Reviews - Assholes: A Theory

117 reviews for:

This was just horrible. It started off good...but like most academic ventures that try to appeal to a wide audience and be funny...it completely failed. I couldn't determine if the author was being serious in his philosophic defining of an asshole or if he was being sarcastic throughout...whatever it was...it sucked. It got so longwinded and completely off point that I couldn't even make it through a paragraph without skimming. The main point of this book from my standpoint: this asshole loves to hear himself talk and appear smarter than all the rest of the "typical assholes".

carriekellenberger's review against another edition

3.0

This was a good read about assholes. It answers why there are so many assholes everywhere, why they are the way they are, and how we should deal with them. I bought it simply because of the title and because it was recommended by the staff at The Tattered Covered Bookstore in Denver, Colorado.

Assholes: A Theory is well written and it is funny at times. It is also a little dry because it's more of a philosophic essay than a laugh-out-loud book about assholes. Aaron James is a Harvard-educated philosopher and surfer, and most of his observations are based on his experiences with surfers and his detailed accounts of assholes from the annals of history.

The book includes the definition of an asshole: "In interpersonal or cooperative relations, the asshole allows himself to enjoy special advantages and does so systematically, does this out of an entrenched sense of entitlement, and is immunized by his sense of entitlement against the complaints of other people."

He then goes on to describe the different types of assholes we encounter throughout daily life and offers solid advice on how to deal with assholes with asshole management tips and by remaining stoic with acceptance. (They're not going anywhere. Assholes are here to stay.)

As the author, Aaron James, says, "Don't take this personally, unless you happen to be Donald Trump or Kanye West or Dick Cheney, in which case you may take it personally, or unless you are a real asshole yourself."

williamsdebbied's review against another edition

3.0

This title caught my eye in the bookstore one day and I totally judged it by the cover. I was expecting more satire and less academia.

I absolutely loved the chapter, Asshole Capitalism, though. What a perfect explanation for the bankers who blew up the US economy, got bailed out by taxpayers, and then expected to receive large bonuses because they were the best and the brightest. Assholery at its finest.

sethsam's review against another edition

5.0

This was great, especially for anyone who feels helpless and worried about the proliferation of asshole behavior, especially in the age of Trump. It's informative, therapeutic and a fun read to boot. Highly rec'd.

aaylajanelle's review against another edition

3.0

Good argument, though depressing. Also I must say, seems like he hit the nail on the head years in advance... Would be super curious to hear how he thinks about this now.