Breaking news from the Next Big Idea Club: Curators Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink have reviewed their list of eight season finalists and hand-picked their favorite nonfiction books of the season. Without further ado, this season’s two can’t-miss reads are…
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out
By Amanda Ripley
When we are baffled by the insanity of the “other side”—in our politics, at work, or at home—it’s because we aren’t seeing how the conflict itself has taken over. In this timely read, award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by “high conflict”—and how they break free. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
“Bringing in case studies, data, and discoveries from social psychology, Ripley offers practical solutions for all of us to use. She explains how to de-escalate, how to mediate, and how to resolve.” – Susan Cain
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
By Shankar Vedantam and Bill Mesler
Self-deception does terrible harm to us, to our communities, and to the planet. But if it is so bad for us, why is it ubiquitous? In Useful Delusions, NPR host Shankar Vedantam and science writer Bill Mesler argue that, paradoxically, self-deception can also play a vital role in our success and well-being. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
“The deft scientific explanations and brisk storytelling in Useful Delusions will make you think differently about your religious convictions, your national pride, even your favorite football team.” – Daniel Pink
To enjoy Book Bites from anywhere, download the Next Big Idea App today:
