The best 55 Manipulation books

1
Exactly What to Say

Exactly What to Say

Phil M Jones
Your Personal Guide to the Mastery of Magic Words
4.7 (720 ratings)

What's Exactly What to Say about?

Exactly What to Say (2017) is designed to provide you with the key phrases and words to make your conversations count and bring you success. It contains magic words. Words that are heard and interpreted by the subconscious mind. Words which will help you get the results you want.

Who should read Exactly What to Say?

  • Anyone interested in how words can influence others at a subconscious level
  • Success-driven individuals who want to up their game
  • Entrepreneurs who want to get their prospects to say yes more often

2
Flipnosis

Flipnosis

Kevin Dutton
The Art of Split-Second Persuasion
4.6 (16 ratings)

What's Flipnosis about?

Flipnosis (2010) looks at the role of persuasion in our lives, and the social and biological underpinnings that allow some people to quickly and successfully encourage and convince those around them. By examining the science and looking at real-world master persuaders – from magicians and advertisers to criminals and psychopaths – you too can tap into the art of persuasion.

Who should read Flipnosis?

  • Would-be social engineers, looking for a few tricks to improve their influence
  • Free-thinkers who want to make sure that their choices are, in fact, their own
  • Anyone who has been sold something they didn’t want, and were left wondering: What just happened?

3
Influence

Influence

Robert B. Cialdini
The Psychology of Persuasion
4.6 (1,345 ratings)

What's Influence about?

Influence (1984) explains in detail the fundamental principles of persuasion. How do you get people to say yes? How do other people get you to say yes? How are you manipulated by sleek salesmen, clever marketing folks and sneaky confidence tricksters? These blinks will help you understand the psychology behind their techniques, enabling you to unleash your own persuasive powers, while also defending against their tactics of manipulation.

Who should read Influence?

  • Anyone working in marketing or sales
  • People who sometimes find it hard to say no to salespeople or marketers
  • Those interested in how their decision-making is constantly being manipulated

4
The Laws of Human Nature

The Laws of Human Nature

Robert Greene
What affects your day-to-day life
4.5 (483 ratings)

What's The Laws of Human Nature about?

The Laws of Human Nature (2018) takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of the human condition that often go overlooked or unacknowledged. As author Robert Greene explains, we are all a bit narcissistic, irrational, short-sighted and prone to compulsive and aggressive behavior. But once we accept and start to understand these aspects of human nature, we can begin to control and even benefit from them.

Who should read The Laws of Human Nature?

  • Students of psychology and human nature
  • Those seeking to understand their behavior
  • People who want to live a better life

5
Games People Play

Games People Play

Eric Berne
The Psychology of Human Relationships
3.7 (370 ratings)

What's Games People Play about?

Games People Play (1964) explores the fascinating and bizarre world of psychological games, where players unconsciously manipulate each other into acting in alienating and self-destructive ways. Eric Berne dissects the hidden dynamics beneath the games people play – and shows how to escape from them and find true intimacy.

Who should read Games People Play?

  • People interested in human behavior
  • Life coaches and therapists
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to deal with difficult people

6
Irresistible

Irresistible

Adam Alter
The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked
4.3 (134 ratings)

What's Irresistible about?

Irresistible (2017) shows how dangerously dependent we’ve become on the smartphones, tablets, video games and social platforms that we’ve surrounded ourselves with. Is our attachment to these devices strictly related to the convenience they provide? Or have we actually grown addicted to the psychological rewards they offer?

Who should read Irresistible?

  • Psychology students
  • Technology addicts
  • Anyone looking to be more productive

7
Surrounded by Narcissists

Surrounded by Narcissists

Thomas Erikson
How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People (and Not Lose Your Mind)
4.4 (575 ratings)

What's Surrounded by Narcissists about?

Surrounded By Narcissists (2022) is a guide to recognizing narcissists and understanding how they operate. Erikson suggests simple, effective methods for dealing with any narcissists you know, whether it’s your partner, a relative, someone you work with, or possibly all three – you may be surrounded.

Who should read Surrounded by Narcissists?

  • Victims of narcissists
  • Empaths who are worried about being manipulated
  • Anyone who’s interested in psychology or personality types

8
The Charisma Myth

The Charisma Myth

Olivia Fox Cabane
How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism
4.2 (348 ratings)

What's The Charisma Myth about?

The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

Who should read The Charisma Myth?

  • Anyone who wants to know what constitutes charisma
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to become more charismatic

9
Talking to Strangers

Talking to Strangers

Malcolm Gladwell
What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know
4.1 (841 ratings)

What's Talking to Strangers about?

Talking to Strangers (2019) is a powerful exploration of how little we know about the people we don’t know. It explores how we misjudge and misunderstand strangers, sometimes with terrible consequences, making a powerful case for more tolerance and patience in our dealings with others.

In these blinks, you’ll learn

  • why real life is nothing like an episode of Friends;
  • how the look on our face when we are surprised is itself surprising; and
  • that artificial intelligence can assess a person’s character better than high court judges.

Who should read Talking to Strangers?

  • City dwellers living in a crowd of strangers
  • Malcolm Gladwell fans
  • Those who think they’re a good judge of character

10
Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

Stephanie M. Kriesberg
Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve
4.7 (27 ratings)

What's Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers about?

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (2022) explores the ramifications of having a narcissistic parent, and what you as an adult can do to release yourself from your mother’s toxic hold. Its toolkit will help you manage the difficult feelings that come with being raised by a narcissist – like self-doubt, shame, and anxiety – so that you can start living on your own terms. 

Who should read Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers?

  • Adults with controlling, manipulative, or domineering mothers
  • Those who have struggled with anxiety and insecurity since they were young
  • Anyone who has felt fundamentally flawed since they were a child

11
Captivate

Captivate

Vanessa Van Edwards
The Science of Succeeding with People
4.2 (165 ratings)

What's Captivate about?

Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

Who should read Captivate?

  • Young people who want to improve their social skills
  • Singles looking to become dating pros
  • Managers and entrepreneurs who want their employees to do their best

12
Skin in the Game

Skin in the Game

Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
4.2 (379 ratings)

What's Skin in the Game about?

Skin in the Game (2018) explores the ways in which our interactions with others are secretly influenced by risk and symmetry. By drawing on ideas from the field of probability, and applying them to everyday scenarios, Taleb reveals unexpected and often dazzling insights about what really makes society tick.

Who should read Skin in the Game?

  • Anyone interested in risk analysis
  • Anyone looking for fresh insights into economics
  • Social psychology students and enthusiasts

13
The Prince

The Prince

Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavelli's classic text on leadership and politics
4.6 (291 ratings)

What's The Prince about?

The Prince is a 16th century guide on how to be an autocratic leader of a country. It explains why ends like glory and power always justify even brutal means for princes. Thanks to this book, the word “Machiavellian” came to mean using deceit and cunning to one’s advantage.

Who should read The Prince?

  • Anyone who wants to understand how autocratic leaders think
  • Anyone interested in political philosophy/history
  • Anyone who wants to know what truly cold, amoral leadership looks like

14
Experiments With People

Experiments With People

Robert P. Abelson
Revelations From Social Psychology
4.4 (80 ratings)

What's Experiments With People about?

Experiments With People (2003) is a survey of social psychology throughout the twentieth century, and everything we have come to learn from it. These blinks will teach you about yourself, the hidden sides of human nature, why we make the choices we do and how altruistic humans really are.

Who should read Experiments With People?

  • Students of psychology and the social sciences
  • Impulsive people looking to include more rationality in their daily lives
  • Highly social people interested in the intricacies human nature

15
Should I Stay Or Should I Go

Should I Stay Or Should I Go

Ramani Durvasula
Surviving A Relationship with a Narcissist
3.8 (28 ratings)

What's Should I Stay Or Should I Go about?

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

Who should read Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

  • Anyone not feeling seen, heard, or respected by a partner
  • People dealing with a narcissistic parent, friend, or colleague
  • Those struggling to decide whether they should stay in or leave a relationship

16
Give and Take

Give and Take

Adam Grant
A Revolutionary Approach to Success
4.4 (260 ratings)

What's Give and Take about?

Give and Take offers a breath of fresh air to traditional theories of what it takes to be successful. Backed by ground-breaking research, Give and Take demonstrates how giving more to others, rather than competing against them, may be the secret to profound success and fulfillment.

Who should read Give and Take?

  • Anyone who wants to understand how those who give become so successful
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to influence others without being domineering
  • Anyone who suffers from burnout by giving too much to others

17
59 Seconds

59 Seconds

Richard Wiseman
Think a Little, Change a Lot
4.1 (221 ratings)

What's 59 Seconds about?

59 seconds (2010) lays out some handy tips and insights backed by scientific research. Apply them today, and experience the change you want in your life.

Who should read 59 Seconds?

  • People sick of the same old self-help books
  • Creative thinkers
  • Psychology enthusiasts

18
In Sheep’s Clothing

In Sheep’s Clothing

George Simon Jr.
Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People
4.2 (65 ratings)

What's In Sheep’s Clothing about?

In Sheep’s Clothing (1996) reveals the aggressive, undercover agenda of manipulative individuals, whose covert tactics would otherwise remain hidden. These blinks offers you tools to become aware of, prepare for and deal with the tricks used by manipulative colleagues, family members and friends.

Who should read In Sheep’s Clothing?

  • People who are overly anxious and fearful of social rejection
  • People who believe they might be in a relationship with a manipulator
  • People who want to learn how to fight back against manipulators

19
Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

Romilla Ready and Kate Burton
A beginner's guide to one of psychology's hottest topics
4.0 (249 ratings)

What's Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies about?

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies (2015) is an introduction to the basic principles behind NLP. If you’ve ever struggled to say what’s on your mind, NLP may be of use to you. Discover the human traits that can keep us from understanding each other and the helpful methods that can lead to clear and effective communication.

Who should read Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies?

  • Readers who strive to communicate clearly
  • Students of neuroscience and linguistics
  • Anyone open to new ideas and techniques for improvement

20
Super Thinking

Super Thinking

Gabriel Weinberg with Lauren McCann
The Big Book of Mental Models
4.3 (446 ratings)

What's Super Thinking about?

Super Thinking (2019) is a conceptual toolkit designed to help you cut through complexity and make better decisions. Drawing on insights from fields as varied as biology and economics, entrepreneur Gabriel Weinberg and statistician Lauren McCann present the “mental models” used by today’s top problem-solvers and decision-makers. But this isn’t a dry academic treatise on logic: apply these models to your personal and professional conundrums and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a super thinker in your own right!

Who should read Super Thinking?

  • Thinkers and logicians
  • Science buffs 
  • Self-optimizers 

21
Emotional Blackmail

Emotional Blackmail

Susan Forward with Donna Frazier
When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You
4.5 (126 ratings)

What's Emotional Blackmail about?

Emotional Blackmail (1997) helps us understand, identify, confront and remedy manipulation in our closest relationships. These blinks are filled with insightful explanations about the true nature of toxic relationships and provide you with the tools you need to break out of this vicious cycle.

Who should read Emotional Blackmail?

  • Anyone tired of fighting a losing battle with a loved one
  • People who suspect they let fear run their life
  • People who want to empower themselves in their relationships

22
Stick with It

Stick with It

Sean D. Young
A Scientifically Proven Process for Changing Your Life – for Good
4.4 (102 ratings)

What's Stick with It about?

Stick with It (2017) offers sensible advice that you can start using today to make positive changes in your life. Drawing from real-world case studies and the latest behavioral research, author Sean Young provides a thorough and rational plan for how you can combat your bad habits and follow through on your dreams and goals.

Who should read Stick with It?

  • Anyone struggling to make lasting changes in their life
  • Readers who are eager to break bad habits
  • Professionals keen to improve ineffective personal work routines

23
Thank You for Arguing

Thank You for Arguing

Jay Heinrichs
What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion
4.2 (167 ratings)

What's Thank You for Arguing about?

Thank You for Arguing (2013) is a guide to the art of rhetoric. These blinks explain what rhetoric really is, how persuasion works and how to win a debate by drawing on in-depth research, anecdotes and theories from the great orators of history.

Who should read Thank You for Arguing?

  • Anyone interested in making good arguments
  • Politicians or anyone who debates politics
  • Parents looking for techniques with which to persuade their children

24
Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling

Jonathan Shapiro
Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade
4.0 (90 ratings)

What's Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling about?

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling (2016) reveals the unexpected relationship between screenwriting and the art of presenting a legal case. These are two disciplines that both rely on great storytelling skills and effective rhetoric. So with the aid of real-life examples and tips people in television and film, you’ll find out how you can use the art of storytelling to craft compelling cases that will keep the courtroom riveted.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“I love all the quirks and oddities of human behavior showcased in these blinks, they make for great conversation!”

– Ben H, Head of Editorial at Blinkist

Who should read Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling?

  • Lawyers looking to up their storytelling game
  • Anyone wanting to uncover how successful lawyers win cases
  • Budding public speakers interested in the art of rhetoric

25
The Narcissist You Know

The Narcissist You Know

Joseph Burgo
Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About-Me Age
4.2 (159 ratings)

What's The Narcissist You Know about?

“Narcissism” has become a buzzword and a snap diagnosis, but how much do we really understand about this condition? The Narcissist You Know (2015) unpacks the myths and the truths. Narcissism isn’t just a serious psychiatric disorder, it’s part of life – we all share some tendency toward it. By analyzing a wide range of narcissists – many of them celebrities – Joseph Burgo reveals the hidden shame that lies behind all the pain.

Who should read The Narcissist You Know?

  • Anyone interested in psychology
  • People who want to learn how to deal with narcissists

26
The Confidence Game

The Confidence Game

Maria Konnikova
Why We Fall For It . . . Every Time
4.1 (128 ratings)

What's The Confidence Game about?

The Confidence Game (2016) reveals exactly how con artists can strike it rich by taking advantage of some major flaws in human nature. Find out why people believe incredibly unlikely stories and ignore incriminating evidence, and discover how basic human trust and optimism can be used to a con artist’s advantage.

Who should read The Confidence Game?

  • Aspiring con artists who want to learn how anyone can be fooled
  • People who think they could never be fooled by a con artist
  • Students of human nature and human behavior

27
Phishing for Phools

Phishing for Phools

George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller
The Economics of Manipulation and Deception
4.0 (91 ratings)

What's Phishing for Phools about?

Phishing for Phools (2015) reveals the ways in which modern free-market systems, so often praised as the epitome of rational exchange, are fueled instead by willful deceit, with the goal of pushing you to act against your self-interest.

Who should read Phishing for Phools?

  • Economists or students examining free-market systems
  • Any consumer interested in how the market works
  • Socially-conscious business owners

28
The Upside of Your Dark Side

The Upside of Your Dark Side

Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener
Why Being Your Whole Self – Not Just Your “Good” Self – Drives Success and Fulfillment
4.0 (176 ratings)

What's The Upside of Your Dark Side about?

The Upside of Your Dark Side looks into the darkest depths of the human psyche, only to discover that the painful emotions that we often wish we could just make go away – anger, anxiety, guilt – are sometimes the key to our success. Backed by many fascinating scientific studies, The Upside of Your Dark Side makes it clear that psychological health means wholeness rather than happiness.

Who should read The Upside of Your Dark Side?

  • Anyone who’s fed up with the happiness-hype in popular psychology
  • Anyone who tries to bottle up his or her negative emotions
  • Anyone interested in psychology

29
Think Like a Freak

Think Like a Freak

Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Find the unconvential yet brilliant ideas hidden in data
4.3 (146 ratings)

What's Think Like a Freak about?

Think Like A Freak is a blueprint for thinking unconventionally and creatively. It demonstrates the benefits of letting go of conventional wisdoms, and teaches you to dig deeper to find out how things really work. By learning to think like a "freak", you’ll gain access to an entirely new way of solving problems and making sense of the world.

Who should read Think Like a Freak?

  • Anyone who likes to challenge conventional beliefs
  • Anyone interested in how statistics can help solve problems
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to think more creatively and unconventionally

30
If You Tell

If You Tell

Gregg Olsen
A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
3.9 (15 ratings)

What's If You Tell about?

If You Tell (2019) details the story of Michelle “Shelly” Knotek, the mother of three daughters who subjected her family to an ongoing nightmare of abuse and torture. Those who got close to Shelly had a way of succumbing to her methods of manipulation and control. For some, it meant their death.

Who should read If You Tell?

  • True crime fanatics
  • Anyone interested in stories of incredible resilience
  • People curious about the psychology of serial killers

31
The Small BIG

The Small BIG

Steve J. Martin
Small Changes that Spark Big Influence
4.3 (57 ratings)

What's The Small BIG about?

The Small BIG offers 52 examples on how minor changes in your behavior can make you more confident and successful when it comes to negotiating with and persuading others. Those who read this book will be able to draw value from the examples and make significant improvements to their persuasion style.

Who should read The Small BIG?

  • Anyone who manages individuals or teams
  • Anyone with children
  • Anyone who wants to improve his or her persuasiveness

32
The Power of Bad

The Power of Bad

John Tierney and Roy Baumeister
How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It
4.5 (139 ratings)

What's The Power of Bad about?

The Power of Bad (2019) is a thorough exploration of the outsized influence negativity has in our personal lives and our society. Based on well-researched insights from social psychology, political science, and economics, it unpacks how this “negativity bias” came about and what we can do to overcome it.

Who should read The Power of Bad?

  • Pessimists looking for a brighter perspective
  • Amateur psychologists seeking insight into human behavior
  • Anyone desiring a new perspective on what shapes society

33
The Secret History

The Secret History

Donna Tartt
A Novel
4.8 (14 ratings)

What's The Secret History about?

The Secret History (1992) is the gripping tale of a group of Classics students at a New England college who are involved in the murder of a classmate. The novel explores the complex relationships between the friends, and the impact the incident has on their lives.

Who should read The Secret History?

  • People who enjoy psychological fiction
  • Fans of the “dark academia” genre
  • Anyone with an interest in Classics

34
Messengers

Messengers

Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks
Who We Listen To, Who We Don’t, And Why
4.4 (147 ratings)

What's Messengers about?

Messengers (2019) is a fascinating exploration of why we listen to, follow, or believe in some people but not others. It explains why thoughtful experts are sometimes ignored in favor of confident blowhards. And it reveals why apparently irrelevant details, like the color of someone’s lipstick or the roundness of their face, can make a huge difference to how we respond to them. 

Who should read Messengers?

  • Communicators who want to step up their influence 
  • Professionals who want to be more persuasive 
  • Anyone who wants to find more ways to connect with the people in their lives

35
Mindwise

Mindwise

Nicholas Epley
How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel and Want
3.7 (82 ratings)

What's Mindwise about?

In Mindwise, author Nicholas Epley looks at our ability to read the minds of other people, arguing that we believe ourselves to be far more adept at “mind reading” than we actually are. He reveals the common mistakes we make when trying to figure out what other people feel or want, and provides an entirely new perspective on how to handle both your own stereotypes and those of other people.

Who should read Mindwise?

  • Anyone wanting to understand the desires of people around them
  • Anyone curious about the common mistakes we make when guessing others’ feelings
  • Anyone interested in learning how their own mind works

36
The Upside of Irrationality

The Upside of Irrationality

Dan Ariely
The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home
4.3 (76 ratings)

What's The Upside of Irrationality about?

In The Upside of Irrationality (2011), Dan Ariely uses behavioral economics to show us why we behave irrationally, how it affects our decision-making processes, and what we can do to make better choices.

Who should read The Upside of Irrationality?

  • Psychology and behavioral economics students
  • People who want to know why they act irrationally sometimes
  • People curious about human behavior

37
The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit

The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit

John V. Petrocelli
Harnessing Critical Thinking Habits to Combat False Information
3.7 (158 ratings)

What's The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit about?

The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit (2021) uses real-world examples to help you build critical thinking habits – which will enable you to recognize and resist all the false information that pervades society.

Who should read The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit?

  • Bullshit detectors who want to hone their skills
  • People who think they’re immune to bullshitting
  • Anyone who yearns for a bullshit-free world

38
The True Believer

The True Believer

Eric Hoffer
Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
4.0 (57 ratings)

What's The True Believer about?

The True Believer (1951), published in the aftermath of World War II, is an exploration of mass movements and the means by which they attract followers. These blinks will take you on a walk through history – showing how, under certain circumstances, be they right or wrong, anyone can become a true believer.

Who should read The True Believer?

  • People wanting to learn about the history, logic and component parts of mass movements
  • Those interested in group psychology
  • Anybody with an interest in politics and how change is affected

39
Spy the Lie

Spy the Lie

Philip Houston
Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception
4.1 (97 ratings)

What's Spy the Lie about?

Spy the Lie reveals the typical strategies that liars use to try to deceive you, as well as the tools to help you detect them. This book draws on field-tested methods for lie detection developed by former CIA officers, which helps to spot the signs of a lie and ask the right questions to uncover the truth.

Who should read Spy the Lie?

  • Anyone who conducts interviews
  • Anyone who works in sales, marketing or law enforcement
  • Anyone interested in communication

40
You Are Not So Smart

You Are Not So Smart

David McRaney
Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, and 46 Other Ways You’re Deluding Yourself
4.3 (88 ratings)

What's You Are Not So Smart about?

You Are Not So Smart (2011) explores the many different ways we have of deluding ourselves. By delving into a wide range of psychological research, the author challenges the notion that we are logical, rational beings who see the world as it really is and makes a case that we mislead ourselves every single day, for better and for worse.

Who should read You Are Not So Smart?

  • Anyone who believes that they’re quite rational in their thinking and behavior
  • Anyone interested in how we delude ourselves every day

41
Snakes in Suits

Snakes in Suits

Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare
When Psychopaths Go to Work
4.1 (72 ratings)

What's Snakes in Suits about?

Snakes in Suits (2006) examines what happens when a psychopath doesn’t wind up in jail, but instead puts on a suit and gets a job. The book outlines the tactics these predators use, how they damage companies and how you can protect yourself.

Who should read Snakes in Suits?

  • Anyone who thinks their boss, colleague, subordinate, friend or partner may be a psychopath
  • Anyone who wants to know how to protect themselves or their company from the destructive influence of psychopaths

42
Collective Illusions

Collective Illusions

Todd Rose
Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions
4.6 (53 ratings)

What's Collective Illusions about?

Collective Illusions (2022) explores the idea of conformity bias: how it shapes our decisions for better or worse, and how we can overcome this behavior and even use it for good.

Who should read Collective Illusions?

  • Amateur brain scientists
  • People who want to be the change
  • Dissenters and activists

43
Out of Character

Out of Character

David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo
Surprising Truths about the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us
4.1 (37 ratings)

What's Out of Character about?

Out of Character (2011), introduces a more flexible idea about character that goes beyond the classic dichotomy of the saint and the sinner. These blinks use psychological experiments to demonstrate how many of the traits we consider fixed are prone to influence by outside events, often in surprising ways.

Who should read Out of Character?

  • Students of psychology and philosophy
  • Anyone who is interested in human behavior

44
Propaganda

Propaganda

Edward Bernays
The Art of Public Communication and Relations
4.6 (328 ratings)

What's Propaganda about?

Propaganda (1928) is a plain-speaking and unashamed defense of the techniques of political and social manipulation. Far from being a dark art practiced by despots and dictators, Bernays suggests that propaganda instead plays an essential and necessary role in the life of modern democracies. Not everyone agrees, of course, but nearly 100 years later the enduring influence of Bernays’s arguments is reason enough to engage with them.

Who should read Propaganda?

  • Anyone who works in PR, advertising, or marketing
  • History buffs
  • Politicos interested in American democracy

45
Social Engineering

Social Engineering

Christopher Hadnagy
The Art of Human Hacking
4.2 (86 ratings)

What's Social Engineering about?

Social Engineering (2011) reveals the secret methods hackers and con artists use to manipulate their targets and scam their victims. The book provides detailed step-by-step depictions of how criminals plan a scheme, and gives you all the tools you need to prevent yourself from being duped.

Who should read Social Engineering?

  • Anyone who wants to know how hackers and scammers plan a heist
  • Anyone interested in how to influence a stranger’s behavior
  • People who watched the BBC series Hustle or The Real Hustle

46
Talking to Crazy

Talking to Crazy

Mark Goulston
How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life
4.0 (41 ratings)

What's Talking to Crazy about?

Talking to Crazy (2015) acknowledges that each person has the potential to be a little crazy, giving into irrational behavior when the mood strikes. These blinks offer sound advice on how to empathize and communicate with a person in “crazy mode” so you can keep yourself from going off the deep end, too.

Who should read Talking to Crazy?

  • People with anger management issues
  • Anyone struggling with constructive communication in a relationship
  • Parents and teachers dealing with young adults

47
You are Now Less Dumb

You are Now Less Dumb

David McRaney
How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Outsmart Yourself
4.0 (35 ratings)

What's You are Now Less Dumb about?

You Are Now Less Dumb provides thought-provoking studies and examples on how our brains often misguide us. It also enlightens readers with tips on how to uncover these unfounded beliefs and find out what’s actually happening in and around us.

Who should read You are Now Less Dumb?

  • Anyone who wants to feel a little bit smarter
  • Anyone interested in how our minds play tricks on us
  • Anyone interested in psychology

48
I'm Judging You

I'm Judging You

Luvvie Ajayi
The Do-Better Manual
3.0 (15 ratings)

What's I'm Judging You about?

I’m Judging You (2016) provides a uniquely humorous take on all the ways modern society can produce annoying, absurd and downright terrible people. Whether it’s misusing hashtags on social media or being an unbearable sexist monster, author Luvvie Ajayi is ready to call out their awfulness and provide readers with some pointers on how to avoid her judgemental wrath.

Who should read I'm Judging You?

  • Anyone looking to get more woke
  • People fed up with racism and sexism
  • Readers who want a humorous take on American society

49
Bad Science

Bad Science

Ben Goldacre
A behind-the-scenes look at the bogus science used to mislead us every day.
4.3 (43 ratings)

What's Bad Science about?

We often swallow scientific-sounding language used in advertisements or on the news without any further thought. But if we analyze it a little, we often find that it’s merely pseudoscience. Bad Science shows us that this bogus science can lead to serious misunderstandings, injustice and even death.

Who should read Bad Science?

  • Anyone worried about science reporting in the media
  • Anyone who thinks understanding science is beyond them
  • Anyone who buys vitamins or homeopathic remedies

50
Loserthink

Loserthink

Scott Adams
How Untrained Brains Are Ruining America
3.9 (105 ratings)

What's Loserthink about?

Loserthink (2019) looks at the various ways in which we fall victim to unproductive thinking habits. Drawing upon history, psychology, global affairs, and business to reveal the pitfalls of such habits, these blinks will sharpen your thinking in an increasingly irrational world.

Who should read Loserthink?

  • Entrepreneurs seeking motivation
  • Frustrated political debaters or Twitter fanatics
  • Dilbert fans

51
Risk

Risk

Dan Gardner
The Science and Politics of Fear
4.2 (29 ratings)

What's Risk about?

We live in a society that pushes us to fear what’s out there. Risk (2008) delves into the psychological and sociological reasons why fear is so deeply rooted in modern times, and why the world isn’t really as bad as we’re made to think it is.

Who should read Risk?

  • Students of psychology, sociology or politics
  • Anyone interested in the media

52
Sway

Sway

Ori Brafman
The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior
4.2 (19 ratings)

What's Sway about?

Sway sheds some light on the mysterious forces that cause humans – usually rational and logical – to behave strangely or act without thinking. In short, the book explains why we often act irrationally.

Who should read Sway?

  • Anyone interested in behavioral psychology
  • Anyone who has ever wondered about the science behind irrational behavior

53
Political Tribes

Political Tribes

Amy Chua
Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations
4.3 (30 ratings)

What's Political Tribes about?

Political Tribes (2018) is an insightful study of one of today’s most pressing issues: tribalism. From postwar Iraq to Chavez’s Venezuela and Trump’s America, political life has become increasingly polarized. That’s a problem. Once people stop trying to understand each other and retreat into the safety of their own tribes, conflict becomes inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Amy Chua argues that foreign and domestic policy can defuse tensions as long as those policies are based on a sound understanding of tribalism.

Who should read Political Tribes?

  • Anyone who’s wondered what exactly went wrong in Iraq
  • Citizens tired of endless political partisanship
  • Fans of penetrating social analysis

54
Nonsense

Nonsense

Jamie Holmes
The Power of Not Knowing
4.2 (83 ratings)

What's Nonsense about?

Nonsense (2015) is all about ambiguity and the effect it has on our lives. We encounter situations we don’t understand all the time, both in regular daily life and in extreme situations like natural disasters. These blinks outline the widespread effects, both negative and positive, that this nonsense has on our behavior, and why it’s so important to understand it.

Who should read Nonsense?

 

  • Anyone tasked with important decision-making
  • Negotiators and mediators
  • Language teachers

 

 


55
The Net Delusion

The Net Delusion

Evgeny Morozov
How Not to Liberate the World
4.1 (11 ratings)

What's The Net Delusion about?

The Net Delusion tackles head on the beliefs we hold about the utopian power of the internet. Evgeny Morozov shows us how the internet isn’t always a force for democracy and freedom, and reveals how both authoritarian and democratic regimes control the internet for their own interests.

Who should read The Net Delusion?

  • Anyone interested in the politics of the internet
  • Anyone interested in mass media
  • Anyone interested in propaganda

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