Some non-fiction can be boring and even useless, but this is a work of non-fiction that everyone should read; I certainly got a lot out of it and feel many others will too. Offering a wide-ranging wealth of information and research Epstein shares data, as well as his opinion, on how to become and stay successful in a constantly evolving world. What surprised me a lot was how compulsively readable it was and despite being a work of non-fiction Epstein can sure engage you in an almost mesmerising way with his narrative.

For many years we have been told that specialisation in a certain area, whilst foregoing most or all others, is the key to success — theories such as the 10,000 hours rule prevail for now, but this book goes some way to rebutting and changing that view. Citing the latest research and referencing famous figures the author pens a thought-provoking and essential read for our times.

It's an intensely engaging and fascinating book packed with accessible tidbits of knowledge and Epstein explains things in an understandable and eminently readable fashion. Range is a book I will remember for it's helpful, novel ideas and its important message that all is not lost should you not have spent those hours plugging away in a specialised field. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Macmillan for an ARC.

Experience is never wasted

I found this riveting in all the best ways non-fiction can be: extremely readable, endlessly fascinating, thought provoking, leaves a lasting impression and you see the world a little differently on the other side of it - things once in darkness are illuminated.
Personally, Epstein made me feel comforted that all was not lost if i hadn't completed my 10,000 hours in a highly specified domain by now and that a gradual whittling of specialism, rather than a laser focus from an early age, can be just as (if not more) likely to work to your benefit in the long run. Our world is more complicated than ever, full of ever changing and nuanced problems where analogies from other domains can help us tackle problems in novel ways (treating tumours with ancient military strategy anyone?) that can lead to greater, faster leaps in understanding and measurable progress. Epstein argues that those who haven't narrowed their experiences prematurely will provide the biggest benefit to the modern world around them, at least in terms of creative and complicated problem solving.

Should the urban legend that is the 10,000 hours to greatness, finally be put to bed? Does rigid repetition of procedure make us less likely to be successful in a unfamiliar situation? I'm not sure who is right, or who is right for me - but i do know i am as inspired after reading Range as i was with Gladwell's Outliers and i reckon it deserves the same level of curiosity to be applied to it.

An interesting and engaging book. I loved how its thesis challenge some ideas we thought to be consolidated.
I like the style of writing, how it delivers plenty of facts and anecdotes and how it clearly the writer explains his ideas about productivity and creativity.
A very good read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.