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wombatjenni's review
4.0
Although seeing the words "spark" and "joy" in the title may make some folks cringe, this book is a fun gallop through a myriad of ways in which people can learn to observe with intention and thus, become more present in their environment and to others, which unavoidably leads to finding new connections and ways of thinking about problems or situations.
And it's not all about recording weird things you see on your way to work every day (although that sounds really fun!), or drawing instead of taking photos; you may be surprised to learn that it even covers how to control a "jumpy" mind when you're listening to a person speak and thus become more present in a conversation, whether it's at work in a meeting, drinks with a friend, or at an extremely dull dinner conversation with family. (It's also practical: this helps you avoid misremembering or misunderstanding conversations because you're no longer glancing at your phone while the most crucial sentences are uttered!)
I started reading this for the Lynda Barry-like observational creativity and looking at the mundane from a new perspective, but the most memorable takeaways for me were the ones that help be more connected and present with others.
And it's not all about recording weird things you see on your way to work every day (although that sounds really fun!), or drawing instead of taking photos; you may be surprised to learn that it even covers how to control a "jumpy" mind when you're listening to a person speak and thus become more present in a conversation, whether it's at work in a meeting, drinks with a friend, or at an extremely dull dinner conversation with family. (It's also practical: this helps you avoid misremembering or misunderstanding conversations because you're no longer glancing at your phone while the most crucial sentences are uttered!)
I started reading this for the Lynda Barry-like observational creativity and looking at the mundane from a new perspective, but the most memorable takeaways for me were the ones that help be more connected and present with others.
trippalli's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
A great collection of activities to do, reflections on perspective and attention
deedubb's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Changed the way I see the world
tippico5's review against another edition
5.0
A fun book of activities to help you pay attention/care. Not really meant to be read straight-through, so not a curl-up-by-the-fire read; more an activity book. Appeals to personalities that like a challenge and appreciate noticing odd or mundane things.
lyrabelaqa's review against another edition
5.0
So many great ideas about things to do in your life. I've tried some and have been really enthusiastic about it. You don't have to read the hole book in one sitting. Just grab whatever you want and live the ride.
caityree's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book to read in little bites, and to keep going back to.
cafo6's review against another edition
5.0
I've been reading this author's newsletter for several months now, and I love how he reminds us to be intentional about seeing around us and paying attention. Aside from time, the most valuable thing we have is our attention - and we can enrich our lives (and those of the people around us) by honing our attention skills. This book is a fun jaunt through several ideas and a lot of activities (from easy to advanced/time consuming). It's a small book, but don't let that fool you.
inesmts's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
I understand that some of the exercises presented in this book are quite simple, and maybe we unconsciously already do them in our everyday life, but I would have loved to have more background information on the importance of these exercises - rather than just quotations of other authors. It felt a bit repetitive too: some exercises are just slightly different prompts from others in previous chapters (or even of the previous pages). Quick read tho.