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Spark: How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers
Yo-Yo Ma’s ear for music emerged not long after he learned to walk. By the age of seven, he was performing for President Kennedy; by fifteen he debuted at Carnegie Hall. Maya Angelou, by contrast, didn't write her iconic memoir, I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings, until she was 40. What propels some individuals to reach extraordinary creative heights in the earliest years of life while others discover their passions decades later? Are prodigies imbued with innate talent? How often are midlife inspirations triggered by propitious events, like Julia Child's first French meal at the age of 36? Do late bloomers reveal their talents because their skills require life experience and contemplation?
Through engaging storytelling and intriguing historical and cutting-edge scientific research, best-selling author and acclaimed journalist Claudia Kalb explores these questions to uncover what makes a prodigy and what drives a late bloomer. In this series of linked biographies, Kalb follows the journeys of thirteen remarkable individuals--from Shirley Temple to Alexander Fleming to Eleanor Roosevelt to Bill Gates--to discover the secrets behind their talents. Each possessed a unique arc of inspiration. Each--through science, art, music, theater, and politics--reached extraordinary success at different stages of life. And each offers us a chance to explore the genesis--and experience--of genius.
Through engaging storytelling and intriguing historical and cutting-edge scientific research, best-selling author and acclaimed journalist Claudia Kalb explores these questions to uncover what makes a prodigy and what drives a late bloomer. In this series of linked biographies, Kalb follows the journeys of thirteen remarkable individuals--from Shirley Temple to Alexander Fleming to Eleanor Roosevelt to Bill Gates--to discover the secrets behind their talents. Each possessed a unique arc of inspiration. Each--through science, art, music, theater, and politics--reached extraordinary success at different stages of life. And each offers us a chance to explore the genesis--and experience--of genius.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2021
62 people are currently reading
3234 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Kalb
5 books80 followersClaudia Kalb is a New York Times bestselling author and independent journalist. Her new book, SPARK: How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers, explores moments of inspiration in 13 great achievers, from Isaac Newton and Yo-Yo Ma to Maya Angelou and Eleanor Roosevelt. (National Geographic Books: April 27, 2021). Through a mix of biography and brain science/psychology, Claudia asks several overarching questions: What are the origins of genius? How do luck, failure, personality, and serendipity play into the arc of discovery? And why do some people reach extraordinary creative heights early in life while others achieve greatness decades later?
Claudia especially enjoys writing about brain science, culture, psychology, and human behavior. She has written a series of cover stories for National Geographic magazine about genius. Her first book, Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History’s Great Personalities (National Geographic Books: 2016), delves into the challenges and triumphs of 12 icons, including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Marilyn Monroe.
Claudia especially enjoys writing about brain science, culture, psychology, and human behavior. She has written a series of cover stories for National Geographic magazine about genius. Her first book, Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History’s Great Personalities (National Geographic Books: 2016), delves into the challenges and triumphs of 12 icons, including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Marilyn Monroe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 9, 2023
This book is a rather detailed and remarkable insight into the lives of twelve geniuses. What drove them, at what age did the spark of genius make itself known, did they branch out into sideways tangents, and, of course, were they known for only one central theme? It seems that the questions you would ask of the subjects have been anticipated by the author, Claudia Kalb. Her writing could be considered as branching out sideways. I will admit that I wasn’t particularly keen in the beginning, but as commonalities became apparent I jumped, willingly, into the water. Quite a remarkable, refreshing POV. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2021
Kalb, an award-winning author and journalist, beautifully and masterfully writes about creative geniuses and what made them who they are. Through an engaging and very captivating read, I learned about these well known individuals that have affected our lives in one way or another through their passions and purpose.
What I find fascinating is how some of these geniuses start very young and some don’t emerge until later in life. Claudia Kalb uses her journalistic experience to explore these questions through cutting edge scientific research. What are the inspiration that sparks these innate talents? What propels creativity and passions?
This book is so inspiring and I guarantee that you will find something in one of these stories to inspire you and spark your hidden passions.
What an illuminating and enjoyable read!
What I find fascinating is how some of these geniuses start very young and some don’t emerge until later in life. Claudia Kalb uses her journalistic experience to explore these questions through cutting edge scientific research. What are the inspiration that sparks these innate talents? What propels creativity and passions?
This book is so inspiring and I guarantee that you will find something in one of these stories to inspire you and spark your hidden passions.
What an illuminating and enjoyable read!
August 13, 2021
I wanted to like this book more - after having attended a wonderful lecture by the author on this topic. But this book was a slog. It never really grabbed my attention fully. I really liked the premise - what sparks creativity and genius in people? Are there common themes, traits, ages, life experiences, etc that contribute to "genius"? I especially enjoyed that she emphasizes that you can still find your purpose/contribution in mid-life or even past! She used each chapter to give a short biographic sketch of well known "geniuses" of all ages, from Shirley Temple to Yo-Yo Ma to Alexander Fleming to Grandma Moses. However, that choppy concept doesn't make for a cohesive book. Would have made a great article or post grad dissertation......
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January 7, 2023This author’s definition of “genius” is too broad for me to enjoy reading any further than 25%. Though Shirley Temple was an entertaining child star and Julia Child was a fun cook to watch, I do not consider either to be geniuses. They do not belong in the same category as Leonardo da Vinci. Period. This book is just not the one I thought I was buying. I should have done more investigation. However, that mistake need not be magnified by spending one more minute on this “imposter.”
March 10, 2021
Claudia Kalb has delivered again, this time a baker's dozen of compulsively readable profiles of fascinating figures, with the focus on inspiration. Kalb, a veteran science writer, examines questions we'd all like answered: When does inspiration strike? Why does it come early for some and later for others? Does chance really favor the prepared personality? How much of a role does serendipity play in a person's rise to greatness? Her characters are all people you'd like to spend an afternoon with: Maya Angelou, Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Newton, Shirley Temple, Sara Blakely (who created Spanx) and, among others, the surprisingly adventurous Peter Mark Roget, reknowned as a physician/scientist and compulsive listmaker who invented maybe the most beloved and best used book of all time, Roget's Thesaurus. Did you know that Maya Angelou sang Calypso tunes and performed in Porgy and Bess all over Europe? She didn't start her first memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" until she was in her 40's. Kalb is both a stylist and perfectionist. Spark is deeply-reported and entertaining. Summer is coming, a perfect time to spend a few hours with Maya, Yo-Yo, Isaac and the rest of this remarkable cast.
August 25, 2021
I enjoyed this short story approach to genius and the research and insights into what drives genius—whether a child prodigy or late bloomer. A unifying trait amongst those featured - openness to experience-curiosity! I will definitely read/learn more about those included in the book.
June 16, 2021
In "Spark," Claudia Kalb pays tribute to thirteen extraordinary men and women. They are, in many ways, quite different from one another. Julia Child was an accomplished chef, author, and ebullient television personality; Peter Mark Roget was a doctor who adored language and, after he retired, published a treasure trove of synonyms; Maya Angelou had a challenging childhood, but found her voice in poetry and memoirs that captured her struggles and those of other African-Americans; Yo-Yo Ma, a cellist and ambassador of good-will, shares his love of classical music with the public and collaborates with musicians in a variety of genres; and Pablo Picasso, who started drawing as a small child, continued producing paintings, sculptures, collages, and more until his death at ninety-one. Others whose attainments are highlighted in these pages are Bill Gates, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci, Shirley Temple, Alexander Fleming, Eleanor Roosevelt, Grandma Moses, and entrepreneur Sarah Blakely.
We cannot fully explain the nature of genius. Moreover, the drive that propels extraordinary individuals to make the most of their exceptional gifts may emerge anytime—from childhood until old age. Shirley Temple was an adorable child star and cultural icon who sang and danced her way into the hearts of moviegoers. She had a fine memory that enabled her to master pages of dialogue and complex dance steps and, equally important, she handled her fame with grace and humility. Grandma Moses was a late bloomer. She started out as a busy farmer and homemaker who began painting in her seventies.
This anthology contains intriguing, entertaining, and well-researched biographical essays. Kalb gleaned her information from primary and secondary sources, visited such places as Alexander Fleming's laboratory and Eleanor Roosevelt's home in upstate New York, and attended several concerts performed by Yo-Yo Ma. She quotes experts who discuss why certain individuals become standouts in their chosen fields. Although brainpower is important, it is not enough. One also needs talent, passion, determination, curiosity, the ability to learn from and cooperate with others, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Furthermore, there is no question that happenstance can redirect a person from an ordinary path to one that will eventually transform him or her into a superstar. "Spark" is an inspiring and enlightening celebration of innovation, creativity, imagination, activism, and artistry.
We cannot fully explain the nature of genius. Moreover, the drive that propels extraordinary individuals to make the most of their exceptional gifts may emerge anytime—from childhood until old age. Shirley Temple was an adorable child star and cultural icon who sang and danced her way into the hearts of moviegoers. She had a fine memory that enabled her to master pages of dialogue and complex dance steps and, equally important, she handled her fame with grace and humility. Grandma Moses was a late bloomer. She started out as a busy farmer and homemaker who began painting in her seventies.
This anthology contains intriguing, entertaining, and well-researched biographical essays. Kalb gleaned her information from primary and secondary sources, visited such places as Alexander Fleming's laboratory and Eleanor Roosevelt's home in upstate New York, and attended several concerts performed by Yo-Yo Ma. She quotes experts who discuss why certain individuals become standouts in their chosen fields. Although brainpower is important, it is not enough. One also needs talent, passion, determination, curiosity, the ability to learn from and cooperate with others, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Furthermore, there is no question that happenstance can redirect a person from an ordinary path to one that will eventually transform him or her into a superstar. "Spark" is an inspiring and enlightening celebration of innovation, creativity, imagination, activism, and artistry.
June 1, 2021
This book is all over the place without a central coherent theme. It is a loose biography of some famous people, all focusing on their positive attributes but the analysis is only skin deep. I couldn't go past chapter 6, with the excessive brown-nosing embedded in the writing. I mean regardless of the recent marriage issues (I love Bill Gates, except for his pick of Steve Ballmer to succeed him) but what on earth does the repetitive description of the affection of the pair, have anything to do with this book??? Wast of time and nothing learnt.
May 6, 2021
A fascinating book with each chapter focusing on a different character of note. I wish however there was more exploration of each persons “genius” in particular, instead it is just a small biography focusing on their productive years, with little dissection of their minds or speculation on the different aspects which create or Influence genius. The book description seeks to suggest it does more exploration
March 10, 2021
Incredibly interesting. Must-read 💯
July 3, 2021
PROS: Well-researched and well-written. Data is deftly woven into the stories to arrive at a persuasive conclusion.
CONS:
1) Contrary to the title, the stories show that genius does not "spark" but is slowly honed through years of formation or training--more like a slow burn. So it's inaccurate to say there are late bloomers because it takes years to hone skills to become a genius, which is defined as "exceptional intellectual or creative power or natural ability".
2) Claudia chooses "geniuses" based on commercial success and ignores many known intellectual giants with permanent global contributions like Mozart and Tesla.
3) It's easy to find commonalities between people if you look for it, like being undergrads at Harvard, but it's rash to conclude, "These overlaps signal a connection I believe exists among all of us."
4) Claudia strives to simplify how genius "ignites", yet admits "No one has discovered a single source of genius, and such a thing will almost certainly never be found."
5) Claudia expertly weaves various data throughout to bolster her premise that there is a genius spark, but admits luck is a factor, especially wealth and privilege. It seems there's no definite way to tell. "Life trajectories do not follow a standard pattern."
6) Claudia writes wel but she shifts perspective from factual narrator ("Julia's enterprise exploded") to protagonist ("I made my way to Schola, a cooking school"). Why?
7) The stories are inconsistently treated. Bill Gates has 28 pages that's mostly a rundown of facts (why wasn't his Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen included?) while Newton, Fleming, and da Vinci each get 24 pages.
8) The profiles are takeoff points to discuss research on personality development. Maya Angelou's tragic past leads to a discussion of notable survivors who became successful. It's not a deep dig into Maya's creative formation, only the circumstances that led to her writing career.
9) Who is the audience for this book? I found it in Adult nonfiction but it reads like a Young Adult or younger. Correlations are made into conclusions that young minds may accept without question. If this is marketed as a science book, skeptical readers require more proof beyond sweeping suppositions.
If Claudia's goal is to "inspire those who are still searching for fulfillment" then this is best for younger readers who still need to define their futures.
@IvyDigest
CONS:
1) Contrary to the title, the stories show that genius does not "spark" but is slowly honed through years of formation or training--more like a slow burn. So it's inaccurate to say there are late bloomers because it takes years to hone skills to become a genius, which is defined as "exceptional intellectual or creative power or natural ability".
2) Claudia chooses "geniuses" based on commercial success and ignores many known intellectual giants with permanent global contributions like Mozart and Tesla.
3) It's easy to find commonalities between people if you look for it, like being undergrads at Harvard, but it's rash to conclude, "These overlaps signal a connection I believe exists among all of us."
4) Claudia strives to simplify how genius "ignites", yet admits "No one has discovered a single source of genius, and such a thing will almost certainly never be found."
5) Claudia expertly weaves various data throughout to bolster her premise that there is a genius spark, but admits luck is a factor, especially wealth and privilege. It seems there's no definite way to tell. "Life trajectories do not follow a standard pattern."
6) Claudia writes wel but she shifts perspective from factual narrator ("Julia's enterprise exploded") to protagonist ("I made my way to Schola, a cooking school"). Why?
7) The stories are inconsistently treated. Bill Gates has 28 pages that's mostly a rundown of facts (why wasn't his Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen included?) while Newton, Fleming, and da Vinci each get 24 pages.
8) The profiles are takeoff points to discuss research on personality development. Maya Angelou's tragic past leads to a discussion of notable survivors who became successful. It's not a deep dig into Maya's creative formation, only the circumstances that led to her writing career.
9) Who is the audience for this book? I found it in Adult nonfiction but it reads like a Young Adult or younger. Correlations are made into conclusions that young minds may accept without question. If this is marketed as a science book, skeptical readers require more proof beyond sweeping suppositions.
If Claudia's goal is to "inspire those who are still searching for fulfillment" then this is best for younger readers who still need to define their futures.
@IvyDigest
May 7, 2021
Have you ever wondered why some people are child prodigies while others hit their genius in middle or old age? I have often wondered about this. Spark looks into this phenomenon through the exploration of the lives of twelve geniuses from Pablo Picasso to Grandma Moses. These stories offer “New insights into the relationship between brains, talent, willpower, and circumstance, illuminating the history, science, psychology – and humanity – of genus.” Each chapter in the book is a biography of a genius in chronological order by the age in which their genius ignites.
I found this entire book to be both enlightening and fascinating. I love to read biographies of great people. I really liked the fresh angle of this book focusing on when and what caused the spark of genius to ignite. Some of my favorite people that I have read a lot about were included such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Maya Angelou, but there were many others such as Pablo Picasso, Alexander Fleming, Peter Mark, etc. that I had previously not known much about. I enjoyed learning more about all of these people and loved the fresh perspective from author Claudia Kalb.
Favorite Quotes:
“What role do our personality traits play I the livelihoods we pursue? Are we born with talent or lured by passion? How do we discover the spark that fuels our souls? And how do we know when we’ve found it?”
“Creative people in the arts – poets, writers, painters, sculptors – often emerge from troubled pasts.”
Overall, Spark is an inspirational book for people of all ages.
Book Source: Review Copy from Hachette as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
I found this entire book to be both enlightening and fascinating. I love to read biographies of great people. I really liked the fresh angle of this book focusing on when and what caused the spark of genius to ignite. Some of my favorite people that I have read a lot about were included such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Maya Angelou, but there were many others such as Pablo Picasso, Alexander Fleming, Peter Mark, etc. that I had previously not known much about. I enjoyed learning more about all of these people and loved the fresh perspective from author Claudia Kalb.
Favorite Quotes:
“What role do our personality traits play I the livelihoods we pursue? Are we born with talent or lured by passion? How do we discover the spark that fuels our souls? And how do we know when we’ve found it?”
“Creative people in the arts – poets, writers, painters, sculptors – often emerge from troubled pasts.”
Overall, Spark is an inspirational book for people of all ages.
Book Source: Review Copy from Hachette as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
June 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book that reinforced that there is no perfect age to stop doing dreaming and what we love. The author starts with an insightful introduction. She continues with the lives of twelve who showed genius. The conclusion is an epilogue on Leonardo da Vinci. Interestingly enough, her first selected genius is Pablo Picasso and her last is Grandma Moses. In between, we learn about the lives and contributions to society from: Shirley Temple, Yo-Yo Ma, Bill Gates, Isaac Newton, Sara Blakely, Julia Child, Maya Angelou, Alexander Fleming, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Peter Mark Roget. Not only did I learn a great deal about twelve individuals known for society-changing accomplishments, but I also enjoyed each chapter immensely. The language flows and the book format adds to the overall positive experience I had with the book. I am thankful I found this book on the new release table. This book definitely challenged me to think about my own contributions and what I will do when I no longer want to teach!
October 21, 2024
This book was very interesting. The author certainly did extensive research on the topic and the 13 people featured in the book. She also interviewed family members, and I appreciated the comments from those relatives. My favorite chapters were those about Yo-Yo Ma, Bill Gates, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Peter Mark Roget.
I think I found one minor typo, not bad for the 372-page book. I would have preferred shorter chapters because I like to finish a chapter without taking a break. Perhaps the comparisons with other geniuses and the interviews with relatives of the geniuses could have been separate chapters.
I am glad I read the book; and as I read it, I kept thinking of other people who might really enjoy the book.
I think I found one minor typo, not bad for the 372-page book. I would have preferred shorter chapters because I like to finish a chapter without taking a break. Perhaps the comparisons with other geniuses and the interviews with relatives of the geniuses could have been separate chapters.
I am glad I read the book; and as I read it, I kept thinking of other people who might really enjoy the book.
May 2, 2021
I'm so in love with this book. Each chapter about a different creative individual is so incredibly fascinating. The early beginnings, the struggles and hardships endured, the lessons learned, the realizations and collaborations stumbled upon or created, the research into how and why genius happens and the possibilities with each individual all make for an amazing captivating read that will leave you ready to take on the world and discover your own potential. It is illuminating, inspiring, and encouraging. It is revelatory and unique. It is it's own spark.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
'Spark' examines the lives of 13 geniuses to determine what it takes to ignite their particular talent. What does it take to reach the height of achievement in a particular field? Shirley Temple was an amazing actress at a very young age and functioned beyond expectations in an adult industry. Grandma Moses didn't start painting until she was almost 80. There is no one factor that foretells genius. It requires the right amount of intelligence, support (or lack of support), circumstance, opportunities and much more. The book includes chapters on artists, scientists, authors, musicians and more.
October 14, 2025
Audiobook.
An excellent surprise read! (Surprise read as in I checked it out because it was available and I had no expectations.) I was fascinated by the different people profile. Some I knew a good bit about, sine I just knew their names. But the exploration of their contributions and even personalities made me emotional several times, particularly the chapters on YoYo Ma, Shirley Temple, and Julia Childs.
I found this book full of hope, too. To examine people who lived lives know for prolific excellence--some from the very start, some in the middle, and done at the end of their lives--made me more amazed at the beauty, variety, and miracle of humanity. I definitely recommend this book!
An excellent surprise read! (Surprise read as in I checked it out because it was available and I had no expectations.) I was fascinated by the different people profile. Some I knew a good bit about, sine I just knew their names. But the exploration of their contributions and even personalities made me emotional several times, particularly the chapters on YoYo Ma, Shirley Temple, and Julia Childs.
I found this book full of hope, too. To examine people who lived lives know for prolific excellence--some from the very start, some in the middle, and done at the end of their lives--made me more amazed at the beauty, variety, and miracle of humanity. I definitely recommend this book!
March 10, 2021
Fascinating, entertaining, and informative, each chapter offers a different glimpse into the traits and life experiences that combine to produce a genius. Lively, personal stories interwoven with comprehensive research and data make for a terrific read, and leave the reader with many surprising insights into what makes a genius. Highly recommend!
May 28, 2021
The thing that I liked most about this book is hinted at in the title. The book organizes its genius profiles according to the age of the genius at what is considered their masterwork. It is a great approach that points out that genius doesn't fit neatly on a timeline. I had heard of all the people profiled, but this book presented them in an interesting way and I learned quite a bit.
August 21, 2021
An inspirational look at a dozn people who showed genius at some point in their lives - from childhood through old age. A very human look at people, what they did & how their genius affected them and the people around them. All are familiar names and the writing is like poetry in describing them. A worthwhile read, if just for the warmth of both the person & the writing.
June 21, 2021
Excellent book, with great insights into why and when we discover what we do best, and love most. My own experience took many years to develop and this book 'spoke' to me in real ways. I'll interview Ms. Kalb for my show, but I highly recommend the book.
March 3, 2022
Very good book. 5 stories I liked.
1). Yo yo ma - cellist
2). Picasso - from child hood to warm up in 70s
3). Alexander Fleming - research lab and creativity
4). Grandma Moses - very inspiring - farm girl to celebrity after 70s
5).Peter Roget - thesaurus- word smith
1). Yo yo ma - cellist
2). Picasso - from child hood to warm up in 70s
3). Alexander Fleming - research lab and creativity
4). Grandma Moses - very inspiring - farm girl to celebrity after 70s
5).Peter Roget - thesaurus- word smith
May 19, 2022
Loved the stories, the connections made, the additional examples to underscore the themes. These were great descriptions to learn more about the subjects. It piqued my curiosity to learn more and to explore these themes as I consider other narratives.
December 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this one. The author covers 13 different people, providing what is essentially a mini biography of each with an emphasis on what sparked their particular genius and when that genius ignited in their life (child prodigy, mid-life, late bloomer).
February 22, 2021
Interesting for the bios as well as Kalb's thoughts on genius.
June 6, 2021
Very well written
August 23, 2021
Interesting, informative tribute to a baker's dozen of exceptional people.
January 11, 2022
Read this book around new year of 2022. Liked it. The stories for each talented person are so vivid.
January 29, 2023
Very interesting book! It illustrates that there is no set pattern to the formation of a genius. At some point in one’s life there ‘sparks’ an idea that becomes an obsession.
March 2, 2023
This was fascinating and motivating. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews