Bookscores

I hit it pretty big at some charity book shops on the weekend. The list:

‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ David Guterson. I remember this book being all hype a few years ago when they were making a movie about it. Apparently the movie wasn’t very good, but the book is supposed to be.

‘Things Snowball’ Rich Hall A former ‘gagsmith’ for David Letterman writes some observations and short stories. So far not that great, but some original premises and funny parts.

‘Miracle of Castel di Sangro’ Joe McGinness. Combines four of my favorite things: underdog triumph, Italy, football and Italian football. I got a good feeling about it. Hopefully I can rank it up there with my favorite sports books: ‘Fever Pitch’ by Nick Hornby, ‘How football explains the world’ by Franklin Foer, and Brilliant Orange: The neurotic genius of Dutch football, by David Winner.

‘Cloud Atlas’ David Mitchell. Recently read Ghostwritten by same author. Quite a haunting and engrossing tale spanning time space and reality using the unique construct of six (sometimes tangentially) interrelated lives. Apoparently this book uses a similar conceit, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And if it’s only two bucks, buy it.

‘Gates of Eden’ Ethan Coen. Uptilnow tied for my favorite Coen brother with Joel, Ethan may squeak ahead with this collection of darkly humourous short stories. I’ve read three so far and there’s been no wrong turns. Like watching a Coen Brothers flick in my mind.

15 bucks or so all in. And for a good cause: literary escapism and helping those less fortunate.

If I get around to it I may also splurge on the new Harry Potter so I can participate in ‘the magic moment’ that the publishers are going for. In trying to forge a relationship with the reader all of the secrecy and hype surrounding the release of Harry’s ultimate adventure all parties are building towards, not the purchase of the book, but when the book is opened. I’m getting pretty excited just thinking about it.

By Liesbeth Smit|2007-07-09T08:57:00+00:00July 9 2007|

“Your Taking It Easy session helped me relax more into the truth of a scene and let it grow more organically instead of pushing too hard to make it funny or dramatic. I loved that you were really clear about what you wanted us to get and how the exercises played into the scene work we did later. I really got a lot from one short session.”

Andrew, Brighton

“The skills I learned from those two weekends, which were two of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve ever had, have been an invaluable tool I use to this day in my daily life, both at work and in personal interactions.”

Andy, Brussels

“I’ve learned so much from you and thank you for giving me that nudge to get out of my comfort zone.”

Imaan, Amsterdam

“As a coach Ryan’s ability to zone in and identify the main agenda for each sessions was amazing. His coaching helped me reflect, make decisions and make positive changes in my business.”

Tracy, Dublin

“I’ve benefitted immensely from this journey which I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about themselves in a fun, immersive way.”

Simon, Amsterdam

“I really admire your energy, creativity and knowledge and I’ve learned a lot from your training sessions.”

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“Working with you was an absolute blast! I’ll take your writing advice with me wherever I go.”

Marton, Budapest

“Ryan seemed to know just what to do to get the best from everyone. I would jump at the opportunity to do another workshop led by him.”

Calum, Brighton

“I loved loved loved your workshop. I liked the way it was structured and meaningful. Time flew unnoticed. I liked the shortness of the exercises, the surprise and fun, and the fact that you gave me so much to explore. I now can be in an empty prison cell or in a desert island and never feel alone or bored anymore. Now I can expand my world.”

Elsa, Lisbon

“Very inspiring and useful workshop. Picked me up from where I’m at and helped me develop strategies to improve developing scenes and my performance skills.”

Anonymous, Switzerland

“Because of you my fear of speaking or presenting in front of an audience has lessened a great deal.”

Samora, Amsterdam

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I learned how beautiful authenticity is, with such little moments as sharing your breakfast. Being in the moment is so amazing to see and to feel.”

Laura, Amsterdam

“Ryan is an extremely qualified, talented, and professional teacher and coach. I’d recommend Ryan’s services to anyone!”

Derek, Amsterdam,

“Ryan is a great teacher, very serious (and very funny!) gives great coaching during scenes! I had a great time studying with him!!”

Alon, Tel Aviv

“Plenty of energy, enthusiasm, good clear guidance on how to make the scene ‘deliver results’ without killing the improviser… Ryan’s enthusiasm for improv is infectious.”

James, Brighton

“Ryan really made the most out of the workshop. No time-wasting. He gets to the point quickly, in a clear and effective way.”

Pedro, Lisbon

“I especially enjoyed the clarity in all of what you were doing – I always understood what it was that you were teaching. I never felt lost. That was really awesome.”

Martin, Tampere

“Thank you for your positive spirit, energy and creativity. Your public speaking sessions really helped me feel more comfortable standing in front of a group of people.”

Serena, Amsterdam

“Ryan is the most enthusiastic, positive workshop leader I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been to several of his workshops and after each session I came away with a sense of achievement and feeling that I had learnt something new.”

Chris, London

“Ryan’s improv workshop is incredibly fun but also ruthlessly effective. Participants are taught to drop their inhibitions, let their imagination flow and and embrace the positive attitude at the heart of improv. They are also treated to Ryan’s personal blend of enthusiasm, wit and generosity.”

Jeremy, Brussels

“I LOVED the fucking GREAT and positive energies in the workshop. They so got me going. Perhaps the highest moment during this festival was laughing in the workshop (to the dances… :)).”

Ben, Tel Aviv

“Ryan is a natural at teaching and you get the feeling he puts his heart and soul into helping others. I look forward to doing more workshops with Ryan.”

Shauna, Tunbridge Wells

“Ryan’s coaching sessions really improved my public speaking skills and made my presentations much more interesting for my audience.”

Furio S., Berlin

“Ryan is an incredible teacher. He took a straggling group of beginners and turned us into a viable company of improvisational actors who regularly perform together – in front of actual, paying, repeat customers.”

Carrie, Brussels

“Thank you so much for passing your writing knowledge onto me. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun too.”

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

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