Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Chris Hayes’s 3 Tips for Reclaiming Attention (The Sirens’ Call)

A hand reaching for a cell phone that's on a wooden table

How many times per day do you reach for your phone? Do you want to regain power over your attention? In The Sirens’ Call, MSNBC host Chris Hayes demystifies the mechanics of an economy built to commandeer your attention. He reveals how our attention has become a commodity seized and controlled by media platforms and advertisers for their profit. Here is Chris Hayes’s advice for how individuals and society can reclaim their attention.

The Careless People Controversy & Facebook’s Reaction

What controversy did the book Careless People cause? What was the public reception of the book? In Careless People, Sarah Wynn-Williams—Facebook’s Director of Global Policy from 2011-2017—offers an insider account of her time working alongside Facebook leaders. As expected, the tell-all book stirred up a mixture of reactions. Here’s a look at why the book caused discontent among some.

Delay, Deny, Defend by Jay Feinman—Book Overview

A stamp on a wooden desk that has the word "denied" on it

Have you had a valid health insurance claim denied? What can be done to restore the protection that insurance is meant to provide? In the book Delay, Deny, Defend, Jay Feinman argues that major US insurance companies have transformed from trusted protectors to profit-seeking entities that systematically avoid paying legitimate claims. He says major insurers abandoned their traditional protective role to maximize profits at the expense of their policyholders. Continue reading below for an overview of this eye-opening book.

Joy at Work—Book Overview (Marie Kondo, Scott Sonenshein)

Are you drowning in a sea of workspace clutter, endless emails, and back-to-back meetings? How can you find meaning in your work? In Joy at Work, tidying expert Marie Kondo and organizational psychologist Scott Sonenshein reveal how decluttering your workspace can dramatically boost your productivity and happiness. They help you eliminate distractions, reclaim control over your workday, and rediscover meaning in your professional life. Continue reading for an overview of the book, complete with practical exercises.

Together by Vivek Murthy—Book Overview & Takeaways

Watercolor art of a group of people in a line holding hands

Do you often find yourself feeling lonely, despite the world being more connected than ever? Why do humans crave social connection? In an age where digital connection has never been easier, an invisible epidemic of isolation threatens our well-being. In Together, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reveals that loneliness is a public health crisis with consequences as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Continue reading for an overview of the book Together.

The Sirens’ Call by Chris Hayes—Book Overview & Takeaways

A cell phone with long red hair sitting on a rock in the ocean like a siren

Do you struggle to maintain mental focus? What actions can you take to resist the attention economy? In The Sirens’ Call, MSNBC host Chris Hayes demystifies the mechanics of an economy built to commandeer your attention. He reveals how our attention has become a commodity seized and controlled by media platforms and advertisers for their profit. Continue reading for an overview of the book, along with insights on how to regain control of your mental life.

Writing for Busy Readers: Book Overview & Exercises

An up close image of a hand holding a pen and writing in a notebook

Why are some writers more successful than others at connecting with readers? How can you write more effectively? According to behavioral scientists Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink, successful writers write effectively. In Writing for Busy Readers, Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink offer evidence-based techniques you can use to improve your impact and increase your reach no matter what you’re writing about. Continue reading to learn why effective writing is so important and for the eight-step process to improve your writing.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams—Book Overview

Can tech leaders be trusted to shape our future? What happens when profit and power trump ethics and accountability? In Careless People, Sarah Wynn-Williams—Facebook’s Director of Global Policy from 2011-2017—offers an insider account of her time working at Facebook. In this memoir and tell-all, Wynn-Williams alleges that Facebook’s top leaders were dangerously reckless people who caused great harm in the world. Keep reading to learn more about the dark side of Facebook, as told by an insider.

What Is Effective Writing? Rogers and Lasky-Fink Explain

A man practicing effective writing while using his laptop in a cafe

When you write, does it have purpose? Do you tailor your writing to your readers? According to behavioral scientists Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink, successful writers write effectively. This means they convince readers that their content is worth engaging with, and they get their message across in a way that’s easy for readers to understand. Continue reading to learn what effective writing is from the book Writing for Busy Readers.

How to Spread a Message: Who, How, and When to Do It

A woman spreading a message by hanging a paper on a bulletin board

Do you want to know how to spread a message with your writing? What factors do you need to consider? Part of an effective writing strategy is knowing how to spread a message. You need to consider who the spokesperson will be, what medium you’ll use, when you’ll share your content, and how to follow up with your audience. Continue reading for advice from behavioral scientists Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink.