This clever book is aimed at anyone who invents things, solves problems, or produces art. But David Drummond's formulaic phrasing and uninspired connection with the material make this audio production sound like the book is solely for technical engineers instead of a broader creative audience. Drummond's performance is competent but doesn't add any appeal to the production. The authors say that there's a specific process that leads to repeated creative success--a template consisting of five different ways to modify existing products or services. Along with fascinating stories of product development and business breakthroughs, they mention that the Beatles created so many good songs because of a writing template: John Lennon repeatedly supplied a first verse that set up where each song was going.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781622311637
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The readers can't compensate for the unbearably pompous prose style of this extended parable about corporate politics and strategy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Henslee’s warm, unhurried narration makes listeners feel like the next success story could be theirs.
Barbara Henslee narrates with an intimate, upbeat delivery and a sunny Southern warmth that feels like being personally recruited to the Mary Kay empire. Her voice suits the material perfectly, drawing listeners into a bygone era when women built empires through gatherings around kitchen tables and on front porches, long before they could open their own bank accounts. Henslee never oversells, just gently persuades, mirroring the company’s own quiet pitch to millions of women that economic independence and personal transformation were within reach. The balanced treatment of the realities of multilevel marketing, alongside the truly inspirational story of founder Mary Kay Ash, make this a compelling listen for anyone curious about the often mocked world of direct sales.
Henslee’s warm, unhurried narration makes listeners feel like the next success story could be theirs.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281879
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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