As a beginner (and currently attending an assertiveness class) to the art of being assertive I have found this book invaluable and easy to read. It's a basic introduction to the essential techniques of being assertive but it also forces you to probe your own insecurities as to why you are non-assertive in the first place. With simple exercises you can turn your negative thinking into positive, of course time and practice is what is essentially required, but at least you're armed with the knowledge of what to do. For anyone who's fed up with feeling like the proverbial doormat and constantly frustrated with being too passive, this book is a great step in the right direction.