Wait, What?: A Thought-Provoking Guide To Asking The Right Questions

Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said that "What comes from the heart, goes to the heart." That aptly describes this book. James E. Ryan believes there are only five essential questions that you should ask in this lifetime, OK six because there is a bonus question. I'd add a seventh but I think he has most of the questions covered.Since I was called "question box" as a child I could totally relate to James E. Ryan's childhood. It was very amusing that he asked so many questions but if you think about it, he is probably such a success today because he was eternally curious and learned a great deal.I also love books that make me laugh and cry alternately throughout the book. The story of how the author met his birth mother and the story about Cindy had me close to tears. I also laughed more times that I can count.What I love about this author is he has the handy knack of looking at both sides of an argument. You will learn a lot of interesting facts like how curiosity helps you live longer. So get asking those questions. I found the question: "How Can I Help?" to be the most helpful for all sorts of situations. You can literally change the world by asking that question. We could end world hunger if we all asked it.I also felt this book was filled with a lot of practical wisdom. "Ask first, argue second" is excellent advice.The author has led a very interesting life and has lots of inspirational stories to tell. Some are also quite funny, therefore the laughing.This is a great book by an author who seems like a wise soul. I give this book 100 stars.~The Rebecca Review

The author does a great job of pointing out good, better, and even great questions and ties them with relevant, practical stories. He could have, however, told fewer of the stories and gotten to the heart of the matter. But then, others may need to see those stories to get the point. The elitist Harvard, Northeast, mentality is clearly evident in the book, as well, and yet if you can overlook it, you can still enjoy the book. Definitely worth the read.

If Frank Capra were still alive, he'd want to turn this book into one of his quintessentially uplifting films. I read 'Wait, What?' in one sitting and found it to be full of modern parables for how to live a good life; to be good and do good. You will laugh, cry, and have all those good feels that come with a special kind of book. James Ryan's writing is accessible, likable, and has profound heart. The book left me reflecting on my own 'essential' questions and how I could employ his five in my daily life.It sticks with you and is a beautifully sweet and simple message, proving to be the perfect prescription for good living in this fractured world. I cannot wait for my newborn daughter to grow up so I can read her this book with comprehension -- in hopes that she too can live out a life of authentic character, kindness, and inquisitiveness that this book deftly showcases.

An easy, quick read with note worthy reminders. Good for any leader.

An easy to read book that will get the thinker thinking. Great questions used to frame up most of the daily things that you will uncover. Some of the personal examples will tug at your heart. Very effective. Very nice.

Good questions (though basic for anyone who has had any success in life) and an entertaining speech that can found on You Tube. The book is easy to read but the additional filler to make it a book was not particularly interesting and only mildly amusing. At $12.99 for the Kindle version I thought it was tremendously overpriced considering the video of the commencement address is free and covered all the key points.

This book is about 6 most important questions in our life. It is intriguing to say the least. But yes, I learn these 6 very important questions all right.However, I think there are other more important questions or at least as important such as a sincere "how are you today?" Or "do you know that I believe in you?"As a matter of fact, there are many many important questions that we must learn. But these 6 are a truly great start.

Good for everyone to read. Used for college class and I enjoyed reading it.