This was a perfect book to read right after Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us; in a way it was a case study of the type of organization that Drive suggests we need more of. Cirque values creativity, innovation, and collaboration above all else, and those are almost exactly what Dan Pink advocates for in Drive.

At first, I found the writing style somewhat... Hokey. It's sort of a mix between an autobiography and a novel, a fictionalized non-fiction story. But as the book went on I kinda got into it.

More than anything, this made me really want to go watch more Cirque Du Soleil shows (I saw my first one is summer and it was awesome).

I was sent this book to read as a board member of organization that needed to change things up. There are quite a few motivating thoughts throughout the book. The story itself seems a bit fabricated and it is, but a quick read that makes you think of ways to reclaim your passion.

I really liked this business management leadership title. I think that Lyn Heward did a great job of drawing you into the story while also conveying the principles of inspiration, enthusiasm, and a sincere joy of life and your job. I loved reading about the behind the scenes parts of Cirque du Soleil. Hearing about how the performances are created and how they keep all of their employees continually motivated was great for driving my creativity and inspiring me to reach further in my career. This title is great for motivating workplace teamwork and I found 5 or 6 quotes that really touched me enough to use them as fuel for the workplace fire and to keep myself as well as my coworkers motivated. 4/5 stars. Great business read!

Nothing to say really, just a boring book who tries to be deep and reflective and fails in the attempt.

Quick read, gives you a little insight into the way the show runs. Makes you think about changing things up in your own life.

These poor reviews made me sad. I came away from my first live Cirque du Soleil show profoundly moved and inspired, and this lovely little gem of a book summed up and crystallized everything that I could learn from the experience!

Fun read with some solid life lessons. Plus an insight into the world of Canada's most famous circus makes this a joy to read. Not written in the most engaging way, but the authors' hearts were in the right place, or so I like to think.

Crap.

liked it just enough to pass the 2-star mark. reads like a self-help book. interesting to learn about cirque du soleil. mildly inspiring passages. not worth it unless you are slightly desperate for inspiration.

Well-written; excellent and clear points; shows why and how the author changed over time; a quick read.

After seeing my very first Cirque Du Soleil, Amaluna, in Montreal, I was completely blown away by how brilliant the show was and how sad that I knew nothing about the Cirque experience. While on vacation, I ran to the local bookstore the next day, like a druggie looking for a fix, needing to know more. I found, with the help of a clerk, The Spark, buried in the Business section, only one copy of a small, thus hard to find book with a gigantic message.

Inspirational. A good book to read when you need a little bit of belief in the impossible.

2.5 stars rounded up.
I appreciated the insights this book offers into the everyday workings and behind the scenes training that goes into every Cirque Du Soleil performance. Fascinating!
And there's no doubt that Cirque can ignite curiosity and a greater sense of creativity.
I do feel put off that this book is a novel rather than a real story - I didn't see that face anywhere in the promotional blurbs. Of course, I highly doubt anyone would be allowed to shadow the Cirque like Frank, either.
After reading this book, I will research more info about Cirque. I'm not really inspired to be more creative, though.