Why do some ideas and products catch on while others fall flat? Using scientific research and familiar examples, Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger explains the six integral principles (STEPPS) for creating "contagion": social currency, triggers, emotion, public awareness, practical value, and stories. While the material is engaging from the start, listeners should prepare themselves for narrator Keith Nobbs's initial hesitancy. Soon though, Nobbs's flatness and slow pace give way as he embraces the spirited narrative, which balances detailed research and anecdotal evidence. His comfortably paced, emphatic delivery enables listeners to consider an abundance of information in anticipation of forthcoming conclusions. The result is a wonderful give-and-take that will cause listeners to periodically raise their eyebrows in surprise or nod their heads in agreement.
Pub Date: March 5, 2013
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781442359383
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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