Shortform Books

The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist: Overview

What’s the truth about the difference between the right brain and the left brain? Is one dominant over the other? Is one more important than the other? In The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist argues that pop psychology has given us a wrong—and dangerous—impression of the brain’s hemispheres. He contends that the right hemisphere is more important—and that our failure to recognize this threatens to rob our lives of meaning and happiness. Continue reading for an overview of this contrarian book.

Power: Shahida Arabi’s Guide to Surviving Narcissism

What is Power by Shahida Arabi about? Are you stuck in a relationship with a narcissist? In Power, Shahida Arabi provides an overview of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and describes a narcissist’s signature manipulation strategies. She also gives advice for healing after narcissistic abuse. Read below for a brief overview of Shahida Arabi’s Power.

Unreasonable Hospitality Quotes for Your Inner Chef

What are the best Unreasonable Hospitality quotes about the restaurant business? How did Eleven Madison Park become a fine dining establishment? Will Guidara first joined Eleven Madison Park in 2006, when the restaurant’s then-owner tapped Guidara and chef Daniel Humm to transform the restaurant into a fine-dining establishment. Guidara and Humm succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, garnering widespread acclaim and buying out the restaurant in 2011. Continue reading for Unreasonable Hospitality quotes that depict this restaurant journey.

What the Microsoft and Activision Deal Means for Gamers

Why are some wary of the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal? What does it mean for the future of Activision? Microsoft can proceed with a $69 billion deal to purchase video game publisher Activision Blizzard—the largest such deal in gaming history. Some members of the gaming community share the FTC’s concerns, while those in favor of the merger say this is an opportunity for Microsoft to improve Activision. Below we’ll take a look at the ruling and what it means for the future.

Gabor Maté’s Scattered Minds: Book Overview & ADHD Tips

How can childhood experiences cause ADHD? Can ADHD be managed without medication? How can parents help children who suffer from ADHD? In Scattered Minds, Gabor Maté argues that ADHD isn’t just a biological disorder. ADHD also is a psychological disorder that can’t just be solved with medication. Read below for a brief Scattered Minds book overview.

Better Small Talk: Patrick King’s Advice for Talking to Anyone

What’s the point of small talk? Why is it important to be skilled at it? Life is full of conversations—in both personal and professional settings. In Better Small Talk, Patrick King shows how you can improve the quality of your small talk and use it to shift conversations into more interesting and meaningful territory. Continue reading for an overview of this practical and relevant book.

Conversation Résumé + 4 More Ways to Prepare for Quality Talks

Are you prepared to start meaningful conversations and keep them going? Do you have a conversation résumé? If you were to have one, what would go on it? To get better at any sort of conversation, you need to prepare to have it beforehand—in the same way you should warm up your muscles before running a race. Social interaction specialist Patrick King shares five conversation preparation techniques to set you up for greater success in conversations. Keep reading to learn how to always be prepared for quality conversations.

Build Confidence in Your Child to Help Them Meet 6 Challenges

Do your kids compare themselves to each other? Do you have a child who “pretend-cries”? Do you find yourself in a struggle at mealtimes and bedtimes? In her book Good Inside, clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy explains what confidence really means and how confident children are more equipped to handle what life throws at them. She shows how you can help your child develop this all-important trait and start using it to deal with a variety of situations. Read more to discover how building confidence in your child can help them meet six common challenges.

How to Hook a Reader: The 3 Questions You Must Answer Up Front

When a reader starts to read your story, what are they looking for? What must you give them if you want them to keep reading? Lisa Cron asserts that stories satisfy neurological needs that humans evolved over millennia. So, good writers understand these needs and satisfy them as they craft their stories. Arguably, the primary thing that readers require is a good reason to keep reading past the first page. Read more to discover how to hook a reader by fulfilling their immediate need.

Excited Body Language: 2 Behaviors That Indicate Excitement

How can you tell if someone is genuinely excited to see you? What excited body language behavior is also a tai chi move? We all exhibit subtle physical behaviors that put our emotions on display to those who are skilled in interpreting body language. Joe Navarro teaches these skills in his book The Dictionary of Body Language. Read more to learn what Navarro has to say about behaviors that point to excitement.