Reader Response
It's really excellent, one of the few nonfiction books of which I find myself reading every page. ... It's interesting that the people you wrote about were so much more real than the clinical studies in the proliferation of of books written by psychologists about their patients. ... Your discussion on control and loss of control was fascinating. The urge to "lose it" comes over me every time I go back to my well-ordered, well-controlled hometown in Missouri -- it's the same sort of urge to mess up someone's hair when it is too much in place.
Washington, D.C.
It's so interesting, so well put together. I must say I learned a lot about myself. I'm not only more knowledgeable, but happier. You really did a beautiful job.
Philadelphia, PA
Your style is captivating. It's what I call a "potato chip" book: I must have just one more vignette before putting it down, then another, then still another. But besides being entertaining, it was a real eye-opener. It revealed why I proceed through life hungering for some risks, yet zealously avoiding others.
Crystal River, FL
The whole book is really interesting. It gave me insight on myself: risks taken, risk-taking. Why I quit my job and got my real estate license.
St. Louis, MO
It's one of those books I keep referring to in my own mind. Am I a risk-taker? What kind? It's a really good book.
San Diego, CA
Chancing It has won a place of honor and distinction on my best seller list.
Lansing, MI
There's some really marvelous writing in it. Some parts are so fluid, marvelously done. I'm really influenced by the craft of it. The writing is sharp, really sharp.
Philadelphia, PA
I enjoyed the book a great deal. Your reporting of actual words people used in talking about themselves and things that had happened made a whole world of realism just leap out of the pages.
Champaign, IL
My husband picked it up then sat there and read the whole book. He read parts aloud to me. Then I read it. It's a fabulous book.
Gladwyne, PA
I enjoyed it immensely. I suspect it will bring many readers closer to their basic nature. As a "former" risk taker (parachuting, submariner, stunt plane pilot, etc.) I connected with the book.
Plymouth Meeting, PA
It is wonderful! Absolutely terrific! I couldn't put it down. It taught me things even miss know-it-all didn't know. I don't read much anymore I can say that about.
New York, NY
Almost everything I do now I think of in terms of that book.
Boston, MA
You effectively encourage people to take more risks by explaining that preparing or fearing aren't cheating. I started to think of my own risks-- choices, chances, and changes -- in new ways.
New York, NY
... wonderful insight into risk taking ... extremely valuable and a wonderful read.
East Greenwich, RI
I'm reading a book called Chancing It: Why We Take Risks, and I'd like to share some thoughts with you. An important point in the book was in evolutionary terms, "For 99 percent of human existence, danger, fear, and the need to confront fear were our daily companions. We were risk takers because we needed to be."
Kevin Thomson, President, Carpe Diem Adventures
We are having a great time with your book in my classes!
Fred L. Peterson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Texas