Marylou Kelly Streznewski

Why: Been studying giftedness, you know, for various reasons...it's a very interesting, and, I've learned, controversial subject.
Hmmm. Well, I'm glad I read it, even though it wasn't the most well-written book, because of the information and insights presented. Streznewski interviewd a small boatload of identified gifted adults who were living in myriad ways, including several in prison. (The author quotes statistics that say that 20% of the U.S. prison population is gifted. How's that for a conversation starter?) Most of them were frustrated in some way, some were living the dream, having figured out their place. There were also chapters devoted to the challenges that women and older people face. I might recommend it to an adult who is just now realizing or coming to terms with her giftedness. You know, anything that makes you feel less lonely....… (meer)

The author looks at a number of issues that affect how people realize their talents, or fail to do so. As a teacher of gifted teens and a writer and poet herself, she knows how important issues such as recognition, attitude and encouragement can be.

In our interview (posted on my site), she comments, "One of the biggest aspects of it is to convince yourself that you are entitled to do this, that your creativity is important... I was well into my thirties before I gave myself permission."

In the preface, she notes that many gifted adults make outstanding contributions to society, but "there are large numbers of frustrated gifted adults who do not find outlets for their potential."

The book is a very helpful tool for those of us who have not experienced clear and certain paths to eminence, to explore some of the reasons why, and what we can do to help ourselves more fully realize our abilities.… (meer)