A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative by Roger von Oech
|
List Price: Our Price: $9.37 You Save: $7.62 (45%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative
Book Review: Classic book on creativity
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember first reading this book at some point in the mid-1980's when I borrowed it from the local library. It seemed like a fun, quick read with the big fonts and plentiful cartoon-like drawings. I borrowed it again a few times after that, and went on to read A Kick in the Seat of the Pants, also by von Oech. A few years later when I was in university and had a bit more money I came across it in the university bookstore and picked up a copy for myself immediately. In the 10 years since, I've reread the book numerous times, and would confidently put it in my list of top-10 business books of all time.For someone like myself who probably has the adult version of ADD (I rarely finish any book before picking up at least two or three other ones), this is one of the few books that I can come back to time and again. I have von Oech's other books, and tools such as the card decks, but still find the original work to be the best and most inspiring. Now working in a corporate marketing group, I use the tools in leading group discussions, and routinely give copies to coworkers and friends to force them to challenge their way of thinking.
Some of the people I've lead in workshops have commented that the "whacks" are simply a collection of others' ideas, common knowledge and cliches. Maybe. But von Oech does a wonderful job of bringing them together and presenting them in a manner that is concise, entertaining, and as a result highly effective.
If you're interested in creativity, innovation, "disruption", trying to overcome writer's block, or just trying to "think outside of the bun" I strongly suggest that you give this book a read.
Book Review: Whack me! Kick Me! For wasting my money
Summary: 1 Stars
Please I deserve it for buying both of his books at the same time and wasting still more money. Very disappointed to say the least. Simplistic. He repeats concepts over and over. Might be good for a junior high or high school class.There are many more books along this line you'd do better to buy.
Book Review: A Fun and Practical Guide to Creativity
Summary: 5 Stars
I used this book in a criticial thinking class, and it was a big hit! It has a fun and breezy style, and offers practical advice. The stories and exercises are stimulating. I especially liked the chapters on the right answer and failure. A Good bet!Book Review: Interesting
Summary: 4 Stars
I must say that intitally this book did not appeal to me. But after conversing with the author, I was forced to take a second look. While it may not be the right book at this stage of my creative development, I will definitely add it to my creative library for future reference. It includes many creative exercises and inspiring quotes. And the Whack Packs? A must!
Book Review: Who Moved My Cheese Before Who Moved My Cheese
Summary: 4 Stars
Roger von Oech takes a very creative look at the 10 mental locks that keep us from being creative. Using a highly entertaining style, fun illustrations, anecdotes, quotations and puzzles, he tries to open the 10 mental locks:1. The Right Answer
2. That's Not Logical
3. Follow the Rules
4. Be Practical
5. Avoid Ambiguity
6. To Err is Wrong
7. Play is Frivolous
8. That's Not My Area
9. Don't Be Foolish
10. I'm Not Creative
I also recommend his sequel - A Kick in the Seat of the Pants.