Tuesday, May 15, 2007

God is a Woman Book Review by Legal Pub


God is a Woman... (This is mature subject matter for adults.)

Who said you can not judge a book by its cover? When I first saw the title, I asked myself why Ian Coburn was writing a book about my fiancée. The book is great but I do have a complaint that the cover ought to have a place to insert the photo of a man's significant other just under the title. That way, "God" could be everyone's significant other!

Ian Coburn is a promising comedian who foreshadows in the first chapters his skills as an accomplished author. He provides imagery of what not to do when the near perfect woman falls into your lap. For those readers who are “naturals”, it answers the ill fated question of "I'll bet you do this all the time?" Or "You probably have a girl in every city." Ian provides a roadmap to deflect the negativity by exaggerating the woman's preexisting belief to the point of nonsense. Most women want to be right. Ian suggests that men let them be right. Women sometimes search to justify and explain their behavior with phrases like "I don't usually do things like this." By exaggerating the response to the question, it may create a bad boy imagine in an otherwise nice guy. David D. and Neil S. believe that by capitalizing on the good traits of bad boys (and leaving the abusive traits behind) attraction is magnified. Ian suggests that humor may be a kinder more effective way to magnify attraction.

The book reminds the reader of what they should have learned in the scouts. Be prepared. Necessary tools for every man to have at his disposal include an opening line that promotes common interests. Another is good transportation. A third is good protection. The book advocates being a confident risk taker. Only those who are willing to fail have a chance for success. Being an interesting communicator maximizes attraction. Props may be useful but be wary of mysterious packages in elevators... God is A Woman advocates avoiding women who follow the crowd as they are immature and unlikely to make independent decisions. Not only is a man not likely to be successful with such an individual, but the author actually demonstrates how group mentality can be damaging to the reputation of the pursuer. For legal eagles, a distinction is correctly made between healthy pursuit and stalking. There are too many “fish in the sea” for a man to become obsessed with any one woman.

Coburn introduces the reader to refreshing vocabulary such as “trixie.” Through humorous stories sharing his own personal failures, the author educates the inexperienced man as to how to navigate the minefields inherent to the pursuit of women. This is not just another “how to pick up women” book. It is a refreshing, humorous attempt to advocate improved interpersonal skills and better interaction among the sexes. While the book also attempts to provide female readers with some insight on men; admittedly, most men are so one dimensional in their pursuit of women that no manual is necessary.

http://www.amazon.com/God-Woman-Disasters-Ian-Coburn/dp/0978797957

80 comments:

Anonymous said...

Iron Mike said...

Ok, I admit I am not exactly smooth with the ladies and could use a little bit of help, but I don't think my current wife would like that much.

Nevertheless, I will read it this weekend anyway.

Iron Mike.

Anonymous said...

I have actually read the book. It helped give me some confidence with woman. I found that I really needed to work at being funny. I almost wish Ian had written some possible scripts to try out so that I could learn to be humerous.

Jim

Anonymous said...

Blond Bombshell said:

Jim, while I don't know you, I feel confident in telling you that you can't learn to be funny by memorizing a script.

I will read the book and give my honest critique. I have to get it from Amazon.com because I called and my local store does not have it. But if legal pub says it's not just "a how to pick up women" book, then it is worth my time to read.

Shell

Anonymous said...

When I read the book, I laughed. I did not see it as a ploy to manipulate woman. I saw myself in a lot of the author's failures. I wish he could have included my suggestions for success with the opposite sex:

DO NOT:
1. Reminisce about an ex.
Your ex probably knows you've been around the block, spare him or her the details.

2. Betray each other's secrets

This is especially true concerning anything derogatory about friends or colleagues.

3. Criticize when your partner is trying his or her best.

When your partner is truly trying his or her best to help, don't criticize.

4. Constantly apologize

Once in a while is ok. But to do it often becomes boring and insincere.

Tracy

Anonymous said...

My best advice to single women wanting to hook up with a man is to dress in all leather. Why? Because dudes like the smell of a new car.


Surfer dude

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the folks in the recreational camps at woodstock could use this book about attraction. There is a story out of WOODSTOCK, Conn. (May 13) - that indicates the nude camps have aging members...

To draw 20- and 30-somethings, camps are trying everything from deep discounts on membership fees to a young ambassador program that encourages college and graduate students to talk to their peers about having fun without clothing.

"We don't want the place to turn into a gated assisted living facility," said Gordon Adams, membership director at Solair Recreation League in northeastern Connecticut. They recently invited students from dozens of New England schools to a college day in an attempt to attract and pique their interest.


Rob
The median age is 55 at Solair, where a yearly membership is $500 for people older than 40, $300 for people younger than 40 and $150 for college students.

Anonymous said...

Tough guys attract chicks. Does Coburn give any advice to symphany goers to make sure they bring brass knuckles?

BOSTON (May 11) - Concert-goers, and even Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, were caught off-guard when a fight broke out on opening night at usually sedate Symphony Hall. Television video of the fight Wednesday night showed two men struggling in the balcony - one with his shirt pulled off - as several people stood around them.

Witnesses said they heard a scream from the balcony, and the sound of chairs falling, then a second scream as the fight escalated.

Tony

Viper said...

Tony, I am not so sure tough guys get all the woman. Being a divorce attorney, I have a lot of lonely clients in seek of a match. I plan to read the book this weekend, and if I agree with legal pub opinion, I may start recommending it for my divorce clients to read.

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Ian, the author of this book. He posted a link to this review on his blog. I have to agree with him that there are some very good topics here on Legal Pub and I'll have to make sure to come back and stay up on them. I especially like the comments because they are insightful and add to the discussion, whereas many comments on other blogs or message boards get way off-track and attack one another.

Speaking of getting off-track; okay, the book. As I follow the increasing articles and discussions on the web about this book, I continue to learn that it is more complex and better than I had ever realized. There seem to be new points to be made and tangents to explore everywhere. People take from this book what they need. A laugh. To learn about the life of stand-up comedy. Pick up artists for advice to enhance their game. Women for advice on men. Men for advice on women. Different ages like it for different reasons.

One reason it may work for so many people, which I did not think of until I read a comment here, is that it is not a book about manipulation. That is a great point because that seems to be a common theme in dating advice books - animosity toward the opposite sex that takes the shape of manipulation. Ian addresses this early in the book as an important lesson he learned young. "I adore women; that's different than adoring sex." He goes on to explain that for lots of guys sex seems to be less about being close to another person and more about wanting revenge or having anger toward women. This does seem to be a theme in every book I've read or message boards I've seen for "players" and "pick up artists". Yet Ian ends up doing this himself for part of the book, only stopping when he realizes the change in himself.

Jim - For more advice from Ian on being funny, he talks about how to develop humor in the book, here is an article he wrote about using humor in writing. It's not the same but the techniques can be applied.

http://www.scriptmag.com/earticles/earticle.php?435

I bought the book in a store myself but some of my friends who I've told to get it have had trouble finding it. As it becomes more popular more stores should carry it, I would think.

I'm 24, so I think I'll pass on that nudist camp. Please let me know if there is an 18-30 one. I may not join but I would buy a weekend pass!

Anonymous said...

Blond Bombshell said...

Marco you seem like a reasonable man. Pretty good insights as to the book. I will give my review after I read it. I should have it from Amazon by tomorrow.

I do agree, that humor is the way to get a girl's attention. Are you listening Iron Mike?

Anonymous said...

I read the book. I think I may have been one of the authors failures. I like interesting confident men. Someone who keeps my interest. While I have never met him, I would love to meet legal pub because he is funny and entertaining.

I was not offended at all by the book. I thought it was funny.


Jane

Ms Calabaza said...

Hey Iron Mike,

I enjoyed your "my current wife" comment. Remember, if this one doesn't work out you could probably try to ask Blond Bombshell out . . . can't help being a matchmaker up here in the woods . . .

Anonymous said...

Read it. Loved it. It is exceptional. My review is on Amazon. I am very interested in seeing how "The Manual," coming out in two weeks, stacks up against it. Ian is the charmer; Steve is the bad boy. This could make for an interesting comparison on how they see things the same and differently.

Anonymous said...

Blond Bombshell said...

Thanks Ms. Calabaza but I am better off on my own. I was married once and was a step mom. But now, I enjoy my freedom.

I got the book express from Amazon. I read it in one sitting. I really enjoyed the beginning a lot. It is funny, but it reinforced my opinion that men are mostly sex starved perverts. I could have done without the Chapter on private show in the hotel room with the models.

In the end, it seems like Ian learned a lot from his failures and as a result became a better person. I really do think that the book has a chance to help a lot of pigs (I mean men) become better communicators with women. This in and of itself is worth the price of the book. I give it 4.5 stars.


Shell

Most of

Anonymous said...

Ms C., thanks for the comment about my wife. She reads too but never posts. I am sure my marriage is on safe grounds for now...

As for the book, I will read it this weekend.

Iron Mike.

Anonymous said...

I read the book. It was a hoot.


Jimmy

Anonymous said...

I read the book to find out what guys think. I agree with Shell, confirms guys are pigs. Even still, it is a good read and worth the price to confirm what I have always suspected about boys and men.

Sally

Anonymous said...

I think it is helpful to us guys. It lets us experience success through some one else's failure.



Rob

Anonymous said...

I saw a friends name on this site and I thought I would read it. Maybe I am famous, but I think I speak for most attactive women who are asked by men "How do I make a pretty girl like you like me?" Here is the harsh truth for Ian and others:

If she doesn't like you, you can't make her like you. First and most basic lesson I can share with you. I do not care if you are in Holliwood or New York, the rule is universal.

Women may love compliments, romantic gestures, small gifts like flowers... but if she's not attracted to you it's creepy. The harder you try, the more creepy it gets.

Best piece of advice, if she is not into you move on, Sparky. There's more fish in the sea.

Second, if she likes you as a friend, romantic acts on your part just "isn't that nice."

You can't make a woman who is not attracted to you want to sleep with you by telling her how pretty she looks today. While you may think bringing her lunch when she has to work, or getting her flowers on her birthday will help, it won't! This will make you the "sweetest friend ever" but she's still not going to do you.

On the other hand,if she is attracted to you, then most any effort you make will be rewarded.

In fact,if a woman is into you, the smallest compliment is something she'll relive in her mind all day. Every text message will be saved, and every flower you send will be pressed and saved. Once you are "in", you are in and you'll probably get more "quality time" the more romantic things you do.

It is what it is. If she's not attracted to you, she's not attracted to you.

Don't try to be someone else, find someone who likes you for who you are. If some one does not like you as a boyfriend, it just means she's not the right one for you. If getting more money, a better job or new clothes suddenly makes a woman who wasn't interested before more interested... it probably won't last.

That's not to say that improving yourself is a bad thing- looking nice and having a decent job will help overall! But doing it to impress one specific someone probably won't work.

Last, but not least, guys read Ian's books and other books because they will increase your confidence. This will help you take calculated risks to find the one that is attracted to you.

Your secret reader from L.A.

Anonymous said...

I really liked the book. The summaries and the quickie lessons were real helpful. I am only 19, but I think the book will help me a lot.


Ralph

tiffany said...

i would have to say this is one AWESOME book review! nice job step dad =) haha

Anonymous said...

To "secret reader"

When you say "I would read it", do you mean you read the book or this blog? I'm going to infer you meant the blog because the book has nothing to do with sending flowers or candy or trying to get very pretty women and it definitely doesn't advise you to ask women "How can I get a pretty woman like you?" Also, lots of the advice is for women. In otherwords, it's not at all about wooing women.

For Ralph, you are lucky. I wish I had this book when I was 19. I think it is especially great advice for your age group.

Cindy

Anonymous said...

I wrote:"That's not to say that improving yourself is a bad thing- looking nice and having a decent job will help overall! But doing it to impress one specific someone probably won't work.

Last, but not least, guys read Ian's books and other books because they will increase your confidence. This will help you take calculated risks to find the one that is attracted to you."

Yes, I read the book. Yes, I am recommending it. I did not say the book asks how to get a pretty woman. I wrote that guys (mostly guy friends) ask me that all the time. And just because I am pretty, doesn't mean I am not smart. :)


Your secret reader in L.A.

Anonymous said...

I read the book this weekend. It was a blast. I laughed so hard over the elevator package. Thanks a million for letting me know about the book, Legal Pubmeister.


Penna

Viper said...

MIAMI -- A home in Miami was riddled with dozens of bullets over the weekend in an apparent drive-by shooting. A gunman fired more than 100 shots at the house using an AK-47 assault rifle.The home is located at Northeast 175th Street and Seventh Court. NBC 6's Hank Tester reported that sources close to the case said the shooting happened because a girl rejected a prom date proposal.

Perhaps this does not happen had the dude read Ian's book and learned to laugh at his failures.?

Anonymous said...

This book deals with Ian’s romantic (mis)adventures! God Is A Woman is a hoot. I hope his mom does not reads it. The story about his mother’s red scarf is such that if the poor lady ever reads that chapter, she may kill him. I laughed so hard. Great book hope everyone gets a chance to read it.

Kelvin

Anonymous said...

I am 20. Before I read the book, I always felt ashamed of my failures with women. But after reading Ian's failures, I am learning not to take myself so seriously. It still hurts when I strike out with a woman, but now I get over it a lot faster and sometimes I even chuckle.


Ben

Anonymous said...

I hope you come out with a Spanish version of the book so that more of California, Florida, and Texas can enjoy it.


Javier

Anonymous said...

I liked the book. Ian must be a great comedian because the whole book seemed like one big mono log. Thanks Legal Pub to turning me on to this book and for your cute stories.


Tammi

Anonymous said...

Marco, I must agree with you, the book is not about manipulation. Mystery writes about how to make a girl become attracted to you by playing games. Ian does not suggest that. I got out of his very funny book the idea that a man should learn from his failures and keep searching for the right girl. Personally, I think that is right on point.

Shell

Anonymous said...

Marco, what do you think... Do tough guys get the girls? On a personal note, if I could learn to be funny like Ian and can tone down my attitude so that I am just a bad boy like one of David D.'s pupils, do you think I could have more success with woman? I am in my 40's about 6'4" and 300lbs. I work at the docks so I work up a little sweat now and then but I think I clean up ok. I suppose I could be sweet but I'd rather be known as the funny guy. Marco, let me know what you think because I would like to go to the west coast this year in style.

Tony

Anonymous said...

Tony, can you read? No offense, but if you can, get the book. Read it a couple of times and see if that helps.


Randy

Anonymous said...

Tony,

The tough guys get the girls attention but the humor holds it longer. That's one of the things I learned from the book. It's not even about learning some of this stuff, it's about realizing it. I think comedians have a different way of seeing things that kind of make us all think "Oh yeah, that makes sense" when they say it.

SInce everyone seems to like the book so much, here is an interview Ian did a few months back that is very interesting. (Like I said, I've been following him for awhile.) It's long (once again, Ian shares everything - as we know from the book) but quite eye-opening about getting published. After you read it, put up a review for his book on Amazon and spread the word. (That will make alot more sense once you've read this.)

http://www.bloggernews.net/15704

Shell - thank you for being the first woman to admit that I am reasonable!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for clarifying secret reader from L.A.

Cindy

Anonymous said...

Iron Mike said...

I liked Simon's interview. Wow, the publishing business is about as cut throat as coaching...

Iron Mike

Anonymous said...

Yup, Simons review was long, but a good read. I think the interview was even more informative for those of us who all ready read the book.


Jim

Anonymous said...

I have watched Ian Coburn's stand up routines on his website. Funny, yes. But I can tell you, Ian also has some of that "bad boy" thing going for him too.


Janet

Anonymous said...

I hope to read the book over the long weekend. Any help I can get understanding men is worth it.


Linda

Anonymous said...

The book is funny. I found myself thinking back to some of the guys I met back in college. I thought it was only me that had guys act foolish. Now I realize that the silly guys were just in the process of learning to be men.


Debbie

Anonymous said...

There not exactly dating disasters, more like dating fender benders.


Law dog

Anonymous said...

I have read the review and the comments. I am on vacation next week to the beach. I am going to chill with this book and then have a little fun.


Mits

Anonymous said...

California Surfer Dude said...

Hey Mitts, surf is up on west coast! Read Ian's chapter on bitter friends. If the woman is with her friend, and the friend has her arms crossed, change your priorities immediately to surfing. In the long run you will get more action with a board then being bored.

Surfer Dude

Anonymous said...

Surfer Dude:

I love your comments. You need to get off the beach and onto a sit com or at least a reality show. You make my day. :)

Secret Reader from L.A.

Legal Pub said...

As an update, Coburn's book is in the top 700 on the best seller's list. Pretty decent for a book that was not published by one of the major firms.

Anonymous said...

Yeah! One of our posters is becoming big time. Hey, Ian, will you remember us fellow posters when you are rich and famous?



Ginny?

Anonymous said...

I was googling and came upon this review. I got my hands on the book and really enjoyed it. The author grows up during the book. He starts as an immature kid hoping to get action and develops into a mature man seeking a relationship and not just sexual gratification.

I enjoyed the book.


Lucy

Anonymous said...

loved the book!

Anonymous said...

Well, I think this is a fair review.
As a woman, at times I was embarrassed and at other times I laughed my but off. Really enjoyed the book.

Carmello

Anonymous said...

I think the book is very gender neutral.

My advice to those who have not read the book is to read it. If not, then men should remember:

a. be confident
b. be humerous
c. Don't be a stalker
d. Don't get obsessed.


Oh yeah, and play coed sports. :)

Julie

Anonymous said...

Cool Julie. Sounds like the new bible for the college bound student.


Joey C.

Anonymous said...

For some dumb reason, I thought this book was a religious treatise. I read the thing and it was funny as heck.



Clint

Anonymous said...

This book explains what to say to a woman in a pub. For that matter it explains what to say to a woman in almost any setting.

It teaches you the power of humor.

Anonymous said...

I thought this book was great. I could not put it down!


Harry

Anonymous said...

How do I read all of the 53 comments?

I loved this book. Especially the advice on what to do or not to do in an elevator.

Sandy

Anonymous said...

God is a woman. And I am married to her!


Vincent (and no I don't dare put my whole name.)

Anonymous said...

Well, I read the book I liked it. I saw a lot of myself in some of the woman that Ian Coburn describes. But mostly, I saw myself in the title. :)

Sal

Anonymous said...

Interesting style of writing. Almost Hemmingway like in that the thoughts just flow.

I enjoyed it.

Mary

Legal Pub said...

This book review apparently generated over 50 comments and too many reads to mention.

It truly is a humerus, instructional way to approach the dating scene.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for turning me on to this book Legal Pub.

Joey C.

Anonymous said...

Great read. I could not put it down.


Barb G.

Anonymous said...

Helped my social life a lot. Not saying I was a loser before, but now I feel confident that no matter what I say, it can't be as bad as the mistakes the author made when he first started into the dangerous world of dating.


Larry P.

Anonymous said...

I laughed so hard while I was reading the book, that I did not realize how much I was learning about the dating scene until I was done with the last page. Since then I have been following Ian Coburns's newspaper and magazine questions and answers. The guys advice is gold.


Harry P.

Anonymous said...

Funny book. Entertaining read. If I could only go back and try college all over again...


Ralph

Anonymous said...

I read the book twice.
First time was for humor, and the second time to learn. I took some notes. I jotted down some openers and ideas and headed back to the college campus to reinvent myself.

It worked. I got three dates for the next 7 days. Can't imagine why any guy can't benefit from these suggestions to improve yourself.


Bobbie D.

Anonymous said...

Ian Coburn has been featured as an expert in Men's Health!

Anonymous said...

Ian Coburn Ian Coburn

Ian Coburn here Ian Coburn there
tra la la
tra lala
dr dr dr

Anonymous said...

Ian Coburn is a genius. He lets his readers know how to get over your hang ups and get what you want. He does so in a funny, humerus way. He never comes across as some super stud. Just a regular guy trying to get his share.


Henry T.

Anonymous said...

Ian Coburn helped level the playing field for me. After reading his book, God Is a Woman, I was less hung up about being short. After reading about his embarrassment in the elevator, I became less shy and less fearful of making a fool of myself.

While I still am no major player, I have had the confidence to go on a few dates and as a result I am finally enjoying life a little more.

Thanks Ian.


Jacob F.

Anonymous said...

I was clueless until I read God is a Woman!

Anonymous said...

I just got a hold of the book while in Europe. I was told it came in an English as well as a Russian version. I could not put the book down. Absolutely spell bound as I saw almost every mistake I ever made with women come to life on the printed page.

I really enjoyed it! A great read for the trains in Europe!


Tom P.

Anonymous said...

This website is expert I appreciated it quite a lot

Anonymous said...

Love the book. I have read it twice. A funny humerous way to realize our own mistakes.

Anonymous said...

This book gave me the confidence to go out and find a girl friend without fear. I figured no way I could mess up any worse than the author and if he survived I would too. It worked.

Anonymous said...

Recently read the book and laughed real hard. You can learn a lot from this dude's screwups.

Anonymous said...

Recently read the book and laughed real hard. You can learn a lot from this dude's screwups.

Anonymous said...

Goo read.

Anonymous said...

And I thought I was bad with women...

Anonymous said...

Enjoyable reading about some one lse who was clueless about women

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

This book should be a classic comedy. I thought my dating life sucked until I read Coburn's book.