In this guide for general readers, Sloane, a speaker on innovation and leadership who has written other books on lateral thinking, draws on current research to provide practical tips, exercises, puzzles and other methods to use right away to develop lateral, analytical, and parallel thinking. Some areas explored include problem solving, improving memory, emotional intelligence, verbal and mathematical thinking, positive thinking, humor, and confronting assumptions. The book includes a checklist of key ideas and a list of further reading. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)