Bleh, like reading a horoscope

Sadly, this book fell well short of my expectations. I was hoping for some real insight into what makes a person tick. Instead, this book was more like a long, drawn-out horoscope. Leman makes little effort to substantiate his claims with objective evidence.

I did get a sense of the three basic personality types.

First born: Conscientious, orderly, organized, driven to please mom and dad

Middle child: Peace maker, independent, chooses a different route to recognition than older siblings

Last born: Disorganized, impulsive, attention-seeking, creative

However, those personality classes are very difficult to apply. Why? Because his definition of who is in those categories is vague. You are a first-born if you are the first girl or first boy in your family, or if your next older sibling is at least 5 years older than you. Similarly, you are a last-born if you are the youngest in your family, or if your next younger sibling is at least 5 years younger than you. A middle child is one who doesn't fit those categories.

I have an older sister (15 months older), and a brother who is about 5 years younger. That makes me a first-born and a last-born. But in many ways, I also fit the definition of a middle child. How uninteresting is THAT?! Without a clear picture of what class you're in, the book descends into an arbitrary list of personality types, and my personality spans across all of them. Bleh.

11 people found this helpful

Just for fun

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have already recommended this book to a few people who I think may benefit from giving it a read, however I do not believe that it lives up to it's, some what exhaustive, claim that it offers 'life changing' wisdom within it's pages/wavelengths.

What could Kevin Leman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Usually when I buy a book of this kind I am looking for lots of real life application suggestions. This book offers little in that regard.

Have you listened to any of Wayne Shepherd’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first I have listened to narration by Wayne Shepherd. I would happily recommend his performances.

Any additional comments?

This book was a fun read/listen but my personal opinion is that the psycographic profiles presented by Dr Leman are a bit too exacting and few people would fit into such a precise frame.I give this book a star rating of 462 out of 1000...

8 people found this helpful

Could He Be More All Over The Board?

I liked the concept and believe there is something to it but the number of exceptions to his rules (or primary premiss) for each birth order slot diminishes the idea. Would have been better to address main characteristics then briefly and concisely address the exceptions.

Also, the jumping around on topics and stories made it hard to follow.

4 people found this helpful

Eye Opening and Extremely Helpful

My marriage, parenting, and personal growth are positively effected by this book. Funny, excellent read.

3 people found this helpful

Necessary guide to understanding your family

Family matters can be a headache, and I have never satisfied with the explanation of “that’s just the way it is.” Cubby Lehman’s theory on birth order has helped me simplify deep rooted family dynamics that have been made so complex mysterious and unfathomable. I’ve been told to not try and make things better between family members, but I could never stop trying and this book gives me confidence that I can help make a change; if not for my parents and siblings then for my future wife and kids. Cheers to you doc

2 people found this helpful

great book

love it it was a great read .a must read I never thought so much had to do with my birth order

2 people found this helpful

Excellent and full of helpful information

This book helped me to understand myself and my children so much better. I felt like it gave insight into my upbringing and will help me to become a better single mom. The content is informative, entertaining, and easy to follow along

2 people found this helpful

Source of much introspection

I think anyone looking to improve relationships, business and even self-improvement will benefit from the insights dr. Lehman discusses in this best-seller.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent!

This book is very helpful and I will listen and read it again! Very good!

2 people found this helpful

Wow! Absolutely Dumbfounded! So Relevant

Absolutely loved it! Recommend it to all parents, ministry staff, business professionals, bookclubs, etc. Makes perfect sense!

2 people found this helpful