Eat or Be Eaten a book review

 

EAT OR BE EATEN

Conquering Your Demons Before They Conquer You
Written by Raphael Uzor
A Book Review by Jim “Gymbeaux” Brown, October 5, 2026

“Locus” What does that word mean? I had to look it up.

“A center or focus of great activity or intense concentration.”

The author uses the word “locus,” and the book lives up to that definition. It represents an intense concentration on life; past, present, and, more importantly, future. It explores the psychology of everyday living.

If you are like me, you will discover that on many pages, the author is describing YOU. You may recognize how you approach today’s problems and issues, and even what you may or may not have said to your children to get them to do what YOU think they ought to be doing. You may be surprised at just how much you influence and direct their futures, intentionally or unintentionally.

I read the book from the perspective of someone who had a career in the military, followed by a thirty-three-year career in real estate sales, management, and training. I found the book compelling and, more importantly, a guide to understanding how we approach and solve problems. It explains how to be a positive influence in someone’s life without becoming the director of that life, especially when it comes to our children.

Life might have been easier to understand and adapt to had I read this book decades ago. It would have helped me better understand why people do the things they do, or fail to do the things that seem so obviously necessary at the time.

Using specific life choices, the author illustrates real-life stories demonstrating how our decisions may or may not be in our best interests. More importantly, the book helps explain WHY we make those decisions and why we sometimes act, or fail to act, when we do.

The book WILL help you understand your personal relationships better and improve your business decision-making.

I use three questions after reading a book to help me determine its value to someone else.

Who should read the book?

I can easily see a benefit for everyone. Throughout the book, I could identify people I know, including myself, in many of the situations and behaviors described.

My answer, therefore, is simple: EVERYONE!

Would I read it again?

I would not read the entire book a second time, but I would return to specific portions whenever I recognize that I have fallen into one of the many traps the author discusses.

Would I give the book as a gift?

Absolutely.

There are sections of this book that I am certain could help people make better decisions in their lives. No group could benefit more than high school students and college graduates preparing to enter adulthood, when they begin making decisions that could affect them for the rest of their lives.

For that reason alone, I believe this book would make an excellent graduation gift for high school seniors and college students.

Who should read it? EVERYONE.
Would I read parts of it again? DEFINITELY.
Would I give it as a gift? ABSOLUTELY.