Hannah Aster

SEO Team Lead

Hannah is a seasoned writer and editor who started her journey with Shortform nearly five years ago. She grew up reading mostly fiction books but transitioned to non-fiction writing when she started her travel website in 2018. When she's not writing or traveling, you can find Hannah working on home reno projects, crafting, or taking care of plants.

Expertise

Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in professional and creative writing

Range by David Epstein: Review, Context, & Approach

Are you thinking of reading Range by David Epstein? Is the book really worth all the hype? David Epstein is a former writer for Sports Illustrated who has built his career writing about the science behind athleticism. In Range, Epstein makes the case for generalism: a broad competence in many areas rather than the extreme mastery of one. Not only does cultivating range free you to pursue more of your interests, it entails professional advantages you could have never predicted. Here is our review of Range by David Epstein.

How to Be Good at Small Talk: The 3 Principles

Do you want to know how to be good at small talk? Should you wait for somebody to approach you or should you start the conversation? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, author Debra Fine says that anyone can master small talk if they practice the principles. Whether you like it or not, it’s impossible to avoid small talk because it’s present in many aspects of life, so you might as well get better at it. Here are Fine’s tips for how to improve your small talk skills.

How to Make Personal Connections: Acceptance Is Key

Do you struggle to make personal connections with others? What does acceptance have to do with connection? Whether it’s with a friend or with a date, making connections is important. There are several ways you can go about doing this, but the root of all connections is acceptance. Keep reading to learn how to make personal connections.

Caste: Book Review, Context, and Background

Are you looking for a book review of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson? Does the book deserve all of the hype it received upon its release? Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste was an almost instant bestseller, making it onto Oprah and Barack Obama’s suggested reading lists. It was generally well-received, however, it did receive some criticism. This Caste book review cover’s the book’s background, context, and critical reception by the readers.

Range: Generalists Triumph Over Specialists

Why is it better to have a wide range of skills rather than focusing on one specialty? What is the three-stage formula for becoming a generalist? According to David Epstein’s book Range, generalists do better in life than specialists. Given the unpredictable nature of the world and the fact that many specialized jobs are being replaced by technology, focusing on one specialty your whole life will be detrimental to your success. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of being a generalist and how to be one.

The Fine Art of Small Talk: Review, Context, & Approach

Is Debra Fine’s book The Fine Art of Small Talk worth reading? What did the critics have to say after the book’s release? According to Debra Fine, small talk is a skill well worth developing because our careers, romantic prospects, and social lives depend on connecting with other people. It’s difficult to succeed socially without small talk because it establishes the emotional tone of our interactions and helps us gauge how deeply we’d like to connect with each other. Here is our full The Fine Art of Small Talk review including a discussion about the book’s context, approach, and organization.

How to Make Someone Feel Special on a First Date

Want to know how to make someone feel special on a date? How should you act on a first date? Many people go on a first date with high expectations and hopes of making a deep connection with someone. However, establishing a deep connection with someone will take time. In the beginning, it’s best to let go of expectations and just focus on one another. Here are some tips for going on a first date.

Angela Duckworth: What Is the Meaning of “Grit?”

What is the meaning of “grit”? Is the idea of grit something new and revolutionary, or is it an old concept with a new name? In her New York Times bestselling book Grit, Angela Duckworth defines grit as a personality trait that combines perseverance and passion. She asserts that having grit is more important than any natural intelligence or talent. However, not everyone agrees with Duckworth’s conclusions. Continue reading to learn more about the meaning of grit from opposing viewpoints.

David Epstein: Generalist vs. Specialist

Is it better to have a wide range of skills or be an expert in one specialty? What are the downsides of being an expert in one field? In his book Range, David Epstein explains why, contrary to traditional belief, it’s better to have a wide variety of general skills rather than being an expert in one specialty. There are three major reasons why the specialist path falls short. Read more to learn about the generalist vs. specialist conundrum.

What Is the Purpose of Small Talk?

Why is small talk so important? Are there benefits to mastering small talk? The need for small talk comes up more than many of us would like—at work, with neighbors, on dates, and even with family members. So, whether you like it or not, you should learn to get better at the art of small talk. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of small talk generally and in business relationships.