I’ve always been an avid reader, but lately I have come across some outstanding books that have changed the way I look at things forever. I’ll explain why I (might) highly recommend you pick these two books up today.
Made to Stick, Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Who should buy this book: Anyone who needs to sell ideas. In today’s idea economy, that’s pretty much everyone.
What this book changes: Even the best ideas die too young. Made to Stick changes the way you present ideas so they’re “stickier” and therefore more likely to live on.
What I liked: The Heath brothers did a great job of distilling a formula for packaging great ideas. They show how this formula is evident in today’s stickiest ideas as well as some that have lasted thousands of years.
What I didn’t like: I really enjoyed the book, so what I didn’t like is fairly superficial. I didn’t care for their choice in acrostic (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.). It works to communicate the message (the stickiest ideas are simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, and stories) but it seems a bit generic, long, and duplicate letters (three s’s and two c’s). Ironically, I think it causes their acrostic to fail its own test by not being simple.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Fingerprints
The Houdini Solution by Ernie Schenck
Who should buy this book: Those seeking a higher level of creativity at work. Those who don’t think they’re creative. The hypercreative who are constantly shot down because their ideas are “too far out there.”
What this book changes: The Houdini Solution removes some of the mystique from creativity. It fights the notion that truly creative ideas are all OUTSIDE the box. It shows how accepting your boundaries actually can increase creativity and make it more effective.
What I liked: “The Houdini 50” – a list of 50 creative training techniques selected by Ernie are printed at the back of the book. This list by itself is worth the cost of buying the book. Also, the book is very approachable. Even though Ernie is an advertising expert, this book speaks to people with no ad experience at all. His precepts are applicable to almost any field.
What I didn’t like: The cover. It’s simply not compelling and I’m afraid many will pass over it because it doesn’t truly communicate the message within. The message focuses on thinking INSIDE the box… but there’s no box on the cover.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Fingerprints
Under the magnifying lens:
Pop! Stand Out In Any Crowd by Sam Horn
An enjoyable and somewhat surprising read so far. I’ll be reviewing this book in the near future.