Not what I was expecting...

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was hoping that this would be a book about a practical system of argumentation (i.e., a practical book on how to win arguments). That is, I was expecting a book that distilled classical and modern argumentation theory into a simplified practical system for the layman on how to win arguments.

This was not such a work, in my opinion. This books seems to be comprised of some disparate tips scattered throughout. Personally, I did not find the tips helpful, and I found them to be few in number.To give an example - regarding one of the chapters - there are a few useful tips for someone who has little or no background in constructive communication, these tips can be found for free on the Internet in any interpersonal communication self-help site (e.g., using "I" statements" to own your feelings, or saying something to the effect of "that makes sense" to allow the person to feel understood and reduce defensiveness).

The author's credentials are fantastic, and I'm sure he has the potential to create a work that is a practical and simplified system of argumentation for the layman, if he has the inclination. I hope that he does, as I would purchase it. This book was not for me, though.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I liked the narrator, and will check out some audiobooks he has done.

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Raising the Level of Discourse

First of all, this books is terrific. However, the other reviews are correct about the title being misleading. This isn’t a book on how to win an argument, because that is technically impossible. Rather, this is a book about what arguments actually are and how they function in human society. This isn’t easy reading, but you will definitely walk away from this book wiser for having had the experience. Fish covers many different types of arguments including political, legal, domestic, and academic arguments. The setting, rules, and functions are all different, but Fish’s central thesis remains the same: argument is both unavoidable and necessary for human progress, so it’s best to know how to play the game. Finally, Joe Barrett is a fine narrator, albeit a bit dry. However, that may be excused given the subject matter. Overall, very highly recommended!

Postmodern shit

Postmodern shit Absolutely sad Terrible For a lack of better words of course hmmm God ha.

It's meant tongue-in-cheek

This book is about the paradox that the title is meant tongue-in-cheek. And I highly recommend it to everyone, especially if you are looking for a book to help you win more arguments.

Stimulating enough to complete

This is a "good enough" book to read all the way to the end. I was particularly interested in the section on law as well as academia, and for me, these two chapters are possible future books for the author to amplify as stand alone detailed books on their own.

Too much academia

This book is geared toward academics who enjoy using their immense vocabularies to impress laymen. Unfortunately is does nothing to teach one how to win an argument.

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