Editorial Review

"The best way to understand the dramatic transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena of word of mouth or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life," writes Malcolm Gladwell, "is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do." Although anyone familiar with the theory of memetics will recognize this concept, Gladwell's Read more

Reviews (701)

Excellent book that describes how to create a trend
I was fascinated by the original perspective in this thought provoking book about the evolution of an idea into a trend.Using easy to understand examples, Malcolm Gladwell explains the mechanics of the process, and enlightens us about the the various people involved.I strongly recommend this book.I also recommend Robert Cialdini's book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.These books complement each other and should be read together.

The Tipping Point
Staff writer for The New York Post, Malcolm Gladwell, explains what causes a concept, idea or item to become an epidemic in The Tipping Point.Using case studies the reader will relate to (Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Crime in New York City in the 90's, Hush Puppies, Paul Revere's famous ride North), Gladwell discusses how and why people react the way they do in certain situations and to certain ideas/items.You'll look at your friends, co-workers and family in a different way as you consider who is a Connector, Maven or salesperson, you'll consider the context in which something happens as opposed to just the action, you'll think about everyday happenings in a different way after you read this book.
It had quite an unusual effect
I was looking for an original and valuable present for my boyfriend. I am very pleased with my decision to buy this book. It draws from several areas of knowledge and Malcolm Gladwell is a very skillful writer. He knows how to engage you from the first page till the last one and keeps you wondering what more you will learn from this incredible book. My boyfriend said that the tipping point and scientifically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex are the best, most valuable and eye-opening books he has ever received as a present. Well, I don't hear such compliment every day. It was such a small thing for me to give him a present and yet it turned so important for him. What better proof for Gladwell's thesis. I also agree that we all should start paying more attention to the small, small things and details from our daily lives and the result may astound us. It takes so little to even change someone's life for better. This is one of the books, which I definitely recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising & Promotion    2. Causation    3. Contagion (Social psychology)    4. Context effects (Psychology)    5. Marketing - General    6. Psychology    7. Social Psychology    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (610)

Blink twice if you love it!
I blink twice all day long.I read this book in just one sitting, I could not put it down.To see how success is tied to a subconscience level of thinking is so right on.It is well written, very entertaining, and very eye opening.
Apples & Oranges
Gladwell writes well and the book is interesting. I read about half the book before I knew it! But I was jolted when Gladwell suddenly changed the focus of the book. In the first half of the book snap-judgments are good, then theyre suddenly bad. "What's up with that?" I asked myself.
Entertaining-- a little bit thinly sliced.
The Salon review of this book makes a remark that Gladwell's mission is to be entertaining, and not useful. I think that if you read this book in the spirit of that remark, you will not be disappointed.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Cognitive Psychology    4. Decision Making & Problem Solving    5. Decision making    6. Intuition    7. Psychology    8. Social Psychology    9. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (2)

Written for children
...The problem is that this books seems like it was written for high school students. The first chapter opens with a self-diagnosis: "I clarify the group's goals and ensure that the goals are formulated so members 'sink or swim' together and are committed to achieve them." Or how about, "I advocate my views and challenge the views of others in order to create high-quality and creative decions." Joining Together is a Great Resource
I read this book as an assignment in a university sociology course.It is a great resouce to have on hand if you work with teams or are intersted in organizational/group behavior.Some of the activities have been used in my"Effective Social Relations" class and we found them not onlyfun, but educational.I have not read the 1999 edition, but am hoping toget it for a graduation present this April! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. Group relations training    3. Leadership    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Group    6. Social groups    7. Counselling    8. Education / Leadership    9. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (14)

Useful and well written
It's a straight foward and well written book.The information you want to know is easy to find and to understand.There are a lot of interesting little bits of information everywhere and it was a pretty good read.

Excellent
This book will have you examining your own body language and that of the people around you like never before.
Win others over FAST!
I fell in love with this book from page one. It seems as of late, the big "push" regarding body language has been centered on lying. More specifically, how to tell if someone is lying to you.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Body language    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Nonverbal Communication    5. Psychology    6. Social Psychology    7. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (4)

Good read
This is one of the better textbooks that I have been assigned to read. Throughout my introductory 101 Social Psychology class I've read pretty much the whole book. The examples were interesting, and I enjoyed how many of the concepts introduced at the beginning of each chapter correlated with something that had happened not too long ago in the real world. The illustrations facilate a better understanding of the theory or subject matter. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of social psychology.

Social Psychology 5th ed
This book is very easy to understand, and the real-world examples/analogies are helpful (even if they are a little in excess). It's one of the few textbooks I've bought that I don't consider a (total) waste of money.

Fuzzy, unstructured and too politically correct book
This is 5th edition of the book written in early 90th (first edition was in 1994). The book did not change much since. This is fuzzy, politically correct and watered down presentation of the subject. For example when you learn about cognitive dissonance you are not told that the original Festinger experiment was connected with the behavior of a flood doomsday cult after the target date of the flood passed.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Psychology    3. Social Psychology    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    7. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (19)

Why spend the money on an MBA or a business degree, when you can get this book
I got a top tier MBA, spent tens of thousands of dollars and two years, but didn't learn the important stuff.(And I was the valedictorian, and got some really great jobs).I really enjoyed Greene's book 42 laws of power (I can't remember if it's 42 or some other number), but this book is a great reminder and educator of the way things work behind the scenes, in people's minds, and at the macro level of every business and political dealing.I'm convinced that there is either a conspiracy in our educational system to make us dumb workerbees, 99% of our teachers just don't get it, or our measurement system for the quality and effectiveness of our eductional system is severely broken.(Or all the above!)
Life Strategies seen through Warfare
Most people see war as a seperate activity unrelated to other realms of human life. But in fact war is a form of power - Carl von Clausewitz called it "politics by other means" - and all forms of power share the same essential structures.

Robert Greene's art of War for the general population!
Having been a previous owner of "48 Laws of Power" and the "Art of Seduction" I was awaiting this foray into the art of warfare... and I have not been disappointed! After receiving this book as a birthday gift, I have not put it down in the last 10 days; managing it a piece at a time, and adding some highlighting to key phrases...
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Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Conduct of life    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Personal Guidance    5. Self-Help    6. Social Psychology    7. Sociology    8. Violence in Society    9. Psychology    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Reviews (2)

Cover to Cover!
I would have to say that this textbook is very well written and is easy to follow.Schultzs made the book very interesting with great examples and photographs.
Theories of Personality
I really thought this book was helpful. I bought this book to complement another book I had trouble understanding. I finished this book in a couple of days in time to complete a research paper. You can't find many easyreading books like this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personality    2. Psychology    3. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    4. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Reviews (1)

OK, but not very scientific.
It basically amounts too a huge list of research findings in social psychology. A super-broad overview.
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Subjects:  1. Mental Health    2. Psychology    3. Social Psychology    4. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    5. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (62)

The Best Book on Borderline Mothers
This is the best book by far for anyone whose mother has borderline personality disorder. It is a book specific to this relationship whereas other books on the market try to cover spousal borderline relationships, etc. as well as parent-child and miss the depth found in this book. This is a must-read for adult children of borderlines -and it's not necessarily an easy go. The author has pegged situations/emotions with uncanny accuracy and puts words to what I personally could never accurately describe to an "outsider". Thankfully I have siblings and all of us have stuck together like glue over the years. I could never imagine an only child having to handle what we did. That's what makes this book so powerful -it is a voice, an explanation, a validation.

Very powerful and nothing short of amazing.
I am ETERNALLY appreciative and thankful to Dr. Lawson and her bold compassion. Until this book came along, the secret life of children born to such parents/caregivers remained silent, misunderstood, disregarded, unexposed, and considered surreal or unimaginable. Any words I choose to include here could not possibly illustrate how intensely grateful I am to the author for writing this book. This book has done more for me than words could EVER express, and after reading it I felt understood, and most importantly, whole.
True understanding at last.
For anyone with friends or family members who suffer from borderline personality disorder themselves or have borderline parents, this book is an absolutely invaluable source of insight and information. You'll feel a lot less alone dealing with the bewildering world of the borderline personality, and the book offers a very helpful section about the practicalities of dealing with the borderline people in your life. Written with grace and a sort of Jungian-archetype framework, the book is readable but precise, mythic but spot on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dysfunctional Families    2. Personality    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Social Psychology    6. Child & developmental psychology    7. Parenthood    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness   

Editorial Review

Are you now, or have you ever been, in relationships with family, friends, or mates who have been verbally abusive? Is your happiness with someone you love continually threatened byinteractionsthat continually undermine your self-esteem? Do you feel trapped in a relationship that keeps decaying in a downward spiral of overt or passive-aggressive abuse?Read more

Reviews (186)

Still don't completely understand my husband.
Although the book was helpful...it's been a few years now since I've read it, I still don't understand why my husband has to repeat himself all the time.Especially if someone wants to converse with him.If he feels he hasn't finished his sentance and someone tries to participate he will completely and a little louder start all over again.

Saved My Life
This book really trully opened my eyes. Most books are so full of pop pychology we do not understand how it practically applies to us. Patricia Evans creates a roadmap and helps you see what you may feel but not recognize. My jaw dropped eith each page and I read it twice. Once I went back and the abuse continued so I read it again and realized I had to leave. This is the number one book I would reccomend to any woman who feels her relationship is not right....

The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond
Very helpful book. I wish I read it five years ago. A rare book that can definitely change someone's life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family Violence    2. Human relations    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Interpersonal communication    5. Interpersonal conflict    6. Psychology    7. Verbal self-defense    8. Social, group or collective psychology    9. Violence in society   

Reviews (5)

Our Sexuality
It is very useful for my studies, easy to understand and would recommend to others!
Great book!!!
I used this book in a Sexual Behaviour class in university.It is very easy to read and understand, and the information is priceless! I would recommend this book even as a general read. It really is a great way to learn about our own sexuality, and that of others.

Simply Amazing Scientific Based Textbook
Exceptional review of sexuality, scientific based, focused in the exploration of new ways of understand this important area of humanity, sometimes unexplored for everybody, and especially unacknowledged by men's, when we talk about women's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Human Sexuality    2. Psychology    3. Sex    4. Sex customs    5. Social Psychology    6. United States    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    8. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (3)

Assigned Textbook
Some interesting information, but I don't know if I would recommend it to someone if it were not assigned.

Not an introductory book to read ....
The book by Forsyth 'Group Dynamics' was written in a friendly, easy to understand style .... and it reflects research and applications in fields of I/O, Educational, Judiciary, Sports and Interpersonal settings .... group dynamics written in social and cognitive psych approach to groups.... Forsyth discusses the basics of group theories.
As can be expected in a field as broad as group theory, Forsyth does not explain in depth the various theories of group interactions, nor does heendorse any particular one as absolutely correct.He does, however,highlight the pertinent points of each theorist so that the reader canachieve a full appreciation for the work and experiments done in thisfield.The text is an excellent resource for students or curious readersnew to the groups studies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Social Psychology    3. Social groups    4. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    5. Social, group or collective psychology   

Editorial Review

By melding love, science, and religion into a primer on personalgrowth, M. Scott Peck launched his highly successful writing and lecturing career withthis book. Even to this day, Peck remains at the forefront of spiritualpsychology as a result of Read more

Reviews (141)

Good example of selfishness
It is apparent that the first premise in Peck's book is that in order for humans to be a whole being, one must grow through spirituality (or enlightenment) attained through "grace" with the main purposes of gaining "capacity and understanding of serendipity" (309) and through "spiritual evolution, whereby people grow towards godhood" (270) and "become God" (283).
Life Changing
Peck's definition of love is unparalleled in any of the literature I have read concerning the matter. I have always been particularly fond of Kahlil Gibran's depiction of marriage and love. However, I feel that Peck redefines it in modern English and provides a contrast to the "mainstream" view of love and "falling in love."
Life is difficult...
I read this book and the sequel, People of the Lie around the time that they came out.I was stunned by Peck's honesty. The stories of how he and his patients struggle with the problems and obstacles that confront them are amazing.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. General    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Psychology    5. Social Psychology    6. Spiritual    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    8. Social, group or collective psychology   

Editorial Review

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."Read more

Reviews (414)

A Nuclear Weapon for the Modern Warrior
This book is LOADED with wisdom.The lessons you will learn here can help you to take your life to the next level and then the level beyond that one.Study this book and its Laws, and do not be afraid or too timid to adopt their teachings into your everyday experiences -- they will help you to get ahead, to get what you want, and to reach your goals.

Terrific synopsis of the classic historical writings on power.
This book is a no holds barred open discussion of raw power, entertainingly presented.It took me a little while to get over the almost completely amoral tone of the book, but I eventually got the sense that the amoral tone is there for a purpose: to clue you in to the fact that people who practice power at this level can often be completely amoral themselves.In that sense, the book truly gives the reader a sense of the mindset of those who will do anything to stay in power. There is a sense as one reviewer pointed out, that the book could have been written without this amoral tone, but then one would miss out on the opportunity of being immersed in its sense of amorality, which is an education in itself.Experiencing the amorality is a wakeup call that offers insight into how some of the world's ills have come to pass, though you may find yourself wanting to shower afterward.After reading it, you will definitely be more aware of the laws being played out on the world stage, and you will begin to recognize people in government who seem to be using it as a playbook.Some laws are even applicable in personal relationships...a scary thought.
Another product of the imagination
If you have wild dreams of pontifical success.Illusions of grandeur and great lusts for power, then this book may feed your ego.It may even make you feel real good about yourself.Knowing all these secrets of power.But alas, it is only a fantasy.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Control (Psychology)    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. Historical - General    7. History & Theory - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Power (Philosophy)    10. Power (Social sciences)    11. Social Philosophy    12. Social Psychology    13. Business & Management    14. Self-Help / Success    15. Social & political philosophy   

Reviews (63)

Good and bad choices in financial trading
Having a choice in life is a good thing; a person without choices is often miserable.As the number of choices grows, our happiness grows with them, but then it begins to decline.Having too many choices creates stress.Schwartz describes his visit to a local supermarket: "...next to the crackers were 285 varieties of cookies.Among chocolate chip cookies there were 21 options. ... Across the isle were juices - 13 `sports drinks,' 65 `box drinks' for kids, 85 other flavors and brands of juices, and 75 iced teas and adult drinks.I could get these tea drinks sweetened (sugar or artificial sweetener), lemoned, and flavored. ... I found 61 varieties of suntan oil and sunblock, and 80 different pain relievers - aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen; 350 milligrams or 500 milligrams; caplets, capsules, and tablets; coated or uncoated.There were 40 options for toothpaste, 150 lipsticks, 75 eyeliners, and 90 colors of nail polish from one brand alone."
One of the most interesting, thought, provoking, and immediately useful books I've read.
I read about 4 books per month and this is hands down one of the best ones I've read in the past year. Packed with information, yet enjoyable to read, I had a hard time putting this one down.
F yeah
This book is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. The basic premise of this book is that the more choice we have, the more anxious we become about the decisions we have to make. Think for example, about how many different stores there are in a mall. You want to buy a dress shirt, but which store do you go into? Will the Gap have a better deal than Banana Republic? Or maybe Macy's or Lord & Taylor will have a better shirt. But then, which shirt do you pick once you decide what store to walk into? All these decisions prove to be quite exhausting, despite our unconscience ability to make such them on a constant basis.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Decision Making & Problem Solving    3. General    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Psychology    6. Social Psychology    7. Popular psychology    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Reviews (10)

Professional Counseling
The book is easy to read and it gives great examples to better understand the concepts.I would recommend this book.

Comprehensive and applicable
The book treats many cases and reaches high level of coverage; it is very helpful, that in practice one can find many similarities, since the cases are very realistic and explained in depth. My opinion is, that it is valuable because it is applicable.

Fantastic book
This is by far the best text I have had in my four years of undergraduate work. This book eases you into the subject, yet provides striking depth for even the common reader. Enjoy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Mental illness    3. Psychology    4. Psychology, Pathological    5. Psychopathology - General    6. Abnormal psychology    7. Psychiatry    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Reviews (2)

take a different class
After a semester using the text i have come to the conclusion that the authors, Brehm, Kassin, and Fein, leave more questions then answers and that their sub-par sense of humor is more then just a waste of money.After reading certain sections i get the feeling that the authors do not clearly understand the issue at hand, but rather throw 15 different research studies at the topic covering their uncertainty and topping it off with a dire attempt at a joke leaving the reader completely ambiguous.

What's not to like?
Easy to read yet scholarly. Great illustrations. Space in the margins for notes. Good chapter overviews and summaries. Nice T/F questions to prime the reader. Sources used appropriately. It is truly the ideal textbook.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Psychology    3. Social Psychology    4. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (20)

You Won't Believe It....at First!
This book has some of the most scientific strategies in existence! What struck me about this book, was that this stuff is new, really new. So many books make this claim, in the end though, they are usually the same techniques from years past, just used in different examples.
A good book
The book is well written and gives the reader an insight into how people behave in many different situations. It has great applications for business people

Great information
If you are trying to influance people.. THIS is the book you need to read.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Influence (Psychology)    6. Negotiating    7. Persuasion (Psychology)    8. Success in business    9. Business & Economics / Negotiating    10. Social, group or collective psychology   

Subjects:  1. Applied    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Biological Sciences    5. Mathematics / Applied    6. Mathematics for scientists & engineers    7. Physics    8. Social, group or collective psychology    9. Sociology   

Editorial Review

There is little sugar but lots of spice in journalist Rachel Simmons's brave and brilliant book that skewers the stereotype of girls as the kinder, gentler gender.

Reviews (80)

Girls Need To Make Peace With Conflict
I found this book, "Odd Girl Out," not only helpful but also cathartic. It answered a lot of current questions I have about raising an adolescent daughter by enabling me to go back and visit my own youth and remind me of my own experiences. This book illustrates how easy it is for mothers raising daughters to live vicariously through them and see how it brings out old fears and insecurities. It was a re-education.
Part of the Puzzle, Read It, but Don't Stop Here
You know, this is actually a topic that is near and dear for my heart and it did have a lot of interesting examples and data...but like Fast Girls before it, this reads a lot like someone's research paper and doesn't really delve too far into the history of aggression (in boys or girls) beyond a barest basics that most people probably already know.Simmons also doesn't offer any statistics, she mentions repeatedly that there really isn't any research on this, but I felt like this was just a big book length article that focused on her own personal fascination with the topic and the scope of the book really doesn't go much beyond her own group of interviewees.I was also kind of annoyed by the gre