Celeste Headlee Books

Celeste Headlee is a journalist and broadcaster who hosts the daily news show On Second Thought on Georgia Public Broadcasting. She’s spent more than ten years with NPR, and is also a classically trained singer. Her second book, Do Nothing, is about how to enjoy your leisure time.

  1. 1We Need to Talk

    We Need to Talk

    Celeste Headlee

    How to Have Conversations That Matter

    4.3 (252 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
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    What's We Need to Talk about?

    We Need to Talk (2017) walks you through the art of good conversation – a vital but often undervalued skill. It shows how effective conversation leads to more meaningful relationships and a greater understanding of other people. The book also offers advice on how to improve your own conversation skills.

    Who should read We Need to Talk?

    • People frustrated by superficial conversations
    • Keen talkers who want to become better listeners
    • Conversationalists eager to improve their skills
  2. 2Do Nothing

    Do Nothing

    Celeste Headlee

    How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving

    4.2 (316 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Do Nothing about?

    Do Nothing (2020) argues that our obsession with efficiency and productivity has led us to underestimate the power of leisure. Tracing the rise of efficiency in previous centuries, as well as the present-day consequences of stretching ourselves too thin, author Celeste Headlee claims that we need to begin to allow ourselves to experience the true joy of idleness.

    Who should read Do Nothing?

    • Productivity junkies who need a reason to wind down
    • Overworked employees trying to learn how to de-stress
    • Working parents who never make time for themselves