I really liked this book. I didn't think I would. A story about how to tell stories? I thought it would be boring and that I wouldn't ever use it. After reading it I realized I do have some occasions to tell stories, and he gives some great ideas on how to make them better. It was also more entertaining than I thought it would be. I recommend for age 12 and up.

Really enjoyed this - I’ll be going back to this a bunch of times to remind myself of key bits . I also started the homework for life task as I was reading (highly recommend !)

Imagine, if you will, that David Blaine has invited you backstage prior to his show to meet him. You both exchange pleasantries but instead of giving you a taste of what’s to come, he proceeds to show you how every trick he will perform works, and in the process, he destroys the magic. Now you’re sitting in first-row, watching a show and seeing it coming a mile away…

In this very same vein, Matthew Dicks has ruined stories and movies for me forever! Now instead of enjoying them, I am surely going to be on the lookout for the implementation of the following techniques:
1. elephants
2. backpacks
3. breadcrumb
4. hour glasses
5. crystal balls

To make matters worse, on top of already being hard for me to find the right words when trying to get my thoughts out, I will also be reduced to almost paralysis by my newfound need to select the optimal conjunction.

The last time a book did this to me, it was Joseph Campbell and his treatment of the Hero’s journey. Now I watch movies and read adventure books thinking “ok, here’s the call to adventure…Ohh this must be the refusal of the call!…I bet this guy is The Mentor…Yep, he’s crossed the threshold now…“

BUT yes, go ahead and read it cause it’s a wonderful introduction to effective storytelling techniques by a true master of his craft. I am grateful Matthew Dicks has chosen to share his magic secrets with me.

Một cuốn sách thú vị và có nhiều ý kiến khiến mình phải suy nghĩ rất nhiều đó chứ

An interesting and important way of looking at the art of storytelling and the humongous power, a well executed story holds. The author carefully guides us through the hurdles and nuances of the artform. He does this using his own lifestories, which are a joy to read.
This book is for everyone. We communicate via stories most of the times. So why not tweak our usual delivery just a little and witness magic in our lives? A useful read.