Book Review: The Spark - created by Lyn Heyward and written by John U. Bacon
Review by Sherri Henkin
Editor's note: Caught in a career rut? Looking for inspiration with a hint of "life coaching"? Then this book is for you. The review is re-printed with permission from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of STC's newsletter, "Lines & Letters."
The Spark is ostensibly about Cirque du Soleil. Truly, though, this deceptively thin volume carries a strong message about creativity, about being inspired by and finding purpose in one's work.
Although this is a fictional account, the basis for the story is true. The Spark is about Frank's quest to re-ignite his passion for his career.
A successful sports agent, Frank had lost his enthusiasm amidst the meetings, routine calls, appointments, and other adult responsibilities in the quest to "make it."
In Las Vegas on business, Frank took a small side trip. He was searching for something and he was open to finding whatever the search revealed. "When people ask where my remarkable journey began, I tell them it was somewhere between the first and seventh doors." By opening the door, Frank embarked on an unexpected journey. He had entered the backstage door of Cirque du Soleil.
Cirque du Soleil embraces the philosophy that everyone must understand the show from all perspectives. At Cirque headquarters, there are show posters displayed in all of the hallways.
Performers who have the day off are encouraged to attend a performance so they see it from the audience's perspective. Even the kitchen staff attends rehearsals and shows. Otherwise, "they lose their connection to the final product ... If you don't understand the role you play, how can you be excited about what you're doing?" (p. 14)
While we may not be able to join up with Cirque du Soleil, we can travel with Frank. We watch the shows. Talk with the actors. Master some of the stunts. We learn about life from directors and coaches. We apply our own make-up, design sets. Yes, we do all of this because the writing style is so engaging.
We feel the cold, snowy day in Montreal (even though it was 90 degrees outside while I was reading this). We discover - or rediscover "...the creative spark that burns within us all." (p. 135) We learn that "[w]hen we finally give voice to your dreams, you never know what's going to happen." (p. 42)
Go ahead and give voice to your dreams! Regain your passion! And start the journey with The Spark
www.neostc.org/lines/Archives/2009/0809.html
Sherri is now embarking on her own unexpected journey, looking for her next opportunity in technical writing. She can be reached at sleah47@juno.com.
Book title: The Spark
Publisher: Doubleday; ISBN 0-385-51651-7
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