I read this book very fast because the content is just like some other self-help book I read before it and actually it can be summed up into one page length. The stories in this book have not much influence on me and I doubt these stories' authenticity. Especially, some stories are just unpleasant to read to me. Yeah I know if you are hard-working you have to spend a lot of time doing this doing that to reach your goals, to indulge your passion BUT you should not neglect to take care of yourself like Julius Robert Oppenheimer or Francis C Jack Reith or other people in the stories as Wei Shuing described (I also doubt these stories' authenticity!). Moreover, small 'exercises' at the end of each sub-chapter just could not buy me, some are irrelevant to its sub-chapter and some are very biased (whichever answer you choose, it all leads to the fact that you are bad). It seems to me that the beginning of the book was well-organized but the end of the book was somehow messy for me. These are the main points I concluded from the book: Harvard students do these things and possess these characteristics: - Har-working - Self-reflection - Confidence - Passionate - Act quickly - Go beyond your limits - Productive - Creative - Good time management - Self-control - Refresh/ recharge yourself - Be a good person - Think carefully before any decision - Grab your chances Still, some points she mentioned in the book was repeated and some points could be wrapped up in other points. Actually I want to rate it 2.5 star. If you have never read any self-help book before and want to read, this book is ok. However, it could depend on your taste and this book maybe not your cup of tea.
I chose this book due to the controversy of "hardworking Harvard students study at 4.30 am". When I read a few, I was triggered by some questions at the end of each chapter. At that time, I thought this book was for me. Then I was back home and focused on reading; some stories were ridiculous, and some questions were not understandable (lots of prejudgements).
I complete half and scan the remaining to change quickly to another book!
It is a good book if you want to receive some motivation to work hard!
At first, I enjoyed reading it because of the great inspiration. Then, for some chapters...I think it's quite hard to apply for many people... it looks limit and pretty like other self-help books. Nothing's really astonishing.