Finding Your Element

March 25, 2013
This apparently rushed, thin sequel to the author’s previous book, The Element, outlines a practical path to finding your passion and turning it into a vocation. Robinson begins by encouraging readers to not only think freely about their aptitudes, but to actively muddle them—to try new activities, not for the activities themselves but for the skills and talents they may reveal or develop. Unfortunately, after introducing a new idea, Robinson often lapses into abstraction. Chapters attempt to guide readers through the “inward” and “outward” journeys of finding their “Element,” from understanding their own abilities, insecurities, and blockages to finding an outlet and community for their strengths. Most chapters begin with perfunctory brainstorming exercises bolstered with glosses on pop psychology (like lessons on learning types, meditation, and happiness studies) and inspirational anecdotes from TED-friendly celebrities like Jamie Oliver. None of Robinson’s advice is particularly motivating, as the exercises rarely encourage doing much beyond list, ruminate, or (even worse) search the Internet for personality tests. The book is brimming with stories of others finding their passion, but readers would do better looking elsewhere to locate their own. Agent: Peter Miller, PMA Literary and Film Management, Inc.

July 29, 2013
Creativity expert Ken Robinson has carved out a niche for himself in the self-help genre. In his latest title, a sequel to the bestselling The Element, Robinson puts forth a strategy for self-analysis and introspection designed to bring about personal transformation. A British native now living in the United States, Robinson, with his conversational tone and relaxed cadence, seems to go out of his way to avoid the forceful delivery generally associated with motivational messages. Even the portions of the recording devoted to Robinson’s own inspiring story of coping with the challenges of polio at a young age seem low-key, though still engaging. A Viking hardcover.