your target, but not directly to her. Initially, pretend you don't even notice her.
  4. Win over her friends
  5. Be hard to get
  6. Be fun
  7. Handle challenges from competing men intellectually and psychologically. Never fight.
  8. Respond to any signs that she's not interested as if it were "no big deal"
  9. Once you have your target's attention, playfully insult ("neg") her. For example, "I like your hair, is that your natural color?" The more beautiful the woman, the more effective the neg is in garnering interest as they rarely hear comments of that nature.
  10. Once attraction has been established, punish any unwanted behavior by withdrawing and disinterest, but do not pout or have an attitude.
  11. Alternate between attraction and disinterest signals in a push-pull fashion until rapport is established
  
  There are many other rules, but those are the ones that stuck out to me.
  
  As I read, I found myself subconsciously adjusting my behavior, according to Game theory... and getting surprising results. Women that used to intimidate me with their "presence" were suddenly acting goofy/nervous around me. Could this be real? After I got over the initial excitement of my newfound knowledge, I began to get disappointed that the women that made ME goofy/nervous for so long could be so easily manipulated. I feared that I would start to lose respect for women. Who wants someone they don't respect?
  
  But by the time I got to the end, I realized that I wasn't manipulating anyone. I was simply carrying myself with more confidence. I found myself initiating conversations with strangers. There were no signs of neediness or social anxiety. I realized a man with a conscience can take a small portion of the knowledge shared in "The Game" to simply get over that first, most difficult hurdle of establishing rapport with a woman to whom he is attracted. I realized all anyone reading this book is really looking for is confidence. And many individuals that happen to gain a skill or talent as a result of his quest for a better sex life might just get some self esteem in the process. And that, I believe, is the greatest good of this material. The greater one's self esteem, the higher his goals.
  
  Knowledge is power. And it's only how that power is used that can reveal the nature of its possessor. The only real dangerous "players" out there are the ones whose cognitive reasoning and emotional maturity never fully develop and, at the same time, possess Oscar-worthy acting skills. Yeah, there are a few out there. But an intelligent woman knows when she's being played. And as Strauss saw repeatedly, manipulating and seducing a woman, in and of itself, is a victory that invariably leaves one hollow, still unfulfilled. In the end, your true self is what counts and is the only thing that can find and keep love.
  
  
  

• Pure BS, But It Has A Nice Cover

  
  By A31EE4PCI0K1S5 on 2005-09-30
  I have been writing for men on women for some time now, [...], so naturally I was curious to see what made this book so "great."
  
  I knew from the get go that this book was going to be pure BS, but I had no idea it was going to be this bad. Sorry, Mr. Strauss, but come on. For us writers who have been around, you aren't fooling us.
  
  For those of who who still aren't sure about this book, whether you bought it or not, here is the reality of it all:
  
  1. Mr. Strauss tells tale tales about him being able to talk to a woman, and then, within minutes, he is able to make out with her.
  
  He also tells about "pick up artists" who can take women in the back room of a club and start making out with them. Read page 10 for an example.
  
  Guys, are you this dumb to believe this? You've read past books and articles on such lame and VERY bad advice. Let me ask you, have they worked for you so far? I already know the answer.
  
  2. The whole book reeks of images of little boys who sit in a treefort, exchanging ideas on how to "hit on hot chicks," when the reality is that it blows up in their faces.
  
  As a writer and researcher on this subject, I have known many many men who think they are this "pick up artist," and they are lucky if they can pick up their dirty socks without straining their back muscle.
  
  3. Mr. Strauss talked to several "pick up artists," and these guys call themselves ridiculous names, like "Mystery." Remember that treehouse I was telling you about? How old are these guys, 16???
  
  4. On page 22, this "Mystery," gives Mr. Strauss one of his openers to use after the ice is broken: "If I weren't gay, you'd be so mine."
  
  Yeah, uh-huh. Try that and see how that works for ya.
  
  See what I mean when I say this book is beyond the point of being BS?
  
  5. This book also advocates touching, and smelling her hair within minutes after breaking the ice. Yeah, try that too and see how that works for ya.
  
  6. Mr. Strauss constantly tells tale tales of his experiences. One of them being on page 61, when he said that he got a number from a Playmate the Year. On page 157 he tells how Hedi Fleiss wanted to meet him. Why, of course she does!
  
  He is a blowhard who makes stuff up, and in addition, he says that other PUI's want to be like him. They follow his every word. On page 214, he brags that all over the world people were using his jokes, comebacks and lines to meet, kiss, and f--k girls.
  
  Yeah, uh-huh, ok.
  
  Again, I'm sure you have been around such blowhards like him.
  
  
  In conclusion, this book is basically filled with dellusional nerds who think they are a success with women, but in reality they are not. They instead tell tale tales and other such BS.
  They gather in groups, sharing stories. It's pretty laughable, if you think about it.
  
  Many guys, who don't know any better, seem to think that these "PUA's" (Pick up Artists. But they call themselves "PUA's." Yeah, I'm laughing as I type this) are the talk of the town. They aren't. For instance: Go to their message boards, one of them being at [...], and it is a ghost town that you can hear an echo in.
  
  There is no "secret underground," and there is no othe rsuch ridiculous stuff lie that. All it is is a bunch of dellusional guys who think they are a success with women.
  
  I wonder what name they gave their treefort where they hold their secret meetings that women won't be able to find.
  
  
  Why am I being so hard on this book, and the little boys who call themselves a "pick up artsist" or the ever so laughable, "guru"? Because I get so sick and tired of guys who are looking for good advice, only to run into bozos like these. I talked to one guy who spent $500 on a seminar. He got ripped off. Just about everything he tried on women failed.
  
  Be very cautious out there guys, and don't believe everything you hear.
  
  Thomas
  [...]
  
  

• You're not missing much if you miss this book!

  
  By A4X368PIPU4Q6 on 2005-09-14
  Reading this book was like eating a BBQ steak that the chef forgot to season! It looked good from a distance, but once I got into it, I wanted to throw it up and send it back. That said, I want to give this book its due credit: It paints a VIVID picture of the 'player's' (pathetic) lifestyle (It describes in detail the P.U.A.s methods for approaching women, getting their numbers, and tricking them into letting themselves be screwed by the P.U.A.s, despite not having any REAL connection with them). If that's all you're looking for, then go ahead and buy this book. You WILL get laid, but it won't make you happy!
  
  What "The Game" doesn't do is teach you how to become a REAL ALPHA male (a fake one, maybe, but a real one..NO). Add to that, I sense that few, if any of the characters in the book really even know who they are or what they want out of life. The feeling I get from hearing all of the anecdotes in this book is that the P.U.A. community is really just a bunch of insecure losers who are going out and trying to screw as many women as possible in a desparate attempt to fill some other void in their life. Gentleman, if you really want to succeed with women, try this simple formula:
  1. Don't buy this book. Try these instead: "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (Stephen Covey), "What To Say When You Talk to Yourself" (Shad Helmstetter), "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" (Napolean Hill).
  2. Get in shape.
  3. Figure out your career goals (which hopefully involve contribution to something more than just yourself)and take action to achieve them.
  4. Figure out who YOU really are and learn to like yourself.
  5. Learn how to be assertive - stand up for yourself (don't confuse being assertive with being a jerk)
  6. Learn the difference between screwing girlS and making love to A woman.
  7. Once you've become a REAL ALPHA MALE by completing steps 1 through 6, you won't need any of the tricks and schemes described in "The Game". Women will be instantly attracted to you by you just being yourself. Once you find the right girl, treat her with the respect, care about her, and MAKE SURE YOU KEEP HER EXCITED. That's all it takes -- Become what you want to attract, and you'll get what you want!
  
  
• The Science "they" don't want you to know
  By ALEC671B2CVOO on 2005-10-05
  I'm an M.D. psychiatrist and latecomer to the book reviews. As a result, if you've bothered to read all 100 reviews before getting to mine, you either have an obsessiveness problem--GET HELP--or are a fan of Neil, eager for every bit of information you can learn about his topic.
  
  I have studied and innovated in behavioral science all my adult life, and have something to humbly but authoritative say about Neil, the truth, and the science of this "community."
  
  Everyone who's read Neil's book (rather than just its title) agrees it is a masterwork exploration of the modern experience of the majority of single males. It's not quite a self-help book, and not quite just an autobiography. What it is then, is impeccable journalism in the most honest exploration of the hidden corners of the single man's mind. It is true, real, nonfiction, impartially presented. I say that by the way because I know every character except Ross Jeffries, and was physically present to see at least a few of the reported and entertaining incidents of the "plot."
  
  Sometimes what people need and what science (that can be counted on EVERY time) provides people, go toe to toe with business marketing. I don't like the terms "pickup artist","seduction" and the like. They imply trickery, manipulation, or disrespect of women.
  
  But these terms sure get the attention of both potential fans... AND detractors who haven't met these men or bothered to read this book.
  
  The thing you wouldn't notice amid the marketing, infighting, and jockeying for power among these posts and in the chatrooms, is that of these men I've actually met, nearly all are quality upstanding people who really do want to help men reach their full potential. Not as drones, followers, or politically-correct, party-line worker-bees in society, but as individuals capable of leadership and mature masculine identity.
  
  They taught me quite a bit about the invisible, secret, hard, social lessons of adolescence that I, like millions of men, missed while I struggled to build a career with a father absent from my life. I say "secret" lessons, because there IS NO formal "training" in our society on how to socially communicate and date--at least not taught be real people who have been young, male, and single and have had exactly the same struggles and experiences we have--people who are LIKE me, and KNOW me.
  
  These guys gave me the "missing link" in understanding masculine psychology that was not provided by any teacher, professor, doctor, peer, textbook, or even my own father. I thought that maybe as a scientist, and student of ethics, I might somehow also have something to offer back to this "community." Basically, I teach exactly how building "character" builds a life, a career, an immunity to stress and mood problems caused by stress, the kind of "attraction" that takes over once a dating or relationship starts, and ultimately forms the "missing link" that "MPUAs" don't have training in or teach.
  
  Neil finds a path that leads the way through the harrowing challenges of finding someone who feels right to finally commit to, and also can commit to him. But that is where the road ends. A "potential" relationship is what we men really do seek in learning this material. What to do next? Well, Neil has to "be himself," and find that his "character" takes over. Mature character.
  
  And "mature" is the key word. When I first encountered these guys, their buzzwords and marketing gave me ethical concerns about what they teach. Yet the more I got to know them, the more real and earthy I saw both their challenges and ambitions toward one thing--finding genuine personal growth that isn't non-gender, one-size-fits-all material spit out of a politically correct, please-all-demographics machine.
  
  A little boy looks at this "jungle" of adolescent social experience and wonders what in the world to do. There are not many "cool" fathers that understand both him and the jungle, and LIVED to tell him how to get through it. So often, he's left alone just staring at it.
  
  Now some little boys think that if they can be "bad enough," it will make them a man. Wrong. It just makes them a "bad little boy." These are the guys that detractors are concerned about.
  
  "Bad little boys" stay on the little boy side of the jungle. You only get to be a man by going through the jungle.
  
  Enter Neil's book.
  
  These ideas are by men and for men who form a silent majority not only in the US, but around the world, some of whom did not have involved, "cool" fathers to teach them the straight story of how the social world really works for today's single male. To teach them "the laws of the jungle." And if you are male, you might not be all that into sharing your innermost fears, concerns, and insights with even your closest friends. So it is not only "a jungle out there," but a LONELY jungle.
  
  Somehow, between the 1940s and the present, it became taboo for a male to feel "empowered." Perhaps that might stem from a "scarcity" attitude that one group of us feeling "empowered" might somehow take away from another group feeling "empowered."
  
  Could it be that the empowerment of one group in society might also empower another group?
  
  Here's the rub... the guys who see the sexy marketing,( and go to Neil's book expecting to find a quick-fix to having "special powers" with women) will find that they do indeed become more effective at communicating to women they've just met. But underneath that, they will soon find themselves on a long and far more rewarding road, beyond adolescence, that "sticking point" for so many men, and into new challenges of masculine maturity that is unique and different from that of women, but no more or less valuable.
  
  For "detractors" of Neil's book, at least those who invent an "opinion" after reading only the title and putting it down, there is a different challenge:
  
  Any true technology can be used for doing just, right, and beneficial things for society, or for doing wrong, trying to manipulate or hurt others. And none of us can CONTROL which path others take. We also can't censor or stifle human ideas and expect that to stop those who do wrong (at least the last time I checked the words of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution) where "inalienable rights" and "freedom of speech" are mentioned rather prominently.
  
  So to Neil's detractors, there is a weighty thing to address:
  Inner, "psychological age" rarely matches one's "chronological age." We've all had a 40 yr old boss incapable of acting older than 18 or a 50 yr old uncle incapable of acting older than 21.
  
  Those less mature than us are more prone to "manipulation."
  
  Nearly ALL people who communicate with Neil's knowledge or hear it said to them will be curious or interested to talk further.
  
  But, further into dating or relationship, there are then three possible scenarios for men who connect with this book:
  
  1. The man is less mature than the woman he continues to engage romantically. She will "see through him," and not be further attracted due to his level of character, regardless of how "powerful a PUA" he was. She will leave him, no harm done to her.
  
  2. The woman he continues to date or relate to is less mature than HE is, in which case he will hopefully be unattracted to her. The risk to both of them is that in her opinion, being "impressionable" in less maturity, she may feel "used" because things didn't continue to progress to further committment and growth as a new couple.
  
  3. ACK! BOTH the man and the woman are immature, and Jerry Springer-esque conflict, anxiety, loss, and hurt ensue. Codependence runs rampant, the "man" finds that his "powers" don't work into the dating and relationship phase, or at worst, he uses the "technology" to actually, willingly, or even intentionally "use" her. THIS is the scenario that many of Neil's detractors worry about, and rightfully so. But it is no different from the pains, manipulations, and poor ethics seen in books on "codependence" that are written by both male and female authors.
  
  Neil actually found his way out of "the jungle," looked at himself, and saw he had become a real man, capable of real love, commitment and relationship. You see, there is no becoming a real man by just staying on the little boy side of the jungle. You only emerge a man if you go THROUGH the jungle.
  
  Pretending the jungle of these lessons just doesn't exist or should be suppressed from public access won't make it go away. Not any more than saying "nuclear power should never have been invented" will make terrorist nations trying to develop it go away. Best to learn how to make electricity out of it, and teach others how to do the same.
  
  For the man and woman who read Neil's book and are BOTH of high maturity, they would get DAYS of interesting and honest conversation about the lives of a majority of modern single men and women. They'd both have a laugh at the zany stories, and then put it down as an immensely satisfying read, knowing how good it is to "just be themselves"--how good it is that men and women are different... even as they are of equal value, drawn together by that mysterious allure called love.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Being from the world described in The Game, the book CAPTIVATED me
  By A3LYUFQ6VVADJN on 2005-09-12
  I've known Neil for almost 3 years, and met him in LA soon after he got to know Mystery. I never knew Neil before he was "Style" so I can't attest to the drastic changes he's made in himself since first stumbling on my web site, which over the years has become the center of the community (references for which saturate the book and permeate the core). I've known him almost solely as "Style the pickup artist", and only later as "Neil Strauss the writer".
  
  I feel a very strong connection to many of the stories he details in The Game, even having only been present for a portion of their happenings, though being witness to almost all of them in one form or another. I know and have met just about every character in the book and it was an intense read, very surreal to me. I try not to judge people on their flaws, but the people throughout the book are as unique as he presents them and I feel that much closer to them now as acquaintances, peers, and friends.
  
  In a sense, The Game filled all the gaps for me and does so in a highly engrossing way. Maybe my perspective is skewed or I feel strongly affected by the book due to my connection to a lot of what it contains, but I can say for sure that Neil is an excellent writer and he weaves the tail of a pickup artist living through the community in an unforgettable way. Many might think he's "exposed" things that should not be exposed but the reality is there is no difference to exposing the basis of ideas and methods in the community than there is to exposing the fact that magazines like Cosmo or Vogue exist for women. Each sex has their "how to" manuals, resources and, yes, "community", and both for the same purpose - how to find, attract, and keep desirable members of the opposite sex.
  
  I will end this review by encourage anyone interested in the topic to read the book and anyone who doubts or objects to the content to read the book.
  
  
• Take into consideration
  By A1V666DF42RUHM on 2005-09-17
  Before you read this book and sign up for a dating workshop you should be told the other side of the story. Stop and think that this could be a scam. Over the years they've been creating this community, created aliases who've become these so called guru's (who are now just setting up there services with the launch of this book) and now their cashing in on the insecurities of desperate and dateless men. So when you read the reviews, don't take notice of the five star ratings as you've probably noticed that most of them are written by the 'guru's' who are shamelessly promoting their services and giving reviews under fake names.
  
  Be aware when reading the reviews that there are people trying to make a profit from this book. I know you would probably have worked this out for yourself that the whole concept of seduction that their promoting doesn't really work.
  
  I have seen it affect the lives of friends around me who have been conned and affected by this first hand.
  
  Why don't they write a book about that?
  
  
  
• Sketchy premise turns into a heartwarming tale
  By A2EBLL2OYEQJN9 on 2005-12-14
  Neil Strauss is a masterful author who co-authored bestselling memoirs with Motley Crue and Jenna Jameson, He's one of my all-time favorite writers, and this book (with its faux leather cover, gold page edging, and red bookmark ribbon) just begged to be picked up.
  
  I was put off by the objectification of women in the beginning. I didn't like the chase, the hunt, the scoring, the comparing notes. I thought anyone who signed up for a seminar to become a predator was a big loser (and many of them were, in fact, big losers). Then I started to look at the techniques as a way to "win friends and influence people" instead of score with chicks. Many of the techniques have to do with being charismatic and comfortable in new situations with a bunch of strangers. Even someone who doesn't want to have a gazillion one-night stands could learn something from the ways to warm up a group of strangers and impress them with your charisma.
  
  Strauss, of course, matures beyond "The Game" and seeks a higher purpose in life. This is a worthwhile journey, if a little long and overly showy (as evidenced by the book packaging). Give it a shot and see how it strikes you.
  
  
  
• The Secret Society Of Pick Up Artists Revealed
  By A26AK3QZLYNF6K on 2005-09-07
  I received my advanced copy of the book over Labor Day weekend (since I'm in the book briefly, I was sent one early). The first thing you notice about the book is that it's not your typical hardback book as you'd expect. The cover is actually flexible and black, the pages are all edged in gold, and there's even a thin red cloth bookmark located in the spine. In short, the book looks like the typical Giddeon Bible you'd find in a hotel room.
  
  And I must say, it's quite appropriate.
  
  Move over Lay Guide, so long eBooks, THE GAME is the new bible for any man who wants to improve with women!
  
  A few chapters into this book, I realized that this wasn't going to be the "tell-all expose" I was anticipating. This is a book written by arguably one of the best seducers to ever come out of the community, and in it, he shares everything.
  
  I mean EVERYTHING.
  
  All his teachings, all his tactics, all his theories, all his strategies are all laid bare.
  
  Through the course of the book, we start off by seeing Neil go from your Average Frustrated Chump to a full blown Ladies Man, and as he documents his progress, it's as if you're right there learning along with him. Because of this, I would go so far as to say that is book is a MUST OWN for anyone out there looking to improve with women.
  
  This isn't just a story. This is a "how-to guide." A manual on how to pick up women from the best of the best. Forget Cassanova, forget Don Juan, this is stuff that works now, in this day and age, and is applicable to modern women. Not only that, but it's all based on the tried and tested techniques of the seduction community.
  
  Neil pretty much lays out every form of teaching out there. He gives you the full Mystery Method, he shows you Speed Seduction, he explains the Juggler Method, Double Your Dating, and David X style. Pretty much every major school of thought is laid bare in here, which makes it a great all-encompassing reference manual for guys who want to know what teachings are available to them.
  
  In the book, Neil also shares posts from the private Mystery Lounge message board where some of the greats post their best stuff. This is a good way for the average guy who isn't privileged enough to be part of this private message board to see some of the advanced teachings that are shared there.
  
  Then, Neil shows you how he incorporates the best teachings from all his sources and created a system of pick-up that works for him.
  
  Another great joy in reading this book is hearing about Neil's fumbles with women before he really graduated to PUG (Pick Up Guru) status. These are often very funny, such as seducing one girl back to her hotel room only to be put off by her horribly stinky feet, or trying to get two twin sisters into bed at once by taking a bath at their place. These moments aren't just entertaining, but anyone who's actually gone out in the field, used these tactics, and tried to get them to work can relate to the crazy things that can happen and go wrong when you're in the final stretch.
  
  Another incredibly entertaining aspect of the book comes when Neil actually BECOMES good, and is forced to deal with certain obstacles. For instance, there's a chapter in the book where Neil goes head-to-head in a "Pick-Up Showdown" with Hollywood Madame Hedi Fliess. It's incredibly entertaining to see Hedi try and cockblock Neil when he's picking up women, and in return see Neil fight back with PUA tactics that keep Hedi from turning out the girls.
  
  Then there's another celebrity showdown with actor Andy Dick, where Neil has to keep Andy from stealing his date by whipping out some massive value demonstrations to re-win the attention of his star-struck girl. Of course, this works a little TOO well when Andy Dick, so won over by Neil's tight game, actually propositions him for a little homosex action. (note: Neil politely declined)
  
  Probably the biggest star to appear in the book is non other than Tom Cruise, who requests an interview from Neil after reading his New York Times articles about the "Pick Up Guys." Tom tries to admonish Neil for glamorizing the PUA lifestyle (which he feels responsible for because of his portrayal of Frank TJ Macke in the film Magnolia), but ironically, Neil points out that Tom Cruise isn't much different in personality than the dating gurus he had been following.
  
  This is, bar-none, one of the most complete and entertaining guides on the subject of seduction I have ever seen. In fact, I'd rate it up there along side Robert Greene's classic "The Art Of Seduction."
  
  
• One of the few books I've found that was interesting enough to read completely
  By A1PKE7CFIRE3P1 on 2007-10-17
  Fascinating book about the PUA subculture. Love the black leather like binding and the red bookmark. Highly recommend reading for any man that wants to broaden his horizons.
  I've read similar books and I'll share some observations to aspiring PUA's : All the good PUA guys either are either somewhat naturally charismatic, or have higher education and / or have established careers with significant incomes. While I'm not suggesting that you have to be rich or handsome to be a successful PUA, you will need to be getting a paycheck somehow. And higher education is a definite plus. Odd how all these books seem to leave out this essential fact.
  
  Invest in yourself. Material things come to those that have self actualized.
  
  If something has a direct benefit to an individual or a class of people, and a theoretical, abstract, or amorphous benefit to everybody else, realize that the proponent's intentions are to benefit the former, not the latter, no matter what bull they try to feed you.
  
  Don't take proffered advice without a critical analysis. 90 % of all advice is intended to benefit the proponent, not the recipient. Actually, the number is probably closer to 97 but I don't want to come off as cynical.
  
  As a young man, you're on your own. Society divides and conquers. Unlike women who have advocates looking out for them (NOW, Women's Study Departments, government, non-profit organizations, political advocacy groups) almost no one is looking out for you. Know that few people have your best interests at heart. Your mother does. Your father probably does (if he stuck around). Your siblings are on your side. Everybody else worries about themselves.
  
  Remember, 97% of all advice is worthless. Take what you can use, and trash the rest.
  
  
• Remember, you'll never be able to unlearn what you've read...
  By A1PIQJN5005L7Q on 2005-09-12
  If you are a man who thinks about women constantly but does not know what to do about it, buy this book.
  
  If you are a man who has already joined the community in order to do something about it, buy two copies. You'll need it as a reference because the path to true enlightenment is truly fraught with peril...
  
  If you are a woman, buy it, and get ready to hear a whole lot of "hey guys, I need your opinion on something..."
  
  The tale captivates so quickly (with one of the best in media res beginnings I've seen in modern literature... if there were more modern American writers with the panache of Strauss, I'd probably still be teaching literature, wearing horn-rims and a tweed jacket with elbow patches, and day-dreaming that my freshman lit classes were just like the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where a nubile co-ed blinked "Love" "You" at her stammering prof) you should start it only on a weekend, for work and school and relationships may suffer. It also contains a staying power unlike any other fictionalized memoir I've read.
  
  But the book does have one big weakness... the contrived-seeming Hollywood ending, where he bids good riddance, claiming that real life is waiting. Well, f*** that. I've been in this community for almost a year, which means I'm still a rookie compared to these guys, but from learning and teaching, there's one thing I know for sure right now. This is real life. The game is not something you put on like a moon and stars cloak to grant you extra hit points... it's not supposed to be about being the fastest dancing monkey out there.
  
  I never want to end up like Style looking back with this admixture of
  bemusement and condescension on ye olde pickup days of yore,
  wondering how you could have done it for so long and how glad you
  are not to be in the game anymore. The game is your life. You are
  not learning how to seduce women so you can have more sex. Your
  goals are bigger than that. You are learning to seduce the world
  into giving you what you want, and that's all day, every day, for
  life.
  
  I'm finding that
  part of it is just dropping the idea of even being a "newbie". Hell,
  anyone who has ever made a girl laugh already has the experience and
  programming to do it again, it's just a matter of repeating it so
  often that you can do it at will. It's like being a runner. Everyone
  can run... you want to run better? More? Practice. Learn a few
  basics to enhance what you know, then practice every day for the
  rest of your life.
  
  What else is better in life than making beautiful women happy?
  Unless you happen to be Conan the Barabarian, in which case the
  answer is to see you enemies driven before you, and hear the sad
  lamentations of their women...
  
  
• The Game is On
  By A3QG04ILQREWVZ on 2005-09-24
  The Game is On
  
  When I spoke at Neil Strauss's book signing event here in San Francisco, little did I know how much brotherhood we had in the "community." That word kept coming up over and over that night, and it really is a community of men trying to do something good for guys overall - AND for women, too. Ignore all the acronyms (LMR, AMOG, DDB, HB, etc.); it's all about giving women what they want, so you can have a little of what you want in return.
  
  "The Game" is an awesome read, compelling from cover to cover. As a "guru" (I've never taken to that title - I prefer "Advisor") in the community, I found myself nodding my head an awful lot, laughing out loud at some of the surreal anecdotes (the one with Courtney Love greeting the Tourette's Syndrome kid comes to mind immediately), and shaking my head at their foibles and misadventures. It was all familiar ground, but Neil captured the essence of the subculture without missing a beat.
  
  Sure, it was obviously dramatized in many sections, but I he makes the ride so much fun you won't care. From the far flung reaches of lawless eastern Europe to the former lair of Dean Martin, you're coming along for a strange journey of women, mental breakdowns, and guys with names that could have been ripped from teenage comic books - Sickboy, Papa, Herbal ...
  
  Some women may read this book with a bit of disgust, but the reality is that the tactics described in the book really do work - and they work WELL. We're all slaves to our primal attraction mechanisms whether we want to admit it or not. At the very least, you're going to learn a little of what we teach men to use to create attraction in the opposite sex. (The truth is that much of this stuff works both ways. Women have been using these techniques more subtly since time began.)
  
  But the ultimate conclusion we all reach at some point is that it's not the "Game" you play, or how you bend the rules to validate yourself. The ultimate statement of our masculinity isn't even about women at all. It's about the respect and confidence you have in yourself, and the goals you're pursuing in life.
  
  And, as I tell my students, if you're headed somewhere in life, women will want to come along for the ride.
  
  - Carlos Xuma
  http://www.datingdynamics.com
  
  
• Are you kidding me? Heres the real truth!
  By A73GZ72PU3M8K on 2005-10-08
  First of all I am a 20 yr old male who is definitely interested in this subject, but who are you kidding with this so called "literature". This by far was one of the worst books of crap I have read. Here I'll give you a $30 tip whatever you do not buy this book because of these "awesome" reviews.
  
  In this lame attempt the author tries to take you in as him and other PUA's or so called pickup artist, perform their magic of trying to persuade women to have sex with them. Not only does their advice suck, but these women must have been nothing but huge trailer trash sluts. These are just boys and not real men! Real men don't have to have a set of rules, and a huge ego to get women. You just have to be yourself, and if being yourself is not good enough to get the woman of your dreams, well then I guess you just haven't found the right one. Face it, its crap like this book that really explains the problem facing the men in today's world. It's all about getting a piece of A$$, and that my friend is not why we pick up women. Women are not objects for you to test theories and little 6th grade science projects on. Real men like myself, want a woman for more than just what this book says. If you're looking for ways to attract a real woman's heart than you better get to know her. I find this the read to be completely and utterly out of character logically, and morally.
  
  
  
• It's really about Choice
  By A1Z8U0FK9F54JI on 2005-09-07
  First of all let me say this: This book is about how an average guy turns into a better man. It's what every guy wants. After all, what guy hasn't wished that he could have more CHOICE with women- because thats what we're talking about here. That's what it's really about.
  
  Yes - it's real. I've been a member of this "Secret Society of International Pick up Artists" for years now (Although I'm still looking for "The One" who will steal my heart and keep it) I've both learned and taught. I've known Neil from when he first started in the game, and even introduced him to Ross Jeffries way back when. Mystery, Tyler Durden, Lovedrop, Swinggcat, Badboy and many others - these are all guys I have known for years as well as shared and recieved knowledge from.
  
  Throughout the ages, there have been men... like Don Juan, Cassanova, Ovid, Kierkegaard, and others who have studied the art of seduction. And to really get anythig out of what they did and how they did it, you had to read their works and get into their heads - their mindsets, beliefs, and their very identities. Now what they did (their strategies, skills, behaviors) worked in their context and time... not necessarily applying to ours, but their mindsets and beliefs are what their skills flowed from. THAT stays the same.
  
  Now imagine a society of men, bent on unlocking the secret of cracking the "Dating" code, that modern society has so conviently manufactured - all stacked against the average guy, giving him little to no choice in the dating game.
  
  Wish it didn't have to be about that but I hate to say that in our society and culture it often is.
  
  Now what if a guy were to internalize all of the attitudes, mindsets, beliefs, the very identity of those who were most successful with women. Well then it wouldn't be about a game - it would just be about change and about being the new you.
  
  Imagine taking everything from psychology, neurolinguistic programming (conversational hypnosis), persuasion, and combining it with street smarts, history, a knowledge of social dynamics, body language and bringing it into the real world through combined experience of todays real life Cassanovas and Don Juans... And then offering that knowledge to the average guy - who would otherwise have little to no choice with women.
  
  Well this is my friend Neil's journey. Guys read it and learn. Girls read it and realize what most guys go through.
  
  After all, it's all about getting more CHOICE. Because a woman chosen by a man with choice is a woman who is truly loved.
  
  IN10SE
  
  
• A Work Of Fiction and unsubstantiated commercial claims - PLEASE comment.
  By AIR3UKEHY1AR1 on 2005-09-15
  I am reading this book currently and I am enjoying it as a work of FICTION that it is. I am not a member of the community but have been aware of it for years. Please do not view this as a criticism as I am fan of the book but rather as a request for comment out of my own quesitoning and curiosity as an outsider.
  
  I would be interested in commentary on the following points that came up as I was reading:
  
  1. The Book is a work of FICTION. If you do not believe me please read the small print on the first few pages at the beggining it says that some of the people presented in the book are composites of three or more people. It is also found in the FICTION section of the bookstore. NOTE: I am aware that the GURUS are real people and do exist.
  
  2. The author and many of the GURUS presented, freely admit to wanting to be respected and rise in the community's standing. The way to do this is to demonstrate amazing PUA skills and success. This is often done through the online community by posting amazing success stories. Therefore the credibility of the success stories in the posts is questionable as so far as they are mainly marketing materials that cannot be verified. If a GURU or aspiring community climber successfully posts innovative advice and success stories there is much to be gained in the admiration from the community and financially as well.
  
  3. This is a highly profitable industry. The seminar industry in general and the GURU seminars in general is a highly lucrative and profitable industry. The barrier to entry is non-existant as anyone who has gotten the attention of the community can invite people to a public location (ie. Mystery and the Roosevelt lobby) and present and take students to a bar afterwards. Once a Guru is established the fees rise substantially (ie. Mystery's course fee in the book goes from $500.00 initially to over $2000.00 in the books appendix). Even if the GURU becomes established and his seminars become too big for a small intimate free setting, he can rent out a conference room in one of many hotels for relatively little cost and maintain high profitability as business expands. In addition the established GURU produces product (DVDS, Tapes, Books, etc.) which are almost pure profit. With the lucrative seminars and products there is a strong incentive for the GURU and his "organization" to do whatever it takes to maintain his business going.
  
  4. This is a completely UNREGULATED industry and underground community. The fact is that the GURU industry is unregulated means that the claims made by the GURUS do not need to be substantiated by independent sources and research as do claims by regulated industries such as the pharmaceutical industry. In addition the PUA is a private mostly underground community consisting of people who want to believe in the GURUS claims as they had been unsuccessful on their own. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with giving some hope to anyone but the person needs to come into it with open eyes that there is money to be made and results are not guaranteed.
  
  5. There is no credible outside studies of the group that show double blind tests - ie. how an AFC vs. a PUA would fare in getting phone numbers from random women in populated locations.
  The following sources do not qualify as "credible" - A testimony from the GURU himself, someone associated with the GURU who is benefiting financially or socially from the GURU and his enterprise, or a single author (sorry Neil- I like the book but you are but one person and you too have a lot to gain but the book's success).
  
  6. When is a HB an 8? a 9? a 10?
  If I tell you that I seduced a 9 or a 10 and describe her to you in writing, what you picture in your mind will most probably be completely different from that reality of the person who I claim to have seducted. This is a fundamental propisition of NLP.
  It seems that underlying promise of the seduction GURU (even if it is not explicit) and many of the community posts for that matter is that you will get a HOT/ATTRACTIVE woman who you would not have otherwise gotten without the seduction knowledge. There are many discussions in the book about how attractive the women being seduced was. The problem with all this is beauty is in the eye of the beholder and qualifying someone as hot or an 8/9/10 depends on a person's filter. While there are scientific studies showing what are attractive characteristics that appeal to many cultures (ie. symmetry, etc.) the individual's filter also plays a significant role in deciding level of attractiveness. One person may find women who would be classified as obese as extremely attractive, another person may highly prize Asian women although he Caucasian, etc. Therefore it is not unreasonable to suggest that the women that are portrayed as highly prized targets may not be what you would consider as "hot"
  
  
• Fast read, character rich story, fascinating subject
  By A23EE4P899A7YI on 2005-09-09
  This book is really worth a read. After having read in in only 3 days, I know I will put it down and read it again a few weeks from now.
  
  I'd never heard of what the author refers to as the "Fast Seduction community" but one Google search away for those words or even just the word seduction and I had my answer right there at the top of the results. I was expecting a small hidden secret password-protected web page but instead found unlocked resources and vast knowledge shared by countless men around the world on a single web site with possibly the largest knowledgebase I've ever seen on any subject. I somehow feel my life is about to change.
  
  Although it gets gradually preachier towards the end, the book does very well to recount the author's experiences becoming friends with some truly interesting characters and, along the way, learning the skills to eventually become the best of the best. I would have given the book 5 stars but it does eventually get preachy there is something disturbing about the way the author degrades, through description, some of the people he got to know for doing no worse than what he does in his own book, which is to exploit them for his own benefit. There is barely a character in the book that does not degenerate into two dimensions for Mr. Strauss' audience, undoubtedly for literary effect. I hardly think these people are exactly the way he describes and I hardly think he has really understood the path he's taken to write his book.
  
  
• PLEASE READ: Entertaining but not realistic to typical guy
  By ADFF0U3C5197H on 2005-10-13
  1. Quality professional women are harder to get and no "tricks" really work. Meeting a girl in a bar is easier than you may think because of the mere fact that the woman is at the bar to socialize and meet people. However, remember conventional wisdom about meeting people in bars is probably true. Look at the characters in this book and their dysfunctions: that will be the type of people you attract. To read about someone throwing tantrums IS entertaining to live with someone like that IS NOT.
  2. The best technique to getting women is to be successful (defined by yourself), have decent grooming about your looks, and be friendly. If you are missing one of these factors "the game" won't work.
  3. Psychologically, people are attracted to mates who are in their own league, for example a fit attractive "8" girl will be attracted to a 7-10 guy, or vice versa, not a guy who is a 5 and is out of shape. Notice how most couples have mates that are similar to them in attractiveness regardless of skin color, profession, etc.; sure exceptions exist but pay attention to the majority. People are attracted to people who are similar to themselves or who will better them not opposites (although it probably is many average mens' fantasy to find a beautiful girl who will...once again marketing/media has a very strong effect on how you perceive the world and others). Attraction is not a choice people make solely on a few criteria unless it is short term, that is why some people give everything of themselves and nothing works.
  4. Money is to be made by marketing things like AXE Body spray, $50,000 convertibles, "THE GAME-guide bible/book", etc. to make people think that "If I only had..." scenarios (which is fun to do) but at the end of the day men/women prefer a mate who complements them both in looks and lifestyle.
  5. PROS: The book is entertaining and cleverly marketed but be realistic about yourself. The book does make you think that you can go out and girls will fall all over you which in some ways is positive because it MAY give you confidence and may help you meet girls initially, but negative if you think you will get a Paris Hilton type girl to come home with you.
  6. LASTLY: If this book does give you the confidence to make you like Hugh Hefner (truly the greatest pick-up artist, AMAZING life story) great for you but take most of this book with a grain of salt as the cleverly marketed book it is.
  
  
• What a disappointment.
  By A3OCASSIP6UC8R on 2006-06-05
  The book starts out as an entertaining, poignant, and honest look at male fears and insecurities - something most women incorrently assume men are immune to. Halfway through, unfortunately, it shifts gears as the Strauss/protagonist catalogues his conquests (with special attention drawn to the teenage ones just so the reader knows for sure) in the manner of a big game hunter. In fact, you get the impression that these guys would actually stuff and mount girls on the walls of a group lodge if they could get away with it.
  
  Sophmoric graphic detail reading like it's cribbed directly from internet porn is a further turnoff - and as we all know, men are exceptionally truthful about recounting their conquests, especially when comparing notes with one another. All the female characters are one-dimensional. But the absolute worst is how easily Strauss lets himself off the hook, excusing his behavior in a sentence or two while he eviscerates his "friends" for their misogyny and psychological problems and conveniently ignores his own. In the end, it's difficult to understand why any woman would find any redeeming qualities in him whatsoever, and we have to suspend serioius disbelief in order to accept the tacked-on fairly tale ending (although, we are talking about Los Angeles people here, so...). Despite the quarter-baked condemnation of his "former" lifestyle, Strauss has capitalized on selling of a false promise, aided with slick marketing: the Biblical faux leather-binding with gold lettering and the $30 retail price tag speak louder than any of the contents of the book. Do yourself a favor and save your money.
  
  
• Great lessons in personality transformation
  By ABD8KRFNKOOPY on 2007-10-12
  Having seen Neil's interviews on the chunky feminist TV circuit and he how handled the bitter hens with ease, I bought The Game. A very intriguing and unusual tale told with some ingenious to bizarre characters throughout.
  
  Neil's written for Rolling Stone and had other great books like The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band; this book carries on with his engaging writing style. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Another Side to This that Strauss Misses
  By A1M6JLDDOHD1O2 on 2005-10-13
  What Strauss as an insider neglects is the amount of pain that these guys can cause their "victims". It's inevitable when they are spending all their time learning how to manipulate people. They misplace their empathy, and the women they involve themselves with become just part of the "game".
  
  I've met these guys - I dated one; he lied to me consistently about multiple details of his life - and they are insecure narcissists with severe entitlement issues which they project onto women who "hold out on them their whole lives" until they discover the seduction community. (Strauss suggests that their rage stems from dysfunctional childhoods.)
  
  The fact of this "community" brings up interesting issues around gender - and class; the workshops are expensive - none of which are dealt with by Neil Strauss. (William Farrel of "The Myth of Male Power" which I recommend must have something to say on this stuff.) You'd think a journalistic analysis by someone who claims the NY Times as one of his bylines would manage more insight.
  
  Frankly, Strauss seems to be more interested in providing a dedicated, self-help manual to the desirable 25-35 year old male demographic, and racking in their cold, hard cash (like he's watched other gurus of the "movement" do). Don't support him in this; don't buy the book. Instead, read some excerpts online, and go to http://www.fastseduction.com. It's all there.
  
  
• Compelling tale - couldn't put it down
  By A3P3GY6B6R31WQ on 2007-10-15
  Neil Strauss, who co-authored bestsellers about Motley Crue and Jenna Jameson, nails it again with another great tale into the bizarre worlds most of us never visit. This isn't so much a how to pick up women guide. It's a captivating story line as he ventures into the seduction community and grows his skills and insight into his own existence. Truly fascinating. Much of the material the average guy cannot relate to, or will ever experience, but as a page turner it is truly masterful.
  
  I would couple this book with one recommended above by Amazon, The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho. As you read them, you realize the techniques they teach parallel how to "win friends and influence people", along with how to seduce the babes. The skills dissect and perfect being charismatic and comfortable in new situations with strangers. Get both books, they will accelerate your self-confidence to a very high level; for me it's been life changing.
  
  
• Semi-good, fairly entertaining, mostly pointless
  By A2VYC9AT6A26GP on 2005-09-13
  I'm using a fake name, but so is everyone else. I am not, however, Ray Gordon.
  
  This isn't a five star book unless you are a part of this subculture. If you are part of the subculture, this should be a 1 star book because it pretty much destroys the very core of what you are doing.
  
  The Game is an entertaining, but very predictable book that could have used another edit. Or two.
  
  I all fairness, I have to hand it to him. I looked at this community when I was working as a writer. It seemed to have potential, but nothing as interesting as the 6'5" Mystery (who one character calls 'Misery' which is oddly appropriate given his self destructive behavior and depression). He does actually manage to pull a story out if it. Albeit a meandering, pointless story.
  
  The conclusion of the book is unsatisfying. What Strauss seems to fail to understand is that no one in the book really changes. A few behaviors are modified, he shaves his head, but really, nothing happens. Oh, wait. He meets this girl. I forgot. She was kind of a tack on at the end. Are they still together? Who cares?
  
  Oh, and all you PUAs out there, Strauss is right. You present yourself, the women pick you. You already have all you need to succeed with women. If you get out there and go to the trouble to be interesing, and seem interested in them, your odds dramatically improve. Oh, and if you are luckly, only 85% will think you are a (insert derogatory term here), so focus on the 15%.
  
  
  
  
• The Metrosexual as Lion.
  By A34PAZQ73SL163 on 2005-12-19
  I approached The Game with more than an open mind; indeed, I had every intention of loving it. Unfortunately, I was disillusioned from the start. This is the memoir of a New York Times writer who enters the internet lounges of the seduction community, and soon becomes an advocate, devotee, and poster-child for the game. Previously, he was a nice guy or an Average Frustrated Chump (AFC). Strauss attends seminars and meets his heroes one to one. Within a short time, he is Lothario, and not long thereafter, the writer, known by the nickname of Style, is regarded by some as the greatest PUA alive. Certainly, this is not your average tale and its novelty makes it difficult to put down.
  However, a funny thing happens on the way to the condom wholesale shop because relating to these men is a serious challenge. Even if one admires them for bedding silicone queens, actresses, spoiled rich girls, strippers, and sexpots of all persuasions their innate qualities make those of us who would otherwise be their natural constituency rather nauseous.
  
  For one thing, these fellows are not manly in any way, shape or form. Strauss himself is admittedly a Metrosexual, but that may be the most flattering way to describe him. Furthermore, the peacocking of these PUAs is decidedly hen-like. They wear platform shoes, wigs, fake piercings, frilly shirts, purple furry vests, and even paint their nails. That the women they target are attracted to such trappings makes one wonder why they bother with men in the first place. It seems to me they could find more alluring specimens of femininity and fashion within their own bathroom stalls.
  
  Strauss is guilty of what I term the "I know I'm bad so those unlike me are good" fallacy. This flawed outlook is the rationale behind political programs like affirmative action, Title IX mandated discrimination against men, the cult of anti-Americanism, and the queer habit of feminized males referring to their own kind as "pigs." When Strauss includes super-sized font quotations from the likes of nefarious radical feminists like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Carol Gilligan, and Catharine MacKinnon, he destroys the legitimacy of his work. His reason for citing these hate mongers is unfathomable. Perhaps Strauss believed that kissing up to knuckle-draggers like Steinem would somehow make his work more acceptable politically correct sensibilities, but such ministrations are pointless. For a man to write anything positive about sex without love makes one a pariah to the social engineers manning the heights of our cultural slagheap.
  
  One comes away from The Game with the impression that Neil Strauss is a man who doesn't believe in anything except for instant gratification. He wants to make his memoir more meaningful by pretending that all men are like him, yet his flaws are characterological and not a result of genitalia. As a means of repenting, he implies that women are superior to men. That he could make such a statement is astounding in light of his perpetual manipulation of the privileged sex via the use of magic tricks, fugazi personality tests, and insult as a road to establishing rapport. One must ask a rather obvious question here, if women are more deep and thoughtful than men then why do they fall in love with joyboy poseurs like Strauss and his gang? No explanation is offered by the narrator. It doesn't take a psychologist, or even an insightful gerbil, to wonder how an individual titillated by the alleged effects of tooth shape upon personality could be superior to chimpanzees let alone a person who acknowledged that there was a world outside of their own daily activities. Men can easily be persuaded to spend a night in a roach infested room just to experience the pleasures of a woman's body, but getting him to fall in love as a result of magic tricks...well, that's about as likely as my Detroit Lions ever going to the Super Bowl.
  
  In the final, and unavoidably depressing, analysis, one must admit that the parlor games and primal peacocking that these pickup artists engage in is very effective in the procurement of women. While I did not have any affinity for the narrator, I find his tale completely believable. The Game depicts much more about the nature of Woman than most of the courses offered on sexuality in our universities and every single talking head who currently jams our airwaves. Woman, that great tributary whose presence and sublime angles spawned artistic masterpieces and achievements since the beginning of time, is a creature with a psyche forever incapacitated by its own transcendent status and power. Yet, despite the compelling victories of the PUA, most of us cannot engage in his behaviors because to do so would mean the termination of ourselves. By the end of The Game such an eventuality is even apparent to Neil Strauss who decides to retire his nickname, his snakeskins, and a library full of player manuals in hopes of rediscovering himself.
  
  
• Well Written, Witty and a Little Weird...
  By A1C1HYVI5CI0Q1 on 2006-02-26
  The majority of the negative reviews seem to come from people who feel it's their duty to turn up their noses at the sleeze 'n' cheese of the Pick-Up Artist Community. After all, a Society that exists for the sole purpose of seducing poor, defenseless club-hopping women isn't deserving of our respect.
  
  Maybe. But we're not reviewing a society. we're reviewing a book. And as such it's one of the most entertaining books I've ever read.
  
  Using a crisp, succinct and witty writing style, author Neil Strauss chronicles his inflitration of a secret society of Pick-Up Artists (PUAs) who prowl the Southern California coast. These men use all means of tools...from neuro-linguistic programming to gimmicks and routines...to play upon the insecurities of woman as a means of getting them into bed. Along the way, he examines the psychology of women as a means of illustrating just why some of these tricks work.
  
  It should be noted that this is NOT a "How-To" book. But as a guy, it definitely gave me a deeper understanding about how women think (as well as some insight into the age-old question "What does SHE see in THAT guy?").
  
  But Strauss also gives you a deeper insight into the male brain, as he exposes many of the PUA Masters as men who simply in constant need of validation and approval. While on one hand he marvels at the seeming ease in which the PUAs seduce and entice women, he acknowledges that there's something sad about these men.
  
  At the heart of this book, however, is Strauss's own story of transformation. In two years, he goes from a nerdy writer who could never get a date to a master of seduction juggling one woman for every night of the week. Strauss deftly balances his own disbelief at his conquests with just the right mix of boastful wit and cynical foreboding.
  
  "The Game" is a humorous and well written account of a fascinating world populated by some interestng individuals. And while these people may not neccesarily be to your liking, the author does a fine job in showing that...regardless of gender...all we as human beings want is to belong.
  
  You may hate the players...but don't hate "The Game".
  
  
• Not just another book on "Dating's Do's and Don'ts"
  By A246XSSINUE1NB on 2005-09-15
  Having read a number of dating books, like "How to succeed with women" by Ron Louis and David Copeland and "Always talk to strangers" By David Wygant, i had gone into reading this book simply thinking it was going to be a standard guide on how to meet women, with mostly generic advise, the common "Just be yourself" "Be confident" generic rambling. What was surprising however is how in depth the author Neil Strauss at the little intricacies of first meeting a woman, and even titles his chapters based on the process of first talking to and interacting with a woman to "bedding" her back at a "seduction" location. Along with the detailed tactics of a "pick up guru", you also get to learn about Neil the man, a man who was far from attractive, and through studying under a number of "Dating Gurus", became arguably the World's Greatest Pick up artist alive. The book begins with a bang, dealing with the depression and near suicide of his good friend and mentor Mystery, an illusionist, who's own love of women nearly led to his downfall. We get introduced to a variety of characters including "Extramask" a quiet and humble 26 year old virgin, who totally extroverts his personality, Ross Jeffries, a man who some would call the "Godfather of Modern Seduction" using his Hypnosis/NLP brand of "Speed Seduction" to seduce women into bed. Covering the gambit, he shows not only shows a blank technical side to meeting women, but a little bit on the obstacles of developing a real true to life relationship, which can only be done from the heart, and not from the mind.
  
  An overall exciting read, and has a lot of his heart and soul in it as well. I could recommend this to almost everyone, except i might keep it from my son, i think this book might be like giving dynamite to children, especially at his age...14. Great Read!
  
  
• A Great Story!
  By A1UV3UII1BFCU1 on 2005-09-08
  I feel like a lot of the reviews do not do this book justice since they are all focusing on it as a guide to picking up women. Where, in fact, I read it as a story about the writer's introduction to and his adventures in the world of pick up artists. The stories are gripping and many are quite funny. For those of us who enjoy great stories about a person's life in a subculture that we previously know nothing about, I would recommend this book since it is fascinating read.
  
  
• I think it is alot of hype
  By A2S1Q6JY68AL4S on 2005-09-09
  The book was good, but I don't believe it was that good. Some of the reviews could have been written by his friends "in the community." I also find it rather harsh that Neil would call all of the community guys computer nerds when he himself looked like a nerd when I saw him on television.
  
  
• Fabulous..and I'm in the book!
  By A1NK8UQTSDTVOV on 2005-09-14
  Ross Jeffries here, creator of Speed Seduction and the "father"
  of the seduction community that Neil encounters on, early in the book.
  
  What I love about Neil's book is NOT the pick-up or seduction instruction(which is first rate) but his look at the PUA/Seduction subculture, warts and all.
  
  I know and have met ALL of the characters he writes about, and you will not find a more fascinating collection of people around. Fascinating and repulsive all at once; we are all of us like a car accident; you don't want to look, but you just can't help it.
  
  I can tell you, Neil walks his talk, and more importantly, he took it upon himself to learn from EVERYONE. I admire that, though he left out the fact that ***I*** gave him the idea to write the book, over dinner, a few years back while sitting at dinner at the Viceroy Hotel, in Santa Monica.
  
  "Neil," I said. "You ought to write a book about the community".
  
  Well, I'll see you all on the inenvitable reality show, and remember, Tom Cruise may have played me in "Magnolia", but they better get someone taller to play me in the movie version of "The Game". I'm six-two and Tom is a shrimpy 5 foot 6.
  
  RJ
  93/93
  
  
• Fantastic storyline
  By A1UJYGXY30HPIM on 2007-03-09
  Killer story about a secret community of lady killers, supported by a cast of bizarre, narcissistic bipolar PUA artists. No matter how surreal and fiction-like it seems, you can't put it down, and it's all true. The skills don't come easy. The narrator reads countless books about women, shaves his head, learns basic magic and handwriting analysis, changes his wardrobe, and calls himself Style. Not many guys would be willing to go to such great lengths for a piece. He immerses himself in the study group of experts, who dive into the club scene and flex their new skills and powers.
  
  A great read, and only fantasy for 99% of us. Style's a celebrity, and hangs with Tom Cruise, Jenna Jameson, Britney and so forth, not to mention the best of the best in the PUA. Enjoy the book for the story line; there no other like it in the world.
  
  I bought it for PUA techniques, but it's a bit too much for me. If you're looking for more reality and want to increase your pick up skills, get Dr. Tate's The Professional Bachelor, written by a hilarious, womanizing psychologist.
  
  I almost forgot. Read Strauss' The Dirt too, it's a great tale about traveling on tour with Motley Crue.
  
  
  
  

• The Mystery Method: How to Get Beautiful Women Into Bed
• Rules of the Game
• The Layguide: How to Seduce Women More Beautiful Than You Ever Dreamed Possible No Matter What You Look Like or How Much You Make
• The Art of Seduction
• The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho