Chris

This book entertained me but the story is stunningly shallow. It's a long, long story that doesn't quite go in circles, but doesn't go far---and there is a lot of close repetition so I'd say it goes in spirals.

Here's where I'd put it. After "A Prayer to Owen Meany," it fell short because Irving raised my standards.

Put this in the category of "made for TV."

There is some real silliness in this book that I can't disclose because it would ruin the story but I'll conclude with saying that everything is just too tidy.

While this a good listen and full of little wisdoms, you'll want the hard bound book near your desk as a reference piece. I can see using many of these aphorisms as quotes in presentations. Lots of great stuff hear but better in book form.

First of all, this isn't in the style of Jane Eyre. Modernist writing can be very, very challenging. This book and "To the Lighthouse" are in the same class with James Joyce and William Faulkner. These authors require interaction with the reader.

If you are willing to 'work' with the author and pay attention to the writing, you will be rewarded with a life-long impact that will make much other writing seem vapid.

There are two ways to approach this book. One, search online for notes and commentary and prepare yourself for the journey. If you understand where the book is going, you will greatly enjoy the journey. Woolf intentionally rations information which can make the book very hard to follow. But as in life, if you know a person, you can follow their thoughts with fewer words because you understand that person.

The book is much like a conversation we have in our heads. It's not made of fully complete thoughts and is distracted by other thoughts. And the book takes place in a very narrow slice of time---a single day but with references to times past. Hang on tight!

Sit quietly and think. Pay attention to how your mind will burst forth with fragments of ideas, odd images and unrelated fragments. This how our brains work and what the modernists were exploring.

The other approach is to go through the book twice, unprepared. You'll have to go through the book more than once anyway. I listened to the same 30 minutes sometimes 5 or more times. Move ahead. Go back again!

Now, if you are willing to do this, a treasure awaits you. If not, this book will be a horrible drudge.

I loved it. Frankly, "To the Lighthouse" was easier.

Chris Reich

This book is "okay". I learned a few things and recognized traits found in many people. Still, the material is a little jumbled and perhaps dated.

The title is sensationalized, the book is not. I think I wanted a bit more sizzle.

The audio book bored the hell out of me. Bob Lutz, the genius who will make GM! Funny how this book can totally collapse in the light of the economic change over the past few months.

The author over stretches his point to incredulity. So, there are companies employing comedians to keep employees happy...still think jokes are the key to survival in this economy?

I think this one tries to be Freakanomics but ends up far short and pointless.

And, yup. I'm a creative problem solver.

I loved this audio book. The characters are real and vibrant. The story is swift and will hold your every minute. It's one that you miss when it's over because you feel wrapped into the day to day happenings and want to drop by Leopold's to have a drink with old friends.

You won't regret starting this journey. I bought the book and gave several as gifts.