 2008-11-11 - Go, Johhny, Go!
I thoroughly enjoyed both the presentation and substance of this wonderful little book. Pink does a great job of delivering his message within the genre of manga. Well done and balanced. Full of good advice. Delivered in a fun way.
I wouldn't have picked this book on my own. Yes, I would have judged a book by its cover. I've seen other "business" books try to deliver their message in a non-traditional format. Those have failed. This one succeeded. Kudos to a friend of mine who suggested and actively promotes this volume.
This is a serious book full of solid advice and wisdom.
 2008-11-06 - promising ideas, devisive way to delivery the ideas
My point of view is dissenting compared to many reviews. So I will start by saying that the 6 defining ideas of the book truly are of great value. They include:
1- "There is no plan."
2- "Think strengths, not weaknesses."
3- "It's not about you."
4- "Persistence trumps talent."
5- "Make excellent mistakes."
6- "Leave an imprint."
All ideas have merit, although not perfect when actually applied.
The problem with the book is the same I have with Pink's video (and book) "A Whole New Mind." Within the first few minutes of the video, Pink is telling the audience that parents and educators are doing whatever they can to destroy the life of their children and students by giving terminal career advice. The same attitude is prevalent in "Johnny Bunko." Pink's Bob Dylan approach of "don't trust anyone over 30" is weak and insulting. This is the delivery I am referring to as being divisive. Note in the book how the 50 something manager is rude, closed-minded, lacks insight and is more of a constraint to the staff than anything else. This is not like any baby boomer I have ever met (I am a Gen-Xer by the way).
Clearly, Pink's attempt at proclaiming himself a rock star stands in the way of his valuable ideas. And this is unfortunate because principle one has been an important one in my life and I believe in it. In fact I believe in all of them although the career counselor that made the comments about some careers requiring carefully planning, makes an excellent point too.
My advice to Pink is the he consider how he insults those older than Gen Y, as he presents his ideas, which again, are seemingly good ideas.
Thanks for reading. : >
 2008-10-14 - Laser sharp advice in a nifty format
It may take me longer to write this review than it did to read all of this book; you can read it nearly as fast as you can turn the pages. (In fact you can read most of it free on the book's website.) But that shouldn't diminish the excellent advice contained here, useful for anyone in any job, not just the young people it's obviously aimed at: focus on your strengths, realize that there is no "plan", that sort of thing.
One caveat. Don't look for any deep advice beyond the six central points the book makes. You'll probably be left thinking "great advice, but what do I do about it." Perhaps it would be better to think of it as the "first" career guide you'll ever need, rather than the "last."
2008-09-30 - One of the best career guides ever
This animated career guide has some of the best advice I've ever read in such a condensed, easy to read format. The story line shares six important rules that can not only be applied to one's career, but to one's entire life. The only reason it loses a star is because it's too short; definitely a one-sit read.
2008-09-23 - Fantastic
I was a little skeptical believing a 50 some year old could get anything out of a `comic' book but I bought it anyway based on the reviews of others.
Although a quick and easy read, I got some life lessons which I will use forever.
Even if you have no plans to change where you are in your life / career, I highly recommend this book.
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