GR Hansen
This book is packed with solid tactical information that marketers and leaders can use in branding and communication strategy work. Nice collection of tips Kate. I would give it a 4.5 (I don't like the 5 star scale) but for the subtitle and intro where, in my opinion as a business storyteller, Kate seems to take all poorly executed biz communication and call it “storytelling.” Few businesses do storytelling well, and most marketing communication is not storytelling. I think many biz leaders would admit that. And I think Kate's skills as a brand guide shine through in this book without the section on storytelling. Of course, as a storyteller, now is my chance to write my own book and share what I feel this book does not. So for that, thanks Kate, and more importantly for all the good brand ID advice. I'm using it.
I found most business books to be either obvious or just boastfully dull. This one surprised me. If you work in any retail environment but especially with power equipment or motorcycles, you should read this. It's not just for owners either. Good practical guide and entertaining too.
While I do appreciate the author's creative style and the unique dual-character portrayal of the protagonist, the book lacked a story arc. And then it just turned dark and unpleasant. I was thrilled to put this one away.
This book expanded my understanding of the historical world and the amazing world of words and phrases. And that second part is why I read. To be honest, the author and I went to college together, undergrad. My brain couldn't keep up with what he did after that, but this novel explains part of his academic journey. And I'm so glad he completed this amazing book, published it and shared it with the world. I read very few books twice, but I will reread this one in a year or two, then again. And I am sure I will get more and more from the book each time. Read this book, and have your dictionary app ready.
If you've read any Jane Austen and enjoy critical analysis of such literature, this is as analytical as you will find. Plus, it opens and closes with good insight into “game theory” and strategic thinking. Honestly, the analysis of Austen's characters and relationships was too detailed for me, but easy to skim that stuff and still find satisfying writing around the main topic of strategic thinking in story-telling (and some politics, too).
This is the best business book I've read in years. Full disclosure, I know the author and was a client of his. Maybe that makes me softer on the book, maybe more critical. I don't know. Either way, I love the book because it's personal and practical and professional and forward thinking, and all written with proof and experience. I will recommend this book widely and buy copies for associates. Congrats Jeff!
It's not you, it's me. I did enjoy the ideas in this book and will use them. It just got long and I'm done with “idea” books like this for awhile. Peace.
Can I give it 6 stars, cuz I'd like to. I don't know how to classify it, or if I need to. Psychology. Self help. Business or philosophy. The thinking behind this book wowed me as much as the writing style. It fits with my curiosity and question-everything personal style. Most importantly, it's a reference and I will need to, want to, read this again. Plus I will probably buy a copy or two for friends and family. In the end, this one passes the hardcover test, well worth the extra cost for a durable copy I will use again.
Beautifully written, brief and powerful, this book should be a must-read for any aspiring writer. Steinbeck can bring characters to life like few other authors.
Full disclosure, I've known the author for years. I enjoyed this book for the reasons I've liked others he's written. John is a talented writer with a clear intent and direct style that is funny and smart and creative. With this book, he pulled cultural and political context that made the story fascinating. I'm not a baseball statistics nerd and I still enjoyed the narrative.
I gave up early on this one. I just don't want to read these stories. Not my interest.
Books change over time. Or we do. I first read this book when I was 20. Some 30-whatever years later it's different. It is. That's my review.
Adding this to my Favorite Books list. Incredible writing and imaginative structure and epic story construction. An absolute pleasure
Incredibly dull at times, and absolutely riveting at other times. Read the report. You can read to learn about law, or about legal writing. You can read it to feed your love or hate from one of both sides of the political spectrum. You can read it to gain further insight into just how corrupt Donald Trump is. It's a good read.
Interesting that a book about a failed writer would be filled with captivating writing, but overall be not enjoyable. I'm glad I read it. And more glad I'm done with it. This one is headed for a Little Free Library near me.
Super interesting tale of how Turner turned TV news into the monster it is. The author's style is not my favorite, but she tackles great topics like this.
Inside this 600-page book is an amazing 350-page book. I can't recall wanting to finish a book as much as I longed to finish this one. Sure, moments of greatness. But so much seemingly unnecessary stuff. Oh well, done.
A fascinating look at a historic period I knew little of. And while part of me hoped for more of an “expert opinion” statement at the end, I'm glad that the author left the opining to his readers. Well done.
It's fine, batter than average even. But please, I beg you, don't ask me to read a business book again. Books are a special thing for me, poetry and fiction and even some biography and history. But these biz books, argh. Sure, I pull some nuggets of wisdom, a few important highlights, 3 or 4 notes to record. But it's often wrapped in so much self serving gush. No more.
I almost abandoned this book early. It seemed the author was trying too hard to prove herself. Boy was I wrong. This is a phenomenal piece of writing and storytelling and science text.
This is perhaps the most complete novel I've ever read. What a great story teller. He built beautiful characters and developed them with grace, wit, and smarts like few writers can.
The beginning of this book made me angry. So angry, in fact, I would have shelved this book except that it was a gift from my daughter. The book got better, but the entire thing was tainted by the author's absurd ideas about men and women written into the first third of this book.
No I shouldn't review a book I read little of. But I didn't enjoy the first couple dozen pages. Then I picked up a book recommended by a business colleague on “essentialism”. And I said, why am I wasting time on a book I don't enjoy. So there.