Member Reviews

I love when the inspiration starts at the title. It had storytelling (that hooked me), life lessons, humor, and actionable info that had me scribbling. He has such a zeal for life, and reading this made that excitement contagious. Who better than you to reach your dreams? Why not you? I feel super charged! Let's get this! 5

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This was such a fun read! The author’s stories were not only hilarious but packed with powerful life lessons. Each chapter felt like getting advice from a really successful friend who’s been through it all and wants you to win, too. I especially appreciated how he emphasized owning your power, staying focused, and pushing past obstacles without waiting for someone else to hand you the keys. Highly recommend if you’re looking for humor with a side of inspiration!

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Will Packer's "Who Better Than You?" is a good book for people like me who may have previously grown up to see even "healthy arrogance" as a bad thing. "Arrogance" tends to have negative connotations to it, but "Who Better Than You?" explains the necessity of it. The biography does a good job explaining said necessities through personal stories and sound reasoning.

"Healthy Arrogance" is a foreign concept to me as I always was taught and grew up to be humble. Albeit, I think "Healthy Arrogance" is important as sometimes "humble" can stem more from low self-esteem and should not be mistaken as "self-depreciation." Yet to achieve big and often what we want, hard work isn't only an aspect that is needed. Personality qualities and confidence (hence "healthy arrogance") are just as important.

I personally see this as an inspirational self-help book. Despite the business-like standpoint of success at times, I feel the overall messages are good for most, if not everyone. The reader doesn't have to be a "wantrepreneur" or big risk-taker to get something out of this book.

Thank you again to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the advanced copy.

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Will Packer just dropped a gem! This book is equal parts hilarious, inspiring, and packed with practical wisdom. It’s the kind of read that makes you laugh one minute and rethink your life choices the next.

What surprised me the most is that Will Packer is funny. Like, “I wasn’t ready for this level of comedy in a motivational book” funny. But beyond the humor, he hands out life lessons like free samples at Costco…they are unexpected, valuable, and leave you wanting more.

If you’re the kind of reader that’s looking for some juicy behind-the-scenes stories, he got that too. Like how Beyoncé kept turning down the role in the movie 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥. But Will didn’t take no for an answer, and she finally said, “yes”. And his story about Kevin Hart? ICONIC. Have you ever heard of Leon Lett? I had no idea who Leon was before reading this book. But after Will’s story I will never forget him. What makes this book really special is that every wild Hollywood moment comes with a powerful lesson on success, confidence, and making it happen.

And can we talk about the narrator? This character jumps in whenever Will starts to ummm, embellish a little too much. The narrator calls Will out in the funniest way possible. It’s one of my favorite parts of the book!

Bottom line? Who Better Than You has already made my top 5 list of 2025. It’s funny, wise, and straight-up motivational. If you love a good success story with a side of comedy, this one’s a must-read.

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Will Packer’s Who Better Than You? is an inspiring and engaging read that blends personal stories with practical wisdom. His storytelling is both authentic and motivating, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in Hollywood. Packer’s advice is straightforward and actionable, making this book a must-read for anyone chasing their dreams—whether in entertainment, business, or life in general. His infectious energy and relentless determination shine through every page, leaving readers feeling empowered to bet on themselves. Highly recommend!

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Thank you Rodale / Harmony and NetGalley for this ARC.

Will Packer teaches the importance of “Healthy Arrogance”, explaining that self-confidence and a healthy dose of self-belief are required to propel yourself towards success, that at the end of the day Oprah won’t be coming for you, you need to save yourself.

I enjoyed learning more about Will Packer, his experiences and his mindset. His enthusiasm and positive energy really came through and made sense. To have success you need to 1000% believe in the idea and have an innate passion driving your ideas. The imposter syndrome does make me question the reality of this actually working for an unknown, new starter in any field. Perhaps I need to play with this theory in smaller steps until the momentum builds upon itself and proves it correct for me.

I enjoyed his humour throughout and really enjoyed his book.

Thank you for this ARC.

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What a moving and inspiring book. It was amazing hearing his stories that brought him to where he is now. Also I really liked how he would drop his words of wisdom in between times that tested him in his own life.

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Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book.
It's been years since I picked up something PMA-ish. (Positive Mental Attitude.) These books are usually filled with those who have a lot to rah-rah say but zero actions. This book is not like those that collect dust on bookshelves everywhere.
Will Packer walks the walk. Having a lot of experience coming up in Hollywood, he shares some stories along his journey. I am so grateful to have read this book when I needed the inspiration to keep going. Thank you, Will. I can't wait to see what you do next!

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this was pretty good and entertaining, packed with such good advice i’m going to have to keep revisiting!

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Who Better Than You is not only for movie fans and entrepreneurs. It is filled with life and business advice along with tales of the adventures that Packer encountered along the way.

A few of my favorites:
His accountant sharing with him to drive his mint-condition Benz. Why not enjoy the things that you have!
Don't let people steal your power.
The go kart story - realizing that what you want for people may not align with what they want for themselves (and how to adjust expectations).

This will be a great read if you are starting a new endeavor and need a little encouragement.

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Who Better Than You by Will Packer is an uplifting and practical guide to personal growth and empowerment. Drawing from his own experiences in Hollywood, Packer offers valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, building confidence, and taking charge of your own path. His tone is warm and relatable, blending humor with real-world advice.

What makes this book stand out is Packer’s ability to share big life lessons in a way that feels personal and accessible. It’s full of motivational insights that feel both genuine and actionable, encouraging readers to embrace their own potential.

Overall, Who Better Than You is a refreshing, easy-to-read book that will resonate with anyone looking to break through barriers and grow in both their personal and professional lives.

Rating: 4/5

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Rating: 4.25/5

Who Better Than You? by Will Packer is an empowering mix of Hollywood anecdotes and practical advice for turning ambition into action. Packer’s candid reflections on his rise from a micro-budget indie filmmaker to a Hollywood powerhouse are infused with humor and motivation. His concept of "healthy arrogance" is refreshing, urging readers to own their potential unapologetically. The mix of celebrity stories and actionable advice kept me engaged, though at times, it leaned a bit heavy on personal philosophy over broader application.

A must-read if you’re chasing big dreams and need a confidence boost—but also expect a splash of entertainment from the insider look into the movie industry.

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As someone who hasn't read many self-help books, this was an excellent and easily-digestible introduction to the genre. Packer blends wisdom, practical advice, and humor exceptionally well by sharing stories from his own life and success to offer insights on how to manifest your own achievements. I especially appreciated the blend of humor and confidence in his writing, which gradually rubbed off on me as I got deeper into the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

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Who Better Than You? offers an engaging look at Will Packer’s journey in Hollywood, filled with inspirational anecdotes and practical advice on confidence, ambition, and resilience. Packer’s unique perspective on success as a filmmaker and CEO makes this book especially insightful for those in creative industries. While it delivers great moments of motivation, some sections feel a bit padded with standard advice or filler. Nevertheless, Packer’s personal stories and candid reflections make it a valuable read, especially for anyone navigating the challenges of high-stakes, competitive environments. Overall, it’s a solid guide to building self-belief and seizing opportunities.

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Book Review: Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big by Will Packer

Will Packer's Who Better Than You? is more than just a guide to success—it's a manifesto for anyone determined to turn their dreams into reality. Drawing on his extraordinary journey from college filmmaker to one of Hollywood's most successful producers, Packer offers a powerful blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice that is as inspiring as actionable.

From the very first page, Packer's voice is commanding and compelling. His concept of "healthy arrogance" might initially sound off-putting, but as you delve deeper, it becomes clear that this mindset is a crucial ingredient in his recipe for success. Packer isn't advocating for arrogance in the traditional sense; instead, he's encouraging readers to adopt an unshakeable belief in their worth and capabilities, even when the world doubts them.

The book is packed with impactful quotes that you’ll find yourself pausing to reflect and take notes. By the time I finished, my copy was highlighted from cover to cover—evidence of how much wisdom Packer imparts throughout. His insights on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of telling diverse stories in Hollywood are particularly resonant, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to make their mark in their field.

Packer's stories of navigating the often-unforgiving world of Hollywood are not just entertaining but also educational. He pulls back the curtain on what it takes to succeed in an industry that has long overlooked diverse voices, and his success is proof that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Given the depth and richness of Packer's insights, I recommend reading *Who Better Than You?* not just once, but twice. The first read will energize and inspire you, while the second will allow you to absorb the more profound lessons and strategies that Packer offers. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a business leader, or someone with big dreams, this book will provide the tools you need to succeed—on your terms.

#WhoBetterThanYou #NetGalley

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This book by Will Packer is absolutely unbelievable with the highlight of black culture that is undermined by Hollywood. It really encourages me by reading and listening to all stories and lessons and I hope that it can be go to movie so everyone can watch it.

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You may or may not recognize Will Packer by his name, however, it's pretty much guaranteed you've seen one of the more than 30 films he's produced since his first, "Chocolate City," while at Florida A&M University.

While you may not recognize the title "Chocolate City," films such as "Straight Outta Compton," "Girls Trip," "Ride Along," "Night School," "Stomp the Yard," and a host of others have contributed to Packer's films stacking up over $1 billion at the worldwide box-office.

"Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big" is part autobiography and part inspirational/self-help. In the book, Packer serves up a clear vision on how to manifest one's own success by believing there is no one on the planet more deserving of it than you.

In some ways, really major ways, much of what Packer writes about here is familiar knowledge. What really amplifies it is Packer's own personal experiences and voice. He's lived it. He's still living it. And he's enthusiastic about sharing both personal and professional advice on business, leadership, legacy, and even in the circle that one creates.

"Who Better Than You?" is more experiential than prescriptive. We learn about the values and audacity that Packer possesses and how he's used that throughout his career. I read "Who Better Than You?" right as I was getting into the groove of a fundraising experience far larger than I've ever attempted - I've always been more of a grassroots fundraiser, however, the opportunity arose to tackle a bigger project and I decided it was time to really lean into it. "Who Better Than You?" offers advice, tips, encouragement, and examples of how to possess a healthy arrogance to create a better you, a better business, a better life - simply better.

Did I necessarily resonate with everything here? Nah, not really. That's probably not realistic. However, even when I didn't quite click with the material I found myself enjoying Packer's laid back, personable storytelling and learning about his path toward success.

"Who Better Than You?" is an enjoyable, engaging, and informative read for creatives, business leaders, activists, or just about anyone else who needs a supportive voice to head down a path toward dreaming bigger and living larger. At first, I wasn't really sure I was getting into "Who Better Than You?," however, a few chapters in I realized just how much of Packer's material I was retaining.

I've already started applying pieces of what Packer talks about here as I approach my own latest outreach effort and I'm already seeing positive results. With energy and enthusiasm, Packer becomes the literary life coach you never knew you needed.

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