Every Tool's a Hammer

May 1, 2019

Savage was the cohost of the hit show MythBusters for 14 years, from its inception until its last episode in 2016. He has been involved with making, inventing, and creating for more than 40 years, an experience that provides inspiration for better managing the production process. His first book covers all aspects of the creative process, including motivation and managing the physical workspace. Obsession is a key ingredient for his success, and he encourages this level of commitment to the things we make. He provides pragmatic approaches to managing time, particularly investing more of it to substitute for skill when attempting unfamiliar tasks. Organizing the maker's workspace has been important to Savage, as he believes the physical space is a manifestation of a maker's philosophy on how to work. Ultimately, there is no magic formula for beginning with making--just get started. According to Savage, the world needs more makers, and this work provides a toolbox for innovative problem solving. VERDICT Fans of Savage and individuals interested in the creative process will benefit the most from this insightful offering.--Gary Medina, El Camino Coll., Torrance, CA

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2019
As cohost of the long-running Discovery Channel series, Mythbusters, Savage and fellow special effects wizard Jamie Hyneman tested the validity of urban legends, rumors, and dubious news stories using a workshop full of tools to design and launch sometimes death-defying experiments. In his first book, Savage draws on his experiences from the show and other memorable projects to share his passion for making things and offer a treasure trove of tips on transforming creative visions into well-crafted realities. In four sections, Savage contemplates the healthy obsession of creative tinkering, encouraging readers to fly your freak flag, gives advice on dissecting work habits and sharing results with friends, looks at the power of learning from failure, and gives seasoned guidance on organizing a work space. He also includes anecdotes and insights from movie industry insiders, such as director Guillermo Del Toro and Pixar's Andrew Stanton. Artists, inventors, and creators of every stripe will find Savage's work inspiring and informative, while Mythbusters fans and others will savor his many amusing making foibles and misadventures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)