The Idea Book [Hardcover]

Fredrik Haren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2006

I was rather apprehensive about the contents of this book purely because of the title, as it gave the impression of a book with many suggestions of little practical value. Yet, the lack of frivolity in the cover design and the very subtle silver letters on black for a cover evoked my enthusiasm beyond just curiosity. The Foreword did the trick, it simply convinced me that the book must be read in detail. At first glance I did not believe that there will be so many management insights in this book. The abundance of these intermixed with family life, people management and the comprehensive coverage of inspiration, innovation, motivation, creativity, etc. make this book a truly valuable asset to the young and the old in every sphere of life. If I reflect on my life s multiple roles and experience as an employee, a manager, a parent, a teacher or an employer; I will begin to realize that this book has catered to each role I have been in. This too, explained through very valuable real life examples, narrated experiences and authoritative statements. Fredrik has drawn on many examples from international history. Einstein to Jacob he brings to life for the reader their thinking, their curiosity, their enthusiasm, their desire, evoking that interest in the content. I was particularly absorbed in the following two quotes from the book. Under the curious creature of habit he goes on to explain the human being s desire to repeat, keep a habit. This avoids a newer thinking process taking root. The idea is not necessarily to find a new solution to everyday tasks, but to help identify all the things in life that we do out of pure habit The book states. Ideamations is a word coined by the writer which has a deep meaning and a meaning that embodies many of our failures. It is the king of apathy, the queen of complacency and the one that makes us renowned ME TOO thinkers! This is not only a book for reading and absorbing, but it is also given in the style of a work book with blank pages after every episode. His practical approach by the writer enables the reader to jot down thoughts and even go to the extent of writing in a visionary manner on how that what has been printed becomes relevant to the actual reader. This blank paging in the book is an excelled idea, the writer living up to his writings. The Idea book copiously revolves around innovation, creativity, thinking differently, which is that what makes the book so absorbing and valuable. It will be absorbing to the young and old and valuable to them too. However, the value of this book for managers, particularly those who carry proper corporate responsibilities, will be invaluable. I think management lecturers should make this a compulsory reading material for their students, not purely for its academic value-which is there in abundance, but also its very practical insights value. This makes the book different to many others on similar subjects.

Many debates will continue to identify whether Creativity is more important than Innovation or whether Inspiration is the life blood of Loyalty. These debates and arguments will be healthy for the generation of the thought process and the culmination of best practices. Yet, the value of all these will be seen through the performance of individuals, individuals who will be different, who will leave no stone unturned, who will share and absorb knowledge, who will enthuse others and finally who will be passionate about what they do. Fredrik Haren, the author is undoubtedly such an individual. He has gathered inspiration from a number of people, used his innovative thinking and creative ability to deliver a book that one cannot resist reading. After reading it once, I am simply motivated to read it again. It is not just an Idea Book but, in my opinion an IDEAL BOOK, for all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book is nicely balanced between 150 pages about ideas and 150 blank pages for your notes or drawings. The stories or lessons are set apart in olive green so you can easily find them. Each follows the format of title, subtitle, background and activity. The activity might be one or more questions or a challenge such as see if you can manage to listen to 50 ideas without saying anything negative about them. Each story is about a page, but no more than two. Some of the stories I've seen before, but most were new. They all illustrated a point and helped rekindle ideas or make me think. Some stories even made me laugh in public such as Einstein's delivering the same exam twice. You can get a flavor for the book by downloading the free 30 page sample PDF file from the site. At first, I was hesitant about the size and binding. The book is hardbound and 8 x 6 and about an inch think. Previously, when I've recorded my ideas, I've used a spiral bound lined notebook. I preferred the spiral bound as it is easier for me to write and rip out pages. However, the solid construction of this binding makes me think in more permanent terms. In some ways, this format is making me more disciplined as I find myself setting aside time to read the book and capture ideas. When I fill up my 150 pages, I will undoubtedly hang onto the book. Hopefully, Fredrik will provide periodic updates or volumes so I continue my learning and idea capturing. Fredrik Haren, who bills himself as Sweden's most popular creativity lecturer, has launched an English language version of The Idea Book, a unique, 300-page creative thinking diary that alternates between thoughtful, inspiring essays that are designed to stimulate your creative muse, and blank pages where you can write down your ideas. Here's how Fredrick describes the objective of The Idea Book: --weblog

About the Author

evaluating the inspiration that he has delivered so far on creativity. Currently, he is producing a documentary program for Swedish Television and authoring a book on the 'Developing World'. Hence, he has personally interviewed many creative organizations/ people/ Government Bodies in 14 countries including newly developed and developing countries. He has also lived in China for two years conducting seminars for many reputed Chinese organizations. He has blended his knowledge on creativity in the West with the creativity of the East. Fredrik has written five books, including the bestseller The Idea Book .

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Interesting.org; 1st edition (October 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9197547034
• ISBN-13: 978-9197547031
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > History > Historical Study > History of Ideas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hefty but Meaty, June 9, 2011

By 

Alan Chong "vinosec" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Idea Book (Hardcover)

So you think you have all the ideas in your mind and can rake it up anytime, anywhere? Think again...

Our memory banks are built in a LIFO manner. i.e. We find it easy to remember or recall what went in last. Think about it : What did you have last wednesday for lunch? Now, what did you have yesterday for dinner? Which is easier to recall?

So here comes the purpose of having an idea book : I can retrieve my memories, my inspiration and my ideas in a giffy. But did I mention hefty? Yes, at $35 good ones it seems costly to pay for an idea book or a notebook to be frank. But then again, what about some stories to stir that inner magic of yours and take what really matters to the next level. Priceless.

It's meaty, it's heavy but it's going to feed thoes ideas you had long thought of but never exhalted. Here's your chance.

In essence, this book is not a miracle, nor is it magically. Rather, it's a catalyst for one to exploit and realise what this world now truly needs - a good idea.