In fairness to De Bono, I must start my critique by saying I have not yet truly practiced the exercises in the book the way he describes them. I intend to keep this book out and practice on real world things in my life, be it buying shoes, entertaining or disciplining my children, repainting the bathroom... whatever. But until I have truly practiced the thinking exercises, then a true review is impossible.

That said: The concept of the book is that thinking is a skill to be practiced, developed, and improved on; and it is a skill that anyone can develop. It is different from intelligence, that is more or less inborn. De Bono offeres a series of exercises for thinking about things in different ways. The exercises all seem like excellent plans, though as I mentioned, I've only read the book at this point.

Unfortunately, De Bono is not as good at writing as he is at thinking. A better writer could have produced a better book with the same content. Some examples he gives are nonsensical, he is at times redundant, and the book has a number of obtuse illustrations that are more confusing than helpful.

At this point, I would recommend the book for anyone who is interested in thinking as a process. Hopefully after practicing the exercises I will be inclined to rewrite this review and highly recommend it for everyone, but I'll hold off on that for now. ( )

Reading

Not Read

Excellent book, I highly recommend it. ( )