Women do not make it easy to approach them. There are plenty of men who are too scared of rejection and intimidated by attractive women. These men aren’t particularly the best dating material. Over the years the dating landscape has changed significantly in women’s favor and for many justifiable reasons. Women get offered dates by men everywhere they go and need to figure out ways to filter the good from the bad.
This also means there are plenty of frustrated men who aren’t having any success in meeting women. I am/was one of these men. Years ago, my friends mentioned a book, called “The Game” by Neil Strauss as the instruction manual to meeting and dating women. It was written for the AFC, or the Average Frustrated Chump, someone who was frustrated by women and gets in his way to meeting them. This book is more than an instruction manual, but a narrative of Neil’s transformation from an ordinary AFC to an unstoppable woman magnet. It’s the missing manual for men that we are never given.
The Game is possibly the most significant book of today’s modern dating scene. Throughout the book, the reader is introduced to the secret underground world of pick-up artists, learn their techniques for meeting women, and explore the transformation of Neil from a likable writer to a likable thief among thieves. In the book, you realize that these pick-up artists, the people who easily pick up A-List women in crowded bars and clubs, are even more flawed than the average guy. It’s their insecurities, deep and ugly flaws have pushed them to this lifestyle. Their goal may have been to meet women without being nervous, but usually turns into “who’s next.”
While entertaining and filled with humor, it also provides very useful tips and a complete breakdown into meeting women. After reading this book, you would be guaranteed to have a better chance at meeting women in public. There are downfalls, as stated in the book “Dating is for Chumps.” Meaning you’re learning techniques on how to meet women, not techniques on how to start a relationship or even treat women with any respect. Actually, treating women without respect is a tip you’re given in the book.
The question I’m always asked is, does the book work? The answer. Yes! It works on women, not just one, but most woman. There’s plenty of valuable, great advice it offers men. The Game, however, is the male counterpart to Sex & The City and Cosmo; it is the dating extreme. While you may meet new and interesting women after reading this book, you WILL not learn how to enter into a relationship and you WILL not learn how to maintain one. You WILL not learn how to meet quality women, just women.
With that said, everyone should read this book. Men should read it as a source to help boost their self confidence and to learn some authentic dating techniques. Women should read the book to know some of the crappy gaming moves men are going to use on you to get into your pants. This book is helpful on many levels, but don’t swear by it.
#1 by Miss Alpha on December 17, 2009 - 6:29 pm
Great review! The last guy I dated had MAYBE 10 books on his shelf. Thank you for pointing out that the end result is to use and quickly discard women, not to build something lasting. Thanks for posting!
#2 by WellHeeled on December 17, 2009 - 7:00 pm
There are books like this one, youtube instructionals by pickup artists, etc. I believe that knowledge is power, so one of my good girlfriends and I sat down one night, read PUA materials and watched youtube videos so we know exactly what methods might be used. I agree girls should read this – especially if they are into the bar scene where many of the “pick-ups” happen.
I agree – I think many “quality” (or just don’t take bs) women won’t fall for this. Seriously. If I ever catch a guy “negging” me, I’ll call him out. Life is too short for stupid, self-esteem-bashing games.
#3 by AnalyticalDiva on December 18, 2009 - 4:40 am
Admittedly I’ve read this book and have had a few encounters with men who have attempted to use some of the tactics of the game. While I’ve never been receptive to gimmicks, this book helped me as a woman understand what tactics men have employed — and thus have shaped their perceptions of other women.
Interesting read and I’d encourage everyone to pick this book up off the shelves. Worth the read!