The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists   

This is the book that introduced the world to pick up artistry and some of the most famous pick up artists. It became a bestseller shortly after its release, and its author, Neil Strauss, appeared on many of the U.S.'s most popular TV talk shows at the time of its release.

Note: This review and the rating have been done from the perspective of learning to get more success with women. They do not reflect the 'entertainment' value of the book itself - the book is a very entertaining read.

A Documentary - Not Fiction

Some people I have come across, particularly women have thought this was a fictional story. Having witnessed most of what takes place in this book, I can only say - sorry - it isn't. Some people would like to believe that the world is how they see it today and not have that image ruffled. The good news, is that, most guys will find it opens their eyes to the possibilities - this is the positive way to take it. I have met a few which fear the world of male-female relations that it describes and so reject it. That doesn't, of course, change the reality of it.

Heralding a Huge Growth in Popularity of Pick Up Artistry and its Training

Shortly after the book's release, the number of students enrolling in dating coaching bootcamps grew exponentially, and the number of pick up artists that began commercializing their knowledge exploded. The book's popularity helped Mystery, who takes front stage in the documentary-story, to sign his reality TV show with VH-1 - The Pick Up Artist Season 1, after which there has also been a follow up The Pick Up Artist Season 2.

A Starting Point for Newbies to Dating Advice

Everyone I have spoken to who has read this book has found it inspiring, and a large majority of the world's dating advice students only took an interest after reading this book. In particular, I remember what one of my buddies said when he read it, "You always knew it was there... but noone talked about it, you always knew there was a reason the worst guys seemed to get the girls.. and there it is, you finally get it. The curtain is drawn on the big secret."

That is the value of this book - it will 'open your eyes' to the possibilities. It will not teach you anything, except that what you already subconsciously knew about the world and men and women relations, is actually true.

What the Book is Not

Do not expect to learn any pick up techniques from this book. It is a story. Or more to the point a documentary of events of the society of pick up artists, wrapped up into a story. Whilst some techniques are highlighted as the story unravels in this book, there is no real explanation of these and it has been known for readers of the book to apply techniques erroneously as they try to take the very limited information on skillsets in the book and apply it.

The Bottom Line

If you don't know what the seduction / pick up artist community is, then you should buy this book. It will introduce you to some of its originators, its culture and open your eyes to what it is possible to achieve with women. It also provides some insight into where and how a lot of today's dating advice has come into being, and how reliable it is.

Whilst it is not essential reading, it is a strong recommendation. 99% of students of dating advice have read this book, and it helps you to situate yourself amongst all the instructors and terminology you will come across.