Connected

The authors examine the importance of human connections and the influence of people's networks on how things happen in their lives. This interesting compilation of research covers topics such as how networks can help people solve problems and how many people need to be stopped and looking up on a sidewalk before an uninvolved passerby will do likewise. Nicholas Christakis brings a slightly academic tone to his narration, giving a bit of gravitas to what some may consider to be simple common sense: Happiness spreads through networks; happy people attract other happy people. While Christakis's delivery could benefit from more variation in tone, his steady pace makes this lengthy volume engaging. M.R. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine