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rwaringcrane's review against another edition
3.0
After an uncharacteristic reading hiatus, a back-to-back jag descended on me. I picked up Lehrer's book about five minutes after putting down Charles Duhigg's Power of Habit. This accounts for the three rather than four star rating. I could not help but compare the texts. I felt slightly jarred by the change in font and layout. Strange, but true. Also strange, Duhigg begins and ends his text referencing William James and Lehrer invokes his name in his introduction. Lehrer's work involves research and a variety of studies that support his thesis. He likes footnotes, not my favorite style. Once I recovered from missing Duhigg's style, I found Lehrer's smooth enough, but his tone seemed less hopeful. At first. I got over it and followed his reasoning. Creativity thinking comes from different parts of the brain and is released in different settings. I may need to move to a large city and pursue improve once again.
cathman's review against another edition
2.0
I thought there were a lot of interesting ideas in here, but didn't really put them together into any new takeaways for myself. Also, as I browsed the Goodreads page after finishing, I discovered that some of the material was falsified, which makes me suspicious of the material as a whole.
mlottermoser's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. Creativity is something we need to spend more energy on as a society. I loved the example stories and the scientific ideas. I'll have to think of ways to be more creative in my daily life. When it comes down to it I worry too much.
rkendylb's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book immensely thought-provoking. It was insightful (if you've read the book that may make you laugh), and it taught me a lot about how my mind works. Since I've written a few books of my own, I found the things relating to that especially interesting. Overall, I think this was one of the best books I've read and I really mean the five stars I gave it.
katiec's review against another edition
4.0
A good read but almost too shallow of an overview on creativity. I kept hoping for the poetry of [b:A General Theory of Love|35711|A General Theory of Love|Thomas Lewis|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320466684s/35711.jpg|35644], and sort of wanted Lehrer to overwhelm me with facts instead of politely and plainly introducing each subject. 3.5 stars if I could. Also, the design! Agh! I love the cover image but the typeface, shiny dust jacket and strangely silver book flaps would be nixed if I were redesigning. Truthfact: beautiful information is more well-received!
mattnixon's review against another edition
2.0
if Lehrer's conclusions were supported by sound research this would offer compelling insights. unfortunately, he seemed to generate his findings by blinking at black swans up to the tipping point.
brentmayberry's review against another edition
1.0
I initially rated this book 4/5 stars because it was such a good read! However, I learned today (Aug 1, 2012) that Lehrer fabricated quotes attributed to Bob Dylan. See here for more info. I can't, in good conscience, recommend a book written by someone who admits to lying to his readers.
I really enjoyed learning about all the ways life can bump you into being creative. Living in cities makes you more productive. Being a little ADHD makes you more imaginative. Focus can do it, too. Being compelled to interact with your co-workers is a great way to spark new ideas.
I think the point of [b:Imagine|12987640|Imagine How Creativity Works|Jonah Lehrer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327000473s/12987640.jpg|17907836] was to show us that we all have the ability to create amazing and beautiful things. The vignettes Mr. Lehrer presents that showcase incredible creative output--whether it's Pixar, or Yo Yo Ma, orBob Dylan, or an arts high school in New Orleans, or Silicon Valley--show me that most of us really aren't that different from one another. We all have the seeds of greatness, and I loved this book for reminding me of that.
I also agree with much of Mr. Lehrer's advice at the end of the book regarding the things we can do as a society to spur innovation and creativity. The coda is worth a read and a re-read.
I really enjoyed learning about all the ways life can bump you into being creative. Living in cities makes you more productive. Being a little ADHD makes you more imaginative. Focus can do it, too. Being compelled to interact with your co-workers is a great way to spark new ideas.
I think the point of [b:Imagine|12987640|Imagine How Creativity Works|Jonah Lehrer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327000473s/12987640.jpg|17907836] was to show us that we all have the ability to create amazing and beautiful things. The vignettes Mr. Lehrer presents that showcase incredible creative output--whether it's Pixar, or Yo Yo Ma, or
I also agree with much of Mr. Lehrer's advice at the end of the book regarding the things we can do as a society to spur innovation and creativity. The coda is worth a read and a re-read.
sjhastoomanybooks's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book to a degree. Was kind of hoping for more of a practical guide. The chapters on working in groups and benefit if cities were the most interesting. It ended with a bit of a whimper though.
m_marling's review against another edition
4.0
An engaging look at the creative process, articulated through a series of examples supported by scientific research and presented in a way that made it easy to understand. Lehrer gives us a peek at some of the most innovative people and corporations of our time (and times before us), which helps to ease the storytelling and increases the accessibility of the information.