10 to 25 by David Yeager: Book Overview & Lessons

In a classroom, a teacher is mentoring a teenage student

How can adults better connect with and mentor young people? The key lies in abandoning conventional approaches that assume young people are impulsive and incompetent, and instead adopting what psychologist David Yeager calls the “mentor mindset.” In his book 10 to 25, Yeager argues that rather than viewing young people as neurobiologically incompetent, effective mentors recognize that teens and young adults are actually quite capable—they’re just wired to prioritize social standing and peer respect over abstract future goals. This article explores Yeager’s research-backed approach to mentorship, examining why conventional authoritarian and permissive methods fall short, and providing practical strategies for

100 Baggers by Christopher W. Mayer: Book Overview

A hand holding a bag of money that has a dollar sign on it

Can ordinary investors achieve 100-to-1 returns on their stock investments? According to investment expert Christopher W. Mayer in his book 100 Baggers, the answer is yes. This comprehensive guide breaks down Mayer’s methodology into two essential parts: first, the five key characteristics that separate potential 100x performers from ordinary stocks, and second, the disciplined investment principles needed to actually capture these returns over the long term. Continue reading for a book overview.

The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal: Overview

A cartoon image of a man and woman jogging in a park

What if the secret to lasting fitness isn’t willpower or discipline, but rediscovering the natural joy your body was designed to feel during movement? In The Joy of Movement, Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal challenges everything we think we know about exercise by revealing how our brains are evolutionarily wired to find movement rewarding—not punishing. Whether you’re someone who dreads the gym or you’re seeking a deeper understanding of why some activities feel naturally energizing while others feel like punishment, this guide will help you discover how to harness movement’s built-in rewards to create sustainable, joyful fitness habits.

Unplug by Richard Simon: Overview, Lessons, & Exercises

A girl unplugging her cell phone from its charger

Do you reach for your smartphone dozens of times a day, even when you don’t need it? If so, you’re not alone. You’re caught in a cycle that affects millions of people worldwide—one where the very device designed to make life easier has become a source of distraction, anxiety, and disconnection. The solution isn’t about finding better apps or setting screen time limits; it requires a complete shift in focus away from constant digital stimulation and toward intentional, meaningful engagement with your real-world priorities. In his book Unplug, Richard Simon argues that breaking free from smartphone dependency demands radical action:

Me, But Better by Olga Khazan: Book Overview & Lessons

A woman looking at herself in the mirror and smiling

What if the anxious, disorganized, or introverted parts of your personality aren’t permanent fixtures, but changeable patterns you can reshape? Most people assume their personality traits are fixed characteristics they simply have to live with, but emerging research reveals otherwise: personality is malleable. In Me, But Better, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan chronicles both the science of personality transformation and her own year-long experiment to become more extroverted, emotionally stable, and socially confident. Here’s an overview of her book.

Life Lessons From a Brain Surgeon by Rahul Jandial: Overview

An up-close shot of a surgeon wearing a gown and gloves

How can something so small control every aspect of your existence? The human brain, with its 85 billion neurons forming over 100 trillion synaptic connections, holds the key to optimizing your cognitive abilities, protecting against age-related decline, and unlocking your full mental potential. In Life Lessons From a Brain Surgeon, neurosurgeon and scientist Rahul Jandial reveals how understanding your brain’s structure and function can transform the way you approach everything from daily habits to long-term health planning. Keep reading for a detailed overview of the book.

Shortform Articles: Read Something Worthwhile Today

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Here at Shortform, we’ve made a name for ourselves with our trademark book guides, but you might not know that we also produce human-written, high-quality articles. Shortform Articles are included with every Shortform subscription. Whether you want to stay updated on trending topics, get inspired by influential authors, or explore timeless topics like self-care and human connection, Shortform Articles are designed to inform, engage, and enrich your daily thinking. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Shortform Articles different—and why they might be exactly what your brain’s been craving. What Are Shortform Articles? Shortform Articles are original pieces of

The Tell by Amy Griffin—Book Overview and Takeaways

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Can psychedelic therapy unlock buried memories of childhood trauma? According to venture capitalist Amy Griffin, the answer is a resounding yes. In her acclaimed 2025 memoir The Tell, Griffin details how MDMA-assisted therapy helped her recover repressed memories of sexual abuse by a trusted teacher during middle school. Her story offers a compelling case study of memory recovery through psychedelic intervention, though it also enters contentious scientific territory where experts debate the reliability of drug-induced recollections and the very existence of repressed memories. Her memoir, which landed on Oprah’s Book Club list and earned her a spot on Time Magazine’s

I Used Shortform for a Month—Here’s What Happened

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Working on the blog team at Shortform, I spend a lot of time writing about books, ideas, and how people learn. But, outside of work, I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly engaged reader, too—that’s a big part of why I was drawn to working here in the first place.  So, I decided to challenge myself: I’d use Shortform every single day for a month. I wanted to put myself in the shoes of a Shortform subscriber and see how it actually fits into daily life. Week 1: Getting Oriented I wanted to experience the app the same way

Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood: Book Overview

A hand reaching for a phone or a book, trying to kick their bad habits for good habits

Have you ever wondered why your best intentions crumble? The answer isn’t a lack of willpower—it’s a misunderstanding of how your brain actually works. According to psychologist Wendy Wood’s research, roughly 43% of your daily actions are automatic habits. This means that no amount of willpower can directly override these deeply embedded behaviors. Wood’s insights in her book Good Habits, Bad Habits reveal that successful habit change requires working with your brain’s natural systems rather than fighting against them. By understanding the three key elements that create habits—context cues, repetition, and rewards—you can redesign your environment and behaviors to make