Ok, I'm sorry. I'm pretty lousy at circus metaphors. Heck, I'm not the metaphoric type, which is why I'm gathing I didn't find this book to be of much use to me. Or maybe it's because I really am looking for a major change in my life and some real PRACTICAL advice on how to switch careers.
I'm also looking to work in the public or non-profit/NGO sector, which is possibly another reason why this book wasn't particularly useful. Much of the text consists of seeing how you, your personality, and your "being" fits into a corporate organization. To this end, the book is filled with mumbo-jumbo corporatespeak combined with crazy circus metaphors (Jumbo the Chief Elephant Officer). Basically, you have a crash course in crazy organizational behavior theories combined with advice on how you should know how to apply greasepaint. And it's practically incomprehensible-- Smye's background as a management consultant is especially evident here.
I love a good metaphor, actually. When used properly, a metaphor can uplift your understanding to a higher plane, illuminate like a 500 watt halogen torchiere, or like the brilliant light of divine inspiration. Sadly, the metaphors in this book, like my oh-so-lugubrious use of metaphors above, just weigh what small amount of "search advice" there is in the book down like a set of cement overshoes (hey, simile here!). So far (100 pages in), "Zen and the Art of Making a Living," is far more effective at using this literary device (phew!!!)-- it's actually inspiring, instead of heavy and annoying.
What's even more fun is when the interviewees the author quotes sink into metaphor as well: one, for example, spent her entire page and a half comparing her business to the gangs she was a member of in high school. The point was lost in the "gang" silliness. I probably wouldn't have noticed it so much had it not been the only explanation Smye used to make that particular point... I'd tell you what the point was, but honestly, I have no clue.
I thought about doing the exercises in the back of the book to try and clarify what I want out of life a little more, but honestly, they weren't very practical either. I know where I want to go (public policy and teaching political science at the community college level), but what I really need is a little advice on how to get there. Smye didn't assist me with that at all.
One extra star for being a mildly entertaining read...
Enough with the quasi-self help. Instead learn how to hold a job, sustain a relationship, make and keep commitments, take responsibility. Very immature and unrealistic. Its obvious that this book is simply the author's attempt to justify an empty and unproductive life.
I agree with the previous review that this book is a must NOT read.
A must NOT read. Other than perhaps being theraputic to the author this book offers little.
As circuses are becoming a thing of the past, so should this book, the author should just give it up. Her previous book was a big waste and so is this one. It says nothing but the obvious. Written for clowns
Don't waste your time or money on this one.
Its an embarassment--the Run Away and Circus collection--what a joke. AKA the clown collection