Book review- Mark Ellison

[Kevin Jenness]

I just finished reading Building: A Carpenter's notes on Life & the Art of Good Work. The author has had a long career overseeing upscale residential building projects in NYC and brings a lot to the table, including laugh out loud fiascos and a polymathic perspective on the trades in general. As a cabinetmaker involved in similar ventures in the hinterlands I often thought the process would make a good reality tv show, and Ellison writes a good screenplay. Check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Carpenters-Notes-Life-Good/dp/0593449126
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/11/30/the-art-of-building-the-impossible

[Maurice Mcmurry]

I will add that to my list. Thanks.

[Warren Lake]

Good interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1FfVOG1MVk

[Maurice Mcmurry]

I went on line to request the book via I.L.L., only to find out it was available right down the street and around the corner at our own Library. I am a few pages in, The content is on the heavy side so far. A quote from the prologue, "people are capable of doing a lot more of what they want with their lives than they are led to believe".

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Mr Ellison's self appraisal appears to be very honest, even to the point embarrassment, which is refreshing. His insight on Minimalism is insightful. I wish there were pictures in the book. I guess plenty are available on the web.

[Peter Mich]

The New Yorker article was a treat. Thanks for sharing that. I'll look for the book. If there were a reality tv show, I'd check that out, too.

Peter

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Wow! This gentleman worked for some very wealthy folks. I did a little remolding & renovation in NYC. The jobs were for a benevolent organization seeking to help the poorest of the poor. I learned a lot. No Romex allowed in the city was an early lesson, as was never leave the work van un-attended if tools are inside.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

I finished the book and am trying to ruminate on the positive aspects of the content. I am struggling to stay positive because of the wastefulness of the very wealthy. David Bowie's kindness to Mr. Ellison was a highlight.

[Stephen Tashiro]

I just finished reading Building: A Carpenter's notes on Life & the Art of Good Work.

Is the other Ellison book ( How to Build Impossible Thngs: Lessons in Life and Carpentry) have different content or is it the same stuff with a different title?

[Kevin Jenness]

Appears to be the same book.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Building (the one I read) May 16, 2023 | ISBN 9780593449127

How To Build Impossible Things May 18 2023 ISBN 978-1529151633

Confusing,


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