Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

As a strong believer in continuous improvement and learning, I found this book to be a great way to motivate myself to go out and learn something new. It has a great balance of storytelling from the author’s own experiences as a beginner, and also a few facts and interesting studies about how we learn. Easy and fun read.

I’m afraid this was a DNF from me, as I just couldn’t take to the book.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This is a difficult book to dislike as Mr Vanderbilt exposes himself and his family in the name of science to show us that it is never too late to learn new things and change your thinking. But I found it a bit repetitive and rather superficial. The idea that we need to think like a child again and allow ourselves to fail is valid and maybe we need to hear it but the author tries out loads of different new things and the lesson is virtually the same. I’m also not convinced about the 10,000 hour practice premise.

But there are many things to enjoy in the book. The part where the author goes to art classes is very interesting and the impact on the different students is helpful to read. It feels like we all cope differently with the idea of “not being good enough” but instead of continuing to practice, we give up.

I think this would be interesting to older people looking to develop a new hobby as it would show that your “process” is very typical and would therefore be reassuring. I’m the type who starts things and then quickly gives up because it isn’t “going in”. I think now I might persevere a bit longer.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review

When I saw this on NetGalley I thought it would be right up my street. I am a huge fan of lifelong learning, I am always trying to learn something new and have a huge range of hobbies, and I wasn’t disappointed. The author is obviously a very privileged, well-off man because he can afford to hire people to teach him, but there’s also a lot of useful information that can apply to you even if you have a smaller budget, like me! He meets and interviews various experts on specific skills as well as learning in general, providing nformation about how adults learn in contrast to how children and infants learn. One of the most useful things I learned was that learning multiple things at once is actually easier than learning one thing – I would have assumed it was the other way around!

Humorous and informative. It seems like a different spin on the 'dummies' books, with some science, interviews with experts with some life lessons strewn in. Not exactly my cup of tea, still an interesting read.

Thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

Beginners is an exciting and insightful exploration into the world of learning as an adult.

I was genuinely blown away by the book and I honestly think its one of those books you read that you never forget.

I really liked how the book follows Tom's journey and his experiences but also includes references to psychology, neuroscience and studies which back up his experiences.

I absolutely loved Tom's honesty and his outright courage in attempting all these new things in the face of the undeserved bad rep that being a beginner usually gets.

I am not going to lie that after finishing the book I have sought out classes and a choir to try out!

I would honestly recommend this book as reading to anyone that wants to try new things but just needs some courage to do so.

This is a book I expect to find soon in the "Smart thinking" section of any bookshop, and it follows the usual recipe - a mix of personal experience, a bit of science, some interviews with experts, and nicely packed life lessons. It's exactly what "Beginners" delivers and I really liked it. I found it interesting, inspiring and easy to read. The author is inspired by his young daughter to try out some of the things she is learning - chess being the first one, then we have swimming a bit later - and decides to go on a journey to learn new things. Learning has been linked to slower aging and people who keep learning throughout their lives are less likely to develop dementia. The science behind this and behind how we learn (and how come children are bettter learners??) is explored thanks to different scientists or masters of their own fields. I particularly loved the chapter on drawing and reading this book really made me think again about picking up something new and learning more. Really a very enjoyable book.

Right, that does it. I've read Tom Vanderbilt's book and I've written a list of things I want to be a beginner at. I'm going to join him and be a Beginner. Again.
I have been entertained and inspired by this book. A brilliant mix of stories, scientific findings, good humour and a nice narrative pace.
When a book inspires you to take action, you have to conclude that it's a powerful and purposeful book. I've joined Vanderbilt on his various journeys (via the book), and the people he meets, and the adventures he's had.
Wonderful. Go read it if you are into self-development in any shape or form!