Book Review: Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

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I have read the 2015 edition published by Wiley. 


Summary

The book demonstrates how to frame data into stories through charts. There are no red herrings as it gets straight to the point on how readers can tell a story using charts from theories to practical case studies. Remembering this book when you do your data visualisations is like having a shoulder angel. Although this book may not be a deus ex machina in your story to become better in data visualisation, it is certainly an opposite of a MacGuffin. 


Things I like

1. It has clear examples. The paragraphs in the book are promptly followed up with examples of charts. This helps readers understand the text properly at every step and everything explained. 

2. It is a book suitable for all visualisation tool users. A tool-agnostic book that serves as a great introduction to readers of different backgrounds. Although the author does mention that the charts are done with Excel, there is no mention of Excel in the discussion throughout the book until the final chapter.

3. It enlightens readers on how to design charts for an audience. I cannot speak for others but many times I find myself working on projects with a vision of my own without realising what the projects may look like to others. This book is a reminder to readers like me to not only think from the shoes of a creator but also from an audience. 


Final Verdict: A useful read that aids readers to think like a designer and a storyteller of data.