Todd Herman

This is one of those books that takes a practice that many of us practice informally, and perhaps unintentionally, and provides the psychological background of why it works and how to formalize its practice for greater use and more success. Many of us have faced a difficult challenge, conversation, competition, or confrontation thinking "what would ___ do in this situation?" and responding as if we were playing a role. This alter ego can help us perform at a different level on the field of play whether it is a sports competition, school or the workplace, or in interpersonal relationships.

Herman's approach leans heavily on sports analogies and examples but he does include many business examples. The companion resources are extremely helpful for formalizing and personalizing the development of alter egos for different fields of play. Some readers may be put off by excessive talk about superhero analogies (origin story, challenge, special abilities, etc.) but it does provide a great frame of thinking that seems to be embedded in our mental wiring, as Joseph Campbell and others have described it. The alter ego idea may not be novel, we may have already used the concept in constructive or escapist ways, but Herman's book helps draw clearer lines around a nebulous concept and provide questions, suggestions, and challenges to implement the practice formally.… (more)

2.5
I love this story and this author's work. I did not like the illustrations. The faces are drawn with an ugly appearance. The expressions laughable, and unattractive, profiles mutilated. Anna has horrible freckles that resemble acne. In one scene where she is standing next to a car and looks like a spaghetti doll, another where her arms look two times longer than should be. I have to give credit for the artists back scenes, they where very nice. For me the artist ruined the feel of the story, that I know.… (more)