How To Win Friends And Manipulate People: A Guidebook for Getting Your Way

by George Mladenov

A humorous handbook that'll teach you how to seize power and keep it, from Survivor Australia's most cunning mastermind, King George.

This motivational guidebook will teach you how to emulate the cunning, dastardly qualities of Australia's favourite reality TV villain, King George. Known for his witty one-liners, silver tongue and strategic genius, George has much to teach anyone who wants to control a room.

Each chapter is grounded in an insightful anecdote from George's life that will leave you doubled-over with laughter and ready to reign over your own kingdom. These lessons are drawn from key moments that have formulated his mindset, from his upbringing in a tight-knit Macedonian-Greek household in Bankstown, to his careers in politics, poker and TV - two times masterminding entire tribes on Survivor and sprinting around the world in The Amazing Race.

After reading this book, you'll be proclaiming GLORY OR DEATH to anyone who will listen.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[Vivien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wondered if giving this 5 stars was exaggerating or unbalancing my other 5 star reads, but I just enjoyed this so much. It's a niche read, however, and for an audience unfamiliar with Survivor it would probably be a solid 3.5. For King George fans, must read.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, but not lacking in content - it was like having a fun conversation with a friend and mentor. For however much he seems like a prick on television, George's authenticity and strategic thinking shines with an impressive amount of heart.

[Emilija · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 52 Book Challenge - Summer Connections Mini Challenge - 16) Goodreads Rating +/- 0.25 Of Previous Book (my previous book was The Poison Maker: The Truth Is Toxic by Emma Ellis)

Who doesn't love King George? This book is his philosophy on life, love and glory. If you liked him on Australian Survivor or The Amazing Race, or Dogs Behaving Badly, or anything else he has been on, then most likely you will like this book, because it really read like he was just having a conversation with the reader. This interpretation was probably aided by me listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by George himself - and it was a very good narration.

[bookswithSarah09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good!!!
I loved hearing George’s perspective on life.
The advice was amazing and I will definitely be trying to incorporate it in my life.
I loved how to book was set out and how some parts were more highlighted then others.
The book was hilarious and had me laughing throughout the whole thing.
Definitely going to rewatch all of George’s survivor episodes after this!!
Worth all the 5 starts.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I only thought I'd read it for the survivor bits and really enjoyed his other stories. I love him forever and he's my favourite reality TV villain (excluding real housewives franchises where, in a way, they're all villains! Womennnnnn!)

[Book Clubber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one! Hubby and I are massive fans of the reality TV show, Survivor. American or Australian, we never miss a series. And our all-time favourite contestant from the Australian franchise is George Mladenov, aka King George of Bankstown. George has featured on two seasons of Australian Survivor and – with his witty one-liners, silver tongue and dastardly ways – is arguably the most memorable player of all of the Aussie seasons. He didn't win (robbed!), but his conniving game play and strategic brain make him a true master of the game. He's also highly entertaining. Bold, hilarious and oozing confidence, George steals the show every episode. He brings all his star qualities to this book, in which he explains what the game of Survivor taught him and how he applied his life skills as a political operator to win friends and manipulate people to achieve outcomes viewers thought impossible. This book reminded me of how many gasp-out-loud moments George served up for his TV audience at home and makes me want to watch his seasons of Survivor again. In this handbook that teaches how to seize power and keep it, we also learn about George's Macedonian-Greek family, his tight-knit community of Bankstown and the professional experiences that have moulded him into the colourful and memorable character he is, on screen and off. The book is divided into three sections filled with teachable anecdotes on how to read and negotiate human behaviour to your advantage. Part one: Gathering your legion of devoted followers. Part two: Getting your friends to bend to your will. Part three: What to do with your throne once you have taken it.
A self-help book delivered differently! I enjoyed every chapter.

[MUHAMMAD HASSAN · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's awful. Can't even make it to the end. Problem is its title and contents i.e. Author's commitment to the reader while what it delivers. I don't know George neither the Survivor show but hooked by its title, contents backed by reputable publisher but this is a just an ordinary fan service and at best a memoir about Survivor show and with brief stories of his poker experience. No offense but author clearly know its target audience and reinforced its brand image but I still feel cheated by HarperCollins, how such a reputable publisher can do this. Chapter title commit so much while content includes either George (writer & hero of the Survivor show) telling about the show or his Poker experience.

If you are hooked by its title and contents, don't believe it. Its just a memoir and fan service by George aka King George. It offers nothing about self help, communication tips i.e. anything that the title commit.

If you are his fan, then my review either offend you or it doesn't matter to you because you already bought it and take this book to overrated 3.9 rating.

Anyone from HarperCollins reading this, you have lost one of your reader. Not gonna buy anything only based on your goodwill.

[Aravind · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Being myself is what had got me here. Not trying to game the system or giving them what I thought they wanted."

George's book felt more like a conversation with an old friend as opposed to a preachy self-help book. Perhaps it's the way he pulled from his own experiences as opposed to statistics and data - which would have felt quite dull. And in doing so, he gave further insight into the shows I've seen him in - Survivor, The Amazing Race, Dogs Behaving Badly - while also contextualising his political operative and poker player background.

As a fan of King George, I enjoyed getting to know him better through this book. And I feel like the words of wisdom from the Greatest Survivor Player of All Time, will surely inspire and comfort me in equal amounts whenever I look back to it.

"It's easy to deliver on your brand when you're just delivering yourself."

[Cleve Devine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit & miss. I really enjoyed the bits I got the book for, which was a behind the scenes of my all time favourite tv show & inside the twirling mind of one of the greatest worldwide Survivor players, let alone the Australian variation of it the game.
There was a bit at the end, and enjoyed the casting process at the start. Of it But the middle was a little too much big noting of George's inbetween Survivor dealings, but then again that is George and why we love him, and I guess it's his book so he can write about what ever led him to being a Survivor Hall of Famer.

Deep down the King Of Bankstown, the worshipper of Macedonian Jesus, and the Coachroach of Western Sydney seems to be a pretty likeble fella even if half of his tribemates want to wring his neck on the show most of the time

[Matty Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing about George’s journey through casting and the different points of Survivor. What made the story even better was how he intertwined it with advice based on his successful navigation of his career and personal life.
Through watching him on three seasons of television, meeting him in Little River, SC on his US tour alongside Jonny FairPlay, and now listening to his book, what you see is what you get. An absolute all star human.
He is a strong ally and a vicious enemy. My favorite part of the book was as he described the other people at casting. He made it seem like they could be boiled down to one characteristic. Forgettable. Something George would never be. 👑👏👏

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

We stan King George in this house. I listened to the audiobook and I liked hearing it from the king himself. Super entertaining and really interesting. I obviously loved the behind the scenes Survivor scoop but I also loved hearing more about George as a person outside of Survivor.

I don’t necessarily think it needed to be framed as a self-help book but regardless, I will probably accidentally win a friend and manipulate a person now that I have George’s keen wisdom rolling around in my head.

[Jay Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally picked up this book for shits and gigs because I LOVE watching George on survivor!! And oh my GOD did it exceed any expectations or assumptions I had! I really respect George as a game player AND a human being. I am so grateful that he is someone so many people can look up to and feel empowered by. My favourite read of his book was his vulnerability about the impact limiting himself from his own self doubt had on him and the relief and happiness he feels for being unapologetically himself now. His survivor tape for his first season made me giggle. What an absolute legend!

[PRJ Greenwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book without any preconceptions. I don't watch TV, so I know nothing about the TV shows this guy appeared in. Not a damned thing. So, I imagine there is a lot of context I'm missing out on. Regardless, this book blows hot and cold. When he gives advice, he's mostly on the ball but then it dips into what I can only describe as fan service. Every time he's done with his advice, it falls back into the realm of personal anecdote. When it sticks to the life and how to live it lessons, this book is a winner. There is not enough of this here though.

[Isabel Galea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great work of fiction this is not, but genuinely enjoyable and authentically written it is. I legitimately laughed aloud at certain moments and could imagine George saying these snarky things aloud. As a survivor fan and a bankstown local (until recently) I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas present. I look forward to seeing where George turns up next. Probably a 3.5, but I'm bumping it up to 4 for good measure.

[Dom Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author appears to actually believe his own BS. There is a level of arrogance that is quite amazing and makes it difficult to put down.
In the acknowledgements, the author suggests the book was written on a very tight timeframe. Perhaps it was fast-tracked ‘fore fleeting fame fully faded - so many Fs in that sentence, without one swear word!
Better than any book I’ve written (to date)

[Laura Jaynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book for fans of Survivor!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook version of this and it was downright delightful! A must for any King George fan!!

[Varsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read on politics, cunningness and public relationships, most of the content was too OTT

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not give King George 5 stars?

[Elise Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting what I got out of reading this book. It was like a self-help book, but not at all in your typical self-help style. It was entertaining but sometimes a bit full on when it came to George boasting about his successes. I liked that it followed George’s story from his days on Survivor and the friendships (and enemies) he made, to being a Politician in the suburb of Blacktown, to being a super star Blackjack player. Who would have thought one person could manipulate so many people, using similar tactics, but across very different scenarios, quite clever. They wouldn’t probably know until they pick up George’s book and read about it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book - in George's voice! Loved the insight he gives to the game of Survivor and how he applies his life lessons to the game as well. I was sorry when it ended and wished for more!

[James Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Win Friends and Manipulate People rides on Survivor Australia’s "King George" persona, but it’s mostly just reality TV swagger dressed up as strategy. There are a few entertaining moments and some decent advice, but if you're looking for real insight into persuasion or social dynamics, you’re better off sticking with the classics. Fun in small doses, but not exactly life-changing.

[Joseph Thorsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

This is probably the ‘nichest’ book I’ve read and will read in 2023, the niche being that of Australian Survivor and arguably its most ‘glorious’ player, George Mladenov. This book is a semi self help guide/memoir about George’s life experiences and how he applies core principles to his lifestyle and appearances on reality TV, namely Australian Survivor. Survivor is a game of strategy, judgement, alliances, physical and mental fortitude and endurance. George describes how he mastered all of these things (plus others) in the real world and how they were also applied on Australian Survivor. The entire final chapter is a detailed breakdown/analysis of what is arguably the greatest play/tribal council ever witnessed on any Survivor season, and the applications of all the ‘skills’ preached in this book within that moment. A perfect way to finish and soooo entertaining (as anyone will know if they watched the episode in real time!)

Nevertheless, this isn’t a PERFECT book but I don’t really think anyone buying or even reading it would expect it to be. The cover sort of speaks for itself… Many filler pages are plastered with single line quotes from within the book spread across the entire page, a cause for extending its own length, but a subsequent waste of space and something that no one really wants to read twice. I also thought some anecdotes were a little on the dull side, but many weren’t and indeed numerous stories were quite insightful into how someone of little previous relevance built themselves up into what is such a grand, vivacious and accomplished personality. Quite impressive and honourable in my opinion. Some may think that the wording of some messaging is slightly conceited but I just think that adds to the fun.

I also got to meet George at Dymocks when buying the book and he personally signed my copy and we got a photo! A great experience that carried over into the pages. All in all, quite a worthwhile read that will get any Survivor fan appreciative of the show and its players even more.

[Kristina Mathioudakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I absolutely adore Australian Survivor - we’ve watched every season, but King George holds a special place in our hearts since Brains vs Brawn was the very first season we watched.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, largely because of how much I love George, his gameplay, and the way his mind works. It was such a treat getting some behind-the-scenes insight into his experience, and it’s made me want to go back and rewatch his season before Survivor: Australia vs The World airs this summer.

Overall, it was a fun and easy listen - perfect for fans of the show or anyone who appreciates a bold, strategic player who knows how to put on a show.

[Andy Steiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very silly birthday gift from Amy-- George Mladenov of Australian Survivor's bio-slash-guidebook on "How to Manipulate People." Look, George is a king. George is just about the best thing to be on TV in the last 3 years than anything else. George is the representation that the queer community demands.

Did I feel a little silly reading a bout called "How to Manipulate People" on the subway? Sure.

I would've taken a full biography/memoir from him instead of the Guidebook to Manipulation, since his anecdotes were the best part. But any more information I get on The Second Greatest Tribal Council Of All Time (only behind Parv/Natalie/Erik) is cherished.

[Jordan Naylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marnie leant you this book, she was scared to read it because she thought it would make her dislike George, and I had somewhat the same reservations. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It was 90% autobiography and only 10% cringe manipulation tactics. I feel like I know George more as a person now (and see him for as a human haha), whereas before it was just a reality George. It was very interesting hearing about his audition process, and his thought process and behind the scenes information about several moves in the game.

[Laury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book. If you are a Survivor fan, you are in for a treat. But George is just a fascinating person. I would suggest it to anyone who likes memoir/autobiography/insight books. I particularly enjoyed his account of his work as a fixer for an MP for one of the roughest ridings in Sydney and how that experience played into how he worked his game on Australian Survivor.