The bestselling author and psychiatry professor, who normally tackles more depressing topics such as, well, depression (and mood disorders, as in An Unquiet Mind), turns to happier matters in this examination of the nature of exuberance. In addition to delving into its behaviorial, chemical and genetic causes and effects, Jamison uses famous artists and scientists as case studies of exuberance in action.
Critic Reviews
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Outstanding
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Library Journal E. James Lieberman
A major creative contribution to positive psychology. [1 Oct 2004, p.100]
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Outstanding
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Publishers Weekly
If exuberance is "the passion for life," then Jamison s enthusiasm and sense of wonder about the subject proves as fine an example as any examined. [27 Sep 2004, p.48]
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Favorable
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Slate Peter D. Kramer
Her writing embodies the energy it celebrates.
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Favorable
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Los Angeles Times Andrew Scull
Her enthusiasm threatens to run ahead of the evidence, but she makes a powerful case that exuberance "is incomparably more important than we acknowledge." [10 Oct 2004, p.R5]
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Favorable
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PopMatters Lary Wallace
So much of this wonderful book is compelling.
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Favorable
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Booklist Whitney Scott
Throughout, Jamison's writing flows with the powerful passion it celebrates, capturing the reader's attention from the start. [1 Sep 2004, p.2]
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Favorable
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Houston Chronicle Diana K. Sugg
Jamison's delight and enthusiasm for these tales often soar off the page. But the author succumbs to the risk of exuberance that she so vividly describes -- the tendency to fall too much in love with every detail, to overreach.
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Favorable
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Kirkus Reviews
A well-written, lively account, featuring a host of exuberant personalities. [15 Aug 2004, p.789]
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Favorable
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Washington Post Nancy Schoenberger
Her wide sampling of personal accounts of exuberance enlivens what might otherwise be a rather dry tour of twin and animal behavior studies.
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Mixed
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The Globe And Mail [Toronto] Robin Roger
Exuberance, like love or chocolate, is an attractive subject. But a study requires a sustained argument that moves toward increased understanding to be really satisfying, and that is what this book lacks. [6 Nov 2004, p.D16]
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Mixed
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The New York Times Book Review Daphne Merkin
Her book is marked by a besetting critical haziness, blurring terms of definition that should be rigorous and shrugging off qualifications that need to be more thoroughly addressed.
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Mixed
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Wall Street Journal Colin McGinn
Anecdotally this works well enough, and it is certainly fun to read.... But the book is long on description and short on analysis.
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