The Rules According to Jwoww

by Jenni "Jwoww" Farley

One of the stars of MTV’s smash hit series The Jersey Shore , Jennifer “JWOWW” Farley lays down The Rules According to JWOWW , offering a new spin on the dos and don’ts of dating, from “smushing” guys to avoiding booty calls to finding the guy of your dreams. The book includes empowering advice for a new generation of self-assured young women, as JWOWW shares her “shore-tested secrets on landing a mint guy, staying fresh to death, and kicking the competition to the curb.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Relationships, Biography, Memoir, Celebrity, Chick Lit

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 20, 2011

About the author

Jenni "Jwoww" Farley was twenty-one years old when she moved from rural upstate New York to New York City. Since Jenni was seventeen she was interested in computer programming, and spent 3 years studying it. After fulfilling her desire to be a computer programmer, Jenni realized she had a passion for fine arts and graphic design. Shortly after finishing 4 years of study at a local university she opened her own graphic design business, Jenni Farley Designs Inc.
In 2010 Jenni partnered with the web development company, "Power Play International Inc," as their marketing director.
Jenni always had a thing for nightclubs, but being the impatient and easily annoyed type, never wanted to wait on the lines. It was the long lines, cold winters, and fake club promoters who think they own New York that made Jenni realize that she wasn't going to be like everyone else who had to wait or pay to get into clubs in the tri-state area.
After conquering the club scene on Long Island and much of Manhattan's Outer Boroughs, she realized she wanted to reach out to the rest of the country by telling her story through MTV's newest reality show "Jersey Shore".

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I make no apologies: I am a Jersey Shore fan, and I have been since I "accidentally" watched a 12-hour marathon of the show on MTV over ten years ago, and I "accidentally" got my wife hooked on it, too. We've been fans of it ever since, through all the reunion shows, Ronny-dramas, Mike's incarceration, and several marriages (some of which, surprisingly, didn't fail).

Being a Shore fan is much like a 12-step program. One starts with denial: I can’t believe how awful this show is; who watches this? The next step is anger: People should be ashamed for watching this; there are no morally-redeeming qualities about this show. The next step is confusion: Wait, why is Snooki wearing that bunny head? The next step is parental worry: Oh no, Vinnie, don’t sleep with that girl, for your own safety... The next step is acceptance: Okay, I’m not working today, I’ll watch this eight-hour marathon... The final step is conversion: Cabs’re here! Who’s DTF!!!

Jersey Shore used to be a guilty pleasure, but I’ve since stopped feeling guilty about it.

I think what did it was watching Snooki and JWOWW both get hitched, have kids, and become semi-responsible adults. Snooki and her boo, Jionni, even had their own short-lived home improvement show on HGTV, and Vinnie and his mom were featured on a season of the Great Food Truck Race on Food Network. (This probably makes it seem like I spend a lot of time watching TV, doesn’t it?)

Anyway, while I realize that I’m not, in any way, close to the intended demographic, I read “The Rules According to JWOWW” by Jenni “JWOWW” Farley.

I always thought Jenni was the smartest and more responsible of the group anyway. She's also turned out to be a pretty damn good mom. That, and I’m not gonna lie: I have a thing for really big boobs, real or not, so I immediately crushed on her from the outset. (Just putting that out there in the name of full disclosure...)

“The Rules” is basically a how-to book on being a lady. And by “lady” I mean a chick who spends hours on hair, make-up, and clothes-shopping in order to land the right guido for terrific smushing and possible marriage.

I’ll be honest again: I skipped a few chapters. There is, literally, an entire chapter devoted to JWOWW’s workout regimen. There’s also recipes for mixed drinks, cocktails, and some of her fave meals. (The Penne a la Vodka actually does sound yummy...) I also didn’t need to read the six or seven pages devoted to hair products and make-up tips. Sorry.

Other than that, though, I was actually kind of impressed with her advice. Sure, she has a potty-mouth, but behind all the Jersey bluster is some decent advice for women on how to respect yourself, how to avoid creeps and rapists, and to not let anyone---especially men---make you feel less than special.

I know plenty of women---college-educated, with high-paying jobs and intelligence---who barely have a third of the self-respect, confidence, and backbone that Jenni has.

JWOWW writes about how she won’t have casual sex or one-nighters. She doesn’t judge other women for doing it, but she does offer the piece of advice to be careful: “You do not know this guy from a hole in the wall, and you never know his intentions. I always say play it safe. If he doesn’t like it, tough shit. If he’s really into you, he’ll call you and you’ll go out again and get to know each other better. (p. 44)”

JWOWW prides herself on how she looks, how she acts, and how she behaves in public. She’s not cocky about it, and she doesn’t make fun of others for being less confident: “Don’t let a number on the scale, a photo in a magazine, or even your own image in the mirror dictate if you’re the right weight. Starvation is fucking stupid. (p. 144)”

JWOWW bravely writes about her experience in an abusive relationship and how the asshole somehow made her feel guilty. She vowed never to be that weak girl again: “After it was over, I couldn’t cry. I couldn’t cry because I knew I did it to myself. I allowed this guy to walk all over me. I had all the warning signs and I ignored them. But like I said, it taught me a lesson. (p. 59)”

I know there are people out there who will judge this book, and JWOWW, because before I became a fan, I judged everybody on Jersey Shore, too. I’m pretty sure that’s the selling point of reality TV: you can watch these people, judge the shit out of them, and feel better about yourself because holy shit I’m not that stupid.

But that’s also kind of the shitty thing about reality TV, and it’s partly the reason most of us are so shitty to each other. But once you get into the show, you begin to realize, in all seriousness, that while they may be from a different culture/generation/socio-economic background, the kids from the Shore are just like any other kids everywhere. It’s easy to forget that they’re kids, too. They’re just trying to get through life, and, yes, they make bad decisions along the way, but who among us hasn’t?

[Heather Clitheroe · Rating 1 out of 5]

A better time would be had gouging my eyes out with a plastic spoon.

[Emily Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars


I have to admit, I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Jersey Shore, and the characters. I know... crazy right? On one hand, I HATE the stuff they do, the way they talk, and just everything about the show! Definitely NOT people to look up to. But on the other hand, you can't help but watch, because it's entertaining. Hm... you see my dilemma?

Jwoww (Jenni Farley is probably one of the only decent characters, and I've always thought this. I'm not saying I don't like the other characters, but I think Jwoww has always had a bit more class than the others. Jwoww would probably be the one to look up to, if any. Yes, she still acts the way of a guidette, and I don't particularily agree with the lifestyle, but on the other hand... she's an extremely empowering women. Reading this book, I found it really interesting, and filled with both good advice, humour, AND the classic Jersey Shore lingo I don't really agree with all that much. It's entertaining to read, but the expectations she seems to want guidettes/guidos to live up to is intense and kind of impossible. Sorry, i'm just not one for a "perfect body" I guess. Other than that, and all the crap about being like this, doing this blah blah blah JERSEY SHORE! ... it was a good read. It did have a lot of great advice on health, beauty, and boys. Jwoww is indeed an empowering women, and she definitely lets people know that you need to stand up for yourself to get by in this world, and not put up with people's crap!

Yes, Jersey Shore, and the guido/guidette lifestyle is not for everyone (Obv not for me!), but that's not the only message in this book. If you can pick out the good parts, you'll realize that every women deserves respect, and deserves the mindset of being a beautiful, independent, strong women.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, that's right...I actually bought and read a book by one of the Jersey Shore crew. I figured it would be a light, fun, entertainment read but was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. It's geared toward the younger club going crowd but still has lots of good advice about being true to yourself and being nobody's doormat...and a bunch of beauty and health tips too.
Good job JWoww - I knew you were my favourite for a reason.

[Gabriella Meier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jwoww may not be a rocket scientist, or a lawyer, or the next president of the United States but she does know a thing or two about landing a mint guy, staying fresh to death, and kicking the competition to the curb. Her instructive approach makes it easy for anyone to find the right guy. Listen to Jwoww, she keeps it real

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this three stars because it was mildly entertaining, has a good penne a la vodka recipe, and some good workout tips. Also, jwoww is sort of likable. She seems like a girl you'd want in your corner to give you some tough love. Other than that, my brain rotted a little with every page I read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this offering from Jersey Shore. I expected it to be trashy, obnoxious and laughable. But it isn’t. Ok, it is, a little. Jwoww has definitely skyrocketed to my favourite girl in the Shore house after reading this. On TV you see her as this loudmouth b*tch with too tight clothes, too big boobs and a large dose of rage.

This book actually shows that she’s a pretty good girl. She dresses how she does because it makes her feel good, and she thinks you should too. She is loud because she is confident, and she this you should be too. The main message of this book is empowering women, whether that be enhancing their confidence on the prowl, or enhancing their appearance.

So maybe a little trashy, but overall funny, (dare I say it?) smart and a good, quick read!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so since the show has just started back up I got curious about this book. And to be honest it's not too bad. She talks just like she does on the show... so f bombs everywhere, and gives great advice. I thought the guy advice was great. Especially for young girls who are probably going to be the ones to most likely pick up this book. I admit I skimmed the book I didn't actually read it. But still enjoyed it. Though I was glad when I put it back in the slot at the library and not on my own book shelf!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

some of the rules were pretty stupied.. read half the book than kinda gave up becuase it was not that good

[Anna Chau]

Pretty good advice, actually. My favorites so far are about self-respect and showering.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really know what I expected from a Jersey Shore participant, but this was an ok book. It was like being at the Jersey Shore and reading the boring parts that were omitted from the tv show.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not even sorry, I loved Jersey Shore. The book is exactly what I expected, nothing more, nothing less.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never would have thought that I would purchase a book written by any of the Jersey Shore cast members, but when I got the chance to meet JWoww at a book signing I wasn't going to pass up that opportunity. I was able to read about half the book while I was waiting in line, and I loved it so much that I read the entire thing in about 24 hours. Now, I'm sure JWoww didn't write this book completely on her own. I get this from the "with Sheryl Berk" on the cover, plus the fact that most celebrities' books are and "as told to" type of deal. Nonetheless JWoww's book gives young women (18-25) great advice on life. Yes, she does put a "shore" spin on things, but this book does teach a girl that the most important way to catch a man is by being confident, and by being yourself. She acknowledges that not every girl wants a guido, that drinking isn't for everyone, and that it's important for a girl to wait at least 180 days before smushing her man. While this may not be a quality piece of literature, it is definitely an entertaining "self help" book for girls and Jersey Shore fans to enjoy. Jenni shares intimate stories from her past relationships, which really helps her connect to the readers. She also takes things seriously, which was interesting. All in all, I hope people stop hating on JWoww and give her a chance. She may not be your cup of tea, but her book is definitely not a waste of time.

[Violet C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rules According to Jwoww is a book for girls, well to me its more for girls then for guys, but if a guy would want to read it, go for it, it won't hurt. The book is about how to live your life, what to watch out for, and advice on how to date. Jwoww"s book is pretty much advice from her, and how to survive out there in the real world when you are looking for guys. this book does contain bad language, some sexual content, and if you are okay with reading something like that i would recommend it but if you're not i think it might offend you, but its up to you if you want to give it a shot or not.
i did like the book, it is a type of book that i have never read before, it was something different and refreshing. I also liked it because i thought the things that she talks about are true, i think they could help you if your going through a hard time. she gives you advice, and i think you can always relate to them if you really think about it.
Something that stood out to me, is how she is just out front about it, she doesn't hesitate she just tells you how it is. she sticks to what she said, and she also follows her own rules, which i think is good because she actually believe in them, and know that they will work.
i would recommend this book to a girl that is going through a bad break-up, a girl that is wanting to get someone, just any girl. its a fun and easy book to read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Me and my girlfriends decided to have fun and read this. This is that last time I let them pick the book though.

When they sent me the link for the book on my kindle I was like: "Oh hell no!" Which they found pretty funny.

But then as I read through this I was surprised. Jenny defiantly put some in sight of a clubbing life and dirt bag guys. Some advice in here I could use were others I can't.

You are able to see into what Jenny thinks in this novel and I like that. It shows you that she isn't all that she seems.

I wasn't impressed with his book but I gave it three stars for the fact:

1) I like Jersey Shore
2) The advice is pretty helpful to some people

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

While obviously not the best literature I've ever read, I bought this book out of curiosity and also, having watched Jersey Shore for pure entertainment purposes, I became a fan of Jwoww, mainly due to her strong character and her role as a nurturer towards her friends.

The book was simply about 'rules' from Jwoww from the Jersey Shore, giving women advice on how to deal with men, beauty, dating, self confidence, exercise etc.. It's the whole package! Certainly, there were many 'rules' that I absolutely disagreed with, but it was a quick, fun and harmless read that gave me more insight to how she thinks.

At the end of it, she just wants to teach women how to be happy and have strength and self-confidence and from my point of view, that can never be a bad thing.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenni "JWoww" Farley had her claim to fame with MTV's Jersey Shore. And let's be honest, we all love to hate that show but watch it anyway...and if you call yourself a fan of the show, you're going to pick this book up. Definitely a book catered to females as JWoww dishes on Shore "secrets" to success. It wasn't as silly as one would think. It has tips for women on makeup, hair, and dating. I actually photo copied a recipe that is featured in the book. :p It has a message though underneath all these tips and advice, and that's to be confident in your own skin. JWoww may be telling women how to "snag a man" but she's also telling you to love yourself and make yourself happy, that's what's most important. I felt empowered and definitely picked up on some nice tips...and recipes. ;)

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I whipped through this in two days. Obviously it's a little tongue in cheek, but it's written in a refreshingly honest way that I think could actually reach a lot of people who aren't typically "into books." Jenni cracked me up in this, but also said a lot of valuable stuff about respecting yourself, and not letting people (guys) treat you than less that you're worth. If this can prevent some young Jersey Shore fans from sticking around in a crappy relationship, then I say JWoww, you go girl. For me, it was a fun read and I was surprised it did make me look at some things differently in my life.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. Some of the tips in this book (like the ones about responsible drinking and some of the ones about sex) were actually good advice but as I got further into it, particularly the ones about keeping a guy once your dating and about beauty, I actually started getting a little pissed off. I don't at all believe that you need to follow these rules to date successfully. I don't think you should dress like, tan like, and do your hair and makeup like JWOWW in order to bag a man. And I don't believe that bagging a man should be the most important thing in your life. 90% of these "rules" can be found in any given issue of Cosmo. Buy that and flip through it.

[Shirin Abdel Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is what the girl is trying to say, have confidence , find a nice guy to go out with!
The dating part(the book is divided into two parts)is close to why men love bitches, she is asking girls to have self esteem, take good care of their look and how to get the right man and keep for good.
The 2nd part is my favorite :it is about beauty ,style, workout and cooking(penne a la vodka is really delicious)she is providing the readers with her diet and workout routine and even some cooking recipes which all delicious and helpful.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took myself a long time to actually purchase the book. I read about it and saw it a few reviews but I still couldn't imgaine reading a book by someone from the Jersey Shore. I was fairly surprised with what I got from this book. JWWOW actually makes you feel good but at the same time makes you realise a couple of things about yourself. I think it was a good book, not the best, and really worth the read in the end (if your a woman).

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay so I like the Jersey Shore, sue me! I was looking for a quick, funny read to get me through my cardio sessions on the treadmill. Well, this was a quick read... and that's about all. Apparently in order to get a man I must go to the gym, learn how to cook and constantly tan (although there is a whole section about wrinkles and SPF.....). At least it was only 2 hours of my life wasted, and it did get me through 2 whole workouts, so that's something.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really but it had its moments. I love Jenni ''Jwoww.'' There were times were it she repeated the same stuff that didn't to be repeated. There were times it was slow and went on forever but overall this book was very good. I really enjoyed it. I have to say she changed a lot since she has been on The Jersey Shore. I feel Like it didn't need to be so long it should of stopped at 200 pages it didn't need to longer than that.

[The Kawaii Slartibartfast · Rating 1 out of 5]

A little too Cosmo-esque for my taste what with it being about 85% gender essentialist crap. (But I really wasn't expecting much more. I watch the show.)

The other 15% is about empowering yourself, which wasn't that bad! I could have done more with this than. "Manipulating dudes is an important thing", y'know?

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was better than I predicted. The problem with the book is that it is probably more appealing to someone in their teen years but not appropriate for them. Her advice isn't bad and she does constantly push for girls to behave responsibly. She stress not to drink underage or too much or drink and drive as well as safe sex, staying close to a good friends when clubbing etc.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick, entertaining read which made me laugh out loud twice. Most of her advice is common sense and about self-respect in relationships and dating, and her delivery is perfectly in sync with her tough talking persona.

[Kristin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it...one of the select few reality stars who branched out into writing and succeeded, in my opinion

[Erin Everts · Rating 4 out of 5]

love it so far : )

[Shana O'Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly, fun read for any Jersey Shore-aholic. Actually did contain some good beauty and dating advice.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While our tastes and lifestyles are different, she seems like a sensible lady.