Peak: How to Master Almost Anything

It is a remarkable read It explains how in a way that's easy to see if u remember what you readThink this think that as a formula basicallyJust like art square to cube creates 3D it a formulaIt doesn't tell u how but shows u it a formula/technique that people use instead of going at it blindly. To better explain myselfIf your going to work u know the route u make this turn then that turn (think this/think that)Okay you basically have to put together a plan to help yourself make the next step

I've read this book as part of an ongoing research program on expertise and learning support systems design. I was already familiar with Ericsson's work, as well as with the work of some other researchers in the field (e.g. Glaser, Chi, Chase, Simon). This book is a great summary of everything you need to know about expertise. Not only is it incredibly interesting and well-written (thanks in part to Robert Pool's contribution), but it is also useful to individuals trying to learn as well as educators trying to support their pupil's learning. Like many popular science books of its kind, 'Peak' is perhaps a little too generous with examples and historical anecdotes. Scholars might find it not challenging enough and should consider reading Ericsson's academic publications instead for a more complete account of research results and methodology in the field of expert performance and acquisition. Theoretical content, essentially relating to the different kinds of practice and their effect on learning, is easy to understand and well explained, so by the third or fourth chapters you might find the books gets just a bit repetitive. However, the later parts of the book, concerned with concrete applications, do add much to help readers appreciate how a correct understanding of expertise and practice can change training on the job and elsewhere. I highly recommend reading this book together with 'Make it Stick', by Peter C. Brown, which complements Ericsson's work by explaining the neuroscience behind expertise acquisition. I would like to end this review by warmly thanking M. Ericsson for this book and his previous work. We cannot begin to measure the impact of expertise research on the future of education and schooling, but I for one will heavily rely on Ericsson's work in my efforts to promote quality education access for all.

This is a great deconstruction of what creates talent. If you are in a rush and don't want to read about the studies, there is a chapter in the middle that addresses the actual how-to of the subject. A chapter like that I notice many books shy away from and leave you to create your own way from the stories anecdotes. Easy, but important read.

very interesting. Slays some long held beliefs about naturel talent

It was in perfect condition!