Nose in a Book

The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment by A. J. Jacobs

This is the third book by Jacobs that I have read and I found it just as entertaining as the first two.  I think the sub-title for this book pretty much summarizes what it’s about.  Some of the experiments that he does are outsourcing his life to two different companies in India.  One company takes care of the business side of his life and the other the personal.  I think this is probably my favourite chapter because the concept is just so funny!  Another funny chapter is when he decides to practice radical honesty, in which he pretty much says exactly what he’s thinking, which is an interesting concept and I’m sure you can see how that could lead to some funny/awkward situations.  It also leads to some candid conversations.

Some other experiments Jacobs tries are becoming a hot woman (online, as he helps his nanny find a date), impersonating a celebrity at the Oscars, becoming more rational, posing naked for a magazine article, becoming more like George Washington, unitasking (not multitasking), and doing everything his wife asks for an entire month.

This book was just as funny and entertaining as his first two and I really enjoyed it.  Jacobs has a way of making fun of himself that is so honest and endearing.  I can’t imagine living with this man though.  I feel for his wife.  And apparently a lot of people feel this way, which is what led to the last chapter, where he does everything his wife says for a whole month.  She must be one amazing woman!

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A. J. Jacobs