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The Boston Rob Rulebook: Strategies for Life

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Boston Rob Mariano gained notoriety from his exploits on the hit CBS reality show "Survivor." The four-time player also gained a great deal of respect for his physical capabilities, social awareness, and his strategic, outside-the-box way of thinking. Now Mariano has compiled a list of personal life lessons in his first book, The Boston Rob Rulebook: Strategies for Life. Through his signature wit and no-nonsense personality, Mariano shares some of the wisdom he's gained over the years, both growing up in Boston and through his experiences and adventures as a reality TV personality, and how he's applied it to his life to find success and fulfillment. The result is a collection of solid, practical, straight-forward advice delivered with Mariano's distinctive voice and perspective.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2013

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Robert C. Mariano

2 books8 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Tony Laplume.
Author 53 books38 followers
August 26, 2021
To his credit, "Boston Rob" Mariano, four-time player of reality show competition Survivor, clearly indicates his words of wisdom are to be taken with a grain of salt.

That's to be kept in mind as you're reading. He does in fact have some good, if familiar, advice to impart. It's ironic that one of the people who actually took this advice, just before the book's release, was Phillip Sheppard, most certainly did not benefit wildly from following it. He remained in his second season on Survivor saddled with the same reputation he'd gained in his first, which was also Boston Rob's last, the only one he won. (To be fair, Mariano makes it clear that first impressions are important.)

I love Boston Rob. I also love Survivor. Despite how many times it took him to win, Mariano was also one of the show's biggest winners in my book. Very few of the players understand it as intrinsically as he does, as he did right from the start. He was one of the first naturals (he debuted in the fourth season) to be cast, and remains basically an induplicable template (only Cochran has really come close, besides the snake of all winners, Richard Hatch), someone whom the audience can love who can manipulate, and play by his own rules and control his own destiny, for the most part.

If we lived in a perfect world, this rulebook would be perfect. But of course it isn't. It's not the only thing anyone needs to know. It's not even the only thing Mariano needed to draw from to win. As I said, it took him four shots to do it. It always proves incredibly convenient to come with advantages. Being brought back multiple times is certainly a huge advantage. Technically, he won in his second shot because he went to the finals with his future wife, who did win that time. His fourth time basically saw Mariano have no real competition.

And that's the variable that he's still missing in his philosophy, the wildcard every poker player is always hoping to be dealt. (Poker comes up often in the book, although Mariano is hardly known in Survivor lore for his poker playing; that's for far lesser alum.) Everything else is solid.

As I said, he acknowledges he doesn't have all the answers. To have released a book at all that might suggest he does is basically an acknowledgement that Mariano has in fact done something worthy of claiming such. And he has.

But don't let it go to your head, Boston Rob. Good book. But there's at least one more rule you left out. Charm can get you very far in life. And that's found in here, too. Just not written as one of the rules.
Profile Image for Chalay Cragun.
432 reviews
January 29, 2025
As a fan of the man I found this fun. As I flew through this today I could hear his voice reading it in my head and loved he kept it so authentic to who he is. Obviously if you have never watched the countless reality shows he's on it wouldn't be worth the read but if you know and like him then it's a good one to pick up.
Profile Image for Barbara Young.
11 reviews
May 30, 2013
Like the Boston Rob we came to know (and grow to love) on the Survivor series, this book is full of straight up honest tips on how to make the most of your life. While true to Boston Rob's style, yes, it gets to the point - it also retains the undeniable charm and positivity, that is a facet of Boston Rob's character. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Nikki.
118 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2019
I love survivor and Boston Rob! He is my all time fav. survivor. But I don't think this book is just for fans. Boston Rob is hilarious, smart and I think this book has some really good advice. I hope he comes out with another book. 🙂
Profile Image for Lindsay Moniz.
27 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2020
I would love to read books on peoples personal game play and strategies of survivor over the years. But I understand why no books like that exist. This is the closest thing to those thoughts. And I loved hearing Boston Robs accent in my head as I read it. I suggest this small read to every survivor fan out there!!
Profile Image for Vishaal.
2 reviews
February 28, 2025
Certified BANGER. I love Boston Rob and this is such a cool little book with surprisingly good insights and advice. My only wish is that it was longer. However, the smaller size made it much easier for a person who doesn't read as much to digest. Would be 5 stars if it was longer!
Profile Image for Steven R. McEvoy.
3,814 reviews174 followers
January 14, 2026
Now first I am not much of a TV watcher, and even less reality TV. But my wife and youngest two children are big fans, They have watched Rob on Survivor, Deal or No Deal Island, and even Traitors. Rob has appeared on the following shows:

• Survivor: Marquesas
• Survivor: All-Stars
• The Amazing Race 7
• Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker
• Poker Dome Challenge
• The Amazing Race: All-Stars
• Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains
• Survivor: Redemption Island
• The Price Is Right
• Survivor: Winners at War
• Deal or No Deal Island (
• The Traitors

I have only seen a handful of episodes, and was usually sitting in the room reading. But recently someone mention he was a devout Catholic, and even shared images of his daughters receiving the sacraments. SO I took a look to see if he had a book. Appartely he has two, this volume an a cookbook called: ‘Boston Rob's Family Favorites’.

The description of this volume states:

“Boston Rob Mariano gained notoriety from his exploits on the hit CBS reality show "Survivor." The four-time player also gained a great deal of respect for his physical capabilities, social awareness, and his strategic, outside-the-box way of thinking. Now Mariano has compiled a list of personal life lessons in his first book, The Boston Rob Rulebook: Strategies for Life. Through his signature wit and no-nonsense personality, Mariano shares some of the wisdom he's gained over the years, both growing up in Boston and through his experiences and adventures as a reality TV personality, and how he's applied it to his life to find success and fulfillment. The result is a collection of solid, practical, straight-forward advice delivered with Mariano's distinctive voice and perspective.”

I keep hoping that someday come to print from NCIS in a collection of ‘Gibb’s Rules’, and I really enjoyed Lee Child’s Jack Reacher’s Rules. So I willingly gave this volume a try. The chapters in the book are:

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Know who you are.
Be adaptable.
Smarten up.
Nobody likes a crybaby.
Clean it up.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Turn the tables in your favor.
Be positive.
No man is an island.
Build'em up.
Zip it.
Be honest with yourself.
Be a risk taker.
Stay cool.
Pay attention.
Get organized.
Family comes first. Always.
Life is a social game.
Fake it until you make it.
Miscellaneous Stuff
Beware of the underdog.
"Tell me who you go with, and I'll tell you who you are."
Never tell her she looks "fine."
Never, ever, ever give up.

I highlighted a number of passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“First of all, God. I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer. I've seen it work countless times, first-hand. This book itself is proof. The fact that a rulebook of my life strategies even exists is a mini-miracle in itself.”

“The following rules and strategies are ones I've compiled throughout my life thus far, growing up in a strong, loving, Italian family, in a no-nonsense, straightforward, loyal city like Boston. I came up with and collected these rules during my time growing up, as a student, working in construction, playing and coaching sports, as a TV personality, being a competitive poker player, being a diehard fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins, traveling the world and setting foot on all seven continents, and, of course, becoming a father and having a family of my own.”

“Just for fun I've also thrown in a couple not-so-serious rules because, let's face it, you should never take yourself too seriously.”

“My parents instilled solid family values in me and gave me a strong sense of self. (Being the first born didn’t hurt either.) I was taught that I could become whatever I wanted in life and that my only limitations were the ones I placed on myself. It was also an unwritten code that loyalty with your friends and family was paramount.”

“One of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make is not knowing who you are and what you stand for. It seems pretty cut and dry, but you'd be surprised how many people struggle with this.”

“Consistency is key. Staying true to who you are at all times will gain the respect of you peers. I mean, take a stance already.”

“Maybe even more importantly, know your weaknesses. Because trust me, in life someone's always going to try to figure out your weakness and use it to their advantage.”

“Those who are able to adapt to changing situations and become stronger will survive; those who can't will die off. It's like the old saying: bend, don't break.”

“Of course, even if you do everything right, it doesn't guarantee you'll win the hand. That's just life. There is a certain degree of unquantifiable luck involved in everything we do. It's the great equalizer. You just have to adapt the best you can and let the cards fall where they may.”

“If you want to be successful, you have to do your homework. Nobody gets anywhere without a lot of hard work and determination.”

“But I did, and in 1999 I got my degree in psychology from Boston University. And believe it or not, I use it just about every day of my life, just not in the way a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant, or even a psychologist uses their formal training.”

“My education didn't only come from the classroom either. It came from my parents, my peers, my teammates on the ice and field, my neighbors; from my first jobs; and even from my failures.”

“Even if things really are bad right now, you have to be strong, lean on your family and friends and know that things will get better eventually.”

“It’s sad that we get caught up in all the materialistic things. After our basic needs are met–food, water shelter, clothing, health–the only other things we need are interaction with others and to be loved.”

“Look, things are not always going to be fair. Get over it. You have to figure out how to overcome whatever obstacles are in your way, despite all the inequalities you encounter, either perceived or real. If you're able to do this, you'll always have a leg up on the competition. If you can't, you'll suffer for sure.”

“Know your weaknesses. Remember: one person's disadvantage is another's opportunity. Don't let someone take advantage of your weaknesses or inabilities because you're too proud to realize you have them and what they are. Face them head on and find a solution; otherwise, you'll be the one getting played.”

“You have to be aware, not only of your words and your actions, but maybe even more important, your thoughts. Negativity comes from within. It starts in your head long before it comes out of your mouth.”

“No one gets anywhere in this life without the help of others. My family and friends helped to form my beliefs and personality. My coaches and teachers guided and educated me. My employers have taught me valuable skills and given me opportunities to better myself. And of course, my wife has helped me become who I am today and has given me three beautiful daughters.”

“Criticism can be valuable, but only if it's the constructive kind.”

“The fact of the matter is, you are your own barometer. It may take a bit of soul-searching, but deep down you know whether you're giving it your all in any particular situation.”

“You can change your situation, your state-of-mind, and your state-of-being if you really want to. But you have to first be willing to make the change, even if you make mistakes and have setbacks along the way. If you don't take a risk and make a change, you'll never know what you could've been or what you could've done.”

“Maintaining your composure can be hard when things are going haywire and it seems like everyone's against you. But if you want to succeed in high pressure situations, you're going to have to stay cool, keep your focus, and rise to the occasion.”

“Something I've always tried to do consistently is to learn from my mistakes and improve upon them. And so far, it's definitely paid off.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. It was a fun read. Some of the advice I could easily apply. Some was similar to lessons I have already learned. Other then being a fan of the Bruins there is much to appreciate and respect about Rob and what he has accomplished so far. This was a great little book to have worked through. And my son is reading it now.

So weather you are a fan of the many reality shows he has been on, or are just familiar with the name and personality I am sure there is something in this book you will benefit from. So pick it up and give it a try.

This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
101 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2020
2.5 stars

So this isn't a bad book. When I ordered it, I hoped it would actually be a real book...that takes a few days to read. This is more like a pamphlet. You can work through it in 30 minutes. Each "chapter" is two pages.

All of the advice here is common sense and none if it would be news to any adult reader. It is certainly written in Rob's voice (I do believe that he probably wrote this at least 90% independently). It is basically basic rules for being a decent person and not a scumbag.

Survivor isn't mentioned in the actual content of the book at all, and though some of the tips could be applied to Survivor, they're so general that there isn't really a point (i.e. Always have a backup plan).

It's strange that the book would be so Survivor-averse when 99% of people reading it will know Rob from the show.

Anyways, it's a fine quick "read" if you could even call it that. It has a bit of humor. Probably works best as a gift for a fan.
22 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2015
A very quick yet insightful. The narrative of the book feels as if Boston Rob is talking to you (for better or for worse). Very witty and funny like BR, but he shows a serious side as well. His advice is very practical and relates to everyday life, and not just Survivor
Profile Image for Stinkydiver.
35 reviews
March 28, 2016
This list rules is just what you'd expect from the voice of "Boston Rob." (In a good way.)
A heads up for any Survivor fan wanting to read: you should know it has little to no mention of the show and is mainly derived from his home life/upbringing.
Profile Image for Wendy.
732 reviews22 followers
May 17, 2013
a MUST-read for any Boston Rob® fan.
3 reviews
February 15, 2021
Look, I’m the biggest Survivor fan I know. I enjoy Boston Rob, but this book is not worth reading. It is written at a high school level, and feels like his manager / agent just told him to get something together on paper because he knew he could sell it for $20 (the price of this book) and make a quick buck. Anyways - I borrowed it from someone, read it in one night and checked that box, but not worth buying in the slightest.
Profile Image for Shanda Jones.
56 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2025
You don't have to be a fan (but I am) to love this one. Short, entertaining chapters with that Boston Rob voice, and lots of solid advice. It's like having lunch with your favorite uncle...who just so happens to be "The Rob-Father" himself. Loved it!

As a teacher, I cannot wait to use it in this upcoming school year. It's the perfect read-discuss-write springboard. Just thought I'd throw it out there for any others looking for inspo!
1 review
October 14, 2025
I am a major fan of the show Survivor - admittedly, Boston Rob has never been my favorite character. This story includes some fairly obvious observations, but is still delivered charismatically and in an enjoyable manner. As someone who likes to consider human interactions and engagement, I think these tips were simple to digest, playful and whimsical, and overall, a nice, fun read (listen) on a Monday afternoon.
294 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2025
This book should take about an hour to read, but it contains enough insights to make it worth reading more than once. I have followed Boston Rob though his progress in Survivor and I understand why he will not return to the game ever again (he would be voted out in the first week). I hopefully one day get a chance to face him at the poker tables, as he is pretty mich an “open book” to me at this point.
Profile Image for Emily Anne.
Author 1 book6 followers
May 9, 2020
"Playing it safe will only get you so far in life. At some point you have to take a chance. Being a risk-taker is going to lead to a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes things work out; other times it you fall flat on your face. But in the end, the rewards will be worth all the scars."

I enjoyed this quick read, it felt just like Boston Rob talking to you , jokes and all.
Profile Image for Erin McEwen.
16 reviews
November 25, 2020
I like Boston Rob, but he is not much of a writer. This felt like something a kid might have passed in for school, one with a decent grasp on spelling and sentence structure but not a very sophisticated writing style. Also, he is a big fan of popular, overused quotes, the kind you see floating around Facebook. Not very good. 😂🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Brittany Rader.
260 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2024
This book... exists. I honestly only read it for the bit, but I kind of wish I had left it alone. It was just 75 pages of Boston Rob rambling through cliches and telling the same 2-3 stories over and over again. Perhaps it's just a bit dated, but I also found myself a little offended by some of his takes (particularly about women). Not worth the read.
Profile Image for Alex.
6,650 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2017
3 stars only because I love Boston Rob. This was a pretty pointless book, but I did enjoy his notes at the end of every chapter, particularly the third bullet point that just oozed with his sense of humor.
51 reviews
March 7, 2020
This was a good book in my opinion. I expected it to be longer, but the short nature meant I got through it much faster and enjoyed each section. Mariano's humor was enjoyable and his stories were fun to read. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would read it again.
Profile Image for Lizz.
5 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2020
I love watching Boston Rob on Survivor but this book was just terrible. Should be renamed “A Poorly Written Summary of White Male Privilege”. Advice was over-simplified and inapplicable to anyone outside the aforementioned white male bubble.
Profile Image for Brian.
1,921 reviews62 followers
July 16, 2024
This book has some good advice, and some nice pictures, but it is VERY short. It's a fun read for a Survivor fan but not a book you can bring that will kill at most 1 hour. I do like the humor Boston Rob adds into the book though.
Profile Image for Kasi.
240 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2024
I mean, it’s fine. It’s nice advice that is superficial and lacks depth and is kind of like “yeah yeah yeah”… not much originality.

That being said, I think Boston Rob is awesome and I liked reading something that he wrote - just not the content.
Profile Image for Lake Daily.
15 reviews
December 30, 2024
Quick, fun little read. You’re probably only going to read this if you’re a big fan of Survivor and Boston Rob. It is interesting to see the strategies he’s used in Survivor, and they’re not necessarily bad strategies for life either.
2 reviews
December 15, 2025
Look, this is not the most groundbreaking or life changing book ever written. But it did feel like solid life advice that your older brother or favorite uncle would give you. Also, to be honest with you, I love Boston Rob and he can do no wrong in my eyes.
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