Reviews

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity by Grant Snider

loe_ming's review

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2.0

2/5 stars

spillminttea's review

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5.0

Somehow... we rarely appreciate our process itself in getting more creative and let fear overcome to us and makes us overthink then ended in not producing it.

mg_libros's review

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4.0

Este señor tiene una imaginación portentosa para sacar una historia con los temas más cotidianos. Y hace una cosa que yo admiro mucho que es hacer que lo difícil parezca fácil.

howardgo's review

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funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.0

Originally published at myreadinglife.com.

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration is a graphic novel despite the fact that its subject matter is factual. Can't we come up with a better name for a non-fiction book published in the style of a graphic novel? Anyway, Grant Snider uses artistic panels drawn like a comic book to explore the concept of creativity.

The book is divided up into ten sections:
  • Inspiration
  • Perspiration
  • Improvisation
  • Aspiration
  • Contemplation
  • Exploration
  • Daily Frustration
  • Imitation
  • Desperation
  • Pure Elation

I had seen lots of praise for this book, so my expectations were high going in. I have to admit I was let down, mostly because it didn't deliver on what I thought it would. And that's on me. For what it is, it is wonderful. Rather than showing you what creativity is or how it works, it delivers more of what it feels like to create. The up and downs, the highs and lows, the exhilaration, the frustration. The art is very creative and evocative and, as a result, very effective.

However, I am still not a big fan of this book. I just don't see a higher purpose in this book. Sure, it tells me what it feels like to be creative. But what if I want more? What if I want to know how to create? For that, I would recommend The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield. But if you are looking for a quick, evocative read about creativity, this book might be for you.

My rating: 3/5

bowtiequeer's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.75

prahayu's review

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4.0

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity
by Grant Snider
4/5 stars

No. I didn't have any specific reasons why I read this graphic novel. I just happened to find it on Scribd and the premise, and also the cover intrigued me.

As a graphic novel, this book is quite simple. It consisted of comics strip about how to generate ideas from our surroundings. Maybe, that was the strongest point of this book.

The illustration looked so fresg and not really dictated anything for the readers. Well, a book like this for me it's just another reminder to myself that sometimes life is not that much grande. Inspiration and ideas could come up from anywhere. Someone who is not creative, can find something if they looked on from another perspectives.

For me, this graphic novel is a fun to read book. Beautiful illustration is a plus.

hk017's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

5.0

iqrawrites's review

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5.0

Amazing insight with a humorous touch

I greatly enjoyed reading this. It is filled with many moments that strike you and stay with you. Highly recommended!

yaya_fl's review

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5.0

An adorable graphic novel on creativity :) i loved Grant Snider's illustration as well as their content. It funny, it's smart ... It's well so creative! I will definitely 're read it in the future

ricefun's review

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5.0

I love, love, love this book by Wichita author Grant Snider. His creativity and ability to capture ephemeral feelings is delightful! I would mark this as a favorite (and maybe I should) but I can't wait to read his other books, and I suspect I will be even more inclined to call them "favorites."