IMAGINE How Creativity Works

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. A.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]