Book Reviews Online

Author: Robin Sharma

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

If you’ve ever wondered how waking up early could drastically change your life, The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma offers a compelling answer. A blend of personal development, productivity science, and storytelling, this international bestseller introduces a powerful morning routine designed to help you master your day and, ultimately, your life. In this review, we’ll explore the structure of the book, its key takeaways, pros and cons, and why The 5 AM Club continues to inspire readers around the globe.

Overview of The 5 AM Club

Robin Sharma, known for his bestselling book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, delivers another motivational masterpiece in The 5 AM Club. This book presents a transformational morning routine through a fictional story that combines practical advice with life philosophy.

The plot follows four main characters: a struggling artist, a disillusioned entrepreneur, a billionaire mentor, and a mysterious guide. As they journey together through exclusive seminars and exotic locations, the billionaire reveals the secrets behind his success—all of which hinge on the habit of waking up at 5 AM and following a structured early morning routine.

Sharma’s method revolves around the “20/20/20 Formula” and the idea that how you begin your day determines how you live your day.

Core Concepts and Lessons

1. The 20/20/20 Formula:

The foundation of the 5 AM Club is a simple, hour-long routine broken into three parts:

20 minutes of movement: Engage in high-intensity exercise to boost dopamine and cortisol levels. 20 minutes of reflection: Meditate, journal, or practice gratitude to center your mind. 20 minutes of learning: Read, listen to a podcast, or study to grow your knowledge.

This structured hour aims to activate your body, balance your emotions, and stimulate your intellect—all before most people wake up.

2. The Four Interior Empires:

Sharma encourages balance across Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset. According to him, success isn’t just about thinking big—it’s about caring for your emotional well-being, physical health, and spiritual growth.

3. The Habit Installation Protocol:

Using behavioral science, Sharma breaks down how habits are formed in three stages—Destruction, Installation, and Integration—over a 66-day period. He argues that pushing through discomfort in the early phases is what separates amateurs from high performers.

4. Victory Hour:

Sharma claims that what you do between 5 AM and 6 AM (The Victory Hour) sets the tone for peak productivity, serenity, and creativity for the rest of the day.

Writing Style and Format

Unlike typical self-help guides, The 5 AM Club is written as a fable or parable. This narrative approach makes the material more engaging but also polarizing. Some readers find the fictional characters and dialogue overly dramatic or unrealistic, while others appreciate the break from traditional instruction-heavy formats.

The writing is rich with metaphors, motivational quotes, and philosophical references. Sharma often leans into poetic prose and abstract imagery, which can be inspiring for some but flowery for others.

The key strength here is storytelling. By framing productivity lessons through relatable characters and journeys, Sharma delivers dense information in a digestible, emotionally resonant way.

Who Should Read The 5 AM Club?

This book is a great fit for:

Entrepreneurs, creatives, and high performers seeking peak productivity Anyone stuck in a rut or looking to reclaim their mornings Fans of motivational and self-improvement literature Readers of The Miracle Morning, Deep Work, or Tools of Titans People who enjoy inspirational fables over traditional nonfiction

Whether you’re already a morning person or struggle to get out of bed, The 5 AM Club offers a compelling case for the transformative power of early rising.

Critiques and Considerations

While The 5 AM Club is motivational and actionable, it has its downsides. The fictional storytelling format isn’t for everyone—some readers find the dialogue cheesy or the characters lacking depth. Additionally, critics argue that waking up at 5 AM isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for people with demanding evening obligations or different biological rhythms.

There’s also an emphasis on luxury and extravagance in the settings and lifestyle of the characters, which may feel out of touch for some readers. The advice is solid, but at times it gets buried under layers of theatrics.

However, the book’s central message—that starting your day intentionally can transform your entire life—is powerful and timeless.

Impact and Popularity

Since its release, The 5 AM Club has sold millions of copies worldwide and built a loyal following. The concept of waking up early and taking charge of your morning has become a movement, inspiring countless social media challenges and morning routines among professionals and influencers.

The book has become a cornerstone of modern personal development, often referenced alongside Atomic Habits and The Miracle Morning. Its global success speaks to a deep hunger for structure, discipline, and self-mastery in an increasingly distracted world.

Final Thoughts: Is The 5 AM Club Worth Reading?

Yes, especially if you’re ready to elevate your mornings and reclaim your time. The 5 AM Club is more than just a wake-up call—it’s a guide to intentional living. While the narrative format may not suit every reader’s taste, the underlying principles are sound and backed by both science and success stories.

If you apply even a fraction of what Sharma teaches, you’ll likely see improvement in your focus, energy, and mindset. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, and The 5 AM Club gives you a system to start that journey.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Inspiring, structured, and full of practical wisdom—The 5 AM Club is a powerful tool for anyone seeking clarity, control, and confidence in their daily life.