The Game by Neil Strauss

The Game

Neil Strauss

I recently listened to The Game as an audio book downloaded from Audible.com.  I don’t really like audio books, but found this to be one of the better ones I have downloaded.  This is in part because it is narrated by the author.

The Game is offered up as an inside look at the world of the professional Pick Up Artist.  It chock full of advice on how to approach an attractive stranger and start up a conversation.  Because of the way Neil Strauss presents this information when you finish The Game you’ll probably feel like you could go out and get your swerve on; kinda like when you watched The Fast and the Furious and sat in the cinema parking lot revving Hyundai’s engine. 

Not that I did that or anything. 

But soon into The Game you’ll realize that there is more to this book than just how to scam babes into working your cock.  Beneath the veneer of smooth Game running pimpitude this is one of those books where you’re, like, supposed to learn a bigger lesson and stuff.

After Neil gets into the realm of being a Pickup Artist (PUA) he moves into this crazy Fight Club-esque testosterone fueled house.  You can guess how that goes.  As much as we might not like to admit it; masculine and feminine compliment each other… like peanut butter and chocolate.

What I take from this book, as a single guy, is something I’ve always known, but never really been able to put into words.  The things that make for a strong first impression… the attributes that women are initially attracted to… the things that drive them nuts in the bar, the coffee shop, the super market, or the break room in the office are not the same things that keep they hanging around after the initial attraction has faded. 

What attracts a mate is not what keeps a mate. 

It would seem that nothing says, “I’m gonna make your toes curl and your back arch,” like sweater vests, economy cars, and diversified investment portfolios.

Oh wait.  That’s not right is it?

Because of this dichotomy The Game covers some tricky subject matter.  Handled wrong it could come across very misogynistic.  At times certain characters hit that mark without a doubt, but the author doesn’t.  He seems genuine when he claims to not be a douche.  Rather, he was addicted to his new-found self-confidence and skill in making new connections with beautiful women after years of feeling alienated and inadequate.

Ultimately, the lesson The Game teaches is the same one your mom always told you; Be yourself.

But The Game recognizes that sometimes yourself has low self esteem and feels awkward talking to strangers… And if you just had a way of going up to an attractive stranger and starting a conversation that would be cool, because at the end of the day we’re all just peanut butter looking for some chocolate.