Harry, who has written several other novelty books (Voodoo Lou's Office Voodoo Kit), offers a potpourri of suggestions for getting ahead and living fully. The book's title is based on a board game developed by Hasbro in 1960; the author uses each square to address issues, large and small, that come up in most people's lives. For example, the square "Rent Apartment Pay $5,000" raises questions like how to arrange the living space, how to deal with a roommate or, if living alone, how to use all that privacy. The square "Night School 2 Pay $20,000" elicits the comment that it is wise to develop educational pursuits for both intellectual and social benefits. Alternating between different editions of the board, Harry discusses serious life decisions such as when to marry, begin a family or retire. More frivolous subjects include whether one should invest in a Broadway play (not a smart idea) or when to take tennis lessons (it's a good workout). Harry's brief comments for each square are strictly his own opinions, based on what he has learned during his own life journey. The writing is breezy, occasionally witty and, though fairly superficial, still goes down easy. Throughout the text are scattered some areas of interest that display the author's social conscience. He believes in recycling and sending donations to organizations that help the homeless or wildlife. (May)
Forecast:With a 50,000 first printing and $20,000 marketing campaign, Running Press has high hopes for this book—which would most likely draw the attention (especially as an impulse buy at the cash register) of those brought up on the board game; whether its appeal will extend beyond those folk is doubtful.
