How to Build Impossible Things

by Mark Ellison

How to Build Impossible Things

300 pages, Hardcover

Published July 15, 2023

Reviews

[Paul H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellison writes circles around the other nonfiction authors I’ve read recently. I’m referring to his sound and complex syntax as well as his engagement. He doesn’t write well for someone who didn’t finish high school, or for a career tradesman; in writing, he’s a phenomenal craftsman. I only wish the book had more images of the projects he recounts and reflects upon. I found this book enormously entertaining and encouraging.

[Z Sadiq · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a book about class, hardship, and completing jobs despite difficulty in the end (which was impressive), though it may be a macabre slant that sticks with me personally, the book still being a lighthearted read about some interesting details of being a carpenter building penthouses for the wealthy in New York City with what I believe without deep thought is a can-do, get-it-done attitude and smart thinking. It provided a few lessons for project management and gave one perspective on life in the United States of America which was again interesting, interesting to live briefly through another’s eyes in a different culture - I will be seeking more memoirs after this. They could have made it clearer on the cover this was more memoir than carpentry though I probably wouldn’t have picked it up then which would have been a shame. A compliment of some degree does have to be given to the writing, which started out strong and made an impression. I also agree with a point about the benefit of further illustration, perhaps photographs to illustrate the apartments in a second edition if one comes as without looking examples up it was left to the imagination.

[Nicolas Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like having a glimpse into my own future. Insightful. Deeply considering things under a new perspective.

[Jake W · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Couldn’t get into it