Book reviews are boring – create a manifesto instead

October 19th, 2008

I read a lot of books but almost never upload a review.

Why bother uploading a book review? It’s trapped in their system forever.

If your really passionate about a book forget writing a review.

What I suggest is you create a manifesto sharing the best parts of the book, your commentary, or some insights.

Give people a taste of what the book provides.

Sell them by helping them (giving them an inside look) and giving them a taste.

I thought, the best way to do this, is by showing you.

So I have prepared a manifesto on, Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson.

You can download it here (if your having trouble downloading) or view below (best viewed fullscreen).

If you enjoy it, print it out, share with your friends and grab the book.

Makes sense huh? have a book of your own? Trying to convince a friend to read this great book you love?

Make a short manifesto, sell by showing, and help your idea spread.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, October 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm. feed



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7 Responses to “Book reviews are boring – create a manifesto instead”

  1. Francois Bondiguel Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Sweet 🙂

    Great idea Ben! I wish I could write a manifesto back in the days at uni! (Cause writing a 3000 words report can be a pain ahah 😉

  2. Rowan Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 1:25 am

    Kool idea – I’m going to introduce at High School with teenagers, beats boring book reviews alright. Couldn’t work the links though on the download.

  3. Julia Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 4:04 am

    Great idea. I’m reading “The Answer” at the moment. It’s really good and now I feel a manifesto coming on when I finish it. It will be as much for me (to help jog my memory in the future) as for anyone else…

  4. Natalie Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 5:56 am

    Hi Ben this is good – I can’t work the links as well though

  5. Avid Book Reader Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 8:25 am

    That is an excellent idea. I’m reading a book on selling, and that is exactly what the author says: don’t just give a review, sell people on the book by letting them know what you thought was worthwhile.

  6. Ben Young Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    Thanks Francois, Rowan, Julia, Natalie and Avid for your comments. Much appreciated! I have placed an alternative download link and will email you guys a copy as well.

  7. Jason Kemp Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    Hi Ben

    There is a whole industry dedicated to summarizing business books.

    This is partly because many of them haven’t got that much to say and need a consumers based edit.

    The ChangeThis manifestos which I see you’ve also found are another spin on this idea. A short intro often by the book’s author themselves.



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