Make Trouble

Make Trouble is the published version of John Waters' 2015 commencement speech at Rhode Island School of Design, expanded into book form. The speech-turned-book serves as Waters' advice to young people about navigating life, art, and career paths. Waters draws from his decades of experience as a filmmaker and cultural figure to share insights about creativity and nonconformity. His message focuses on the value of taking risks, embracing rejection, and finding success through unconventional means. The text incorporates Waters' signature blend of humor and subversive commentary while delivering practical wisdom about perseverance and authenticity. His guidance spans topics from financial planning to maintaining artistic integrity. This compact volume distills Waters' philosophy about the importance of causing productive disruption and questioning established norms. The book acts as both a career guide and a manifesto for living creatively outside mainstream expectations.

Readers found this book to be a quick, light read that expands on Waters' 2015 RISD commencement speech. Many noted it works better as a speech than a book, with several commenting it's too short to justify the purchase price. Readers appreciated: - Waters' trademark irreverent humor - Practical advice for young artists - Message about embracing outsider status - Small size makes it a good gift Common criticisms: - Too brief (80 pages) - High price for limited content - Lacks depth beyond original speech - Some jokes fall flat in written form Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (230+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect graduation gift for the weird kid" - Amazon reviewer "Should have stayed a speech" - Goodreads reviewer "Not worth $15 for what amounts to a pamphlet" - Goodreads reviewer

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🎬 "Make Trouble" originated as a commencement speech Waters delivered at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2015, which went viral on YouTube. 🎨 In the book, Waters reveals he rejected an honorary doctorate from RISD because he felt it would be "hypocritical" since he was thrown out of college himself. 🎭 The book's distinctive cover design features Waters' signature pencil-thin mustache as part of the typography, created by designer Paul Sahre. 📚 Waters wrote the entire book by hand on yellow legal pads, as he has done with all his books and scripts since the beginning of his career. 🌟 Despite his reputation as the "Pope of Trash," Waters emphasizes the importance of reading and maintains a vast personal library of over 8,000 books in his Baltimore home.