mauxbs's review against another edition
4.0
There's a lot of good in this book, but audiobook wasn't the ideal way to consume it. (The ideal way would be to have a copy of the book plus another human being prodding you to do all of these activities!)
I've always suffered from a weak episodic memory, so anything that would help me retain more of my own life is welcome. But these are rightly called exercises. Most of themwould will involve at least some movement outside of my lazy comfort zone. Each activity is given a difficulty rating, which is a nice acknowledgement of that fact. I haven't gone back and done any of the exercises yet, but I plan to pick up a print copy of the book and do so.
Eventually.
I've always suffered from a weak episodic memory, so anything that would help me retain more of my own life is welcome. But these are rightly called exercises. Most of them
Eventually.
epilieaspiechick's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A friend recommended this book and I'm happy they did! I'm a multitasking, full speed kind of person, so slowing down and noticing the details is hard for me. This book taught me different ways to do that, without frustrating myself. Very educational and worth the read.
elundhansen's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun little book. I’ve highlighted and bookmarked so many of the exercises Walker suggests—from creating your own personal map of your neighborhood to describing an object in detail without using figurative language. I’ll return to it again and again for creative inspiration!
disasterchick's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting activities to help you notice more in the world.
Buy, Burn, Steal - a game to play with objects that is like the Marry, Date, or Dump Game.
Taking pictures of numbers, letters, park benches, window boxes, markers, something that you will notice and appreciate when you see one that is a bit different.
Draw instead of take pictures.
Look at something for 4 minutes and 33 seconds. In an art gallery the average person looks at a piece of work for 17 seconds.
One that could be on the creepy side but interesting is to follow a person (like in NYC with lots of pedestrian traffic) and once they go into a private residence or office building then the game is up. The narrator went to a movie he probably would not have seen.
Pick an area that has local restaurants and try each of them out.
Make lists - inventory your stuff.
Connect with friends by meeting them half way.
Write a letter to a stranger.
Look for an object such as security cameras during a visit to a new city or for a day.
This is a book I will have to revisit. Lots of interesting ideas on looking at the world differently. You are what you notice.
How did I find this book: It was the September 2021 pick from Austin Kleon's Read Like an Artist book club sponsored through Literati.
Buy, Burn, Steal - a game to play with objects that is like the Marry, Date, or Dump Game.
Taking pictures of numbers, letters, park benches, window boxes, markers, something that you will notice and appreciate when you see one that is a bit different.
Draw instead of take pictures.
Look at something for 4 minutes and 33 seconds. In an art gallery the average person looks at a piece of work for 17 seconds.
One that could be on the creepy side but interesting is to follow a person (like in NYC with lots of pedestrian traffic) and once they go into a private residence or office building then the game is up. The narrator went to a movie he probably would not have seen.
Pick an area that has local restaurants and try each of them out.
Make lists - inventory your stuff.
Connect with friends by meeting them half way.
Write a letter to a stranger.
Look for an object such as security cameras during a visit to a new city or for a day.
This is a book I will have to revisit. Lots of interesting ideas on looking at the world differently. You are what you notice.
How did I find this book: It was the September 2021 pick from Austin Kleon's Read Like an Artist book club sponsored through Literati.
perseyfriend's review against another edition
4.0
i loved the practical suggestions for ways to slow down and notice. I can see myself returning to some of these exercises and games when I’m creatively blocked, or when I need to entertain a toddler. Funny how those can be similar purposes. :)
benji_jet's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Began reading as an ebook in 2021 and just finished as an audiobook read by the author. Lots of tasty bits and pieces in here - great for creatives and day to day life alike. You know you’re in the right place when references and source material collide and coalesce. Influences of flux, Dadaism and forging paths of presence, joy and connection.