"I Hate People" By Jonathan Littman And Marc Hershon (**)

September 29, 2009 2:11 p.m. EST

Little, Brown and Company

272 Pages

The "Stop Sign," the "Minute Man," and the "Know-It-None." All people we know and deal with daily during our 9 to 5 jobs, but if we had our way, could live without them. If there existed a company office where all cubicle-sharing employees understood and worked well with one another and strived for the same unified goal, then it is an office unbeknownst to mankind. Authors Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon delve a little further to explain to us why we simply dislike our co-workers in their new book, "I Hate People: Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job."

"I Hate People" begins by asking the reader to take a simple quiz to see how much they truly dislike the human race, but by simply picking up this book and reading the first few pages, the answer might have already been given. The book goes on to give insight as to why certain types of people in the corporate world, with their quirky personality traits and characteristics, don't get along and gives advice as well as tips on proper human resources-type "people management" for those in need of it.

Divided into four parts, the book classifies ten different co-worker character traits that according to the authors pose the greatest roadblock in getting your work done or extending your reach higher up the corporate ladder. Discover who they are, how to deal with them, and if necessary, how to ignore them, and you're one step further on your way to success.

"I Hate People" is primarily written for those looking to go "solo" and to work alone and away in their "personal caves." Moreover, this book is recommended for anyone who currently feels frustrated in the office and is looking for ways to battle their cubicle warriors with "office survival" strategies. Humorous and witty, it might be the right inspiration needed for those to jump-start their way to the top.