The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists by Neil Strauss

It seems that in modern publishing the best thing to do is to explain the book's premise in a sub-title, because otherwise us humble readers won't bother picking the book up. So with an appropriately catchy premise, Neil Strauss's book is sub-titled with the hint of the holy grail for men: how to become an instant Casanova and lure any woman one wants. With such a hook it's pretty hard to stuff the book itself up, although Strauss tries. The plot is simple: it's a step-by-step recounting of Strauss's introduction and delving into this world of PUAs (pick up artists). He meets the obligatory mad-cap set of characters and becomes our tour-guide through this sub-culture of misogynists and misfits. There are some interesting detours, including his interview with Britney Spears (he's a rock critic by day), an interlude with Courtney Love and Project Hollywood, where a group of PUAs find that underneath it all they're just a bunch of backstabbing bastards. It's effectively a group biography of some emotionally stunted, low self-esteem men who can only gain validation in life from their conquests of women. It also doesn't speak highly of the kind of women these guys are picking up. Strauss is bowled over by Lisa, a band member of Courtney Love's who manages to demonstrate there are women that are intelligent, emotionally mature and capable of avoiding all this bullshit. It's almost comical at the end of the book where Strauss finds his lines have already been run on many of the women hanging out on Sunset, his favourite pick up location. But there's always the inevitable Hollywood ending, the self-realisation and the fitting finale (with the movie not far off).

The book is fascinating in the same way as watching a mouse running on an exercise wheel is - it seems entertaining while you wonder if the mouse realises there's far more to life than spinning on the spot. I'd recommend it, although don't be expected to be blown away by the writing. The plot's the thing in this case and Strauss manages to tell it straight. It's a tour of a world you'd think you'd be jealous of, until you visit it.

As for the magic formula? Quite simple, really: have a personality, have some self-confidence and have something to say. Alternatively you can pay US$2,000 and find out from these misanthropes the "secret", or read this book and realise there isn't a secret after all.