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kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars, right down the middle. I wanted to like this book more, I really did. It just didn't do it for me. More theoretical instead of practical like I love. And the stories weren't as engaging. Plus he didn't dive deep into his childhood and instead glossed over it.
The only thing I learned is that cutting paper with scissors really dulls them.
I liked this bit: "Humans alone expand our understanding of the universe by swapping stories of what we see and what we have seen. Making is one of the principal ways that we share and have shared our stories."
"The things we love tend to make as quite vulnerable." Isn't that ironic.
The only thing I learned is that cutting paper with scissors really dulls them.
I liked this bit: "Humans alone expand our understanding of the universe by swapping stories of what we see and what we have seen. Making is one of the principal ways that we share and have shared our stories."
"The things we love tend to make as quite vulnerable." Isn't that ironic.
ericvreadsstuff's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a wonderful collection of both practical and philosophical knowledge from across Adam Savage's impressive career as a maker. I found it informative, inspirational, and fascinating all at once! The structure tends to wander a bit in terms of subject matter but after completing the book it seems only appropriate for the mind that created it, and none of the information feels out of place. It manages to be both educational and deeply personal in a very engaging way, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend this not only to fans of Adam's work, but to anyone who works on creative projects and especially for those who work with their hands.
If you're a fan of audiobooks, Adam's reading of the book is also great, and I think adds a lot to the sentiment!
If you're a fan of audiobooks, Adam's reading of the book is also great, and I think adds a lot to the sentiment!
pfanzie's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
ephan's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
robyn_m's review against another edition
4.0
Our arts book club really enjoyed this. Plenty of creative wisdom inside, applicable to most endeavors -- and not just for fans of MythBusters. I listened to the audiobook, but also read the print edition.
A few notes...
- Sweep up every day; it's a gift from your past self to your future self. This also allows you to enter the studio in the present rather than in the past.
- Importance of comprehensive checklists (emotional momentum) and sharing, collaboration.
- p. 64 : "...at a certain point, it's time to just begin."
- p. 105 : "Self-doubt never leaves the attentive craftsperson, so you best make friends with it."
- p. 115 : Clarifying power of a deadline -- perfect vs. done
- p. 150 : "Creation is iteration."
- p. 226 : "Drawers are where stuff goes to die."
A few notes...
- Sweep up every day; it's a gift from your past self to your future self. This also allows you to enter the studio in the present rather than in the past.
- Importance of comprehensive checklists (emotional momentum) and sharing, collaboration.
- p. 64 : "...at a certain point, it's time to just begin."
- p. 105 : "Self-doubt never leaves the attentive craftsperson, so you best make friends with it."
- p. 115 : Clarifying power of a deadline -- perfect vs. done
- p. 150 : "Creation is iteration."
- p. 226 : "Drawers are where stuff goes to die."
vonwortchiller's review against another edition
5.0
Great book
A great book that is enabled my own idiosyncrasies as a maker. The chapters on list-making and setting deadlines really helped me to focus on my own projects more successfully!
A great book that is enabled my own idiosyncrasies as a maker. The chapters on list-making and setting deadlines really helped me to focus on my own projects more successfully!
jadonm's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this expecting a typical memoir, but instead found a fascinating look into the creative process. I've always admired Adam Savage, but this book may be some of his best work. Come for the conversations on creativity and how to optimize your life for staying happy and productive in the pursuit of a creative project, stay for the highly detailed guide on different types of glue.
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
Adam Savage is an interesting guy and I enjoyed this peek inside his head. It's a weird mix of practical advice, philosophy, and memoir, but a fun and quick read.