A Creative Life : The Young Person's Guide

VOYA

First impression? A book about creativity needs to be considerably more creativevisually and organizationallyand should be written with more flair and originality. The first three paragraphs of the introduction, in which the author shares her own creative journey, are the highlight of the book. The most important section of this volume is the second part, which contains ten chapters that profile the creative life of an individual through personal interviews, biographical information, and upbeat narrative. Fortunately the work does not focus only on the famous, but draws from a wide range of "ordinary" success stories as well. Selections include actor Lou Diamond Phillips and the unknown scientisteducator Dr. Asit Mukherjee. Yet the book's greatest strength could also be its undoing. How many young adults really want to read about the life of a wardrobe mistress, a chefrestaurateur, or an artisanluthier? With "radical change" a current publishing catchphrase, it is surprising and disappointing that this book did not live up to its potential. Under the colorful dust jacket there is a dull, gray, unappealing hardback with some blackandwhite pictures of smiling, creative people telling their life stories. Instead of offering an appealing, handson, inspirational, and accessible odyssey through the creative process, this book reads like a career guide. A Creative Life falls short of its goal, and while it is meant to inspire, this work fatigues. With a better layout and design, it "coulda been a contenda." A recommended purchase for only those school or public libraries with money to burn. Index. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P M (Better editing or work bytheauthor might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 1999, Franklin Watts, Ages 12 to 14, 144p, $24. Reviewer: Dr. Stefani Koorey

Library Journal

Gr 5-9-According to Leuzzi, creativity lifts everyday existence to its highest peak of performance. The benefits of applying it to enhance one's life are listed and discussed. Then traits such as passion, curiosity, listening, and observation, as well as commitment, a willingness to take risks, patience, integrity, and persistence are emphasized through the stories of people who have succeeded through their application. Part II presents the life stories of 10 successfully creative people in a broad range of fields including science, the arts, and business. A final section offers short, inspiring stories of less-prominent figures. All of them may be admirable role models, but straightforward text, small black-and-white photographs, and repetitious, abstract decorative designs do not yield the sort of dynamism needed to attract young people. The four adult books in the "For More Information" section are unlikely to prod readers into looking further into the subject, but the two Web sites just might.-Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.