Liberating Everyday Genius: A Revolutionary Guide for Identifying and Mastering Your Exceptional Gifts

Jacobsen's concept of a new kind of intelligence, which she dubs Evolutionary Intelligence, is sure to attract attention and perhaps controversy. She estimates that 20 million Americans are ""gifted adults"" with an amalgam of intellectual abilities and personality and character traits that she has found to indicate high potential. Statistically, many gifted adults are baby boomers (a notion that is likely to appeal to them). The Minnesota psychologist has devised a broad self-assessment test, based in part on Howard Gardner's famous work on ""multiple intelligences"" and in part on her own definition of the qualities that she identifies in these innovators and problem-solvers: creative thinking, enthusiasm, playfulness, intuition, curiosity, humor, independence, multiple talents and a sense of justice. Jacobsen's goal is to help the gifted hone their abilities and cope with the ""truths"" of being gifted: being different, sometimes being misunderstood, needing patience to fulfill one's life mission, the support of mentors and peers and spiritual guidance. Although her good intentions are blurred by her elitism and her sometimes complicated scheme, she provides useful advice about framing responses to common criticisms, such as of perfectionism and sensitivity; about overcoming blocks to development; about skillful decision-making and achieving balance. Agent, Stephanie Tade of the Jane Rotrosen Agency; 6-city author tour. (Oct.)