RichardStep: Grow Yourself & Your Career

  • Tests
  • Products
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Book Reviews / Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko — Brainstorm, Create, Ideas!

June 16, 2011 By Richard

Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko — Brainstorm, Create, Ideas!

richardstep-richard-stephenson-book-review-thinkertoys-creative-ideas-brainstorm-michalko "creativity and innovation", "design ideas", "creative process", "what is creativity", "creative problem", "Creative thinking", "intelligent design", "creative ideas", "creative circle", "design ideas", brainstorms, "brain storming", "brain storm", "how to brainstorm", "what is brainstorming", "brainstorming is", "big idea"

I think I can, I think I can... I DID! Ideas flowing like water! Please do yourself a favor and get this book, soon. (click picture for affiliate link)

Ever come up with an idea that just made you shiver in giddy excitement? I’m talking “hair-on-the-back-of-the-neck” type “whoa!” thrill? Give the brainstorming methods of this magnificent gem, Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques (2nd Edition), a chance and I can assure you this will be a part of your life.

I’ve been able to find a spattering of brainstorming methods on the internet. Heck, I even made a couple of my own. However, I was never really satisfied in that no single reference point occupied a dedicated space in my library. Nothing seemed worth it.

Let’s just say that this is no longer the case. Thinkertoys is a tool that any person, creative or ‘not’, can use and *will* produce usable results. An honest attempt at the exercises is necessary – you can’t go becoming a body-builder just by picking up a weight one time now can you? This book will take some time to go through if you take your time but it’s worth the effort.

Add this to your library, tab/flag the Thinkertoy ‘blueprints’, and proceed to have a great innovation tool by your side at all times.

This book makes my unconscious mind shout for joy. For that, Mr. Michalko, I thank you many times over.

==============================

Recommend to anyone who is (or is not) creative, anyone looking for a metric “butt-ton” of idea generators, and anyone who would like to understand the mind a bit more.

==============================

This is one of the rare books I actually paid full (discounted) price on Amazon… and it’s worth every penny.

Popular Tests
🕊
DOPE Bird Personality Test

A simple and fun approach to finding your dominant personality type.

Take the test →
💪
Strengths Aptitude Test

Discover your top 3 strengths and the 1 main weakness holding you back.

Take the test →
☑
Jung Personality Test (16 Types)

Which type are you? ISFJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, ISFP, INTJ? Find out!

Take the test →
🚘
Self Motivation Quiz

Identify your Top 3 Motivators: your focus and passion in life!

Take the test →

Related Posts:

  • "Chunk Around" Brainstorm (CAB), New Creative Idea Method Difficulty in creating new ideas can be frustrating at times and I…
  • How to Find Your Passions and Purpose in Life Just By Using Your Brain Here’s another ideation exercise coming your way!  I call this one the…
  • Here's the Key to Innovative Management Techniques You Can Use Innovation is very important to any business. It allows changes to be…
  • Discover 64 Ways to Live Your Passion Using Lotus Blossom Brainstorming Photo by: moetaka Do you ever get stuck?  Hung up on the…
  • Top 5 Ways To Create An Amazing Life For Yourself A decade ago, I was content in living day by day, and…
  • How To Handle Email: Vetting New Ideas Welcome to another edition of "How to Handle Emails." This one is…

Filed Under: Book Reviews

DOPE Bird Personality Test
Featured Test
DOPE Bird Personality Test
★

Popular Tests

▣
DOPE Bird Personality Dove · Owl · Peacock · Eagle
→
▣
Strengths Aptitude Test Discover what you're built for
→
▣
Jung 16 Personality Types Classic Jungian framework
→
▣
Self Motivation Quiz What drives you forward?
→
Free · No Sign-up

Know Yourself Better

Practical self-assessments you can actually use — at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

See All Tests
Search the site
RICHARDSTEP

Your resource for self-discovery & personal insights. Helping individuals, teams, and leaders understand themselves since 2011.

Copyright © 2026 RichardStep.com

Explore

  • Personality Tests
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Log in

Legal & Trust

  • Privacy Policy
  • Guarantees & Refunds

Get Inspired

"I can have no other spouse, but Jesus Christ. I have considered myself content to live in poverty and misery for his love." —St. Kateri Tekakwitha

RichardStep.com — practical tools for self-discovery & growth.

Privacy Contact Free Tests