19 Comments
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Lauran's avatar

I think this book is quite suitable for girls, as well! I went to college and graduated, because I was told (at the age of 18) that I would never be hired as a woman, if I did not. I went into full time work , not very much prepared for the downside of doing something that I did not like, just to make a living. It was only when I developed my own business, that there was a passion to go to work everyday. I was self employed for 32 years, and enjoyed every minute. In fact, I am looking again for another challenge! Wishing you all much success with this book.

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dr. b's avatar

Doug mentioned the Boy Scouts. The oath included Being, the meritorious activities included Doing and the badges and ranks included Having. A good prototype for the rubric of development your Preparation is describing perhaps? Unfortunately, like so many institutions promoting values and wide ranging competence for men and women it seems to have been disparaged and marginalized.

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Glenn Lidstone's avatar

Love the concept of this book but I am curious as to why it is directed at men only. Do you not recommend the same path for women and if not, I am curious as to why that would be the case?

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Matt Smith @ Crisis Investing's avatar

This book is meant for men because it deals with the insecurities, anxieties, motivations, and hopes that are common to young men, and often very different from those of young women.

Do I think women could benefit from following this path? Absolutely. But I think this book in particular is less likely to connect with them in the same way as it would a young man.

I have a 17-year-old daughter who is at the stage that my son was at when we began writing this book. So there's a very good chance that we'll be coming out with a version for young women met to connect with them in the same way.

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Glenn Lidstone's avatar

I hope you come out with that version. I would buy it for a young lady that I think would benefit from it. Thanks for the reply.

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Tom Hamilton's avatar

Thanks for this, Doug. Matt. The world’s a better place now.

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NunYa's avatar

Yes, these ideas are needed. Mike Rowe broke through with Real Jobs & Real Opportunities that don't come from College.

The younger man needs mentors, needs to hear from Gents like you and maybe even men like me.

Teach the children well...

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simon dover's avatar

My son is just turning 18 doesn’t want to go university, but unsure what path to take besides becoming a professional boxer and earning as much as possible

The guide sounds ideal for a plan b and c he’s well traveled and confident

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say what's avatar

I'm 85 years old. Ordered the book the day came out. Travel the world when I was young for a year it completely changed my life. It's a book that's been needed for a long time. Thanks

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Just Joe's avatar

Bought it, following Max and I have two young teenagers. Can't wait to read it with them

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Just Joe's avatar

I don't have the book yet but one thing my boys are interested in is taking some classes to be certified for the merchant mariners and do a few months on ships. Met a few who live overseas, got their citizenships in other countries by doing this, and only visit the usa a month a year to see family.

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Louise LeBrun's avatar

Wow.. what a remarkable young man your son has already become.. and he's just beginning! I, too, dropped out of University in my third year. Bored out of my mind! Although their Dad has a PhD, I never encouraged my sons to take that route. Today, they are very much their own person - strong core values and the courage to take a meaningful stand in their lives. Versatile. Big DIY'ers. And both deeply value the power of community. Had I known then what your book encourages now, I would have welcomed such a roadmap in my life.. .and in theirs. Thank you for having done it!

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Jay Bremyer's avatar

I've appreciated watching you and Doug discuss and work on this project and Maxim's recent submissions and am excited that it's published now, in all three forms, and applaud the value and the strategy. I am sharing your notices and critiques and will continue to encourage readers and benefactors for such young people who are ready to prepare themselves for the world that's here now. Congratulations and thanks.

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Marcia's avatar

Ditto, ditto, ditto!

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Jay Bremyer's avatar

I saw the comment about Girls and Preparation. I also had that question. I assume this work was because of your son, there fore male oriented. Surely the same principle will apply. I'll keep an eye out for your answer.

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Daisy Stern's avatar

Is this book also good for girls? After all, girls also go to college, many of them. Is that a good alternative for them too? Thanks for the reply.

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Just Joe's avatar

I can't imagine why not. There's just as many female EMTs, pilots, and everything else out there

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