V Is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone

V is for Vulnerable - Life outside the comfort zone by Seth Godin and illustrated by Hugh MacLeod is ART.It may have been meant as an ABC for grownups but, to my opinion, this is a must-read for "kids of any age."Today, we live in a highly volatile and interconnnected world. Infobesity reigns. Time and Trust have become a very scarce commodity. Paid, owned, and earned media are converging and information is consumed across a panoply of devices, at any time, asking for a greater ubiquity across channels. Unemployment rates grow higher and higher by the day. Old business models are proven not to satisfy new needs, anymore.Life in the comfort zone was easy -kind of routine, boring but safe.Now? No longer.The magic happens to people who are willing to put passion, dedication and effort in what they do. It is risky. It is not safe. However, as Heraclitus of Ephesus once said, "There is nothing permanent except change."If you are not willing to commit to change and to your art, you will end up nowhere.Hugh MacLeod's drawings are ART and I do strongly believe that they are already resonating with his five kids (nephews and nieces). As far as Seth's words are concerned, I take a bow to his wisdom. Images and words are two powerful ways to communicate. A picture is worth a thousand words. A word is worth a thousand images. Together they're a great way to convey meaning.V is for Vulnerable is ART. It conveys lots of meaning and it will re-frame and re-shuffle your perspective, in case you are not (already) making art.I do strongly recommend it.Bravo Hugh! & Bravo Seth! and... Thank You for sharing your ART with all of us ;)

Art at its finest is born of basic premises of a craft. Seth takes the reader back to the basics in An ABC for Grownups, each letter having its own artistic truth.Yes, V is for Vulnerable and the letter Z begged me to enjoy a tidbit of Life Outside the Comfort Zone as I read it as a personal challenge to learn and apply--whipping up an old recipe that was new to a not-the-kitchen-queen me. This really was a stretch for me but in the end I learned I must not take shortcuts in my creativity.I learned through this creative endeavor that just like a child I must recite the ABCs, again and again, in order for the end result of my artistry to become a masterpiece worthy of sharing with the world at large.I have re-read this gem of a book repeatedly, its words from Seth Godin and its illustrations by Hugh MacLeod a remarkable tool for adults, filled with basic knowledge designed for creative me to to apply to that which I create and publish for your reading and viewing pleasure.I highly recommend V is for Vulnerable as a treasure for all grownups to read and apply to their creative life.

As a child, I used to love all kinds of ABC books. In addition to cementing the ABC's into my memory, I enjoyed associating all kinds of other words with letters of the alphabet.Now I'm learning my new ABC's, representing a kind of checklist as I draw upon my childhood gifts of wonder and possibility and apply them to the art I'm creating as a senior citizen. I especially like the letter "I" which stands for initiative. As Seth so eloquently states, "Initiative is the privilege of picking yourself. You're not given initiative, you take it."So, "Pick yourself", and pick up a copy of this neat book.The artwork by High MacLeod is awesome and it has inspired me to doodle my own illustrations for my very own ABC's.I received V is for Vulnerable as a part of my "Kickstarter" package for The Icarus Deception and I've since purchased additional copies to give to my colleagues (and grandchildren) who are also pursuing their art.

First, I must say that I am an avid fan and admirer of Seth Godin. I have read many of his books, and I get his daily blog posts. However, his philosophy is starting to age, and it seems to me that he is looking for new ways to make it appealing and to sell product (aka, "art"). Just like the smash hit by John Gray, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus", Godin seems to be publishing new books with appealing graphics and catchy titles that just regurgitate much of what he has said previously in his earlier works. I see that in "The Icarus Deception" as well.As for this book, I read through it in about 10 minutes and returned it. There's nothing new here except for a few rarely-used words like "zabalione" or "xebec". That doesn't justify the cost of the book. I am hoping that Godin has an epiphany in the coming year such that new material that really stimulates is revealed.

Love Seth Godin’s work and bought this book to see a “different perspective”. Never thought I’d see “B as in Birl” or “O as in One-Buttock”.Probably the neatest picture (though not too impressive) is J as in JOY. I think subconsciously I may have waited to see it. It’s not a big surprise that this comes from Seth Godin. He has new ideas. All in all it is an awesome, inspiring, book, pointing at feelings all of deal with. This book confirms that we are on the right track.Highly recommended! 5 starsGisela Hausmann, author & blogger

I'm a great fan of Godin's and have enjoyed his books, videos, and blog immensely. I think this book is excellent in some parts, but not so much in others. I'd call it a double rather than a home run. I don't think the artwork adds very much, nor does it detract a great deal either. The idea of the alphabetic approach is fine; some of the letter statements are excellent, most are very good, but too many are self-indulgent, miss their mark, or are just unclear. Given my high regard for Godin, I was expecting more.

Who says adults don't need picture books? To me, they are the most comforting books there are. And ironically, Life Ourside the Comfort Zone is no exception.Having a day when you feel lost? Find your way back to yourself with this book. Feeling like your way of reaching out to the world leaves you empty handed! Curl up with this book. Experiencing that stranger in a strange land thing? Turn the page in Godin's book and feel at home.

Yes, its a Seth Godin book, so the content will both be genius and obvious all at the same time.The illustrations are brilliant, and to be fair I ripped through it in maybe 15 minutes flat. However, it is a great novelty book for Seth Godin fans, like me, and if you get reminded of just one simple thing that you had overlooked, then it is well worth the money.

Very simple dictionary of the constituents of creating art. Easy to read with appropriate epithets to inspire and provoke thought

Great little book to look at when you need an idea about moving forward.I like to open a random page, read it and think!!!

As a HUGE fan of Seth, I'm disappointed at the length and quality if this read for the price £8. A shame..

A good reminder to read when you need a boost.