Book review library
Behavioral science and psychology book reviews
A book can be persuasive without getting the science right. We look closely at the claims and the studies behind them, so you can decide what’s worth reading—and what’s worth putting into practice.
The overall rating gives equal weight to three things: scientific accuracy, how well the book uses its sources, and the value of its advice. It’s our assessment under a shared scoring method—not the percentage of a book that is true. Each review explains the scores and links to the supporting evidence.
Katy Milkman offers practical ways to change behavior. Some of the book’s supporting stories need correction, and a deadline paper it cites has since been retracted.
David Epstein makes a strong case for exploration, better learning, and combining expertise. His broader career advice needs more care.
Daniel Goleman makes a persuasive case for taking emotional skills seriously. His larger explanation of success, development and health is less dependable.
Angela Duckworth is stronger on effective practice than on grit as a general explanation of success.
Morgan Housel offers useful advice about saving, patience, and preparing for setbacks. His claims about what matters most in wealth and happiness are less reliable.
Wendy Wood offers useful ways to make recurring actions easier. Her explanation of lasting change asks more of the evidence.
Robert Cialdini collects useful findings about persuasion. His explanations of why they work—and his advice on protecting yourself—need a closer look.
Adam Grant expands the possibilities for creative work. The evidence is less dependable when possibilities become prescriptions.
Nir Eyal’s four-stage loop can focus a product team’s attention. That is different from proving how habits form.
Mel Robbins’s acceptance-and-action idea is most useful in ordinary life. Its scientific and clinical extensions need much more care.