Behavioral science with a side of personal growth, this timely review of the causes and consequences of popularity will draw listeners back to their grade-school years--the crucible, according to the author, where adult popularity and status are formed. Reading his well-organized research findings, Prinstein is a decent speaker whose boyish sincerity is appealing and never too earnest. His psychological formulations are always accessible. An example is the distinction he makes between the magnetic but controversial power of status as compared to the warmer and more consistent appeal of people who are popular because they're likable. It's an empowering audio, not just because of its fascinating insights, but also because of the author's altruistic message: People are popular (and usually influential and successful, too) because of attitudes and behaviors that we can learn.
Pub Date: June 6, 2017
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524777807
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.
Feiler is interested in how we use rituals to connect with others in an age in which fewer people than ever are baptized, get married, or are eventually buried. He casts a wide net: filing down teeth for coming-of-age ceremonies, divorce parties, placenta burials, gender reveals, and more. Feiler isn’t a professional narrator, but his authenticity and gentle humor are clearly apparent in his voice, which lends the whole endeavor the feeling of a memoir. That seems appropriate, given that Feiler travels the world participating in Vegas weddings and Nordic cold plunges and develops his own new rituals with his family to celebrate beating cancer.
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336692
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.
Ashton examines the effect of humankind’s “story-shaped brain” on communication and culture, from the rise of humanity to the perilous current state of machine-driven interactions and artificial images feigning reality. His learned, heavily informative text requires no obvious “acting,” but its proper presentation demands varied levels of emotive emphasis. Derek Perkins’ intelligent narration and adept expressiveness match and even enhance the fascinating text. He excels as much in his ability to provide the exact level of emotional nuance required as he does in shaping tone and phrasing to convey literal sense. His clear, crisp voice, British accent, and perfect pacing help make this program a thorough pleasure.
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063438736
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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