The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: Book Review

Image by Cameron Maddux via FlickrFeeling a little lost in this economy career-wise? Out of work, or in a dead-end situation? Not feeling the flow?

Then it might be time to check out The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need, the latest work from Dan Pink.

Pink offers six career tips, so in turn I’ll offer six things you need to know about this book:

1) It’s a manga (or do I just say "it’s manga"?) – black and white comics, inspired by Japanese. It makes the book a really quick read. I heard from one author lately that publishers want readers to be able to get through a business book on a cross-country flight. You’d be able to get through this on a flight from New York to DC, and if you’re leaving from a New York airport, you’ll probably be able to finish it while you’re on the runway.

2) The manga format also limits the audnece. It feels like a kids’ book. I’ve read several graphic novels; I’m currently in the middle of Watchmen, which I borrowed from my 17-year-old nephew, and I don’t think he should be able to read it until he’s 40. I’m a big fan of comics as a form of storytelling. Yet used here, it makes it hard for me to recommend to anyone who’s moved on beyond the mailroom, and even my nephew might think it’s too simple for him.

3) It’s all good advice [spoiler alert]:

1. There is no plan.
2. Think strengths, not weaknesses.
3. It’s not about you.
4. Persistence trumps talent.
5. Make excellent mistakes.
6. Leave an imprint.

It’s advice that anyone who’s gotten any career advice will have heard before, but it’s a good refresher to have it all in one place.

4) You can read the intro and the first 61 pages online for free. There’s also more info at JohnnyBunko.com. If you’re planning on getting this for yourself or anyone else, try before you buy. I’ve embedded the trailer below here too:

5) Okay, I was a little too ambitious. In sum, this is a good, fun refresher for those starting out or spinning their wheels, but most others can skip this one. I still think it would be better titled "the first career guide you’ll ever need," not the last.