Customer Reviews

A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After reading the rave reviews, I expected a much better book. It's okay, but, basically, goes over the same old stuff other books do. Nothing new. It's kinda of read one you've read them all.

There are some self-help books which are enjoyable to read, but may not be entirely beneficial. A Whack on the Side of the Head falls close to this. What it offers isn't really groundbreaking. Heck, I can sum it up like this: "do something different when faced with a problem." But sometimes we need to be reminded of what seems obvious because we, as society, have come to ignore the obvious. So this 150 page reassurance isn't a bad thing to look through. Like I said, it was enjoyable to read because of the way it was written. It had a lot of spelling errors, though, and the author doesn't exactly treat other's quotes right. Not to mention a plethora of pictures so wacky, they're disturbing. But for those who are struggling with ideas as of late, give it a whirl.

My thinking had become stale in the past six months, and I was unable to think of fresh approaches to some pressing work problems. I mentioned this to my sister, and she lent me her dog-earred copy of Whack. I loved the author's breezy style and practical ideas. I have since bought two more copies, one for myself and another for a friend at work. I recommend Whack as a good way to open your thinking.

I've been a long time fan of the Creative Whack Pack. I recently got "A Whack on the Side of the Head" and discovered that it is a just as powerful creativity stimulant. I love the stories and the exercises. Highly recommended.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

I did seminar and workshop on entrepreneruship and creativity and have read probably about 20 books on creativity. And i have to admit this is the BEST BOOK on creativity. this is THE CLASSIC book on the subject. The author hs just written a new book (EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED) but this onw is WAY SUPERIOR and BETTER.

This is an old book but still freash to read and delighting to enjoy. The samples and the materials are easy to read yet very2 strong and useful.

I gave away this books to friends who want to learn more about creativity and want to change his/her attitude toward life.

Most people know that creativity is one of the key element of success yet so few take action of any sort to do something about it. So do yourself a favor, go and buy this book, read, and start think about it in your daily life. it will be beneficial for your future success and happiness.