The early adopters have spoken up.
The first round of feedback for the new book is here. I'm thrilled and delighted that it is resonating with so many people. Overwhelmed, actually. Thanks to everyone who contributed their feedback. (And here's a live feed of tweets).
Here's all of the feedback people submitted, the entire unedited batch from the first wave of readers:
"I received my book order today. I devoured the entire book this evening. I could not put it down. My emotion, excitement, and energy built as I read. The book is remarkable. And in the spirit of the wisdom you share, I am expressing gratitude that you created it and yes, that you shipped it. I for one, will finish that first chapter tonight of a novel that has been locked inside of me because of the fear that a business strategist should not try to be a writer of raw emotional fiction. I received (12) copies.
I will share 2 copies with my two beautiful daughters, 19 and 22, just finding their way in this world. I will share 3 copies with young women I currently mentor. I will share with my dear friend (best friend of my deceased mom) who at 78 still has so much art and love to share in the world. I will share it with a friend who has lost her confidence and given in to a corporate job we both know she hates. I will share this book with the principal of my girls' former high school (2 copies) just for him to give to the kids that could use a nudge to follow their dreams. I will save a copy and carry it in my briefcase, because someday, I will unexpectedly meet someone who might benefit from it and I want to have it handy. The last copy I will keep - by my desk - dog eared and visible for times I need a nudge to keep writing that book. Thank you, Seth."
Kathryn Robinson
Owner/Lumen Strategies
"If there is such a thing as a 'rule book,' for a time where the rules don't matter, What To Do When It's Your Turn is it. It's an easy book to read with great design, bold colors illustrations and images. It is a book that clearly communicates that it is your turn and you need to act...now."
Jordan Ayan
Co-Founder of Take Two Partners
"Seth Godin is unlike any other writer, and ‘What to do when it's your turn‘ is unlike any other book. Instead of simply reading the book front to back, I found myself compelled to jump around - from one section to another, from spread to spread. This latest ‘maga-book‘ is a new way to absorb Seth's wisdom and a remarkable way to share his thought provoking ideas."
Red Maxwell
President/ Onramp Branding
"Received my 12 copies yesterday. Picked one up to peruse and 90 minutes later finished the last page. Of all of the things that MUST be done today, What To Do When Its Your Turn managed to bump them down in priority page by page. I feel like investing that time was the very BEST thing I could have done for all those who look to me for some measure of leadership. Seth was a particularly timely gift to me today :)"
Paul
President, Image Auto LLC
"My books arrived yesterday!!! I already have 6 of them packaged up to send to some great women who are figuring out if this is their time. It's perfect for them! I was poring over it last night and just enjoying the words, the images, and the provocations. Thanks again, Seth Godin! Keep it coming!!!"
Meggin McIntosh
Emphasis on Excellence, Inc.
"I got my books today! Starting with the cover... amazingly soft paper. I've had the books less than 10 minutes and already know - this is a winner.
Lucy is Thirsty...amazing woman! Furious is not the same as fierce. . . used that today in a meeting...Yertle - start with this story.
How did it change me? Gives me confidence to 'just do it'. I will be giving one to my boss, a university marketing professor, and those in dire need of the Yertle story."
Jeanne
Engagement Curator/Partnership Bank
"If you‘re second-guessing *what to do* about the resistance, then please, join me in reading this. It‘s a modern manual on what to do when you feel that psychic pain that comes while creating change. After reading it, you‘ll know what to do about the pain, and I think you might be willing to give it all you‘ve got."
Logan York
"I loved the second book, what a treat! The cover can be used as a bookmark, loved that. Loved the organization: I read a bit, write about it in my journal and read a bit the next day!
I'm writing a book about my son's journey through mental illness. "What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor? Conquering Mental Illness Without Drugs: A Personal Story."
All my life I've been the helper, son's, husband's businesses, etc. but now I'm doing a book. Never done this before, afraid of doing it wrong, but I'll do it anyway. Appreciate so much your comments about doing what you have to do, just do it. Your book came at a perfect time for me. Thanks, and thanks for the gift of the other one!"
"WOW - for anyone needing a push to overcome the fear of the first step, here it is. I agree with Seth, making a ruckus is the path of Love."
Steve Denny
"There are few that can make the claim they‘re trying to make a real difference and mean it. There are even fewer that can actually make that difference. Then there‘s Seth who eschews the credit but is rewarded via the very people that accepted, worked the advice - then showed others how they too can do it. That is the true test of whether or not one is truly making a ruckus. Not when they are pounding the table calling for change, but when the rest of the tribe stomps its feet in unison because the truth has become self evident through their own actions."
Mark St.Cyr
"As a coach, I call clients out on their fears, assumptions, and ill-fitting beliefs and perspectives. This book, page after inspirational page, is a potent, visceral, unrelenting call-out to come out of hiding, engage your courage, unleash your art, and live with generosity and authenticity. It's a marvel. An absolute marvel. You can't help but be changed. I am."
Travis Wilson
"Seth's work is a gift. He doesn't write to write, or because he has to--he writes to change people.
Even in this age of abundance many of us have fooled ourselves into thinking that we don't have everything we need to do work that matters.
Mostly what we need to start anything, to become something and to do our best work, is permission. This book gives you the jump start you need. No pixel is wasted, there is something to inspire, encourage and provoke you on every page. It's your turn, it always was. Now you know."
Bernadette Jiwa
Bestselling marketing author & keynote speaker
"Something happened when I turned fifty, nothing. That's right nothing happened but if you're a devotee of Seth Godin you know better.
Of course something happened.
In Seth's new book What To Do When It's Your Turn, Seth implores you to shake it off (sorry Taylor), to try, to bravely do more than something. Something is generic....this book is urgent and personal and specific and hard.
Like his previous books, this one makes my brain hurt...like they say no pain, no gain. The fact that this is a physically beautiful book proves no respite as now more senses are engaged and boy do they hurt!"
Mike Gibbons
"Absolutely perfect timing for me to read this book. I've been in the 'hard' trying to figure out a new product I want to produce. I read the book, It was what I needed to hear. Now back to the project and starting movement again. Thank you."
Debra Calkins
Owner/Sheersation
"The first thing that I noticed about What To Do When It's Your Turn was how I felt as I flipped through the pages. The layout and images help the words leap off the pages. It is a full-color, full-contact experience.
The second thing I noticed after reading the words on the pages is that I immediately wanted to share it with my kids, who are 7 and 9. THIS is what I want them to know about living, and working, and creating. Carefully chosen ideas, designed to tell them, misfits by birth, straddling the Navajo and Anglo worlds of their parents, that they have a place in the world, when they define, create and claim it. I am thankful it is their turn."
CEO
"Seth Godin goes 'philosophical' in this book. It's an intellectual tour-de-force, taking everything he has shared from his previous books and putting forth what I will call a geniune masterpiece.
Read this book now, then write your name in it and share it with someone who deserves it."
Writer
"I have been reading Seth Godin's latest book in my dreams. That is how much I have anticipated receiving it! I have to say, so far it seems like a fantastic work.
If the real book can even come close to what I have been reading in my dreams, I have to say it will be a significant accomplishment. I guess I will just have to wait a little longer.
Way to build up anticipation Seth! What other Internet Marketer or Author has the power to generate buzz based on a dream version of his content? You are a unique bird Seth my friend. Needless to say, I cannot wait to receive your latest tome. All the best to you and to your eager readers!"
Owner
"It seems that Seth's books always find me at the exact moment when I need them the most. Many people label Seth as a great marketer (and he's the best) but after reading his books and working with him, I can tell you it goes much deeper. He's not asking us to be better marketers. His is a call to become more of what makes you, *you*. This book is a call-to-arms and a manifesto of personal art. It will be what everyone on my list gets this year. There are some books you read, and then there are some books you live by. This is the one to live by. I've been faced with a tough decision lately - follow what works or jump for what might not work. This book just kicked me over the edge. As always, thank you Seth."
Writer and Designer
"I'm surrounded by people who want concrete evidence to share in my faith for a world where creativity and compassion will lead the way. Maybe you are too. There's a group of us creative professionals who are intellectually hungry and don't buy into the lie that artists on anyone else on this earth should starve. I am counting on this book (which will be my Christmas gift to my friends and family) so I won't have to shun the non-believers, whom I love dearly. C'mon Seth, work your magic!"
Eda
"WOW...shipment ahead of scheduled promise. Surprise, 'NO' not even slightly. Just another example for all of us how all this gentle mans surprises are on the upside. Expectations. I should ask Seth to write about this word in the future.
As soon as I receive my copy I intend heading out immediately to one of my hide-outs and salivate over every word. Then, go put who knows how many of the nuggets he gives me into action.
Laus Deo and THANKS again Seth for who you be!"
Gale Smith
"So I opened my email inbox and saw my book shipped, I think I peed a little! Man am I excited about reading this book! I'm sure it will be activating me, in usual Seth-Godin-like style, to keep doing the work that matters!
Fight the 3F's (Fear, Frustration, Failure) and realize it's my turn so get busy!
thanks! love it!"
Jonathan Chambers
Founder/Missional Man Podcast
"I read the book the day it was delivered. My biggest take-away (besides getting the message that's it's always 'my turn') is that I have to stop waiting for everything to fall in line - to be perfect - before pulling the trigger on the things I dream of doing. I need to snap out of this mindset and make a move!
I knew before ordering the book that it could touch lives. I purchased enough copies to send to family members and to share at the office. This morning before handing the book to a co-worker I imparted the insights I've gained. They were received with enthusiasm.
I'm smiling as I say, 'I've got work to do!'"
Director, Analyst
Fear-killing. Inspiring.
Andrew Field
Founder, PrintingForLess.com, Inc.
"Pure inspiration. The only problem; you'll never want to pass it along. When I gave away my bonus copy (thanks Seth), a couple days later I was told 'I've got bad news, I'm not going to be passing the book along, I can't part with it'. We laughed, I couldn't help but agree. Actually... when I meet someone who's ready, I'm sure I'll be happy to pass it along, as will my friend. We just need to absorb it all first."
Marty Preuss
"Far from 'shouting' ( as one reviewer of his book Linchpin said), Seth's new book is more like 'sand in the shorts'.
Being in post-secondary education leadership positions for nearly 20 years I have told new students at orientation... your past does not have to define your future BUT decisions that you have made may have consequences while you are in school. 'What to do when it's your turn' is like that because the challenge is two fold; first behavioral change and then attitudinal change. Seth is one of the very best at both challenging and encouraging us to step out knowing that 'this may fail'.
If you it you want challenge and encouragement to move past your past decisions, take a little ‘sand in your shorts‘ and read this excellent new work!"
Randy Atwater
Educator and aspiring writer
"Once again, Seth creates the spark. Giving permission to those that are just thirsting for someone to say go. If you are standing on the edge of the diving board but just can't find that last ounce of courage, ‘What To Do When It's Your Turn‘ will push you into the deep end. This book is a must read for anyone looking to do anything."
Spiritual entrepreneur
"On the inside front cover of Seth's new book ‘What To Do When It's Your Turn‘ we read the story of Annie Kennedy. Annie was an early 20th century mill worker in England who stood up to Parliament (literally and figuratively) to help win the vote for women. Like Seth writes, ‘millions of women could have taken their turn in that moment‘, but only Annie did.
The next 160 pages of this fantastic book tells us why each one of us can be an Annie Kennedy today. We each believe in a cause that matters, and we each have ample opportunity and power to do something for our cause. The only thing holding us back is the will to act.
Seth Godin is the best in the world at telling the story of the opportunities and responsibilities before us today. And this might be *his* best piece of work yet.
What To Do When It's Your Turn is more than a must read. You have to hold this book in your hands and experience it for yourself."
Brian Shea
"The book gave me inner permission to honor my self-created path. Not so one else's path for me. Specifically, your book Seth, has enabled me to start using my skill set of writing, painting, instructing toward the completion of a series of ebooks, and later, print books. I have written art instruction articles for magazines during the last decade; now ‘my turn‘ means writing them for my audience directly through self-publishing. Loved the image of entrepreneurs with the Might Not Work t-shirts. That image is my encouragement to move forward."
Lori Woodward
"Seth
After reading it once, I have decided to use it as the
‘burr under our saddles‘ in a mens wellness group I will start Jan 1 2015.
I will get additional copies to be the invitations to join the group.
The book will be reread many times
your friend..."
Scott Prusinski
Scott Prusinski DDS
"I've been following Seth's books and blog for years and have used them to help guide my plans to launch the business of my dreams: a coworking space for freelancers, start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses. I ordered 24 copies of ‘Your Turn‘ and will be giving them away to anyone in my area who will share their own story about the work they are doing or would like to do that is uniquely theirs and has the potential to change things for the better. I am so excited to spread Seth's perspective to others! I hope it helps them as much as it has helped me!"
Betsy Bonnema
REDstar & WORKUP
"My professional library contains three categories of books: those I've perused, those I've read, and those that I've read and will re-read multiple times to suck all the marrow out that I can. Seth's latest contribution is absolutely in that last category. Easy to read, approachable content, a friendly voice that wants the best outcome for every reader, these are the surface reasons why everyone should read this book. My business has been adrift for over a year now yet in my first read I found a new spark of passion for what I do. I'm not done at 49 because It Is My Turn. That is what the smart readers will find in ‘What To Do When It's Your Turn.‘"
Rob Ruder
"'That voice in your head is describing what you're about to do after a different part of your brain has already initiated that action.'
‘Your body decides, the voice in your brain narrates.‘
I read that passage once, twice, three times, and then lay the book on my chest and closed my eyes.
...Is it really that easy? Sure, I always THINK I'm right when responding to others--often, I'm proven true, which is great and flattering and makes me feel useful--but I second guess every damn thought and action I even consider making.
But those quotes...if those quotes above are true, everything is different.
I know what I want to do. Making decisions isn't the issue, it's sticking by them once the voice in my head has had a chance to be critical.
I'm not saying your gut is always correct, but it sure as hell thinks it is. Why not trust it for myself as much as I trust it for others?"
Writer
"My only ‘complaint‘ (if I can call it that), is that I underestimated the value of the book and did not buy enough copies. While the book is a relatively quick read, each page is both mentally and visually stimulating. I already know that I will need to read my copy multiple times before embrace my ever-present fear of failure."
Ace Gayhart
Applications Developer
"I am excited to have received my shipment of Seth Godin‘s new book What to Do when It‘s Your Turn. I purchased the books as Holiday gifts for my Sales Team.
After reading the book, I know everyone I give these to will really enjoy it and become Godin fans. The book is structured much like a coffee-table book. Each page or two consists of a story, message and /or art. The art and quick read make it very entertaining as well as motivational. This book is something I will leave out in my office and our waiting room for employees and clients to peruse."
Chris Bradley
Intergalactic Channel Manager
"My books arrived last week! I already distributed 10 books to participants of my new training program (Transformation Leaders Network©) starting Jan 8th. It's perfect for this group as they are planning on a journey to transform their lives and organization! I spent 2 hours over the weekend and really enjoyed and appreciated the messages, references, examples and the provocations.
It‘s a great complimentary manual on how to handle stress that comes while creating and implementing change in our lives and at work. Found great insights into what actions I need to take to sustain change. Planning to spend a full day with my wife and 2 children (ages 21 and 18 years) during the holiday season to review and discuss the learnings from the book.
I already placed an order for additional 12 copies to be shared with my friends and customers."
Rajesh Tedla
Co-Founder and Chief Transformation Officer
VRT Management Group, LLC
"Godin‘s books are much like his blog entries: short segments that are surprisingly broad in application and tend to raise some questions. His books tend not to be about a lot of ideas, but rather look at one or two ideas from different angles. If I had to summarize this book, I‘d say it‘s about opportunity and how that relates to obligation to act.
As a teacher, I know that ‘action‘ is important to my position, but it's also vital for our students to learn and inhabit.
I'm taking my eight pack (well, 12-pack after Seth's gift) and distributing them to key staff members that I respect and know will find value in the words."
Public School Teacher
"This book is now my main holiday gift for friends and colleagues. What better present to give - inspiration and a kick in the rear to say you can do this-keep going. The best part, my 13-year old daughter grabbed a copy and has been reading nightly. It reinforces an idea that you do have choices, even when you are young you can choose yourself. Love it! Thank you."
Mom/CDO
"I ordered 8 copies of the book and received a bonus (additional 4 copies). I have shared 11 with people I believe are receptive to the message and are life-long learners. As a Dale Carnegie trainer, this book is a personal message to the reader from Seth using Dale Carnegie Human Relations principle #21: throw down a challenge. I have accepted it and have challenged others. Now, it's your turn!"
Nigel D. Alston
Nigel D. Alston and Associates
"Over the years Seth's work has pushed, inspired, and helped me more than a simple blurb could ever convey. This book is no exception. It is as beautiful as it is moving. I can think of so many people that need to read it. I hope you do."
Chief StoryTeller
"Thank you Seth. While I have not read all of your books this book in combination with the Icarus Deception have been nothing short of life changing. While many people may be skeptical when they hear this about any book I can only say I am being entirely sincere. His message is transformation, vibrant, and important. Seth's work has helped open my eyes to the opportunities that constantly surround me. Seth puts your mind in the perspective of people that go out there and make a difference. My advice to anyone reading this for the first time is to take it slow and digest it. Don't be fooled by Seth's vibrant and colorful layout. His words are deep and meaningful."
Brendan O'Connor
Student
"I had an idea for a business but was full of self-doubt and uncertainty, even though in my heart I knew I had something to offer the world. You know what, I listened to my heart and while overcoming my doubts I was introduced to Seth whose clarity and gentle push kept me going forward. Every step of the way having someone like Seth say ‘keep going, don't stop‘ meant that I could trust my instincts and give my offering a whirl. It's working, it's working well enough that every year I get more business, more inquiries, more people asking for me to help them make decisions in their own life that will give them clarity, confidence, and strength to pursue their own vision.
So today I'm offering a giveaway of your wonderful new book to extend the goodness forward. On Instagram the engagement can be found at #itsmyturnLRC and on Facebook at Laura Rupp Consulting. I'm excited to hear from others and see what they're bringing to light! Thanks for the inspiration - it IS contagious and it's making a BIG difference!"
Laura Rupp
"It hits you right in the sweet or not so sweet spot... the swift kick in the arse of reality...Love the new format, easy to read and as always no fluff, right to the point. Inspires and drives to self drive and know that we truly are responsible for everything....and of course fail fail fail........
Thank you for another amazing book!"
Misty
The Foundry Athletic Training Center
"Every page is beautiful and deceptively simple. Just a few words, images, ideas. But every page I could spend hours, days, a lifetime on. It makes my heart beat faster and gives me the encouragement to have the courage to create. Anyone who wants to make a difference should have this book on their desk...and then buy copies for their colleagues."
Movement Educator, Writer & Traveler
"Your Turn is a multi-sensory leap from the top floor. You'll never feel so good about what you have accomplished, yet so provoked for the steps yet to take. If Godin were on Instagram, Your Turn could serve as a compilation of his posts in 2014. As fun as it is to read, it's more rewarding to pass it on to others."
marketing strategist
"My books are here. And a gift came with it. This gift will create thought and wonder. It causes me to think and to smile and to be thankful.
This is the first blurb. The reading will undoubtedly bring more.
Thank you Seth."
Michael Douglas Nethery
The Nethery Group of Paris
"This book is a powerful enabling tool for me to be a bit more courageous in my life and in my work. In my field, we often avoid the tough 'inner' questions and hide behind our humanitarian and social justice causes. The book tells it like it is. There's no place to hide. Seth knows our thinking process and litany of fear & excuses!! This book reminds us that we change the world with our choices of thoughts and action. This is powerful. This is liberation. This is responsibility. This is why we are here. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in social change and it's going on my essential reading list for people I work with."
Robyn Lui
Founder, Principal Strategist, General Mischief-maker, Social Change Collective
"Unlike any other 'thing' in my life, Seth's insights have compelled me to take a huge leap of faith in myself. Feels pretty brave to me. Not so sure to others. So I took a new job in a field where I'm not the expert. I'm vulnerable and more genuine than ever before. I'm learning everyday and building out a skill set to better help me with my craft and art."
Bill
Vice President Operations
"Most of the Seth Godin books I have read are written in a philosophical and thought provoking way that challenge the reader to take an action or make a change. 'What to Do When It‘s Your Turn' is no exception. The main concept in the book is that everyone is good at something and an 'artist' in their area of expertise. Many of us never reach our full potential because we get stuck as a 'cog' in the wheel of a large organization and we are not able to practice our 'art' in a way that has a positive impact on the world around us.
He makes the point that we need to get over our fears (failure, rejection, etc.), break out of the cog mindset, start practicing our 'art' and provide real value in today‘s marketplace. The book can be summarized in this simple, but thought provoking, poem that he included on page 145:
To Be An Artist;
Is to be on the hook
To take your turn
To do things that might not work
To seek connection
To embrace generosity first
To take responsibility
To change someone
To be human"
David Taylor
"I read the book and it's nothing short of epic. In typically Seth Godin fashion, he explodes your mind with zero empathy. He introduces you to new ideas and view points that really get your mind racing. The good news is that after the mind explosion, you can resemble your brain and have it become better than before. This is of course from personal experience! :)"
Arthur Guerrero
"I am grateful that in this online world this paper book has been created. I am leading people in the 19th C into the 21st C and this book is exactly what I needed to help them understand a new way of being a community with a mission to make a difference. By page 22 my eyes were glassy with tears of joy. This Christmas I can't decide between preaching about the spirituality of wait or the spiritual freedom of being stupid. Thank you Seth Godin for suggesting I buy more than one copy and give it away now."
Beth Kelly
The Rev. Dr., Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal
"As a Seth fan and blog subscriber, I hoped ‘Your Turn‘, would offer new insight, but most of the text is predictable Seth. I purchased the 3 for 5 deal in hopes of sharing, but not sure I will.
Sounds picky, but pg. 16 had a misspelling of tension ( written as tenstion), and as a former English teacher, my eyebrows were moving. I understand that blog writing is relaxed, but publishing a much anticipated book requires attention to this kind of detail.
I need to sit with the text more, but as of now, I'm disappointed that I trusted in Seth's edict of ‘taking a chance.‘"
Maureen Sullivan
former educator looking to re-imagine herself
"I love Seth's books and come away changed from reading them. This book completely blew me away. The combination of the words and images brought another dimension to the message. I am at a crossroads right now. I have launched something new. Something artistic. Something scary. I am also still in my old life, trying to decide when to completely pull the trigger. Reading this book reminds me of why I am doing this even though I might fail. As someone who has studiously avoided failure for my entire childhood and adulthood, the idea of exploration and failure is both frightening and exhilarating. Thank you, Seth, for this book. Thank for coming out and saying that art is about love. Thank you for pouring your art and your love into this book. I bought several copies to give away so others can make the choice for freedom, art, and love."
Kathleen Thompson
owner, Kathleen Thompson Intl.
"If you've been waiting for that call to action to start your project then It's Your Turn is it..."
Robin Clarkson
"I just finished reading What To Do When It's Your Turn and could hardly put it down since I received it. I felt overwhelmed reading it since the ideas are profound and very dense. It was so rich with thoughts, I need to go back and read it a second time! I am in the middle of starting a small part time business and had gotten stuck for a month and a half with my fears, and mentally blaming different things for my hesitation. ‘What To Do When It's Your Turn‘ was a great motivator to keep moving forward, to put my best self out there, to build that website, to work to get clients, to fail a little and keep going. I plan on giving one copy to our local Library, I am mailing two copies to a former Marketing professor as a case study tool. Any small business, or entrepreneur would benefit from reading this book as it elicits hope and reminds us to be our best selves all the time! I am grateful for this book and received it at a time when I really needed encouragement. Thanks!"
Andrew Brammeier
Owner / Copywriters Ink LLC
"I love to take my turn. The book is true source of inspiration for its content and looks. The thoughts and insights that are shared stimulate me to have a different look at myself, my life, work and everthing else around me. Above all it's nice to share the book and give the/a turn to someone else!"
editor
"Love the unconventional, motivating and action-focused style of the book. The right message at the right time. I ordered 8 and got 12 book. I‘ll keep one to show my friends at home and send 11 to my blogger friends so they can be encouraged, inspired and compelled to act.
Thank you!"
Constantin
"What to do when it's your turn'...And it's always your turn, is the ultimate book in taking responsibility for your life. Easy and fun to read AND to the point, straightforward, no nonsense. It's a reminder to me daily that it's up to me to not only nurture and expand my ideas, gifts and talents but to share them with the world. It's a timely message that must be passed on to everyone. My adult kids are getting copies for Christmas and I'm giving them to the leaders on our team. Thank you Seth."
Robin Reves-May
"We ordered the 5 of the books to give to the 20-somethings in our lives for Christmas. Last night was our gathering, and we gave three of the books to couples and two to individuals. I have NEVER seen such interest or captivation in a book before at a gift-opening gathering. To a person, the response after several moments of cruising through the book, was, ‘this looks really cool, I love how it's written and set up, I can't wait to sit down and read this.‘ None of these young people (8 of them between ages of 21-28) had heard of you before and I suspect you soon will have a new crew of converts. Thank you for such an inspirational and exciting gift we could share with our kids and their friends. Our own copies are somewhere in your backlog of orders, and we can't wait to get them and to sit down with a rum and eggnog and dive in. (Oh, and we asked for a ‘report back‘ from each of the recipients once they've had a chance to thoroughly read it. We look forward to a dinner conversation with them around what they are going to do when it's ‘their turn‘.) Thanks Seth."
Jenn Swanson
Owner and Podcaster at Communication Diva
"Like most bipedal humanoids, publishing our art for a world ready and willing to ridicule it is just plain scary. One ounce of negativity outweighs ten ounces of praise. An awful equation, but you know it to be true. And it doesn't matter what kind of art it is - from the types of creative output we normally associate with the word ‘art‘ (music, a book, stand-up comedy) to the more traditional risk-taking we find ourselves mixed up in at work (proffering new ideas, offering to spearhead a project, ‘rocking the boat,‘ as it were).
Someone needs to stand up and take over. Someone has a wonderful idea, and the world will be better if you ship that idea. It takes courage to make art, but you must summon the courage required and do that work!
Seth taught me this. That's the bottom line. And now my art will be consumed by the world. You have no idea what this means to me. Books like this are what the world needs right now. I sure needed it."
Author
"This book is a poke. And a shout. And a whisper. It is like having Seth Godin at your side, goading you on, encouraging you, telling stories of others who have done it and saying that you can do it to. It is a lightening strike. It is a punch in the gut. It is the voice of your fairy godmother who knows you came to this planet to be more and do more and give more. You don't have to read it all in one sitting, or even consecutively. But you do need to stop when you get to the part that hits you in the heart and do whatever it is you know you are meant to do. Because that is the point.
PS: I like to give this book to people with a card placed at the page that I think is especially relevant for them. The most recent book gift had a card at page 113."
Author
"Seth's message is clear, page-to-page concise, and it opens your lizard brain to new possibilities. For me, he helped guide me in starting my small business that is going to help millions of people suffering from all levels of low back pain. As a rocket scientist for over 30 years, Seth helped me change my focus from helping the privileged few get into space to tell their passionate story to one that helps millions of people dealing with all consuming pain. What a dramatic change Seth has born to me through his message. I suggest to take a listen. It is action that leads to innovation."
Joe Evans
Spine Wizards LLC
"I was excited about the idea of the book. I ordered five copies and gave one to each of my children and to my spouse, and after finishing my copy, I signed it and gave it to my best friend. For someone already far down their path, this book contains many reminders of the ideas and values that helped you get there and it provides plenty of inspiration to keep you going. For the young entrepreneurs just starting out, reading this book will help stoke your fires. Fundamentally, the book helped remind me of what I value most."
John Dacey
Lawyer/Private Firm
"Seth is known to cut to the quick. Dispense with BS. Almost every human I have met, no matter how smart, successful or 'powerful' is on occasion in need of a kick to dislodge themselves from getting into a rut of habits, laziness and excuses. We need more people to say yes to their turn. That includes me. My copy is dogeared and highlighted. This book is about taking the burn to do something, and doing it. No more talking, endless planning and sometime when. ‘Not to dare is to lose oneself.‘ It's your turn. Read the book and get to work creating your art."
Christine McDougall
"Loved the book. The thing I was always taught to think of as ‘career trajectory‘ was turned on its head when the Internet arrived. The old rules no longer need apply. Seth's book empowered me to think about the magnitude of possibility, if I can tune in to the value I have to offer, then connect genuinely with an audience that is right there waiting. Right there! I wish I'd known about this and had all of this opportunity thirty years ago. Accordingly, when I finished reading it, I gave my copy of the book to a friend thirty years my younger. Looking forward to the process."
Web Designer
"Well, you asked me to share the book and I did.. but not on purpose. Someone stole the package of my book off my porch. I'm writing this not to get another copy but to let you know it had been shared and I hope that the thief benefits in such a way that he/she doesn't have to steal packages during Christmas anymore"
Christine Winship
artist and president of the Pedigree Artist
"It may be a bit sacrilegious for a book designer to tell an author that he cut a page out of the book and hung it on his wall as a poster, but that's exactly what I did with page 115 which asks ‘Are you working to connect the dots or to merely collect more dots?‘
It hangs above my current library of books to read as a reminder that I'm reading these books to build a new lens for seeing the world and not just to fill the time with the pleasurable experience of reading more and more and more.
I hope you'll take this little bit of creative destruction as a compliment. It hangs next to a quote from Proust which says ‘To make [reading] into a discipline is to give too large a role to what is only an incitement. Reading is on the threshold of the spiritual life; it can introduce us to it: it does not constitute it.‘ and then right next to that is another quote from you which says ‘Create before you consume.‘"