Improvisation for the Spirit and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more



or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Start reading Improvisation for the Spirit on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

Improvisation for the Spirit: Live a More Creative, Spontaneous, and Courageous Life Using the Tools of Improv Comedy [Paperback]

Katie Goodman
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

List Price: $14.95
Price: $11.15 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $3.80 (25%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Tuesday, May 21? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition $9.99  
Paperback $11.15  
Image
Looking for the Audiobook Edition?
Tell us that you'd like this title to be produced as an audiobook, and we'll alert our colleagues at Audible.com. If you are the author or rights holder, let Audible help you produce the audiobook: Learn more at ACX.com.

Book Description

August 1, 2008

"A practical, fascinating, and funny guidebook. I've already begun applying hints from
Improvisation for the Spirit, and I'm hoping that from now on, when people point and laugh at me, it will be for more appropriate reasons. A delightful read, filled with wonderful strategies."

- Martha Beck, Life Coach Columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine, and author of Steering by Starlight

Wish you could gag your Inner Critic? Feeling blocked creatively? Want to make a big change, but fear taking the leap?

Comedy improv requires quick thinking, collaboration, getting out of your own way, and being in the moment without being a perfectionist. Katie Goodman, an internationally touring improv comedian and comedy writer, uses her witty and encouraging style to show you how to acquire the skills of improv comedy and apply them to every aspect of daily life. Along the way Goodman shares hilarious and insightful stories from her experiences onstage, as well as step-by-step exercises from her popular self-discovery workshops and retreats. Packed with creative, original, and, most importantly, fun exercises, Improvisation for the Spirit offers a truly transformational guide for anyone wanting to get more out of life.

"Bottom line: Katie is funny. She teaches you to live your life like an improv scene - no fear and fully committed."
- Wayne Brady, improv comedian, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Don't Forget the Lyrics

"Katie Goodman's writing fl ows and then jumps with anecdotes and prescriptions for finding courage. Fun to read, hard to put down."
- Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes

"If you feel that something is holding you back, that the life you are meant to live is out there somewhere if only you could fi nd it, then this book should go straight to the top of your reading list."
- Carl Honore, author of In Praise of Slowness and Under Pressure


Frequently Bought Together

Improvisation for the Spirit: Live a More Creative, Spontaneous, and Courageous Life Using the Tools of Improv Comedy + Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up + Improvise.: Scene from the Inside Out
Price for all three: $38.49

Buy the selected items together


Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A long-time, nationally touring comedian and contributor to O, The Oprah Magazine, first-time author Goodman manages to slip an improv-inspired free-for-all format and a good dash of humor into the self-help genre, making a winning and creative volume that will help the shy, the fearful, and the controlling to loosen up and enjoy life. Each of twelve chapters covers a concept such as "Be Open & Flexible" or "Allowing Imperfection"; Goodman explains the concept, provides anecdotes from her work (some are helpful and sincere, others seem to have been pulled off her publicity brochure) and encourages self-exploration with writing, drawing and doing exercises. Goodman's advice is helpful for small issues, such as controlling self-doubt: "Our Inner Critic is trainable. Think Young Frankenstein singing 'Puttin' On the Ritz.'" Broader advice, however, may seem more appropriately applied to stage relationships than to real ones. Still, Goodman's quirky, thoughtful approach and breezy tone should give wound-up readers some new ways to relax, relate and think about their lives.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Life: none of us get out of it alive, so isn't it worth it to find ways to be ourselves, and enrich our lives at the same time? Katie wants us involved in the process and in Improvisation for the Spirit gives us the tools to construct the authentic self. An excellent read and resource.

" - Curled Up With a Good Book

Product Details

  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks (August 1, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402211910
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402211911
  • Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
(9)
4.8 out of 5 stars
4 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
Katie Goodman truly has a gift for comedic timing. Curlew Queen  |  5 reviewers made a similar statement
Many ticks above the usual self-help book. Patricia O'Brien, author of 'Harriet and Isabella '  |  1 reviewer made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This Cheered Me Up October 15, 2008
Format:Paperback
This lit up my spirit even in the face of my 401K! It's just terrific. I'm one of those people who has always wished I could come up with the right response, the quick retort and be a lot more spontaneous in my life. After reading this book, someone in my office was really snarky. Instead of waiting three days to think up a response, I just let it rip! And I'm practising all the lessons in the book with my kids too. She really does show you how to do it, with a lot of wit and courage.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Love This Book October 23, 2008
Format:Paperback
What a fresh, chock-full-of-good-ideas,common sense book! Katie Goodman tackles so many of the everyday worries that drag us down, injecting all the humor and wisdom gleaned from her improv work onto every page. She certainly put a little more bounce into this reader's step. It is a challenge to live a spontaneous, mindful life, and Goodman offers a delightful, funny guide. Many ticks above the usual self-help book.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars truly a must read! April 20, 2009
Format:Paperback
Katie Goodman has risen to the occasion just beautifully! To be able to translate her incredibly brilliant, creative, insightful self into written word which fills this book up spectacularly...bravo! She is so talented and for those of us who are not able to attend her workshops or shows in person, this book helps us scratch that itch in a most satisfying way. It's a truly engaging read and while it will definitely make you laugh, it will also give you real, concrete tools for getting through everyday challenges in a way that will benefit you and those around you.
I've recommended it to countless friends and colleagues.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Get Off Your Butt!
and START generating improvisational acts... this book has the tools to make your life HAPPEN! Whether you're an old pro at doing such things, or are a shy, novice - you too can... Read more
Published 2 months ago by DLD
5.0 out of 5 stars A class in spontaneity in LIFE
I teach improv in middle school. Adults are constantly asking me to teach improv to them because they would like to be more spontaneous in their lives. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Motivated mom
5.0 out of 5 stars My Spirit is lifted
First, let me say I think I wrote this book! I love improv and how it has changed my world, including opening the door to meeting the man of my dreams. The main tenet's of Ms. Read more
Published on May 12, 2011 by Dawn D Hansen
5.0 out of 5 stars Improving Life
Really great book!

Katie writes in a great, warm voice that's very encouraging. She also uses meditation and psychology practices to aid in your development. Read more
Published on February 1, 2011 by TobyMartini
5.0 out of 5 stars Control Freaks: Read This Now!
Katie Goodman truly has a gift for comedic timing. This translates well from the stage to the page. Improvisation for the Spirit is both a guide and good read. Read more
Published on January 2, 2011 by Curlew Queen
3.0 out of 5 stars Not really about Improv
This book might be helpful as a self-help book (which I found out later is what it is technically categorized as)but as an instructional tool for improv theatre it's not worth... Read more
Published on October 16, 2010 by Jennifer L. Forrest
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Forums

There are no discussions about this product yet.
Be the first to discuss this product with the community.
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 



So You'd Like to...



Look for Similar Items by Category