Reviews

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

yarnreader's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

dubiousreader's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

nsheld11's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

bfordham's review against another edition

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5.0

I had high hopes for this book, and it did not disappoint.

I listened to the audiobook, which I recommend. Savages reads it himself, and hearing it in his voice, with his inflection on what's most important, was very enjoyable. He's a showman, and that makes high perfect for recording, especially his own book.

The book is extremely encouraging, and part of it is letting people know it's OK to be creating whatever moves them, be it models, software, or even cooking. It's not all just a pep talk, however: There is a lot of very practical advice. Part of the advice is how he does things, and part is how you might find your own way.

I especially appreciated his references to being a generalist. I'm a software developer, and consider myself a generalist as well. His take on that helped me immensely.

I highly recommend you pick this up and give it a go.

meridamn's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

acheben's review against another edition

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4.0

A solid book about making and Adam's own personal philosophy on it. Overall, his style of making doesn't match mine, but the book addressed that and encouraged the reader to figure out what works for them. Some great tips/advice in here too

dtrain3000's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.75

llsouderii's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing

5.0

rberenguel's review against another edition

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4.0

It’s very disconnected (could be a set of essays or podcast episodes, I had the audiobook) but was an entertaining listen I don’t regret having

siriuslysirius's review against another edition

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4.0

Adam’s passion is palpable. You can still hear his passion for what he does in his voice still, after all these years. Every Tool’s a Hammer isn’t quite what I expected. Even though it’s aimed at makers and wannabe makers, this book is really about leadership and being successful in your passions and interpersonal relationships.

Adam discusses many business/professional themed elements without making them seem businessy or boring:

Project management
Planning
Organization
Leadership
Teamwork
Change management
Risk management

If you’re not expecting a biography, which I did, this isn’t it. Still, the advice and personal anecdotes were entertaining and applicable.