Tuesday, November 5, 2013

My Review of The 400 Pound Male Stripper, by Derrick Shirley





A few months back I heard of the book, "The 400 Pound Male Stripper" by Derrick Shirley, and I'll admit...the title intrigued me. I did a little research, saw a few pics... and from what I could see of the modern day Mr. S., he was NOT 400 pounds.  A new diet book then?
 
Being what can be kindly referred  to as a "Heavy set man", I was even more curious when I saw a Youtube video promoting his book. (video included at the end of this) So I put it on my "Must read" list.

As luck would have it, a few weeks ago Derrick advertized on Facebook/Twitter that he was giving some copies of his book to anyone who would be willing to write a review. I held my hand up tall in a Horshakian manner and yelled.. "Ohhhh, Ohhhhh!!!!  Mr. Shirley, CALL ON ME!!!!!' Annnnnnd.. he did :-)
 
 
The first thing that I would have to say about the book is that it is incredibly honest. I would think that if a person was going to write their life's journey, they would omit the skeletons in the closet. Derrick does no such thing. He bares his soul and maybe that, more than anything, is what makes this such a powerful read. It's also part of what makes it a book that people can identify with. Whether you are a Man or Woman, or Person of colour you almost get a feeling of liberation. "Yes.. I understand that" or "I've been there"..... "I get it".
 
The second thing I will say is that it's not a self help book(or a Diet Book). They tell you things like "If you just {Insert whatever here}, you will fix your problems". Derrick does not do that; he just talks about his journey and we can take from it what we like.
 
I found myself smiling through it, I even became angry at one point. I tossed the book on the couch and walked away. Why? Like I said, it's very honest, and he had done something and it reminded me of something that I had done. Basically, I was angry at myself. I took a little time to deal with those emotions, and then got back to reading.
 
 It's hard to describe something you are excited about, without getting into content, but I don't want to take away from the experience of anyone who will read it...and I'm hoping that lots more people will. 
 
Instead I will tell you of what I took from it.
 
I realized that I frequently don't do the things that I love, because I'm doing things that I like - I'm changing that.
 
I've started some journals - and it is sooooo cool and freeing. I've even forgiven myself of some past regrets that I have chosen not to think about for a long time.
 
Maybe most importantly, when I read about this person's journey, someone who was "Just a Guy" and yet came through everything that life could throw at him better and stronger, I realized that I too am stronger than that which would hold me back. And that, right there, may be the greatest gift that this book offers.
 
 As I read the very last paragraph, my Daughter looked at me and said "What's wrong Dad?". I looked at her, gave her a tearful beaming smile and said, "Sweetie, it had a very happy ending".
 
I'm a big believer in happy endings - and in my own case, I found a few tools to add to my repertoire in this book.
 
 
Thank You Mr. Shirley, for your honesty and sharing. I have a place reserved on my bookshelf for your next offering. I hope you don't let it get too dusty for waiting :-)
 
 
Peace Kiddies 




Add: As the book I read was given to me... and in an effort to pay it forward... I will give a copy to a random person who comments here or "Likes" and Share's on Facebook/Twitter.  :-D


Derricks Shirley's Youtube Video

9 comments:

  1. Need to read this book

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  2. It sounds like the inspiration I need in my life right now. Thanks for the great review, it makes me want to go out and buy it!

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  3. I went to high school with Derrick in grade 9 at H.B. Beal, we were on the Midget Basket Ball team together and I haven't spoken to Derrick in over 32 years, I look forward to reading his book. He was never a fat kid, as I remember. From his photos, it sure looks like he has come a long way since then. I remember Derrick being a very happy go lucky kind of guy and I don't think I ever heard him say a bad thing about anyone. A very likable straight forward guy. Cheers! James MacVoy

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  4. I went to high school with Derrick in grade 9 at H.B. Beal, we were on the Midget Basket Ball team together and I haven't spoken to Derrick in over 32 years, I look forward to reading his book. He was never a fat kid, as I remember. From his photos, it sure looks like he has come a long way since then. I remember Derrick being a very happy go lucky kind of guy and I don't think I ever heard him say a bad thing about anyone. A very likable straight forward guy. Cheers! James MacVoy

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  5. Your review, how you shared what you took from what you read, and the way you can expess yourself.. Is why you are so friggin cool and awesome. Stay as sweet as you are. ;)

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  6. I've also read the book PLUS had the great privilege and honour of receiving guidance and a compassionate ear and heart from Mr. Shirley himself. He's a wonderful individual! You're right Joe, his book is brutally honest and open. I repsect him for putting it all out there, so to speak. VERY candid. Thanks Derrick for saying what needs to be said and teaching to go for the gold and the love! I await your next book as well! :)

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  7. You might have 2 selections with regards to seeing some sort of male stripper. You possibly can step out to your membership and discover several in the past or you possibly can retain the services of you to definitely arrived at an individual gathering. You will find many businesses you could retain the services of these musicians and singers for just a nights. Once you carry out possess one arrived at your home, you should help make several arrangements very first ahead of many people occur. cheeky butlers liverpool

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  8. Hi Derrick! Yesterday I attended a Seminar that you co-hosted, "High Conflict Communication". You are sharing your gift of discernment, giving others the tools to achieve liberation. You are very adept at recognizing an issue, and responding with a solution that works, is practical, and inspired, with options. You are far from average!

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