Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World

An impressive look at how much of our modern world’s accomplishments have grown out of mankind’s need for play and relaxation. The desire for entertainment has, according to Johnson, led us to many of our cultural, industrial and technological advancements and revolutions. Johnson traces the rise of coffee from being viewed as a vile-tasting brew to, when properly promoted, popularizing coffee houses, which became stimulating and sober gathering places that sparked the sharing of ideas, eventually giving rise to revolutionary thoughts that would change society and the world. He follows the trail from basic musical instruments made out of bone to computer punch cards to modern laptops and cellphones. Newbern syncs easily with the author’s prose. His reading is straightforward and engaging. He keeps the book flowing with an earnest and sincere delivery that holds the listener’s attention. Even though he presents a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time, he never rushes and keeps his tone light. The end result is a relaxing listen that is as informative as it is enjoyable. A Riverhead hardcover. (Nov.)