Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace

The moment I saw this book on the shelf, I grabbed it and couldn't put it down. Not only have the Pixar films inspired me, but the people behind the iconic characters and touching stories. 

Pixar's story is an amazing one, and it echoes some of the success that Walt Disney had. The company's humble beginnings and growth from an adviretisement studio to a major name in animation history is a story that involves many elements of fear, failure, and perserverance. Ed Catmull's observations on how creativity can overcome obstacles, and his belief that people have the power to make the impossible possible have helped Pixar fight the toughest battles from money loss to perserving the positive themes of Pixar culture. 

This book is not just the story of how Pixar came to be, it is also a guide through the rough landscape of art, and the ongoing challenge of creativity. How Pixar tackles these challenges and moves forward despite adversity will inspire any artist to always move forward no matter what and to view challenges as an opportunity to change and grow. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Disney, Pixar and who creates art. 

Five out of five desk lamps, and a place right next to Disney's biography on my bookshelf to be read again and again for inspiration. 

Kingdom Keepers: The Insider by Ridley Pearson

I have followed the Kingdom Keepers adventures since I first picked up the first book before going to the Disney College Program, and it's so incredible to revisit the places that I once was a major part of. Meeting the author of this series, and fangirling over Disney with him is still one of the best days of my life, and this series has helped me get through so many hardships and painful moments in my life. 

This is the Keepers last stand. Disneyland, the place where it all began. While Finn wrestles with his guilt over Dillard's death, and his apparent role as leader of the Keepers, Tia Dalma and the Evil Queen are gathering forces of evil to take over the original kingdom of Walt Disney. 

With the expectations to save a park they aren't familar with, the Keepers are forced to adapt not only to their surroundings, but to the possiblity that a traitor is in their midst. Not sure who to trust, and what the Overtakers have planned, Finn, Amanda, Jess, Willa, Philby, Charlene and Maybeck must make the ultimate stand and believe in the impossible. With familiar faces to help along the way, a Wayne Kresky riddle and the rumor that the magic may not be completely dead, this adventure could be their last chance to save all that is good in the land of imagination.

This book is well paced and unpredictable. As always, it has balance between the fun and the serious sides of Disney stories and the ever powerful imagination. The Keepers are older, wiser and more prepared to deal with adversity than they think. 

I couldn't put this book down, and I give it five out of five hidden mickeys.