Short Review
The book was a unique journey.
It wasn’t complex, and it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Did it have to be?
Again, a book completely shuffles my expectations. There was something peculiar about the writing style, as if it was trying to prove that writing could be unique.
A lot of the wisdom were givens.
We all knew the answers, we just didn’t know the questions.
All books provide knowledge.
But few make you think about knowledge.
This book was one of the few to do it. It’s special, because it defies any imaginary boundaries set by the readers.
No chapters, no paragraphs, no format.
But it is organized.
Do not mistaken the wisdom as strawn about all over,
It is inconspicuously very organized.
Much like a school of fish, seemingly very clumsy,
But surprisingly flexible once put into action.
Throughout the book, the theme was always among the same guidelines.
That is to be contrary to what one would think,
And to be innovative on looking at subjects from different angles.
The wisdom was given raw, without need of long elaboration, \
Or detailed profiling. However, that is by no means calling it simple.
Certain things at base value are more complex because of their simplicity.
For example:
“The first person who needs to be persuaded of your authority, is you.”
Not difficult in terms of comprehension, not unique in terms of sage wisdom.
But insightful of its application to writing.
It really means to have confidence in yourself, something teachers and friends
Tell us everyday.
So how come we still defy that moral?
Klinkenborg gives us the wisdom, and reassurance through inspiration.
“The only sure test of your ideas is whether they interest you.”
Is the sentence hard to grasp? No.
Is the sentence convoluted? No.
Is the sentence really as simple as it appears? Yes.
We have our doubts because our experiences set standards.
But this book seeks to break every single one of them.
Instead of breaking order for chaos,
It breaks borders to expand the horizon.
What better way is there to demonstrate your mastery over a subject,
Then to present in a sui generis way?
It’s like turning a transcript into guidelines, then reinventing a play for yourself.
A baker making cake with pie ingredients,
An artist painting with melted crayons.
Speaking of a unique way of delivery, let us discuss humor.
To hit the right balance is hard.
Too forced, and awkwardness threatens the entire play.
Too subtle, and nobody would notice.
Klinkenborg does it with style, that is deadpan humor.
“Let us presuppose she (The other reader) exists.”
“Which is more than your education presupposes”
It makes you grin, but for such a deep book,
That's all you need.
To burst out laughing would seem weird in this environment.
The humor links up with wisdom,
The key of not getting too serious, but not too whimsical,
Is a showstopper of its own.
150 pages are built for wisdom,
A length that is perfect, for a book with no defined structure.
You can finish the book by jumping around,
But you won’t rush through it because of all the valuable information.
You won’t tire yourself as you flip through pages,
I should know, I read the book in the law firm for 2 hours once.
Its open enough to be drawn upon, but not compact enough for scribbles to happen.
Every page is fresh.
Fresh like a calm river stream.
The new information flows through steadily,
Not too fast, and not too slow.
You know the water came from another source,
But you don’t know which source specifically.
Thus a sense of familiarity, and mystery are both established.
The perfect balance to spark interest, and stop feelings of repulsiveness.
All books demand to be read again, but this one requests it.
Klinkenborg created a timeless storage for his temporary ideas,
But consistent ideals.
Its format is defiant, but memorable for sure.
My only criticism, is that maybe a few chapter marks would have helped,
Because when I go back in to dig for more,
I won’t know where to start.
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Don't ramble and write concise sentences
Kelli Roberts
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READ MY REVIEW
Klinkenborg's book is nothing like the spelling of his name.It is concise.It is to the point.It is the anti-venom to every bad piece of writing advice.You will find yourself showing your thanks, writing him a nice Amazon review when you finish.
Top reviews from other countries
Vanessa Cobb
A Masterpiece in Brevity
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2022Naman
No matter what your profession is, you should read this book!
Reviewed in India on May 15, 2021José Daniel Franco Fernández
Excelente libro.
Reviewed in Mexico on September 7, 2018