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The Checklist Book: Set Realistic Goals, Celebrate Tiny Wins, Reduce Stress and Overwhelm, and Feel Calmer Every Day
Master both major and minor tasks--by going back to the basics and writing out a simple checklist. It will change your life.
The checklist is one of the world's oldest--and most effective--productivity systems. If anything, says entrepreneur Alexandra Franzen, it is just as valuable now as it was during the days of the Roman Empire, allowing us to tangibly plan our day and set in stone what we want to accomplish. There are countless apps and organizational systems promising to help us straighten out our lives, but often they only add to the madness and leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Learn how
- Choose your highest priorities
- Set realistic goals
- Celebrate tiny wins
- Feel calmer every day
By physically writing down our tasks on a single piece of paper, we force ourselves to be realistic and limit how much we can do in a day. Too often, we cram our day with tasks and chores and leave almost no space for self-care or time with loved ones. We end up disappointed in our inability to complete our never-ending to-do list. Checklists help you accomplish what needs to be done--and enjoy things you want to be doing, too.
"There are thousands of books on how to become more organized and productive, but very few have the heart, soul, humor, and gentle encouragement of this book." --Ellen Fondiler, career and business strategist
The checklist is one of the world's oldest--and most effective--productivity systems. If anything, says entrepreneur Alexandra Franzen, it is just as valuable now as it was during the days of the Roman Empire, allowing us to tangibly plan our day and set in stone what we want to accomplish. There are countless apps and organizational systems promising to help us straighten out our lives, but often they only add to the madness and leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Learn how
- Choose your highest priorities
- Set realistic goals
- Celebrate tiny wins
- Feel calmer every day
By physically writing down our tasks on a single piece of paper, we force ourselves to be realistic and limit how much we can do in a day. Too often, we cram our day with tasks and chores and leave almost no space for self-care or time with loved ones. We end up disappointed in our inability to complete our never-ending to-do list. Checklists help you accomplish what needs to be done--and enjoy things you want to be doing, too.
"There are thousands of books on how to become more organized and productive, but very few have the heart, soul, humor, and gentle encouragement of this book." --Ellen Fondiler, career and business strategist
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2020
232 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 10, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I’ve always been a maker of lists. There is something satisfying about making a list and checking things off, and basking in the glow of accomplishment.
My lists have never gone further than a daily list of things I want to, or must, get done. However The Checklist Book is more than an organisational help book. It’s about making realistic goals and breaking them down to daily, weekly and long term goals. It’s about making the life you wish to live into the life you are actually living.
Alexandra explains the idea of checklists in a fun and informative way. Her checklist concept is broken down step by step so it is easy to start with the basics and build on this to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
This book goes beyond the daily “must do” checklist to things to do simply for well being. Think about what matters most to you each day, simple things, and live them.
Something that was a great help for me was the inclusion of Alexandra’s example checklists that you can tweak to suit your lifestyle and what you love.
There is no hard and fast set of rules. Alexandra understands that not everyone is the same so her personal list may not suit someone else. There is great flexibility throughout the book.
“It’s not just writing down a bunch of stuff I need to do.”
Through The Checklist book I discovered so much more to list making and a way to reduce stress and feel calmer every day.
*I received a copy from the publisher
I’ve always been a maker of lists. There is something satisfying about making a list and checking things off, and basking in the glow of accomplishment.
My lists have never gone further than a daily list of things I want to, or must, get done. However The Checklist Book is more than an organisational help book. It’s about making realistic goals and breaking them down to daily, weekly and long term goals. It’s about making the life you wish to live into the life you are actually living.
Alexandra explains the idea of checklists in a fun and informative way. Her checklist concept is broken down step by step so it is easy to start with the basics and build on this to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
This book goes beyond the daily “must do” checklist to things to do simply for well being. Think about what matters most to you each day, simple things, and live them.
Something that was a great help for me was the inclusion of Alexandra’s example checklists that you can tweak to suit your lifestyle and what you love.
There is no hard and fast set of rules. Alexandra understands that not everyone is the same so her personal list may not suit someone else. There is great flexibility throughout the book.
“It’s not just writing down a bunch of stuff I need to do.”
Through The Checklist book I discovered so much more to list making and a way to reduce stress and feel calmer every day.
*I received a copy from the publisher
January 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this! Short + to the point. So often these types of books are overwhelming but Alexandra makes daily list making not only approachable but enjoyable. I kinda want to gift this book to all my friends 📚
November 22, 2021
I bought this book randomly and am glad I did. It's a quick read full of little insights on how to make checklists properly, and how they improve our mental health. I didn't follow all the advice listed in the book (it advocates for writing out a daily checklist each day, but I prefer to use an app on my computer/phone), but you can still take several lessons away from this book. One simple thing I learned that made a big difference - don't delete (or cross out) things from your checklist when you finish them. You want to end the day seeing all the tasks you finished, not the ones that are remaining. So instead, mark a check next to each task, so you can still see them at the end of the day even if it's done!
May 9, 2020
This is the kind of book you need to have handy on your coffee table so you can refer back to it.
I really liked this book and Franzen's writing style and approach to getting stuff done.
Particularly at the moment the whole world seems upside-down, Alexandra Franzen has given us a way to stay sane and on top of the things we need to do but also allowing us time to do the things we enjoy too.
With many of us working from home, kids out of school and our usual routines gone out of the window, it is so hard to stay focused on everything we need to do - let alone get anything done. Which is why Franzen's approach to checklists is so genius.
This book gives tried and true ways to get all our thoughts organised, all our to do's in one place, and most important, a way to pace ourselves so we are not walking around in a constant state of overwhelm. She also emphasises that it's important we make time for the things we enjoy like self-care, fun, catching up with family and friends.
I've always been a fan of checklists but I think I'll adopt mine more in line with Franzen's way of doing them. I really like her approach, the daily checklist, seasonal and lose ends. It isn't about having one huge endless list it's about breaking it down into priorities and manageable chunks. There are checklists, different mindset then a to do list. The other great idea is put different intentions on your checklist which I think is a game-changer.
Get it today so you can start breathing easier. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to enhance their productivity and find a healthier work-life balance.
I really liked this book and Franzen's writing style and approach to getting stuff done.
Particularly at the moment the whole world seems upside-down, Alexandra Franzen has given us a way to stay sane and on top of the things we need to do but also allowing us time to do the things we enjoy too.
With many of us working from home, kids out of school and our usual routines gone out of the window, it is so hard to stay focused on everything we need to do - let alone get anything done. Which is why Franzen's approach to checklists is so genius.
This book gives tried and true ways to get all our thoughts organised, all our to do's in one place, and most important, a way to pace ourselves so we are not walking around in a constant state of overwhelm. She also emphasises that it's important we make time for the things we enjoy like self-care, fun, catching up with family and friends.
I've always been a fan of checklists but I think I'll adopt mine more in line with Franzen's way of doing them. I really like her approach, the daily checklist, seasonal and lose ends. It isn't about having one huge endless list it's about breaking it down into priorities and manageable chunks. There are checklists, different mindset then a to do list. The other great idea is put different intentions on your checklist which I think is a game-changer.
Get it today so you can start breathing easier. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to enhance their productivity and find a healthier work-life balance.
June 30, 2021
In this productivity book, Franzen offers her worldview and a number of ways to live life. Finally, toward the middle of the book, she reveals her checklist system, followed by a few variations of it afterward. Then, the book ends. It’s honestly more of an ebook, and can probably be read in an hour or so.
Let me just make it easy for you:
Step 1: date your checklist
Step 2: write an inspiring quote
Step 3: write down the first thing you want to do at the start of your day
Step 4: write down a few easy wins (make a cup of coffee, stretch)
Step 5: write down the most important tasks that need done for the day
Step 6: leave a few lines for unexpected things that come up
Step 7: write down how you want to end your day
It’s simple, and she argues two things: 1. taking the time to write your list for tomorrow, today, sets you up for success, and 2. the dopamine rush from checking off the easy wins at the start of the day sets you on a good pace.
I can’t argue with that. But I can’t help but rate the book low. I’m GOING to try this system. I’m always interested in new productivity systems. However, there’s a huge “how do you live you life” section that eats up a bunch of chapters, and it never added up to anything worth reading.
Then, after the daily checklist chapter, she talks about checklists for birthdays, hard life events, seasonal checklists, etc. this is fine, and I actually think I’ll take her up on a few of these.
But for the most part, it’s a book with a LOT of paper that didn’t need to be there. We are REALLY just here for the checklists.
Let me just make it easy for you:
Step 1: date your checklist
Step 2: write an inspiring quote
Step 3: write down the first thing you want to do at the start of your day
Step 4: write down a few easy wins (make a cup of coffee, stretch)
Step 5: write down the most important tasks that need done for the day
Step 6: leave a few lines for unexpected things that come up
Step 7: write down how you want to end your day
It’s simple, and she argues two things: 1. taking the time to write your list for tomorrow, today, sets you up for success, and 2. the dopamine rush from checking off the easy wins at the start of the day sets you on a good pace.
I can’t argue with that. But I can’t help but rate the book low. I’m GOING to try this system. I’m always interested in new productivity systems. However, there’s a huge “how do you live you life” section that eats up a bunch of chapters, and it never added up to anything worth reading.
Then, after the daily checklist chapter, she talks about checklists for birthdays, hard life events, seasonal checklists, etc. this is fine, and I actually think I’ll take her up on a few of these.
But for the most part, it’s a book with a LOT of paper that didn’t need to be there. We are REALLY just here for the checklists.
March 6, 2022
If you're a list maker, you'll find this book very satisfying. It is organized nicely, contains pretty templates, and gives great examples to get started. The extra blank note pages are unnecessary and make the book seem longer than it actually is.
January 14, 2020
for lovers of the list
Loved, loved, loved this. So many ideas to live your life intentionally and to plan for both moments and goals! I’ve been a fan of Alex for a while now and religiously devour her work. This may just be my favourite book she’s written!
Loved, loved, loved this. So many ideas to live your life intentionally and to plan for both moments and goals! I’ve been a fan of Alex for a while now and religiously devour her work. This may just be my favourite book she’s written!
January 24, 2020
I loved this book! It’s a quick read and has so many ideas on writing checklists. I love how Alex wove stories into showing us how to create great checklists for anything we’re doing!
September 22, 2022
didn’t learn new or important
Pretty basic, just basic simple common sense. A bit disappointed. There are much better books on this topic. Can’t recommend
Pretty basic, just basic simple common sense. A bit disappointed. There are much better books on this topic. Can’t recommend
May 29, 2020
I received a copy of The Checklist Book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are, of course, my own. See full review >> https://booksbeansandbotany.com/the-c...
I can honestly say I think Alexandra possibly wrote this book for me. I feel like a broken record, but I was just diagnosed with ADHD at 33 (you can read my article about this for Wellness Lounge Magazine) and it felt like I had the most enlightening experience ever. However, it made me realize that had I known sooner, things may have turned out different.
I’ve always been a serial list-maker but never seemed to accomplish anything. Always have the ideas and the plans but nothing to show for it. My life made so much sense once I was diagnosed. I finally had an answer as to what was “wrong” with me. Since being on meds and getting help, I’m finally checking things off my checklist (and ultimately it’s what led me to be able to start this site – my third one!).
That being said, I still struggle – as I imagine I may always do with the way my brain works – to stay on task, say no to people, and not overfill my day. I have a bad habit of thinking somehow there’s more time in a day then there is.
I really loved Alexandra's writing, the historical bits included (but still kept short and sweet!), the included templates, and resource list.
I can honestly say I think Alexandra possibly wrote this book for me. I feel like a broken record, but I was just diagnosed with ADHD at 33 (you can read my article about this for Wellness Lounge Magazine) and it felt like I had the most enlightening experience ever. However, it made me realize that had I known sooner, things may have turned out different.
I’ve always been a serial list-maker but never seemed to accomplish anything. Always have the ideas and the plans but nothing to show for it. My life made so much sense once I was diagnosed. I finally had an answer as to what was “wrong” with me. Since being on meds and getting help, I’m finally checking things off my checklist (and ultimately it’s what led me to be able to start this site – my third one!).
That being said, I still struggle – as I imagine I may always do with the way my brain works – to stay on task, say no to people, and not overfill my day. I have a bad habit of thinking somehow there’s more time in a day then there is.
I really loved Alexandra's writing, the historical bits included (but still kept short and sweet!), the included templates, and resource list.
June 2, 2020
As an inveterate list-maker, I was eager to read Alex Franzen’s book on checklists. I found it so much more than I expected and there was so much to enjoy and be inspired by – from the science of list making to the history of checklists; from digging deep into one’s personal approach to life to the wide range of templates to create a wide range of checklists.
For me, I quickly saw how I could expand the quick list I usually made, into a detailed list of moments, easy wins and tasks, culminating in a most positive ending to the day, when there was a line of checks to celebrate success of tasks done.
Chapter 4 was my favourite. Franzen offered a list of approaches in how we face life, with questions to answer that allowed us to dig deep into what we wanted from life. I was able to narrow it to 3 approaches that I will use to focus on as I move forward.
I love the idea of choosing ‘moments” to experience each day and actually put them on your checklist, rather than just have a list of tasks to complete. We all need those special moments, even if they are only minutes.
Franzen’s book has really made me rethink my own list making and devise a better way to meet each day.
I highly recommend Alex Franzen’s book.
For me, I quickly saw how I could expand the quick list I usually made, into a detailed list of moments, easy wins and tasks, culminating in a most positive ending to the day, when there was a line of checks to celebrate success of tasks done.
Chapter 4 was my favourite. Franzen offered a list of approaches in how we face life, with questions to answer that allowed us to dig deep into what we wanted from life. I was able to narrow it to 3 approaches that I will use to focus on as I move forward.
I love the idea of choosing ‘moments” to experience each day and actually put them on your checklist, rather than just have a list of tasks to complete. We all need those special moments, even if they are only minutes.
Franzen’s book has really made me rethink my own list making and devise a better way to meet each day.
I highly recommend Alex Franzen’s book.
May 20, 2022
This book point to a lot of the things I do daily. From being overwhelmed and feeling like the world is against me.
"No two people are exactly alike. We all have different values that determine what “a good life” looks and feels like. However, research indicates that there’s one thing that virtually all human beings share in common, which is a desire for integrity. We all want to feel proud of ourselves."
This is something I want to do because I struggle with keeping up with my expectations. When I ask the people around me they can usually relate to me so this allows me to see how to get things done from a different view.
"Researchers from top universities like Stanford and Princeton have found that the more decisions you have to make every day, the more mentally exhausted you feel—a state known as decision fatigue." I didn't know the number of things I have to think about caused me to have fatigue. If you want to read this book go ahead this book allowed me to view the world and my habits in a different view.
"No two people are exactly alike. We all have different values that determine what “a good life” looks and feels like. However, research indicates that there’s one thing that virtually all human beings share in common, which is a desire for integrity. We all want to feel proud of ourselves."
This is something I want to do because I struggle with keeping up with my expectations. When I ask the people around me they can usually relate to me so this allows me to see how to get things done from a different view.
"Researchers from top universities like Stanford and Princeton have found that the more decisions you have to make every day, the more mentally exhausted you feel—a state known as decision fatigue." I didn't know the number of things I have to think about caused me to have fatigue. If you want to read this book go ahead this book allowed me to view the world and my habits in a different view.
April 15, 2022
An interesting topic covering how to structure checklists to make your day and possibly life a success.
I've rarely use checklists and usually the ones I frequently create are to-do lists.
Didn't know that we could have a structured approach to checklists and use this to set us up for success, one single check at a time.
I love the story and analogy of the pilot checklist, it comes to show just how important yet simple this method could be.
In my opinion sometimes we can tackle a complicated problem with the usage of a simple tool.
A well prepared and considerate checklist could save us much hassle, help us get through rut and create the life we want.
This book is simple and engaging, I wish there were more content and insight into this topic because it felt kind of a short read to me.
I've rarely use checklists and usually the ones I frequently create are to-do lists.
Didn't know that we could have a structured approach to checklists and use this to set us up for success, one single check at a time.
I love the story and analogy of the pilot checklist, it comes to show just how important yet simple this method could be.
In my opinion sometimes we can tackle a complicated problem with the usage of a simple tool.
A well prepared and considerate checklist could save us much hassle, help us get through rut and create the life we want.
This book is simple and engaging, I wish there were more content and insight into this topic because it felt kind of a short read to me.
March 17, 2022
First, I love Alexandra Franzen; she is great and her scripts for saying no, asking for testimonials, etc. have helped me tremendously over the years. This book, though, it's fluff. It really doesn't have a lot of depth or novel content. If you're brand new to the world of organization or productivity, if you're a teenager or an extremely disorganized person, then, yeah, this book might be an eye-opener for you, and Alexandra is a friendly and lovely guide. I've read many books in the appendix of this one, books that have a lot more depth, so I don't think I'm the ideal audience for this beginner book. Fortunately, I read this on Kindle Unlimited, so I didn't have to buy it.
June 8, 2020
With the Apps game, we have all seen apps help keep us organized or electronic devices become our virtual assistant. Alexandra reminds us of the simplicity of writing down your checklist on a piece of paper. The sense of achievement that we feel when we cross items off our list. By creating a checklist, you never forget to send out a bill, forget to wish someone a Happy Birthday, etc., and create more time to do things that you love. If you already develop checklists, like myself, you can still find some healthy tips within the novel.
March 25, 2022
As a checklist devotee, I was curious to see what this author had to say. I usually make checklists with good intentions of checking everything off by day's end, only to loose motivation. The author made two suggestions that will help with the flagging motivation that accompanies too many tasks and not enough day. 1) Determine your overall purpose in life and then use that to guide which items/tasks you put on the list, and 2) build some fun into the list (that ideally helps you achieve your overall purpose). The author's clear and engaging writing makes the process seem simple.
November 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book
I loved the whole format of this book! Short and simple, jam packed with useful information. I love how I got through the book quickly, and I feel like it’s primarily because she doesn’t add a bunch of “fillers.” It’s exactly what you need to know with some suggestions for how to get started using her method right away. I honestly wish more books were formatted this way!
I loved the whole format of this book! Short and simple, jam packed with useful information. I love how I got through the book quickly, and I feel like it’s primarily because she doesn’t add a bunch of “fillers.” It’s exactly what you need to know with some suggestions for how to get started using her method right away. I honestly wish more books were formatted this way!
December 27, 2021
I liked it, but...
There were some great ideas in this book. I loved the ideas for choosing what matters in your life. I loved that Alex suggests taking what you need and changing things up to suit. However, the actual checklists felt really basic. I’m not really sure how they’d fit into my life. Maybe I need multiple daily checklists one for work, one for personal, etc - except that just feels over-done and way too complicated. Overall tho - still worth the read.
There were some great ideas in this book. I loved the ideas for choosing what matters in your life. I loved that Alex suggests taking what you need and changing things up to suit. However, the actual checklists felt really basic. I’m not really sure how they’d fit into my life. Maybe I need multiple daily checklists one for work, one for personal, etc - except that just feels over-done and way too complicated. Overall tho - still worth the read.
March 15, 2022
To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement, given how much I love checklists! But there's another reason I really liked this book and that's thanks to the way it's written by Alexandra Franzen.
It's intuitive without being rigid when it comes to checklists. She offers guidelines and structures and systems but at no point does she say that you HAVE to do this! (Well, except for doing it on paper, which she says is key to making checklists work for us.)
She's an author I've been following for a while now and her blog/newsletter and guest spots on podcasts have all made me very curious about the way she does business. So getting her book was a natural extension of this.
It's intuitive without being rigid when it comes to checklists. She offers guidelines and structures and systems but at no point does she say that you HAVE to do this! (Well, except for doing it on paper, which she says is key to making checklists work for us.)
She's an author I've been following for a while now and her blog/newsletter and guest spots on podcasts have all made me very curious about the way she does business. So getting her book was a natural extension of this.
May 27, 2022
best unlimited kindle book I’ve read so far
Enormously helpful, practical and detailed, without information overload. You can just tell from her writing style and the sincerity of her words that this writer is a wonderful human being. She is great at imparting wisdom and useful advice. You can absolutely feel that she truly cares about the reader - can really put herself in their shoes. I think this book could be life-changing. I’m starting my checklist for tomorrow today!
Enormously helpful, practical and detailed, without information overload. You can just tell from her writing style and the sincerity of her words that this writer is a wonderful human being. She is great at imparting wisdom and useful advice. You can absolutely feel that she truly cares about the reader - can really put herself in their shoes. I think this book could be life-changing. I’m starting my checklist for tomorrow today!
April 7, 2023
Better than others in this form. I liked that it wasn't just a listing of things to do, there was a lot of talk, conversation with the reader and consideration of what's best for everyone. I felt cared for, not like when you're just overdosed with too much information you can't handle on your own.
It was a nice read and helped with organizing my life a little bit. There's still a long way, but it definitely directed me in the right direction :)
It was a nice read and helped with organizing my life a little bit. There's still a long way, but it definitely directed me in the right direction :)
January 18, 2026
Lots of helpful information
I read this book in the beginning of a new year and found it very helpful to get myself focused on what was important for the year ahead.
The author has a very practical way of thinking about things. I love making checklists already so this book just helped me to structure my checklists a little differently, change my mindset and use my checklists for more than just tasks that I have to get done each day.
I read this book in the beginning of a new year and found it very helpful to get myself focused on what was important for the year ahead.
The author has a very practical way of thinking about things. I love making checklists already so this book just helped me to structure my checklists a little differently, change my mindset and use my checklists for more than just tasks that I have to get done each day.
November 10, 2021
Not what I expected
I commend the author on establishing daily life checklists, however I purchased the book to help me plan my work days and tasks. While I’ll take some what was mentioned for managing my workday the checklists provided are more high level life planning then work load planning and project planning. For that look elsewhere.
I commend the author on establishing daily life checklists, however I purchased the book to help me plan my work days and tasks. While I’ll take some what was mentioned for managing my workday the checklists provided are more high level life planning then work load planning and project planning. For that look elsewhere.
Read
October 2, 2023Working through The Great TBR Pile of COVID-19 lmao
I might be with my friend Rae here who famously famously says she never needs to read a WW2 book again. I may never need to read a self-help book again.
Hanging out > hustling
Having a good time > accomplishment
Reading books > convincing people to hire me
Just who I am today.
Decent book about checklists tho!
I might be with my friend Rae here who famously famously says she never needs to read a WW2 book again. I may never need to read a self-help book again.
Hanging out > hustling
Having a good time > accomplishment
Reading books > convincing people to hire me
Just who I am today.
Decent book about checklists tho!
December 13, 2025
Simple Organization
This was a good overall book on making checklists. If you are not an organized person, you should read the book. If you are looking for another way to win the day, you should read this book. If you have read more than a dozen books on time management, this may still be helpful.
This was a good overall book on making checklists. If you are not an organized person, you should read the book. If you are looking for another way to win the day, you should read this book. If you have read more than a dozen books on time management, this may still be helpful.
June 22, 2020
When I first saw the title, The Checklist Book, I was both intrigued and nervous. I have a love-hate relationship with checklists, but I am slightly obsessed with self-help books, so I gave this book a shot. And I’m very glad I did.
[For full review, check out my blog, meganwriteseverything.com]
[For full review, check out my blog, meganwriteseverything.com]
July 15, 2020
There were a lot of good ideas in here, things I feel are going to be pretty useful for me. And I enjoyed the personal stories. I felt like there was a lot of repetition, though, so I was having to skim through a lot of things to get to the next part that was useful for me.
March 7, 2022
Quickly
Not exactly what I was looking for. In ,any ways it is a new look at to do lists and the 7 Habits. It is however less onerous and understands the power of completing a task at a time.
Not exactly what I was looking for. In ,any ways it is a new look at to do lists and the 7 Habits. It is however less onerous and understands the power of completing a task at a time.
March 29, 2022
Some order in chaos
I hated checklists. Who needs them to get things done? But my memory sucks. Two bad things don't make a right. Her points are perfect, and fit into every day life. Add those moments along with what needs done, and you have a whole story to look at. Perfect.
I hated checklists. Who needs them to get things done? But my memory sucks. Two bad things don't make a right. Her points are perfect, and fit into every day life. Add those moments along with what needs done, and you have a whole story to look at. Perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews