Improv Wisdom

"Improv Wisdom" is a fine book published sometime last year by Bell Tower. It's written by Patricia Ryan Madson who has been on the Stanford drama faculty for nearly thirty years.

She starts each chapter with old quotes that I had not seen before but really appreciate, including this one from Sir Isaac Newton: "If I have made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to any other talent." This simple statement speaks volumes for all of us in our daily lives. Simply paying attention can help each of us understand.

Following a lengthy prologue where Madson explains where she's coming from, she offers thirteen (yes, thirteen) maxims which incorporate her improv drama teaching with ways to approach everyday life.

Along with simple activities that you can try from your chair, she offers insight and understanding. The book is less about "improv" and more about "wisdom".

I have read longer, similar books (Steven Covey's "Seven Habits for Highly Effective People" springs to mind.), but Madson's quick insights make this book a real find. She gets to the point quickly with short anecdotes and easy ways to apply her techniques.

It's a fast read if you want to read it once. I recommend taking more time with it.

Have a great week!