Reviews

The School of Life: An Emotional Education by Alain de Botton

sandrews100's review

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Couldn't get on with the narrator 

abhishekshetty's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed reading this book and I love how Botton mixes philosophy and self-help in such creative and engaging ways. He is an excellent essay writer and culture critic. You learn many insights about love, work, culture and life in general. I highly recommend reviewing some of Botton's other fiction books and his Youtube channel after you read this one.

veessa's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

hecaldwell's review against another edition

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5.0

The chapter on 'the good child' really resonated with me, this book is an enjoyable read with lovely insights, some reflective too. It makes you think, question yourself and others. It is a school of life.

ashklaass's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.5

deschatjes's review against another edition

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4.0

This book leaves the usual "warm and fuzzies" of self-help / pop psychology firmly behind and addresses the realities of life, relationships, growing older, etc. etc.
I found myself nodding my head, often with mouth gaping in astonishment.
Definitely something for those longer in tooth - I just don't thing the youth will get it until they've got it and then it's almost too late.

tmiles's review against another edition

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informative inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

3.0

schwarzerphooka's review against another edition

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4.0

Containing most of the parts of "On Confidence", "Sex" and "How to Overcome your Childhood" I find this book a comprehensive approach to an emotional education. Agreeing with it on a lot, but far from everything, as is normal, it does seem like a book worth reading for anyone who has at some point felt the pressures from "society". As intangible as the term "society" may be, I think that everyone of us has encountered some parts of the pressures it exerts and I think this book has a passage of solace for everyone with it's somber and mature attitude. I'm not sure if I would recommend to read it if you are currently prone to depression however, as it at times can make life sound rather meaningless, despite trying it's best to make it hopeful through realism and a sense of community in the difficulties of life. The School of Life has a quite unique voice and is one of my favorite books for sure.

mathewsjohn's review against another edition

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4.0

Pretty good

ina_fab's review against another edition

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5.0

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