Positives The book is widely praised for its insightful and informative content, offering a collection of 22 interviews with prominent figures in the business, marketing, and design industries. Reviewers found the discussions fascinating and invigorating, delving into the nature of branding, its connection to human behavior, and broader topics like consumerism, psychology, and technology. The interviewer, Debbie Millman, is commended for her challenging questions, direct approach, and ability to coax candid responses and unique perspectives from her subjects. Many appreciated the conversational style, which allowed for a rich exploration of ideas and provided "gems of knowledge" and "pearls of wisdom" that provoked thought and offered new insights into the field.
Negatives Despite its strengths, a significant criticism of the book is its repetitive nature. Many readers felt that due to the consistent line of questioning and similar opinions among interviewees, the content became redundant, with common themes and examples blurring together. Some found themselves skimming chapters because they anticipated the answers. Another frequent concern is the dated nature of some discussions, as the book was published in 2011, leading to observations about social media and certain brands feeling quaint or no longer current. Additionally, some reviewers desired more practical, tangible takeaways for those actively building brands, finding parts of the book to be more theoretical or "fluff" than actionable advice. A few also noted a lack of visual elements, which could be a drawback for a design-focused topic, and some felt the interviews were occasionally superficial or lacked deeper probing.
Conclusion Overall, "Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits" is generally recommended as a valuable resource, particularly for those new to or curious about the subjects of branding, identity, and design. While it may not offer groundbreaking revelations for seasoned professionals, it serves as an excellent introduction and a thought-provoking refresher on the fundamental aspects of branding and its societal impact. Readers interested in the psychological and sociological underpinnings of consumer behavior, or those studying marketing and branding, would likely find the diverse perspectives beneficial. To best enjoy the book and mitigate the repetitive elements, some suggest consuming it in smaller portions, similar to a podcast.
