Be a Dick: How One Person Can Change the World in the Most Unexpected Way

This book is timely for the season we are in and for the reflection one should have when navigating people and relationships. After all people are the most important and valuable resource we have. I love the quotes throughout, to the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world (Dr Seuss I think). I pray to continue in my quest to be a Dick. It is within my grasp and should be a goal for everyone who isn’t a dick. But, yes I know there are some of you out there.

I was hesitant to write this review and give five stars. Not because the author did not deserve it. But because when I see 100% positive reviews it makes me skeptical. But there was no other rating I could give that was honest. I have never met the author. But our paths crossed a few years back by email and phone. You see, I was up against a big challenge. I was trying to secure a domain name that was legally and morally mine. But the domain registrar refused to sign it over because the guy who set up my password used his nickname, not his legal name. My web team, the domain registrar and an expensive intellectual property lawyer worked over a year. No luck. So the author, Marc, swept in wearing his superman cape, thus being a big Dick, and got it done for me in short order. Based on that experience, you can trust what Marc writes is what he truly lives by. This book will uplift you. It is a quick read, a funny and entertaining story, and it WILL inspire you to be a better person. No question.

This is a happy surprise. At first I didn't know what to expect by the title but curiosity got me. I actually found this very relatable, from the authors awkward days to finding out that...I'm often a Dick myself. And that's a good thing! This is an inspiring read that I would recommend to anyone but I would have loved this in high school or college.

Marc Ensign has shared an amazing true story that will entertain you and inspire you at the same time. It's a quick read--you can probably do it in one sitting--but you'll feel completely satisfied when you have finished. It's the perfect length for a perfect story that stays with you long after you've finished it. You'll keep asking yourself, "How can I be a Dick?" And once you've read the book you'll realize that there is no higher compliment than being one.

The quintessential Mister Rogers' Neighborhood parable for the Internet age. I've been waiting for this book since I first read the blog post multiple years ago. It has been worth the wait to have the full story told this beautifully. In this challenging year, it is wonderful to read a true story about how kindness can change the world. It will make you think about all the Dicks in your life. And it will help you find (or rediscover) the motivation to be more like them.

Simple yet profound. I loved how Marc shared some of his vulnerabilities about transition and change through different careers and also through location. Moving on and moving past the past, while drawing many lessons along the way. Cheers to great lessons and a quick read (and representing exit 120 on the GSP)

Buy this book, you will feel inspired!! A well written story the author tells as he recounts his journey through life and what he has learned along the way. The author identifies 12 key principles that he writes about and how staying mindful of these principles will guide you to becoming more true to yourself and a better person for it. The author reminds us that to change the world for the better, it doesn’t have to be some grand act but the small gestures are just as important. With the clever twist on words, I want to be a Dick!!

I read this book slowly so that I could savor every chapter. I found it to be the perfect combination of humor and sweetness. I love the way Marc offers lessons without being preachy. I am grateful that this heartfelt book has finally made it into the world.

I loved the message of kindness to others that was presented with humor and insightful reflections. Well written and entertaining!

This is like an A, B, C kind of milk read, but not a lot of meat to chew on and digest to get you to the X, Y, and Zs and grow and develop further into a better and super person. Be Authentic. Be true to yourself and be true to others. When you say what you think, your heart and mind are one, and you Know Yourself. Be Present and don't go back on your word.

This book is timely for the season we are in and for the reflection one should have when navigating people and relationships. After all people are the most important and valuable resource we have. I love the quotes throughout, to the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world (Dr Seuss I think). I pray to continue in my quest to be a Dick. It is within my grasp and should be a goal for everyone who isn’t a dick. But, yes I know there are some of you out there.

I was hesitant to write this review and give five stars. Not because the author did not deserve it. But because when I see 100% positive reviews it makes me skeptical. But there was no other rating I could give that was honest. I have never met the author. But our paths crossed a few years back by email and phone. You see, I was up against a big challenge. I was trying to secure a domain name that was legally and morally mine. But the domain registrar refused to sign it over because the guy who set up my password used his nickname, not his legal name. My web team, the domain registrar and an expensive intellectual property lawyer worked over a year. No luck. So the author, Marc, swept in wearing his superman cape, thus being a big Dick, and got it done for me in short order. Based on that experience, you can trust what Marc writes is what he truly lives by. This book will uplift you. It is a quick read, a funny and entertaining story, and it WILL inspire you to be a better person. No question.

This is a happy surprise. At first I didn't know what to expect by the title but curiosity got me. I actually found this very relatable, from the authors awkward days to finding out that...I'm often a Dick myself. And that's a good thing! This is an inspiring read that I would recommend to anyone but I would have loved this in high school or college.

Marc Ensign has shared an amazing true story that will entertain you and inspire you at the same time. It's a quick read--you can probably do it in one sitting--but you'll feel completely satisfied when you have finished. It's the perfect length for a perfect story that stays with you long after you've finished it. You'll keep asking yourself, "How can I be a Dick?" And once you've read the book you'll realize that there is no higher compliment than being one.

The quintessential Mister Rogers' Neighborhood parable for the Internet age. I've been waiting for this book since I first read the blog post multiple years ago. It has been worth the wait to have the full story told this beautifully. In this challenging year, it is wonderful to read a true story about how kindness can change the world. It will make you think about all the Dicks in your life. And it will help you find (or rediscover) the motivation to be more like them.

Simple yet profound. I loved how Marc shared some of his vulnerabilities about transition and change through different careers and also through location. Moving on and moving past the past, while drawing many lessons along the way. Cheers to great lessons and a quick read (and representing exit 120 on the GSP)

Buy this book, you will feel inspired!! A well written story the author tells as he recounts his journey through life and what he has learned along the way. The author identifies 12 key principles that he writes about and how staying mindful of these principles will guide you to becoming more true to yourself and a better person for it. The author reminds us that to change the world for the better, it doesn’t have to be some grand act but the small gestures are just as important. With the clever twist on words, I want to be a Dick!!

I read this book slowly so that I could savor every chapter. I found it to be the perfect combination of humor and sweetness. I love the way Marc offers lessons without being preachy. I am grateful that this heartfelt book has finally made it into the world.

I loved the message of kindness to others that was presented with humor and insightful reflections. Well written and entertaining!

This is like an A, B, C kind of milk read, but not a lot of meat to chew on and digest to get you to the X, Y, and Zs and grow and develop further into a better and super person. Be Authentic. Be true to yourself and be true to others. When you say what you think, your heart and mind are one, and you Know Yourself. Be Present and don't go back on your word.

What an uplifting and “feel-good” book with lessons we all can take to heart. In 2020/2021 we can certainly be inspired to be just a little bit kinder...

A very well written book on a valuable topic needed in the World today. Mr. Ensign captures the need to be nice to people first and shows you how easy it is and how impactful it is on the lives of people around you. An easy read and World Changing concept!!

Perfect book to give as a gift this year! Marc Ensign : A writer that speaks of his personal experiences with passion, and sincerity. His book a refresher course in how to live your life!!!!

This book was awesome. I found it very well written.

I highly suggest this book for those who want to make a difference in others or the world. It's such a great read that I'm buying this for my team.

Oh... my... God. This book is incredible. I want to read it again right away, it’s that good. To me, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I absolutely loved it. And I don’t think it’s even been released for public consumption yet. I got an advance copy because I know the author. Now, you might think my review is skewed by that fact, but Marc and I became friends years ago because we’re both bass players and early users of the internet. So, when your friend who’s a bass player writes a book - it’s good form to buy it, and at least attempt to read it. But I have to say, my expectations going in weren’t exactly high (sorry Marc). And right away, I was sucked in. This book is very, very well written. It will touch your soul. It might even change your life - or at the very least, how you look at life going forward. When it is available I plan on buying many, many copies and giving them out as gifts. Everyone should read this book. Everyone. It went directly into the top ten books I’ve ever read. I am a better person today for having read it. My thought is that’s how everyone will feel when they get to the end of this book. Bravo, Mark. You want to be a Dick - I’ll be shocked if sales of this book don’t exceed even your wildest expectations and touch the souls of thousands, if not millions of people. Thank you so much for writing it. Just wonderful :)

Certified by the author himself! I love the irreverent approach and the inspiring message of this book. It not only makes you want to be a better person, but is shows you real ways to make small impactful changes in your actions. Read it and learn how to be a better Dick too 💖

After you get through chuckling at the title, you’ll find this book lifting your spirits and putting a smile on your face. Marc takes you through how a chance encounter with a neighbor touched him and his family so deeply that it helped him reevaluate his life both personally and professionally. Each of us has the ability to make a profound difference in the lives of others. This book will inspire you to make that choice; to be a Dick.

I sent my neighbor, Brother Jim, a copy of Marc Ensigns book, "Be A Dick", because he is a real Dick of a neighbor, it's Christmas time and Marc being the true Dick that he is told me that if I bought a copy of his book and sent it to a friend and showed him the receipt he would send me an autographed copy and he did, what a Dick, right? So, I took the photo of Jim as he checked out the book. I have decided to leave my copy in the box. Which I did open it and there was some "Be A Dick" merchandise or swag which again proves this author to "Be A Dick" and an online friend. The great thing about this book is it reminds us that Anyone can "Be A Dick", everyone should "Be A Dick" and we all could probably work harder to "Be A Better Dick". There you go Marc the title to your next book. Also be sure to watch the video when Marc tells his story on stage, it is on YouTube. Just for the record I am going to buy the Kindle version to keep from messing up my autographed copy and I Thanks Again Marc and Dick for just doing that what is right. #Stradog in Henderson County, Texas where I continue to be civilly disobedient and A Dick. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This book is what the world needs now. To REALLY learn how to be an utter Dick to each other. If the Golden Rule was broken down into 11 tenets or principles this would be it! This is a beautifully easy and fun read. I laughed and even cried a little. It hit home and made me think not only how to focus on treating others, but myself as well (the Golden Rule - treat others as you wish to be treated - so treat yourself the same!) Thank you Marc Ensign for writing this here and now when the world needs it most.

BUY THIS FOR YOUR FAMILY! NEIGHBORS AND COWORKERS! BE A BIG DICK! This is the review I shared with my FB people. YOU MUST READ THIS IF 2020 HAS YOU SPINNING or if you simply want a book that gives great advice on how to make your life, your community, and your world a better place. I hesitated in writing a review and promoting it to the world when it was released this past Tuesday because well...everyone was doing it. Ironically enough, when I was doing a fundraiser for Audacity Magazine, I asked the author of this book that I want you to read, Marc Ensign if he could do something for my fundraiser. He said that he didn't like to be told and that he would do it on his own. BUT that was before he became a DICK. True story! So now, Marc met Dick who is the inspiration of the book that I want all of you to read because it changed Marc's life. And Marc was pretty much a good guy before he met Dick. So imagine how much greater he is now. The book is called, "Be A Dick." But it's not that kind of dick. It's a story about how Marc met a person who influenced him so much that Marc had to write about him. I think that's flattery to the highest extent. Now, the book. The book is an easy read. This makes the book a great gift for the holidays. You can give it to co workers, friends, family, teens. It's like Chicken Soup for the Soul because it makes you feel good. And it makes you feel like being good to others. If I had to pick one reason for you to read, it's because it will remind you how easy it is to be kind to others. Right now, everyone needs to be kinder to one another. If I had to tell you another reason to read this book, it's because it's a great way to improve your business. Honestly, you should all be like Dick to your customers. Your business will boom! Now that I think of it, you should buy this book for your employees. When I read the book, I was immediately thinking of ways to implement Dick's coolness into my life. You've gotta admit, it's flattering to have someone write a book about your kindness. That's what Marc Ensign does in the book. Here is a link for you to read the introduction which gives you a feel of the writing and the flow of the rest of the book. Many of you know Marc from my previous posts because I've mentioned how honest and helpful he's been in my life. So while some might think that this my way of repaying him for it, I can tell you that if the book sucked, I wouldn't tell you to buy it. And I probably would have told Marc to rewrite it. But the book is good and you should read it. If the word Dick bothers you, remember that we are talking about someone whose name is Dick. I would like your teen kids to read it too. We need to start raising nicer people.

If you're put off by the provocative title of this book, you should know that the eponymous Dick is a person, not that other dick (what would your mother say?) But though the author urges us to be a Dick, which is to say be LIKE the Dick in his life, I want you to be a Marc. LIKE Marc Ensign, the author. Why? I've had the privilege to "know" Marc for a number of years because we're both speakers and writers in the same industry. Over that time he's become a real friend, even though I've only been with him once in person, and that just for a shared lunch at a conference a few years ago. But that one in-person meeting was enough for me to know that everything Marc had written about in the viral blog post that became this book was real, because he is the living embodiment of what he calls Being a Dick. In short, breezy, easy to digest chapters, Marc lays out 11 simple principles he saw live out in the life of his neighbor Dick, principles that he aspired to live himself. In our brief hour of lunch at a food truck court in Boston, I remember seeing and hearing Marc exhibit every one of those principles toward me. I'll never forget it. And that's why you should buy this book. Because the man who wrote it lives it, and is proving you CAN change the world one person at a time.

Wow, this was a wild ride. This book does an amazing job of telling story in a way that connects with the reader. Specifically for me, there were many times I felt the Marc was describing my own internal dilemmas and experiences I've had. I laughed, I cried, and most importantly I reflected on some things I need to work on to better myself. This story does the best job of teaching life lessons in a practical way that makes you want to do the work to be a better person after reading it. I'm proud to be a Dick!

I've known about this story for quite a while and was excited to see Dick finally make it into written form. I love how the book is set up in what I would call "parables" where the actions, habits & deep down character of Dick is applied in different action forms. Marc is frigging genius with the way he weaves in humor (my fave), inspiration, curiosity, sadness, frustration & triumph into a page-turner. It's the perfect book, especially at a time when being a dick is the norm. Well done, Marc Ensign.

I received an advance copy via a friend and devoured it in an evening. It was engaging, funny in places, and definitely inspiring. While reminiscent of "Tuesdays with Morrie" in structure, "Be a Dick" is unique in its own story and delivery. I don't usually do reviews, but in 2020's upside version of reality, I feel this book has a powerful message. Everyone deserves the hefty dose of positivity, hope, and purpose that it brings.

I have to admit that when I first encountered Marc's story, I was completely put off by the title and might not have read the book had I not first listened to his TED talk. I'm a conservative woman and the word dick (little d) is not in my vocabulary. But once I "met" Dick (big D), I saw the light. And reading the book, I so totally enjoyed Marc's transparency about his own flaws. It makes it easy to put ourselves in his shoes as he walks through the various stories of his encounters with his neighbor that truly changed his life. It is a fun read and incredibly insightful in this time of such great division in our country. We all need to learn how to be more kind. Marc shows us how.

This is a funny, self-deprecating true story of hidden and wonderful possibilities in life...How we can learn from each other... How we can become better humans. How a small gesture can make a big impact. There are gentle lessons, one for example shows how hiding behind a keyboard and "winning" at social media often isn't winning at all. It's a poignant reminder that we are better than what comes easy to us. Sometimes the lesson comes from a guy walking his dog by your house. e.g "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." If you need a reminder about the good in humanity, this is that reminder. Enjoy. :^)

There's being a dick and then there's being a Dick. The nuances of punctuation are everything in this night and day distinction. We're talking about the ability to listen. The ability to empathize. The ability to think of others and to prioritize their needs. Rather than grandstanding, Marc leads readers through these lessons on being a decent person, through humorous accounts from his own life, and his relationship with his neighbor, Dick. It’s a book that we desperately need in this post-election, pandemic age. Value other people and their opinions. Show them that you care. Treat them like a Dick. This book is a great read if you're searching for ways to just feel human again in these divided times.