Champlin's book is a celebration of the power and possibilities of human thought and imagination. The author uses molecules as a metaphor for creating something new out of our personal experiences and connections to others. As such, the universe becomes a rich reflection of humanity's pursuit of understanding and progress. Inspired by his work at Disney Studios, Champlin has also created a conceptual tool to convey the thinking process and the imaginative spark needed to develop ideas. He calls this the Twinkle, which is not quite a light bulb but a placeholder for a newly arriving thought or idea. A Twinkle is a glimmer of thought that needs more time and focus to shine brighter. Twinkles have the possibility and power to impact individuals as well as communities or even the entire world. Champlin hopes that raising the quality of our thinking and making space for ideas and imagination will lead to peaceful co-existence, problem-solving, and purposeful, intentional living.

Using personal anecdotes and research, the author displays a verdant mind rich with references and associations that support curiosity and exploration across disciplines. Thinkers and writers from a wide range of fields of study like nanotechnology, physics, biomimicry, and animation are collected and combined to elucidate Champlin's call to think like a molecule. Clearly, he is devoted to learning as he models the very thing he celebrates, making connections in pursuit of new ideas and understanding. For example, Champlin writes, "Thinking like a molecule means noticing how physical things and people come together, how they work in combinations, and imagining new ways that those combinations can be replicated and improved. Thinking like a molecule may give us new perspectives on things we take for granted and inspire new thoughts about the assembly of our world." Ultimately, the author sees the potential in all of us for betterment as individuals and collectively.

His hopeful, urgent call to imagine possibilities for ourselves and our world is inspiring and thought-provoking. Champlin's engaging, charming voice is confident and playful, and his ability to break down his molecular view of the world is powerful and full of insight. Many writers have seen the metaphorical value of nature and write lyrically about the processes of trees, flowers, rivers, and the seasons as mirrors for human struggles, cycles, and behavior. Champlin achieves a similar feat at the molecular level. His purpose is not to explain the universe but to inspire with the universe's foundations applied to human endeavor. With cogent, compelling prose, Champlin offers up a unique perspective of what it means to think like a molecule, which "can help us build a better pathway to insights and positive outcomes for life on the planet, all born out of the infinitely unpredictable and infinitely vast realm of possibilities."

While Champlin acknowledges the stumbling blocks to igniting and following twinkles of thought, his message is hopeful and helpful. Uncertainty and ambiguity exist in human systems but should not be impossible barriers that cannot be overcome. With Champlin's treasure trove of ideas, insight, and grounded wisdom, our minds can embark on infinite possibilities of thought, for "to think is our best nature."

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