Reviews

Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It by Adam Savage

leoreadssmut's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

A great book for beginner makers

sparklelys's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

So many books on success principles are rooted in the business world; it's refreshing to have one built around the joys of makerspace.  Adam Savage's unbridled enthusiasm and his willingness to share both his triumphs and “this is what you should not do/let that be a lesson to you” experiences make this a fun read for dreamers, builders, artists, crafters, writers, cosplayers, and of course, Mythbusters and Tested fans.

theangrystackrat's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.0

nmayzel's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

kimball_hansen's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

2.5 stars, right down the middle. I wanted to like this book more, I really did. It just didn't do it for me. More theoretical instead of practical like I love. And the stories weren't as engaging. Plus he didn't dive deep into his childhood and instead glossed over it.

The only thing I learned is that cutting paper with scissors really dulls them.

I liked this bit: "Humans alone expand our understanding of the universe by swapping stories of what we see and what we have seen. Making is one of the principal ways that we share and have shared our stories."

"The things we love tend to make as quite vulnerable." Isn't that ironic.

tmoore48's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

ericvreadsstuff's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This book is a wonderful collection of both practical and philosophical knowledge from across Adam Savage's impressive career as a maker. I found it informative, inspirational, and fascinating all at once! The structure tends to wander a bit in terms of subject matter but after completing the book it seems only appropriate for the mind that created it, and none of the information feels out of place. It manages to be both educational and deeply personal in a very engaging way, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend this not only to fans of Adam's work, but to anyone who works on creative projects and especially for those who work with their hands.

If you're a fan of audiobooks, Adam's reading of the book is also great, and I think adds a lot to the sentiment!

pfanzie's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

ephan's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

robyn_m's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Our arts book club really enjoyed this. Plenty of creative wisdom inside, applicable to most endeavors -- and not just for fans of MythBusters. I listened to the audiobook, but also read the print edition.

A few notes...
- Sweep up every day; it's a gift from your past self to your future self. This also allows you to enter the studio in the present rather than in the past.
- Importance of comprehensive checklists (emotional momentum) and sharing, collaboration.
- p. 64 : "...at a certain point, it's time to just begin."
- p. 105 : "Self-doubt never leaves the attentive craftsperson, so you best make friends with it."
- p. 115 : Clarifying power of a deadline -- perfect vs. done
- p. 150 : "Creation is iteration."
- p. 226 : "Drawers are where stuff goes to die."