Rationalizations to Live by

On the first page, you learn that "An excuse is a lie we tell others" and "A rationalization is a lie we tell ourselves." That sets the stage for the purpose of this book, namely a sequence of statements that we tell ourselves when something goes wrong. Examples include" *) It's for a good cause. *) My kid is too creative for this school. *) I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. *) I'm not as fat as the other people. *) I'm big boned. My favorite is "I'm fertilizing these bushes." These examples give you a taste of what you will find in this book. I doubt if any will cause you to laugh out loud, but they are very amusing. They are also examples of the many ways we lie to ourselves as we try to get through our days.

I didn't read it, but if i did, i bet i would have liked it

This is one of those exceptional books, universal in scope, that already existed as a Platonic ideal but no one had yet written. Everyone has served up to himself or herself at least one of the rationalizations listed here ("What are the odds of a handicapped person needing this spot while I drop off my video?"). Always a good idea to have a reference volume like this handy--you never know when you'll need more. Very funny and sharp. And the drawings by Roz Chast are a perfect counterpoint to the prose. A perfect gift for every man, woman, and child on the planet. If I tried to improve this review it would just sound less spontaneous and sincere.

Truly an entertaining bit of ephemera. This little book immortalizes while skewering all those rationalizations that we all try to fall back on - like Jeff Goldblum's character says in "The Big Chill," (sorry, a paraphrase only) "Rationalizations are wonderful. I can't get through a day without three or four." And truly a fun gift !