Jonah Lehrer sounds just like the young, nerdy but hip science writer that he is. He tells eclectic and important stories of how individuals, companies, and cities have solved creative problems, conveying a message that everyone can be creative with some effort and nurturing. He argues that conditions vary—sometimes relaxed daydreaming is key, and sometimes the situation calls for caffeinated concentration. He cites research showing that creativity is optimized by talking to strangers, working in groups, traveling, and even engaging in unstructured play. Lehrer’s obvious enthusiasm and genuine warmth for the myriad of individuals that he talks to about their quests to solve problems add up to an enjoyable and optimistic listening experience. He reads poetry, including Shakespeare, with some wooden effort, but this is a minor quibble.
Pub Date: March 19, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455877249
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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