"I didn't set out to write a self-help book. I just thought that there were some things I knew that could help people."
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How to Get a Large Amount of Wisdom
in a Small Amount of Time (Second Edition) by Gordon Gibson Gibson Publishing
book review by Mihir Shah
Gordon Gibson, in his second literary venture, delivers a collection of informative and useful essays that touch on everything from selling on Ebay and the best of cinema to dealing with failure and frugality. Essentially a self-help book, Gibson's casual, conversational tone, and thoughtful ideas are endearing and effective in keeping the audience engaged. The essence of his efforts can be summed up in one phrase, "You don't have to read this whole book. Follow the advice of Mrs. Young 'At least try.'"
Nearly all the essays in Gibson's compilation strongly relate to the masses; however, essays such as "The Joy of Driving," "Born to Shop," and "Making the Most of a Bad Job," will form an instant connection with readers. At the same time, there are essays that explore one's characteristics, such as living life "A Little at a Time," and knowing your limitations. Gibson is spectacularly thorough in the topics he examines; the audience is bound to find and latch onto an essay and come away learning something new and meaningful.
Much of this anthology is a byproduct of Gibson's own experiences, encompassing success and failure. Perhaps the genuine nature of the piece combined with supreme impartiality is what makes the book so enticing. More than anything else, Gibson's honesty—which produces comedic situations as well as provides real life lessons and pitfalls to avoid—is commendable and a major reason that this book is a must read. For those willing to dig deeper, the book offers valuable nuggets of wisdom, readily available to anyone willing to "at least try."