by
3.47 of 5 stars
Creativity and innovation are widely recognized as essential to success in business, and so many aspects of our lives. For over two decades, Cirque... read full description

reviews

Dec 12, 2010
Flavio rated it: 3 of 5 stars
If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you can tell their performers are unusual human beings who infuse an ecstatic passion to the audience, not only because of their stunts but -most importantly- because of the passion they emanate. Is there something that we can learn from them in order to lead more creative lives and enlighten others with joie-de-vivre? Well, there is. And a lot.

In order to live fully, you need to take risks: you have to trust that real feats come from tak More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Mar 13, 2011
Christian rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Last year, I went to a gym management conference in San Fran. One of the keynote speakers was Lyn Heward. And though I don't remember the details of what she talked about, I remember that she was phenomenal. So when we were in Vegas and wandering the Ká gift shop after the show and I saw her book, I knew I had to buy it. Besides, knowing that I was going back into the job market (blech), I figured I could do with some good inspiration.

This book has some good inspiration, but I must co More...
Sep 01, 2009
Sarah Beth rated it: 2 of 5 stars
As a certifiable Cirque du Soleil fanatic, I had to read this book... but just as feared, it was a basic follow-your-passion, don't-be-afraid book. Sure, it's in a Cirque context but through the lens of an imaginary protagonist and composite Cirque staff, crew and performers, so rather than an inside look at the company, I did a lot of guessing which was real and which was creative license... which I guess makes it consistent with Cirque shows, but much less entertaining...
Aug 12, 2009
Cecillia rated it: 3 of 5 stars
A little book that helps us re-ignite that tiny spark inside every one of us :)
For those who feel stagnant in their daily lives and works, or for those who are simply big fans of Cirque du Soleil, i recommend this book. I happened to be both, but i give only 3 stars for this book. Actually i want to rate this 4 stars, but i hate the cover design...hahaha...well, not something i expect from a book that bear the name Cirque du Soleil on it, in my opinion :p
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jul 24, 2011
Thomas rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Pretty inspiring, and a very quick read. 135 half-size pages in about 1.5 hours. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the business that is Cirque du Soleil, as told from the viewpoint of a fictional burned-out sports agent who reinvigorates his career by spending time with the circus. Read this because we are going to see the new show _Ovo_ for my wife's birthday today!
Apr 27, 2009
Susan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
An entertaining (!) business book that reads like a novel. Everyone has a creative well within them, and Bacon takes the reader on a journey to discover how to tap and apply it to business -- and to life. Plus, for those who enjoy Cirque du Soleil, this is a fascinating peek inside the organization, its people and magnificent productions.
Dec 16, 2007
Amy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Thoughts about how to challenge yourself every day to keep yourself motivated and loving what you do (making your career your calling). Presented in a novel format about a sports agent looking for ways to bring back the joy to his work. He ends up going to the Cirque du Soleil headquarters and working with many of the people responsible for the shows. Each person brings a new perspective, such as how to learn not to be afraid of success, how tighter deadlines can sometimes lead to more creati More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 29, 2010
Renee rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Tells the true story of a businessman who stumbles into an experience trying cirque acts and meeting the performers and show supporters. I liked the part about taking responsibility, but the rest was a bit fluffy.
Nov 01, 2011
Rachel rated it: 1 of 5 stars
The MC has the personality of a hot dog. The pages ooze with cliches, preachy dialogue and overall horrendous writing. Also, WHY DOES EVERYONE IN THIS BOOK HAVE A BEARD?!
ETA: I didn't even finish.
May 16, 2009
Andrea rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Good little read. It inspires a good work ethic. And it doesn't matter what you do whether it be cleaning house or running a company, it will open your eyes to a new way of thinking.
Aug 05, 2011
Tony rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I love Cirque du Soleil and I love business books so it was an obvious read for me. Interesting to see behind the scenes how they run this crazy successful and incredible original business.
Apr 04, 2009
Robin rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I was given this book as "recognition" gift from my then manager. I enjoyed it - it uses examples from the world on Cirque to give insight into looking at things in a creative / out-of-the-box perspective.
Jan 22, 2012
Steven added it
Igniting the Creative Fire that Lives Within Us All.
Nov 27, 2009
Arie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Quick read. Inspiring.
Jan 26, 2011
Jackie rated it: 1 of 5 stars
How do you say "Hokey" in French?
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Mar 12, 2010
Mark rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Crap.
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Jan 09, 2008
Jayna rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Short, sweet and inspiring! This book was especially magical because I am in love with Cirque du Soleil, about whose inner workings you get to explore by journeying with the main character. Through learning the attitudes of Cirque's passionate employees, the book exposes its definite fit in the self-help/motivational genre, but for those who love Cirque, some of that passion might just rub off.
May 07, 2010
Janice rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I watched "KA" and "O" this Christmas with my aunt. We both love them and found they are too amazing.
Behind these amazing shows, we do not know what energize them and how to keep their passion every night to entertain the audiences. From "the Spark", I am inspired by the inputs from everyone in the company.
The shows keep flashing back in my mind which reminds me their efforts in the show.
May 07, 2010
Ray rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The Spark is a behind the scenes view into Cirque du Soleil, and how an outside sports agent was able to get a look, and be drawn in, by the creativity and passion of the staff and performers. How the sports agent was changed by his time with the performers could be inspiring to some, or simply very interesting to any admirers of the Cirque du Soleil.
Jun 08, 2011
Anna rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Didn't finish.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jul 01, 2007
Amy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book changed my life. Its about the journey with cirque du soleil.. which if anyone knows me, they know that its my life. Basically its a book about dreams.. hope.. and following your heart. Its a true inspiration.. and a book that you will read 100000 times and never get bored
Mar 29, 2010
Merci added it
It was an entertaining start, but I just couldn't get into it. By reading the back, I thought it would help me become more creative, but it's one of those "do what you want to do, be yourself!" type of books, which I don't need.

I never finished it.
Oct 14, 2008
Kamy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
liked it just enough to pass the 2-star mark. reads like a self-help book. interesting to learn about cirque du soleil. mildly inspiring passages. not worth it unless you are slightly desperate for inspiration.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 02, 2008
Jon rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This book starts off as though the author is trying to hard. The dramatization of his story telling lessens up the further I read. I just remembered; Its sister Jenny's book. I need to get it back to her.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 16, 2009
Kendra rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting book about personal/professional risk and innovation.
It inspired me to see my 2nd Cirque show in Las Vegas to help explore the creative side...
Sep 27, 2008
Oswald rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I purchased this book after I left cirque du soleil in Las Vegas. I was so amazed by the show, that I had to read how that all came into existence. Cute.
Mar 30, 2008
Jodi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a short and easy read, and it gave a glimpse into the world of Cirque du Soleil.
Aug 04, 2009
Sheree rated it: 4 of 5 stars
If you have ever wondered what type of people are in the Cirque Shws this answers that question.
Aug 15, 2008
Brian rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Inspirational in whosing posibilities are limited only by imagination and determination.
Mar 02, 2010
Trent rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Inspirational read for those that might need a push occasionally.