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The Book of Questions
A New York Times bestseller with over 1.9 million copies in print, THE BOOK OF QUESTIONS poses 265 questions that invite people to explore the most fascinating of subjects: themselves. These questions are as intriguing as our very lives because they are about our lives-our fundamental values and beliefs, our dreams and nightmares about sex, money, love, power.
Some of the questions thrust you into a value-testing hypothetical situation (Would you accept 20 years of extraordinary happiness and fulfillment if it meant you would die at the end of the period?), some ask you to delve into your past (When is the last time you stole anything?) and help you find out if you've changed (Would you now return it if you could?), and others reveal your basic nature by examining your behavior (When you are given a compliment do you usually acknowledge it or suggest that you really do not deserve it?). Whether used as an avenue for personal growth, a tool for deepening relationships, or simply as an entertainment, The Book of Questions may be the only publication that challenges-and even changes-the way readers view the world, without offering a single opinion of its own.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
741 people are currently reading
6071 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
June 8, 2014
First off, this book is great fun but only if the people you do this with are willing to think and be open. I tried this with my older brother and his wife several years back but they were too close minded and guarded to be honest. Stock's book challenges the mind and makes any literate person take a look at their own life, as well as the lives around them.
Even better, if you want to get to know someone really well . .. I'm talking about their values, morals and beliefs; not their favorite rock group or favorite food . .. this is a great book. Just be careful of what you ask; you may not always like the answers.
Some top questions . .. (1) If you could get honest answers to any questions you asked, what would be your top three and why?; (2) If you caught your father holding hands with another woman and he asked you not to tell your mother, what would you do? What if your mother confided it was eating her alive b/c she felt your father was cheating on her?; (3) would you like to know the precise date of your death?; and (4) If 100 people were chosen at random, how many more do you feel would be leading a more satisfying life than you?
There are lots of others but you'll have to do some reading and buy the book. :)
OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus; WHEN READ: 2001 (revised review mid April 2012)
Even better, if you want to get to know someone really well . .. I'm talking about their values, morals and beliefs; not their favorite rock group or favorite food . .. this is a great book. Just be careful of what you ask; you may not always like the answers.
Some top questions . .. (1) If you could get honest answers to any questions you asked, what would be your top three and why?; (2) If you caught your father holding hands with another woman and he asked you not to tell your mother, what would you do? What if your mother confided it was eating her alive b/c she felt your father was cheating on her?; (3) would you like to know the precise date of your death?; and (4) If 100 people were chosen at random, how many more do you feel would be leading a more satisfying life than you?
There are lots of others but you'll have to do some reading and buy the book. :)
OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus; WHEN READ: 2001 (revised review mid April 2012)
March 22, 2019
تلاش نویسنده طرح سوالاتی بود که پاسخ هاشون ابعاد مختلف ذهن رو مخصوصا نظام ارزش گذاری اخلاقی ، به چالش بکشه و خب موفق هم بود
حتی موفق تر از موفق
جواب ها سوالات بزرگتری در خودشون داشتن مثلا سوال ۱۹۹ و ۲۰۰ که در آخر به این سوال منو رسوند که ما اصلا برای چی حرف می زنیم؟
میشد این کتاب رو سطحی تر اما سریعتر یا کند تر اما عمیق تر بخونم.
به احتمال زیاد بازم بخونمش.
حتی موفق تر از موفق
جواب ها سوالات بزرگتری در خودشون داشتن مثلا سوال ۱۹۹ و ۲۰۰ که در آخر به این سوال منو رسوند که ما اصلا برای چی حرف می زنیم؟
میشد این کتاب رو سطحی تر اما سریعتر یا کند تر اما عمیق تر بخونم.
به احتمال زیاد بازم بخونمش.
February 8, 2018
A collection of some really reallyyyyy good questions, I suggest reading this with a group of friends or family because I don't think it was meant to be read alone. It's a great way to open some weird conversations, it's y favorite book of 2018 so far. I really enjoyed it.
June 25, 2018
Some good, some bad
Feels like some repeat too much, or too similar to each other, but still enjoyable to go through with friends or one's self.
Feels like some repeat too much, or too similar to each other, but still enjoyable to go through with friends or one's self.
March 22, 2011
"Would it disturb you much if, upon your death, your body were simply thrown into the woods and left to rot? Why?"
"Would you like your spouse to be both smarter and more attractive than you?"
"You know you will die of an incurable disease within three months. Would you allow yourself to be frozen within the week if you knew it would give you a modest chance of being revived in 1,000 years and living a greatly extended life?"
"If you could increase your I.Q. by forty points by having an ugly scar stretching from your mouth to your eye, would you do so?"
"Would you be willing to murder an innocent person if it would end hurger in the world?"
I love this book. I've had a copy of this book since 1991. I've replaced my old worn copy for a new one. It's one of the books I always keep. It started in 1991 when I was planning to drive with friends across the country. We were all teens and we wanted something to entertain our time (no portable DVD players or cell phones back then) so I bought this book. Asking and answering these questions kept us not only busy but also very entertained. Not only that, but it started heated debates and revealed so much about our friends and ourselves.
Later, I would "use" the book as an icebreaker for visiting relatives and finally, it was used often by my hubby and I (lots of fun sex questions in there).
Highly recommended. I dare you to tell me you did not answer at least one of the above questions automatically!
updated for rating- oops!
"Would you like your spouse to be both smarter and more attractive than you?"
"You know you will die of an incurable disease within three months. Would you allow yourself to be frozen within the week if you knew it would give you a modest chance of being revived in 1,000 years and living a greatly extended life?"
"If you could increase your I.Q. by forty points by having an ugly scar stretching from your mouth to your eye, would you do so?"
"Would you be willing to murder an innocent person if it would end hurger in the world?"
I love this book. I've had a copy of this book since 1991. I've replaced my old worn copy for a new one. It's one of the books I always keep. It started in 1991 when I was planning to drive with friends across the country. We were all teens and we wanted something to entertain our time (no portable DVD players or cell phones back then) so I bought this book. Asking and answering these questions kept us not only busy but also very entertained. Not only that, but it started heated debates and revealed so much about our friends and ourselves.
Later, I would "use" the book as an icebreaker for visiting relatives and finally, it was used often by my hubby and I (lots of fun sex questions in there).
Highly recommended. I dare you to tell me you did not answer at least one of the above questions automatically!
updated for rating- oops!
January 6, 2018
کتاب جالبیه
با طرح پرسشهای این کتاب از خود و دوستانتان ، میتونید تا حدی به یکسری از ظرایف وجودیتون پی ببرید
شاید بعضی از سوالات سطحی به نظر بیان اما واقعا با تعمق درمورد هر سوال به نکات جالبی میتونیم پی ببریم.
با طرح پرسشهای این کتاب از خود و دوستانتان ، میتونید تا حدی به یکسری از ظرایف وجودیتون پی ببرید
شاید بعضی از سوالات سطحی به نظر بیان اما واقعا با تعمق درمورد هر سوال به نکات جالبی میتونیم پی ببریم.
March 7, 2019
Kept this on the dinner table to throw out and discuss with the fam a few times, but the questions are kind of lame and we soon lost interest. Let it sit for a month or so and thought maybe I'd post a few questions from it here in this review and let folks answer in the comments... Then I skimmed and read some more and thought better of it.
But then you've read this far so I can't exactly deprive you, right? I just opened this book (for the last time) to pgs 162 an 163:
Q#163: Would you get a tattoo the size of a dinner plate if you knew it would somehow save the lives of a busload of innocent tourists who'd otherwise die? If so, what tattoo design and location would you select?
My answer: Of course, it goes without saying (which is why it needs writing), you save the unworthy tourists and you get a dinner-plate-size tattoo on your face that consists of inked freckles (one for each tourist you save). Then you go on all the talk shows to brag about your selflessnish and show off your tat.
Q#164: How many different sexual partners have you had in your life? Do you wish you'd had more or fewer? Why?
My answer: 3. Don't wish for more or fewer. If I had wanted more, I wouldn't have gotten married. If I wanted fewer, I'd just erase those memories. Duh.
But then you've read this far so I can't exactly deprive you, right? I just opened this book (for the last time) to pgs 162 an 163:
Q#163: Would you get a tattoo the size of a dinner plate if you knew it would somehow save the lives of a busload of innocent tourists who'd otherwise die? If so, what tattoo design and location would you select?
My answer: Of course, it goes without saying (which is why it needs writing), you save the unworthy tourists and you get a dinner-plate-size tattoo on your face that consists of inked freckles (one for each tourist you save). Then you go on all the talk shows to brag about your selflessnish and show off your tat.
Q#164: How many different sexual partners have you had in your life? Do you wish you'd had more or fewer? Why?
My answer: 3. Don't wish for more or fewer. If I had wanted more, I wouldn't have gotten married. If I wanted fewer, I'd just erase those memories. Duh.
Read
November 21, 2021i got the book. friends, be prepared to be questioned.
February 13, 2015
If you found a book of more than 217 hypothetical questions and their follow-ups and could use it as an excuse to achieve a deeper understanding of yourself or someone else, would you?
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?
Given two equally terrifying alternatives as presented in several of these questions, which one would you choose and how would you live with the consequences? Don't you find your answer as interesting as I do?
Why only include roughly 217 questions, Gregory? Doesn't that seem a little limited in terms of effort, or is this really all of the questions you could think of? Did you know I read this on the toilet in one sitting? Did I just gross you out? How does one apologize in question form? Could I be any sorrier?
How would you justify your single word answers to questions that clearly only require one word answers? Follow-up questions: Does including questions that only request one word answers limit the value of this book? Does it seem like a cheap question to include when you can toss off an answer and move on? Or should you voluntarily put in a little bit more effort into your answers, like your brother does?
Who shot JFK? Whatever your first answer is, it's wrong; now can you tell me the correct answer?
If I wanted to attempt to answer questions to make me wonder how I've lived my life and how I treat people, would that make me a masochist? If I am a masochist, how do I effectively balance that with my sadism?
Have you stopped beating your wife? Follow-up questions: Have you quit smoking yet? Do I look fat in this? Do you think she's pretty?
What is the proper way to end a review?
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?
Given two equally terrifying alternatives as presented in several of these questions, which one would you choose and how would you live with the consequences? Don't you find your answer as interesting as I do?
Why only include roughly 217 questions, Gregory? Doesn't that seem a little limited in terms of effort, or is this really all of the questions you could think of? Did you know I read this on the toilet in one sitting? Did I just gross you out? How does one apologize in question form? Could I be any sorrier?
How would you justify your single word answers to questions that clearly only require one word answers? Follow-up questions: Does including questions that only request one word answers limit the value of this book? Does it seem like a cheap question to include when you can toss off an answer and move on? Or should you voluntarily put in a little bit more effort into your answers, like your brother does?
Who shot JFK? Whatever your first answer is, it's wrong; now can you tell me the correct answer?
If I wanted to attempt to answer questions to make me wonder how I've lived my life and how I treat people, would that make me a masochist? If I am a masochist, how do I effectively balance that with my sadism?
Have you stopped beating your wife? Follow-up questions: Have you quit smoking yet? Do I look fat in this? Do you think she's pretty?
What is the proper way to end a review?
March 19, 2010
One of the few books you're guaranteed to think about for longer than you read it. Of course, Stock cheats to achieve this: the book is only questions, and often only one question per page. Instead of trivia, The Book of Questions is preoccupied with moral problems, asking what you'd do if you found your best friend was a heroin dealer, or when you were happiest, or would you walk four city blocks naked in return for a massive donation to a charity of your choice? They're questions that probe your values and beliefs, hopping between hypotheticals and your life observations, from finance to piety to pure implausibility. The questions are so different from one to the next that they never get boring, especially if you read them in the bathroom like I did. They're provocative, entertaining for personal reflection if nothing else, many sounding like they came from an Intro to Philosophy teacher's notebook, the kind used to probe and tease helpless students. But being a book, it just gives you the prompts and leaves aside the academic browbeating.
January 28, 2022
To be honest, I HATE awkward silence. I hate it so much I downloaded this book to find the questions to fill this awkward silence.
Damn, it was a bad decision.
I cringed at the question N14
"What if you found that the person you planned to marry would likely to get Alzheimer's by his/her 50th birthday?"
What the f*ck does that supposed to mean?
I stopped reading at the question N 16
"If woman were just fundamentally smarter and harder working than men. would you support putting rules in place to ensure that men would share equally in the best jobs? If so, how would you explain the fairness of this to smart, dedicated woman?"
What kind of f*ckery is that?
Do you want to talk about how misogyny works, Mr. Stock???
Do you want to explain us why the women are NOT smarter or at least AS smart as men now???
Do you need a profound argumentation for Diversity and Inclusion policies???
I have so many questions.
Maybe you should reconsider your choice of questions in 2022, Mr. Stock.
Damn, it was a bad decision.
I cringed at the question N14
"What if you found that the person you planned to marry would likely to get Alzheimer's by his/her 50th birthday?"
What the f*ck does that supposed to mean?
I stopped reading at the question N 16
"If woman were just fundamentally smarter and harder working than men. would you support putting rules in place to ensure that men would share equally in the best jobs? If so, how would you explain the fairness of this to smart, dedicated woman?"
What kind of f*ckery is that?
Do you want to talk about how misogyny works, Mr. Stock???
Do you want to explain us why the women are NOT smarter or at least AS smart as men now???
Do you need a profound argumentation for Diversity and Inclusion policies???
I have so many questions.
Maybe you should reconsider your choice of questions in 2022, Mr. Stock.
April 2, 2017
این کتاب در واقع ۲۱۵ تا سوال دارد و البته جواب سوال ها را شما باید بدهید و هیچ گونه تحلیلی هم ندارد. البته به نظرم نداشتن تحلیل از ارزش کتاب کم نمیکند. این سوال ها در مورد موقعیت های فرضی و سختی هستند که شما باید خود را در آن موقعیت قرار داده و تصمیم های سختی بگیرید. این سوال ها باعث میشود شما خود را بهتر بشناسید و حقایق تاریک شخصیتتان آشکار شود. میتوانید این سوال ها را از همسر، نامزد، دوست دختر/پسر یا دوستتان بپرسید که قطعا باعث میشود همدیگر را بهتر بشناسید. شاید لازم باشد قبل از ازدواج یک بار بشینید و این سوال ها را از همدیگر بپرسید. در بازی جرات حقیقت هم میتوانید از این کتاب استفاده کنید! یک امتیاز کمتر دادنم به خاطر نبودن تحلیل جواب ها بود.
December 21, 2013
I see a lot really high ratings for this book here. I suppose I can see why some would like it. It puts me in mind of a lot of discourses and discussions from high school psych and philosophy. At first I thought my take on this book (that it's largely silly and pointless [and I'm not the only reviewer to use the word pointless]) might be a function of age and years lived. Then I saw a review by a younger reviewer who pretty much agreed with me.
This is supposed to be a book of questions that will tell us about ourselves if we approach them...introspectively and thoughtfully. I can see groups of people sitting around looking at this book maybe at a party and discussing eachother's answers.
Some few of the questions I did find interesting and thought provoking. The majority however I found...well, pointless even silly. I see many don't agree with me but I looked at questions that made strange assumptions or gave an incomplete premise, or an absurd premise and mostly shook my head.
This is another I'd suggest you get out of the library and look at yourself...for me I consider the time I put into it largely wasted. I give it 2 stars for the questions I did find somewhat valuable. Who knows maybe I'm just to closed or fixed minded....or maybe you'll find more questions that seem valuable than I did.
This is supposed to be a book of questions that will tell us about ourselves if we approach them...introspectively and thoughtfully. I can see groups of people sitting around looking at this book maybe at a party and discussing eachother's answers.
Some few of the questions I did find interesting and thought provoking. The majority however I found...well, pointless even silly. I see many don't agree with me but I looked at questions that made strange assumptions or gave an incomplete premise, or an absurd premise and mostly shook my head.
This is another I'd suggest you get out of the library and look at yourself...for me I consider the time I put into it largely wasted. I give it 2 stars for the questions I did find somewhat valuable. Who knows maybe I'm just to closed or fixed minded....or maybe you'll find more questions that seem valuable than I did.
March 14, 2015
It was a great book, and I had so much fun reading it.
With a lot of questions making you stop for a moment and say WHAT!!
While reading this book, its not really about finding answers to the questions in it, but rather just initiating the thought process that opens after asking yourself the question.
A lot of these questions make you understand yourself, what's important to you, your values, what drives you to do what you do, and many more things you will be able to realize about yourself after reading this book.
Also, it's really fun and informative to discuss these questions with other people, I started that a few days ago with some friends on facebook and we are now having great conversations and trading a lot of different points of view, and opening up our minds and thought to new ideas.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to really think a bit different than before, a bit more than before, and open up some trapped places of their minds.
With a lot of questions making you stop for a moment and say WHAT!!
While reading this book, its not really about finding answers to the questions in it, but rather just initiating the thought process that opens after asking yourself the question.
A lot of these questions make you understand yourself, what's important to you, your values, what drives you to do what you do, and many more things you will be able to realize about yourself after reading this book.
Also, it's really fun and informative to discuss these questions with other people, I started that a few days ago with some friends on facebook and we are now having great conversations and trading a lot of different points of view, and opening up our minds and thought to new ideas.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to really think a bit different than before, a bit more than before, and open up some trapped places of their minds.
March 27, 2017
Ummm .....
Some of the questions were really good, but most of them were ridiculous!
I didn't get what I expected!
Ummm .....
Some of the questions were really good, but most of them were ridiculous!
I didn't get what I expected!
April 4, 2025
The first 15 questions were pretty boring and downright uhm well questionable. THEN I got to question number 16. "IF WOMEN WERE JUST FUNDAMENTALLY SMARTER AND HARDER WORKING THAN MEN—" My jaw hit the floor. What in the blatant misogyny did I just READ? 😐 Stopped right there. Put my tablet down, reached for my phone, opened goodreads and typed this review.
I just— What?
I just— What?
February 1, 2022
4 Stars
A book filled with questions to make you think.
(And maybe find some stuff out about yourself & your morals.
Super fun to do as writing prompts, with friends, or loved ones.
A book filled with questions to make you think.
(And maybe find some stuff out about yourself & your morals.
Super fun to do as writing prompts, with friends, or loved ones.
August 24, 2016
A collection of questions, from silly to serious, to ask yourself or others.
Didn't find the questions as mind-blowing as the hype makes it out to be. Many are stupefyingly inane, or have answers that were very straightforward and easily justifiable to me. Also, the way you might answer a question could change from day to day, depending on your mood and the current situation, etc.
The only useful application this book has for me, is as something to (lightheartedly) gauge a person's character, morals, and views of the world, depending on what answer they give. Then again, I'd take it all in stride, because their answers may vary given the time and place you ask them.
Didn't find the questions as mind-blowing as the hype makes it out to be. Many are stupefyingly inane, or have answers that were very straightforward and easily justifiable to me. Also, the way you might answer a question could change from day to day, depending on your mood and the current situation, etc.
The only useful application this book has for me, is as something to (lightheartedly) gauge a person's character, morals, and views of the world, depending on what answer they give. Then again, I'd take it all in stride, because their answers may vary given the time and place you ask them.
May 16, 2014
This is a great book of questions. Lots of thought provoking questions to enhance discussion, get to know other people and yourself better with and make for great conversation. Some of the questions are personal questions and some are very hard ethical and moral questions that aren't so easy to answer and make you stop and think first. Would highly recommend to anyone like me who enjoys asking questions and having lively conversations.
October 17, 2014
My husband and I use this book, and others like it, often with close family and friends. It's a great conversation starter and gets everyone thinking about how they feel about life, values, problems, etc... It's become one of our favorite activities after a good game of Settlers of Catan.(Be aware that some questions may be inappropriate for your audience so just skip over those.)
February 12, 2020
The Book of Questions does what it says on the cover. The author, Dr. Gregory Stock, asks a number of questions that don’t have universal answers. It is meant to aid you in soul searching or self-examination. A great number of the questions are akin to Ring of Gyges situations, where someone is given a dilemma or problem and has to suss it out.
Some of the problems aren’t all that bad, but they reveal a lot about you I would think. Take Question 001 for example. It goes like this:
“Technology has become a part of us. Would you rather lose the use of all motorized vehicles, all telecommunications devices and computers, or one of your hands?”
My kneejerk reaction is to lose the use of one of my hands. However, if I can’t drive, I could bicycle to a lot of places. The question needs to be more clear though. Would this scenario eliminate ALL motorized vehicles or would I only be unable to operate one? Other questions are disturbing and encroach on our basic liberties as consumers. Take Question 002 to illustrate this point. The gist of that one is that your 6-year-old daughter’s favorite toy starts telling her that she needs to buy a new toy from the same company’s line.
There are over two hundred questions contained within this book. Sometimes the question has an offshoot that is meant to make the question more probing.
Some of the problems aren’t all that bad, but they reveal a lot about you I would think. Take Question 001 for example. It goes like this:
“Technology has become a part of us. Would you rather lose the use of all motorized vehicles, all telecommunications devices and computers, or one of your hands?”
My kneejerk reaction is to lose the use of one of my hands. However, if I can’t drive, I could bicycle to a lot of places. The question needs to be more clear though. Would this scenario eliminate ALL motorized vehicles or would I only be unable to operate one? Other questions are disturbing and encroach on our basic liberties as consumers. Take Question 002 to illustrate this point. The gist of that one is that your 6-year-old daughter’s favorite toy starts telling her that she needs to buy a new toy from the same company’s line.
There are over two hundred questions contained within this book. Sometimes the question has an offshoot that is meant to make the question more probing.
December 1, 2018
"Never judge a book by its cover." This book reinforces this age-old adage. Even though it looks tiny, this book is literally just questions which you can pose to your prospective dates, friends or the best, yourself. It will tap on your deepest desires and you will be faced with dilemmas but all of them will eventually stir up the darkest shade of your psyche. Just give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.
Warning: Don't read this book with your better half :P
Warning: Don't read this book with your better half :P
April 14, 2021
Ah, I am so fond of this little treasure of a book!
You can either question yourself and take your time to ponder and self-reflect.
OR you can bring this book when meeting up with friends or acquaintances you'd like to get to know better. GOODBYE small talk, HELLO meaningful conversations!
You can either question yourself and take your time to ponder and self-reflect.
OR you can bring this book when meeting up with friends or acquaintances you'd like to get to know better. GOODBYE small talk, HELLO meaningful conversations!
February 27, 2022
Didn’t realize this came out in 1985 before getting it from the library. It should’ve stayed back in time if it wanted to be taken somewhat seriously. Entertaining when done in a group since it’s so ridiculous.
August 4, 2025
Loved it! Not a book to just read through. Each page holds one question that invites deep reflection.
Perfect for self-discovery or as a meaningful get-to-know-you game. Thoughtful, personal and surprisingly philosophical.
Perfect for self-discovery or as a meaningful get-to-know-you game. Thoughtful, personal and surprisingly philosophical.
March 25, 2023
Great for building conversation, connections and friendship! A nice way to get to know people and how they think too :)
December 13, 2021
This was a delight. I surprised myself on how much I enjoyed answering the questions. Some had immediate answers, almost visceral, answers while others were slower to form and sometimes I just moved on because they were too fraught with emotion to contemplate.
This would be a marvelous gift for the right person. I would love to take each question weekly and really spend some time pondering and recording my thoughts.
This would be a marvelous gift for the right person. I would love to take each question weekly and really spend some time pondering and recording my thoughts.
June 19, 2022
Zjistil jsem, že žít nemá vůbec smysl, a na každou druhou otázku jsem si odpověděl stylem "kdybych si prohnal kulku hlavou, nemusel bych vůbec nic řešit." Opravdu perfektní knížka pro existencionalisty a sebevražedný pokusníky.
+občas přijde unikátní otázka
-pětina všech otázek se točí kolem sexu, ve kterém jsem asi tak znalý, jako lední medvěd v kvadratických funkcích
+občas přijde unikátní otázka
-pětina všech otázek se točí kolem sexu, ve kterém jsem asi tak znalý, jako lední medvěd v kvadratických funkcích
July 22, 2024
I guess I am first to review this book, so quite an honor... overall cool questions, I like sharing them to my friends and asking for their take on them.
January 10, 2021
A good way to start the New Year for an easy read. At the same time, it compels the reader to reflect on important questions, may they be practical, philosophical, moral or spiritual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews