Peter Toohey is Professor of Classics at the University of Calgary, whose previous books include Boredom and Jealousy.

"An important initial investigation into the topic." -- CHOICE

"Showcasing Peter Toohey's knack for philosophical ingenuity and cross-genre storytelling, Hold On is a highly readable, often hilarious, study of a rarely appreciated state of mind: the state of waiting. With characteristic intellectual zest and an eye for detail, Toohey makes a case for the value of nurturing our inherent talent for waiting. Essential reading by a world-class writer. Never again will you be waiting in vain." -- Berit Brogaard, University of Miami

"Children wait for the holidays, students wait to graduate, lonely people wait for their soul mate... Need we always put our lives on hold? Can't we live now? Peter Toohey's book persuaded me that we can live while we wait. A pause can be pleasurable and a delay can be worth it. We can be good at waiting." -- Iskra Fileva, University of Colorado, Boulder

"Wait a little longer, you'll never regret it.' Peter Toohey's masterful slow ride through the arts and sciences echoes Pozzo's line from Waiting for Godot at every turn. We're all just waiting, and neuroscience research shows why that's a good thing, whether we are narrating Dr. Seuss, reveling in Miles Davis, or admiring a Degas pastel. Take your time with this book; it'll be worth it." -- Frank Partnoy,, author of Wait: The Art and Science of Delay