Gunny's Rules: How to Get Squared Away Like a Marine

by Lee Ermey

Put down your sissy drink with its umbrella, get off your backside, and square yourself away. Get fit, get a job, and get yourself some self-respect. America’s favorite, most in-your-face sarge is going to show you how to get squared away like a Marine.R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey, of The History Channel’s Mail Call, takes time out from telling viewers all about military technology, to tell readers all about life. Men today are facing a crisis of emasculation. Gunny is here to tell you how to fight back and save your by taking control of your own damn life. First, he teaches you how to get fit, stay fit, and defend yourself. Then, he teaches you how to conduct yourself the way real men with assertiveness but also with wisdom and courtesy. Finally, Gunny motivates you to use your new fitness and new attitude to live life like a man of to work hard, reach for high goals, and set an example with your life.Gunny’s Rules is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to live life like one of the toughest of the tough—like a Marine.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mapping Out You Life’s Goals!

A very entertaining read. If you’re a fan of R. Lee Ermey, you’ll enjoy this book. If you haven’t heard of him but are looking for a quick road map for achieving your goals, pickup a copy today. Like his show and movies, this is a no nonsense look at his life and how he achieved the goals he set for himself.

After reading this short bio, I believe I really know the man. That is the brilliance of this work. It isn’t bogged down with endless descriptions or fanfare. It’s pure, honest and simple. Very nice.

My only complaint is the price of the book. I paid $24.00 through the Military Book Club. A bit pricey for only 210 pages. But hey, I grew a pair and bellied up to the bar.

Five stars.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emery's book kept this old retired Gunny reading the book in one sitting as it is hard to put down. In it Emery tells of his life before, during, and after active service in the Corps. With his examples, suggestions, and inspirational quotes the book can be a great motivational tool. The Gunny discusses the basic leadership and life skills taught and practiced in the United States Marine Corps. Well worth reading. - Semper Fi

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about like lessons.

[David Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gunny was talking so I was listening. Now you go get a copy and read it ASAP! Learn what a patriot does with his life and get yourself squared away. This was a great autobiography of the Gunny and it was funny as I hoped it would be. There is great life and leadership advice from the Gunny. He talks about the acting world but I am not so sure the Gunny is acting. He is the real deal.

[Bill Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I have read it twice cover-to-cover. Even purchased the book that Gunny recommends in the leadership section. Can't wait to read that book as well.

[Reese Williams-Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book had some valuable quotes and it was entertaining.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It feels like you are sitting down and listening to the author speak. He is a no-nonsense type of guy, and if you are sensitive or politically correct, I wouldn't suggest reading the book. The author is perhaps most famous for his movie role of Drill Sergeant Hartman in the movie "Full Metal Jacket". I learned a couple of things about the author I didn't know -- one, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant AFTER he was discharged from the Marines (due to a medical condition with his shoulder); and two, he wasn't Stanley Kubrick's original choice for Drill Sergeant Hartman (read the book and find out who was, the guy was in "Full Metal Jacket" too. The author gives some great advice about life and work skills and especially leadership which could be valuable to anyone. Of course, if you're interested in the Marines in particular as a career, this would be a good book to read as he is definitely gung-ho for the Marines. I could have done without the chapter at the end where he talks about all the stuff he endorses and why, but it's his book. The book is just a little over 200 pages and easily read in a few hours.

[Les Shaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

There is a lot good information in this book on how to live your life. Entire last chapter is advertisements of products he represents. That was a little annoying. The chapter on his rants was good, except the section on American school systems. As a Marine and a teacher, I felt like he was way off on this rant. But overall, I would definitely recommend this to a friend, and have to several people. 5 star within it the advertising in the end.

[Doug Tabner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happen to like Lee Ermey. If you don't you probably won't enjoy this book because when you're reading it, you can just hear him saying what you're reading.

Technically, this is a self-help book but most of the advise is common sense stuff; there are no shortcuts, work is good, lazy is bad etc. But it's also partly an autobiography, and that part is highly entertaining.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of motivational essays from a man famous as a Marine and actor, this book isn't bad - though some of the editorializing descends into looney right-wing propaganda. Still, it was interesting and entertaining to read.

[Scott Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't help but hear Gunny's voice as I read this! It was definitely a good read. It's part autobiography and part self-help.

[David Stemple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent motivation. And now I know who R Lee Ermey is