Thou Shalt Not Whine by January Jones (Review)

I understand that some things, some situations, and (Heaven knows) some people beg to be complained about. However, for the most part, I absolutely detest complaining or whining of any type. When my girls were small, they got the idea fast enough. The same “Mommy” that wouldn’t blink if they argued in the back seat, smiled through their Kool-Aid spills and usually cleaned their messy rooms up for them would practically have a melt down if one of them whined or complained.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK SHE GOT MORE FRIES THAN YOU DID?!?! WHOEVER SAID THE WORLD WAS ALWAYS FAIR, LITTLE PERSON?!?!

My girls spent the day with some friends and their family once when they were around 6, 8, and 9. It was one of the other kid’s birthday, so the brave parents had custody of about 20 kids all day. They went on a hay ride, grilled hot dogs, played games and watched gleefully as the father sprouted gray hairs one… by one… by fifty.

Later that evening, the parents told me that my girls were exceptionally well behaved and that they were the only ones who didn’t whine or complain about anything all day. When other kids complained that it was (first) too hot, then (later) too cold, my girls just went with it.  When other kids complained that they were (first) too hungry and (later) too full, my girls didn’t join in. The parents seemed totally amazed by this development. I guess they didn’t realize I’d exorcised the whines out of them years ago.

Actually, let me say this – while they did catch on SOON that complaining wasnt’ something “she who is with us all day and all night” tolerated, I honestly believe they’re simply good-natured girls who are quite honestly too thankful for all they have to be bothered by what they don’t have.

We’ve frequently gotten this type of compliment on our daughters – that they’re good-natured, don’t complain, and can adapt well to different situations. Personally, I think it makes them super cool .

When I saw a book by January Jones called, “Thou Shalt Not Whine,” I knew I’d found a kindred spirit – someone else who understood what a nasty, vile sport whining is. But, unlike me and my mini meltdowns, this anti-whiner was taking her campaign global.

This book is an absolutely hilarious look at human nature, particularly the part that makes some people want to gripe, nag, complain, and whine. January Jones (come on, is that a great name or what?) has divided the whiners into categories: Children, teenagers, baby boomers, men, women, seniors….. In each section, she gives common whines along with advice on curing these whines. Although the book is laugh out loud funny, the advice is excellent and spot on. It’s the type of book that you find yourself quoting from to everyone you know.

“You can overcome anything if you don’t complain about it.” – Samuel Johnson

Here’s an example of advice from the book. She points out in several places that Baby Boomers and Seniors sometimes complain and whine about getting old and looking older. Her advice is a perfect mixture of humor and brilliance. She suggests to simply stop looking in the mirror and to act any age you choose – preferably the age you remember as the best time of your life.

No one can dictate how you feel on the inside or control how you act on the outside. Remember, you are the star of your own show, so make it a good one! It is time to start doing things that amuse, amaze, and astound you rather than continue a cycle of activities that only makes you kvetch and complain ad nauseum. – January Jones, Thou Shalt Not Whine, page 101

I was thrilled to see, at the end of the book, that there are plans for future “Thou Shalt Not Whine” books. It’ll save me from having to whine until she writes more.

Useful Links:

• January Jones on YouTube
• January Jones and The Whine Tester Blog!

Other Books by January Jones:

• Jackie Ari & Jack : The Tragic Love Triangle
• Oh, No… Jackie-O!

Buy Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop on Amazon (it’s also available on Kindle!)