Caso Práctico B2

CASO PRÁCTICO B2

5 MOST FAMOUS SELF-HELP BOOKS OF ALL TIMES

Read the following texts about self-help books. For each of the sentences (1 – 10) choose

the correct text (A - E). Each text can be joined to MORE THAN ONE sentence.

A. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie; HarperCollins.

First published in 1937, and with a title that says it all, the book offers fundamental techniques for handling people, strategies to win people round to your way of thinking, and clever advice on how to change people without giving offense. A salesman turned writer and lecturer, Carnegie was speaking from experience – and his concise advice makes sense.

B. The Road Less Travelled, M. Scott Peck; Rider.

It initially hit bookstores in 1978 and remains the self-help bible of choice. Influenced by Buddhist teachings, this New York psychiatrist helped millions to become more self-aware. Many Peck devotees have read this book more than once – I’m one of them – and there are always suggestions to put into practice in daily life.

C. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, Susan Jeffers; Rider.

Many people consider this self-help manual their life’s guidebook, claiming it changed their lives forever. In fact, so powerful is Jeffers’ book that its title, “feel the fear and do it anyway”, has entered common talk in the Western world, offering an alternative to “seize the day!” One of its useful ideas, among many, is that it’s often not only we who hold ourselves back, but the people around us who don’t want us to shine. Grab a copy of this international bestseller, and start looking for the power within.

D. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John Gray; HarperCollins.

The great thing about Gray’s book is that it reminds us that we are not alone in our frustrations with the opposite sex. It’s easy to accuse Gray of filling his book with alarming clichés, but only because they are undisputed pieces of truth. Essential reading if your partner is driving you crazy; with a light touch, this is a classic.

E. He’s Just Not into You, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo; HarperCollins.

This is a book all single women should read. Reflecting a modern view of relationships, it’s a must have reality check. Authors Behrendt and Tuccillo (both of whom worked on TV’s “Sex and the City”, she as a writer, he as a script consultant) challenge with vivid examples all the ridiculous assumptions we women make when men don’t do what we think they should. One tip alone is worth its weight in gold: if a man says that he’s “trouble” or “does not like long-term relationships” or that he is “not looking for love”, or whatever… believe him. And run a mile!

Which book …

1. was written by a doctor?

2. has a very descriptive title?

3. is based on personal experience?

4. can be criticised for using lots of stereotypes?

5. has a title that has become a popular sentence?

6. has the reviewer read on more than one occasion?

7. explores how women behave when looking for a partner?

8. suggests it is not always easy to understand your partner?

9. suggests that we sometimes don’t succeed because of others?

10. suggests that women should believe men when they talk about their feelings?

KEY

A.  2 and 3.

B. 1 and 6.

C. 5 and 9.

D. 4 and 8.

E.7 and 10.

A. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie; HarperCollins.

First published in 1937, and with a title that says it all, (2) the book offers fundamental techniques for handling people, strategies to win people round to your way of thinking, and clever advice on how to change people without giving offense. A salesman turned writer and lecturer, Carnegie was speaking from experience (3) – and his concise advice makes sense.

B. The Road Less Travelled, M. Scott Peck; Rider.

It initially hit bookstores in 1978 and remains the self-help bible of choice. Influenced by Buddhist teachings, this New York psychiatrist (1) helped millions to become more self-aware. Many Peck devotees have read this book more than once – I’m one of them –(6) and there are always suggestions to put into practice in daily life.

C. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, Susan Jeffers; Rider.

Many people consider this self-help manual their life’s guidebook, claiming it changed their lives forever. In fact, so powerful is Jeffers’ book that its title, “feel the fear and do it anyway”, has entered common talk in the Western world, (5) offering an alternative to “seize the day!” One of its useful ideas, among many, is that it’s often not only we who hold ourselves back, but thepeople around us who don’t want us to shine. (9) Grab a copy of this international bestseller,and start looking for the power within.

D. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John Gray; HarperCollins.

The great thing about Gray’s book is that it reminds us that we are not alone in our frustrations with the opposite sex. It’s easy to accuse Gray of filling his book with alarming clichés, (4) but only because they are undisputed pieces of truth. Essential reading if your partner is driving you crazy; with a light touch, this is a classic. (8)

E. He’s Just Not into You, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo; HarperCollins.

This is a book all single women should read. Reflecting a modern view of relationships, it’s a must have reality check. Authors Behrendt and Tuccillo (both of whom worked on TV’s “Sex and the City”, she as a writer, he as a script consultant) challenge with vivid examples all the ridiculous assumptions we women make (7) when men don’t do what we think they should.

One tip alone is worth its weight in gold: if a man says that he’s “trouble” or “does not like long-term relationships” or that he is “not looking for love”, or whatever… believe him. And run a mile! (10)