Play

How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

By: Stuart Brown, Christopher Vaughan MD

Narrated by: Michael Hinton

From a leading expert, a groundbreaking book on the science of play, and its essential role in fueling our happiness and intelligence throughout our lives.

We've all seen the happiness on the face of a child while playing in the school yard. Or the blissful abandon of a golden retriever racing across a lawn. This is the joy of play. By definition, play is purposeless, all-consuming, and fun. But as Dr. Stuart Brown illustrates, play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. We are designed by nature to flourish through play. Particularly in tough times, we need to play more than ever, as it's the very means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic.

A fascinating blend of cutting-edge neuroscience, biology, psychology, social science, and inspiring human stories of the transformative power of play, this book proves why play just might be the most important work we can ever do.

©2009 Stuart Brown (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Sprinkled with anecdotes demonstrating the play habits of subjects as diverse as polar bears and corporate CEOs, Brown and co-writer Vaughan present a compelling case for promoting play at every age." ( Publishers Weekly)

play for life!

terrific material encouraging and accessible. play through life or wither and fade. a book which inspires action and health.

This Book is Life Altering

I had forgotten how to play. i knew something was missing from my life, but couldn't figure it out. Now i get it, i played with my first 2 children, but after death in my family, injuries, surgeries, and divorce... I was depressed and lonely.
On a whim I got this book... and I can now see my deficite... I'm going to have some fun... and it just might save my life!

The narrator is horrible

This book has so much great information but it’s so hard to listen to this monotone narrator.

Must read!

Life changing book! Amazing for all!
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone

Informative

This was required reading for a school. I really enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit.