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Control the Crazy: My Plan to Stop Stressing, Avoid Drama, and Maintain Inner Cool
Vinny Guadagnino, star of Jersey Shore, discusses his lifelong struggle to control the effects of social anxiety and stress, and teaches readers the tools and techniques he's used to stay calm and maintain his sanity in all types of crazy situations--both on and off the show.
For more than a decade Vinny has been keeping a secret from his family, his friends, his castmates, and his fans: the fact that he's not as carefree and stress-free as he appears. Vinny suffers from panic attacks that strike without warning. They plagued him throughout his teens, forced him to move home from college, and tormented him during the first season of Jersey Shore. After fleeing the set during the filming of the fifth season of the show, Vinny realized he could no longer keep his problems to himself. It was time to speak out.
In this book, Vinny discusses how he's confronted his demons head on, and he gives readers the tools to do so themselves. For the millions of his fans who are also feeling overwhelmed with the world around them and by their own thoughts, Vinny offers a practical plan for taking control of your life, your body, and your mind.
For more than a decade Vinny has been keeping a secret from his family, his friends, his castmates, and his fans: the fact that he's not as carefree and stress-free as he appears. Vinny suffers from panic attacks that strike without warning. They plagued him throughout his teens, forced him to move home from college, and tormented him during the first season of Jersey Shore. After fleeing the set during the filming of the fifth season of the show, Vinny realized he could no longer keep his problems to himself. It was time to speak out.
In this book, Vinny discusses how he's confronted his demons head on, and he gives readers the tools to do so themselves. For the millions of his fans who are also feeling overwhelmed with the world around them and by their own thoughts, Vinny offers a practical plan for taking control of your life, your body, and your mind.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2012
51 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Vinny Guadagnino
3 books19 followersVinny Guadagnino was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and comes from a traditional Italian-American family. He graduated from CUNY College of Staten Island with honors, took the LSAT, and was a political aide for a State Assemblyman before joining Jersey Shore in 2009. When he’s not appearing on reality and scripted television, Vinny focuses on prosocial issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2015
I was very impressed with this self- help novel. As someone who has been battling depression and anxiety I found Vinny's guide very helpful. His suggestions for stopping the negative thoughts, focusing on the here & now, and realizing that those negative thoughts are not who I really am, have made a difference in my mental health.
Negative thoughts and worries were plaguing me constantly before reading this book. I've definitely noticed a difference in my mental health just from focusing on the here and now. His suggestions for exercise were repetitive. We all know we feel better after working out. I know I do! What I was lacking was pushing myself to do more physical activity. I'll be taking his suggestions of pushing myself knowing the end result is mental clarity.
I really liked that he encouraged giving without expecting. I realize that I was spending so much energy on the negative in myself and others. I expected positive energy without giving it willingly. I'm now taking time in my day to complete small acts of kindness.
Very helpful read!
Negative thoughts and worries were plaguing me constantly before reading this book. I've definitely noticed a difference in my mental health just from focusing on the here and now. His suggestions for exercise were repetitive. We all know we feel better after working out. I know I do! What I was lacking was pushing myself to do more physical activity. I'll be taking his suggestions of pushing myself knowing the end result is mental clarity.
I really liked that he encouraged giving without expecting. I realize that I was spending so much energy on the negative in myself and others. I expected positive energy without giving it willingly. I'm now taking time in my day to complete small acts of kindness.
Very helpful read!
April 10, 2013
Did I seriously just read a book about controlling your anxiety that was written by one of the cast of The Jersey Shore? And did I actually kind of enjoy it??? What is wrong with me?!?!
Not a stranger to anxious feelings and panic attacks, I've read a good amount of literature on the subject. This book is definitely...um, different than a lot of the other self-help books I've come across. However, I can see how a book like this would be helpful for young people with these mental health problems. It's unfortunate that young adults now-a-days look up to reality television celebrities, but at least Vinny seems to have a good head on his shoulders for the most part (and he has a college degree!). I think young people struggling with anxiety and depression issues will have a much greater chance of reading a book like this if it's written by someone they enjoy watching on TV. It's also mad readable, bro! (...)
Not a stranger to anxious feelings and panic attacks, I've read a good amount of literature on the subject. This book is definitely...um, different than a lot of the other self-help books I've come across. However, I can see how a book like this would be helpful for young people with these mental health problems. It's unfortunate that young adults now-a-days look up to reality television celebrities, but at least Vinny seems to have a good head on his shoulders for the most part (and he has a college degree!). I think young people struggling with anxiety and depression issues will have a much greater chance of reading a book like this if it's written by someone they enjoy watching on TV. It's also mad readable, bro! (...)
May 15, 2012
Who would have thought that Vinny on MTV's Jersey Shore could write a great self help book?
I have read a lot of self help books and Vinny's is a refreshing update on the classic ideas.
Here is a quote from the book, "Generosity and gratitude act like the cleaning agent Formula 409 on your mind".
Vinny really tells it like it is with his co-author Samantha Rose.
If you have a young person in your family, get them this book.
If you have a troubled teen, get them this book.
If you want to know what young people are thinking about, get this book.
It will surprise you.
Traditional concepts like being in service to others, controlling your ego, and listening to the silence between the words are brought to light in very hip language.
Bravo Vinny for making me smile!!
I have read a lot of self help books and Vinny's is a refreshing update on the classic ideas.
Here is a quote from the book, "Generosity and gratitude act like the cleaning agent Formula 409 on your mind".
Vinny really tells it like it is with his co-author Samantha Rose.
If you have a young person in your family, get them this book.
If you have a troubled teen, get them this book.
If you want to know what young people are thinking about, get this book.
It will surprise you.
Traditional concepts like being in service to others, controlling your ego, and listening to the silence between the words are brought to light in very hip language.
Bravo Vinny for making me smile!!
April 23, 2012
Recently I have had my fair share of anxiety creeping up. Not afraid to admit it. It makes you feel crazy for sure. I really didn't even think about picking this up, but last night when I was rather emotional I read the sample and totally found myself relating to the words I was reading.
I will say it made me feel better in many ways. Vinny offers a lot of helpful tips on battling anxiety. Those who don't have it don't understand how hard it is. It can hit out of nowhere, it makes you go places in your mind you never even thought you would go.
Reading Control the crazy really opened up my mind to things I was just overlooking about anxiety. I highlighted the crap out of the book on my kindle fire, so I could reread all the great parts.
It's definitely worth a read if you are struggling with anxiety. Knowing someone I see on television (Jersey Shore fan) goes through the same things as the rest of the world does is nice. Nobody is perfect, and we all need a way to come back from the darkness that takes over in our lives sometimes and I think this book does a good job at helping control the crazy!
I will say it made me feel better in many ways. Vinny offers a lot of helpful tips on battling anxiety. Those who don't have it don't understand how hard it is. It can hit out of nowhere, it makes you go places in your mind you never even thought you would go.
Reading Control the crazy really opened up my mind to things I was just overlooking about anxiety. I highlighted the crap out of the book on my kindle fire, so I could reread all the great parts.
It's definitely worth a read if you are struggling with anxiety. Knowing someone I see on television (Jersey Shore fan) goes through the same things as the rest of the world does is nice. Nobody is perfect, and we all need a way to come back from the darkness that takes over in our lives sometimes and I think this book does a good job at helping control the crazy!
November 19, 2012
Vinny deals with anxiety, and genuinely wants to help others by sharing his knowledge. He makes Chopra, Tolle, and all those other self-help gurus that normally bore a person to tears accessible. He doesn't talk down, uses a little humor, and avoids excessive buzzwords like "enlightenment."
November 23, 2015
Really impressed with this book. Vinny's approach to his own anxiety is based in research and experience, but is realistic and attainable.
November 6, 2020
Better written than I expected, especially since I’ve watched The Jersey Shore. The book definitely gives off the vibe that Vinny G has genuinely gone through this stuff & that’s a comfort, on some level. However, I am person that gets stressed & frustrated but I feel that those rarely hit the levels of full on anxiety. I came to this book looking for help on better managing stress & frustration. I do think there is an element of this being helpful & maybe even comforting to people who actually suffer from anxiety.
January 24, 2021
This book was overall very helpful. I loved the suggested reading list at the end, some of those books I hold as great resources. I think the only thing I struggled with this book is how he wrote like such a “bro” at times. Obviously this book is a few years old now and he was clearly trying to keep up this jersey shore persona. So some of the writing is a little hard to read. But ultimately I found the practices and exercises to be extremely helpful. Even if one tactic from this book works for you, I think it’s worth the read.
January 25, 2024
I’ve wanted to read this book for many years since Jersey Shore came out and I heard about the book. I would start the book but never finish it. I thought it would be more about the show but I liked that he didn’t mention any of his cast mates names and it was about his experience on the show. It was an interesting book though.
October 5, 2025
spent the entire book talking about drinking all the time, lists all the symptoms of alcoholism, then claims he wakes up from 'stress headaches' unrelated to drinking. it's not the drinking all night giving him stomach issues, it was him not clean eating and having that burger. Wildest read bruh.
September 11, 2018
The rather casual tone of this book makes it very accessible to readers, really. The material in itself is not so unique, but it is a good round up and/or stepping stone to managing anxiety.
April 6, 2019
Don't be surprised by this book, Vin is highly intelligent and explains the process that works for him in dealing with his anxiety. Review to come.
May 8, 2012
Read Control the Crazy:
It's the emotional logic of spiritual teachers jazzed up in an easy-to-comprehend guido's real-life narrative.
The book distills pages and pages of self-help information contained in other books into the simple, few proven techniques. Vinny from Jersey Shore cuts through the clutter of touchy-feely principles and gives the reader useful, practical advice.
Vinny Guadagnino from Jersey Shore, Reality TV's Hottest Celeb, has General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Yep-no kidding.
As does Eckhart Tolle, Vinny tells us to remember our thoughts are separate from our True Voice, from our True Self.
We need to observe what we think, and change our tune. Crazy-making thoughts create feelings in us that lead to some wild behavior, and our actions in turn cause stress.
Vinny's idea isn't original, it's been around forever. Cognitive behavioral therapy tells us that if we change our thoughts, we change our feelings, leading to a different, positive outcome instead of worry.
Vinny tells us to give our ego a name, to put it in its proper place. We need to remember our ego is separate and critical, our authentic or true self is light and happy.
As Eckhart Tolle intones, Vinny also gives credit to our all-powerfuil egos for bossing us around, yet the two know we don't have to take this bullying. We can change our thoughts. It starts with-you guessed it-by living as Vinny says in the right here, right now. You shut down the negative thoughts by focusing on where you are and what's going on around you.
In short, you don't have to wade knee-deep through philosophical ramblings contained in other books.
He gives you "mental workouts" to control the crazy that actually work.
Control the Crazy offers techniques you can use immediately and in an ongoing way to calm your mind and maintain inner cool.
It's one of the best books of its kind. Though young people will benefit the most, the techniques can used by anyone, regardless of your age.
Bravo, Vinny!
It's the emotional logic of spiritual teachers jazzed up in an easy-to-comprehend guido's real-life narrative.
The book distills pages and pages of self-help information contained in other books into the simple, few proven techniques. Vinny from Jersey Shore cuts through the clutter of touchy-feely principles and gives the reader useful, practical advice.
Vinny Guadagnino from Jersey Shore, Reality TV's Hottest Celeb, has General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Yep-no kidding.
As does Eckhart Tolle, Vinny tells us to remember our thoughts are separate from our True Voice, from our True Self.
We need to observe what we think, and change our tune. Crazy-making thoughts create feelings in us that lead to some wild behavior, and our actions in turn cause stress.
Vinny's idea isn't original, it's been around forever. Cognitive behavioral therapy tells us that if we change our thoughts, we change our feelings, leading to a different, positive outcome instead of worry.
Vinny tells us to give our ego a name, to put it in its proper place. We need to remember our ego is separate and critical, our authentic or true self is light and happy.
As Eckhart Tolle intones, Vinny also gives credit to our all-powerfuil egos for bossing us around, yet the two know we don't have to take this bullying. We can change our thoughts. It starts with-you guessed it-by living as Vinny says in the right here, right now. You shut down the negative thoughts by focusing on where you are and what's going on around you.
In short, you don't have to wade knee-deep through philosophical ramblings contained in other books.
He gives you "mental workouts" to control the crazy that actually work.
Control the Crazy offers techniques you can use immediately and in an ongoing way to calm your mind and maintain inner cool.
It's one of the best books of its kind. Though young people will benefit the most, the techniques can used by anyone, regardless of your age.
Bravo, Vinny!
June 2, 2013
So yeah, I read a book written by Vinny from Jersey Shore.
To be honest, I picked it up because with a title like Control the Crazy I thought it would be chock full of the crazy antics of the Jersey Shore cast as seen from the most level-headed member.
Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a self-help book on dealing with and controlling General Anxiety Disorder, a disorder from which Vinny suffers.
Imagine my further surprise when the book delivered on its premise...
Using mind, body and soul Vinny explains how different tactics worked for him. He uses techniques from many of the most well known spiritual, mental and physical gurus of the day...Eckhart Tole, Dr. Wayne Dyer, M. Scott Peck. No quick fix involved - he points out that it's an ongoing thing and that these techniques are what worked for HIM..and maybe they will work for someone else. Even someone without any anxiety disorder could benefit from some of the advice contained in these pages.
June 28, 2012
Like Vinny, I also have generalized anxiety disorder, so I can relate and understand completely. This book helped me immensely, I swear I thought to myself "you too?!" a hundred times while I was reading. It made me realize how my negative thoughts are impacting my life and how I can control them. The author also wrote this in a very realistic manner, after introducing every new technique, he explains that you may not be able to achieve it right away and how you can practice to get better at it. I am so glad that I found this book, I am completely grateful and I know I will be returning to it whenever I may need to.
December 31, 2012
I appreciated how accessible it was. It really shows that Vinny know who might be picking up this book. I also really liked that he was very clear that these were his thoughts, ideas and coping mechanisms and that he in know way was a professional and that if you feel your issues are serious that you should seek out a professional.
I did find it a little beneath me in some places but again he's writing for people would see that someone from the jersey shore wrote a book rather than those who might not otherwise seek out a book by him. But overall I appreciated it and I think I might employ some of his techniques (particularly the one about writing down your negative thoughts.)
I did find it a little beneath me in some places but again he's writing for people would see that someone from the jersey shore wrote a book rather than those who might not otherwise seek out a book by him. But overall I appreciated it and I think I might employ some of his techniques (particularly the one about writing down your negative thoughts.)
January 8, 2013
Okay, so I love Vinny. He has always been one of my favorite characters on Jersey Shore and I was amped to hear he wrote a book. It made me really eager to want to buy it, especially because it was about dealing with anxiety and I do that on a daily basis. I'll be the first to say he is an all around awesome person..but as for his writing? Parts of it really annoyed me. A lot of his advice I really valued and could relate to. But, his writing was SO repetitive. I also wasn't a fan of how he stop and like, talk out loud. Maybe I'm just picky but there were many things about it that bugged me. I'd read another one of his books though.
May 14, 2012
This book was very good. One of my favorites. I liked it so much because I could relate to it, I felt like i understood every point that the author made. When I read the book I read for hours at home because i could not put it down and it seemed like it was very easy to read and well put together.
I would recommend it to anyone that is struggling with anxiety. It is very informational and it shows struggles from someone else point of view. Also it helps you get a better understanding of how severe it can be and how you may be lucky in how simple of a case yours may be.
I would recommend it to anyone that is struggling with anxiety. It is very informational and it shows struggles from someone else point of view. Also it helps you get a better understanding of how severe it can be and how you may be lucky in how simple of a case yours may be.
August 18, 2013
This book really made me appreciate Vinny in a new way. I too struggle with anxiety and he really taught me new ways to deal with it. This book is for anyone, not just for people who struggle with depression and anxiety. I find myself using a lot of the tips and pointers that he shares and it does make me feel like a better person. He shows you how to have a good outlook on life instead of always being so negative, which I also used to struggle with as we'll. I defiantly recommend it.
December 26, 2013
I didn't read this book cover to cover; I really wanted to see if this was a valid guide to controlling anxiety and found that it contains much of what I have learned as far as the breathing exercises, changing thought processes and it's written for a younger audience, which I think is wonderful. If I was a young adult I would be more inclined to read this, with Vinny on the cover than something called Anxiety Disorders: A Scientific...blah, blah, blah!
July 28, 2012
Not sure what will come of this, but hey, it's a quick easy read to get me through finals!
This book had me laughing so much... it was really, really well done. Vinny doesn't try to be someone who believes he can fix everything -- he keeps asserting that this is what worked for him and maybe it'll work for someone else. I gained a lot from this book. :)
This book had me laughing so much... it was really, really well done. Vinny doesn't try to be someone who believes he can fix everything -- he keeps asserting that this is what worked for him and maybe it'll work for someone else. I gained a lot from this book. :)
July 11, 2012
This book truly opened my eyes and helped me learn to live a better life. There are many helpful tools that can be used to get your anxiety under control; it really works! Thanks Vinny!
June 10, 2012
It had some useful tips that I'll certainly try to implement at work but otherwise I didn't really find its message useful.
March 29, 2016
A nice guide on how to calm your anxiety. Really helpful!
June 17, 2012
Good all around advice on dealing with stress and anxiety based on a mind, body and soul approach. Not particularly new information but delivered Jersey Shore style!
July 26, 2012
Amazing book!! It gives amazing information on how to fight the crazy ego thoughts in your head!It also taught me what an egomaniac is and now I can sense an egomaniac right away!
December 30, 2012
I am surprised how much I like this book - not what I expected at all…
February 17, 2013
it was good advice
May 27, 2013
So far it's a pretty good book, I like how it relates to my generation and he breaks it down so young adults can grasp it better!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews