Additional information
| Author | Robin Skynner |
|---|
Life, and how to survive it
By Robin Skynner (1993)
What the internet says
Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.
Overall reception: Mostly positive
Life and How to Survive It by Robin Skynner and John Cleese is generally well-received as an accessible and entertaining exploration of mental health across individuals, families, organizations, and societies. The book maintains a conversational dialogue format between psychiatrist Skynner and comedian Cleese, which readers consistently praise for making complex psychological concepts digestible. On Goodreads, it holds a 4.10 rating from 425 ratings, with 41% giving it 5 stars and 34% giving 4 stars. Reviewers describe it as 'surprising, thrilling and enjoyable' with one noting it fundamentally changed their life for the better. The book covers topics from family dynamics to workplace relationships, grief, mid-life crisis, and societal health, drawing on sources from Harvard studies to classical philosophy.
What readers loved
- Conversational dialogue format makes complex psychological concepts accessible and entertaining to read
- Provides practical insights applicable to real-life situations in families, work, and personal relationships
- Combines Cleese's humor with Skynner's clinical expertise effectively, avoiding excessive psychiatric jargon
- Offers sophisticated analysis of politics, organizations, and societal behavior through psychological frameworks
- Central concept of 'health' applied across different group settings provides useful analytical framework
- Includes helpful discussions on topics like emotional dependency, work fulfillment, and communication patterns
- Readers report the book provided life-changing clarity and tools to resolve previously intractable personal issues
Common critiques
- Conversational format can feel clunky, contrived, or tiresome to read at times, lacking clear outlines
- Content is dated, particularly references to 1990s topics like the 'Japanese miracle' and specific political examples
- Not particularly memorable or profound despite being enjoyable - some readers struggled to recall content months later
- The guru/devotee dynamic between Cleese and Skynner can feel embarrassing or overly deferential
- Kirkus Reviews criticized it as 'self-help mediocrity' that needed heavier editing and stronger shaping
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