Life's Missing Instruction Manual

January 30, 2006
Vitale, "the Buddha of the Internet," compiles a trove of life lessons from "internet celebrities," motivational speakers, writers and entertainment industry folks in this little book that offers a mishmash of oft-heard self-help homilies. Bits of wisdom and anecdotes are bundled into chapters with titles like, "Your Feelings Are Your Hidden Thoughts" or "How to Know What You Want." Each chapter is punctuated by subheads that address the finer points, including "Naps Are Good," which advises: "When the world seems bleak, when you feel out of sorts, when your body feels tired and you mind seems wild, sometimes all you need is a good nap." Vitale frequently mentions his previous books (The Attractor Factor; The E-Code), and includes short essays from other enterprising authors or "internet marketers" that are virtually indistinguishable from each other's (and Vitale's) in style, content and form. Worth noting is the journey the book takes from the simple advice at the beginning to the hints on manipulating people-"People Will Tend To Say Yes If You Start Them Saying Yes" and "People Will Pay Any Amount of Money to Have Their Inner States Changed"-that creep into the end of the book. Searchers intent on finding instructions on living a fulfilling life should seek a less scattershot book, but readers looking for the odd pick-me-up will find them in large supply here.