The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement Audiobook

" I have mixed feelings about this book due to the occasional use of offensive language and descriptions. It was sporadic enough, but I never quite felt safe. The thing is, though, he would get on topics that were terribly intriguing and made me want to share it with various people. In fact, he covered such a wide variety of topics I thought of all kinds of people I wanted to share it with, but then I would get offended and think I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It just felt a bit gratuitous and flashy. I also didn't like how he had to make up a fictional story (not very interesting) just to explain a lot of interesting social observances. I read another book recently that did the same thing, but the story that supported all the interesting science was not made up. I think this book would have been more powerful for me if it hadn't had the made up part. But I guess he needed to be able to touch on all the topics he intended. Also, I like books that inspire me to action and in the end this one was just an extended compilation of essays that left me saying "hmm, that's interesting" but no more. "

" David Brooks, are you trying to compete with Steven Pinker for the role of my public intellectual crush? "

" His one liners are hysterical, I enjoy seeing our culture dissected but the device of taking a huge body if research and Trying to put it into context through the lens of 2 characters is just driving me crazy. Not because I don't like his writing, I love it, but because the research can't be encapsulated in / through two people. And then there is the question of how valid the research is... Loved Bobos much but won't finish this book. Sorry David you are brilliant but It's not workig for me. "

" This is an interesting book, I'd recommend it "

" Interesting thesis! It talks about how the subconscious controls so much of our behavior. It got a little dull in the middle, but overall, I liked it. "

" This is a very readable description of the recent findings in social cognition organized around the life spans of two people. I really enjoyed it and think I learned a lot. "

" The first few chapters about how babies' brains develop and how they learn are riveting. Also, the last chapter about old age. "

" Page turning non fiction believe it or not! "

" The author references all kinds of psychology, sociology and economic studies, but he does it in the context of a story, making it WAY more interesting. Very thoughtful, thought-provoking book. "

" An extremely insightful observation of society and traditional human relationships. Easy to read for anyone, as it is written in novel form. A must-read for psychology/sociology wonks. "

" Really enjoyable read. Has been slammed by critics in many pubs, but I really liked it. SHould have read with a pen as there is a great deal of useful information for parents and for anyone hoping to be happy and/or productive. "

" I've never read a science book that had me laughing quite hard in the beginning and crying (balling) in the end. I loved this book. Mr. Brooks has a unique way of describing humanity that all people can understand. "

" This is a weird book. It is not so much about the "story" but a vehicle to use his enclyopedic knowledge of statistics. Very informative. Listened to it in audio, well produced. It is a book one would have to be in mood to listen to. "

" Amazing work of fiction. He ties in psychological research into an easily digestible narrative of a couple. "

" Well written, very easy to read, and weaves in behavioral economics in a beautiful way. "

" Fascinating book about almost every aspect of human interaction - lent itself very well to the audio format. "

" I liked the idea of the book, but after having read something like 400 pages, I expected to know more than I know now. Brooks was able to create two very lively persons and that is worth some praise. "

" Fascinating. As though this book were written for me. "

" I thought this book was wonderful. Although some critics have thought it too flip, I found the overviews very insightful and engaging. I enjoyed it enormously. "

" very interesting... would definitely recommend. "

" I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but I am really enjoying this. "

" Well structured perspective on life. At times emotionally heavy..... like the last couple of pages. Highly recommend "

" Will definitely re-read over and over. "

" Some parts were fascinating - I particularly liked the first half. It's a must read. "

" I've always enjoyed David Brooks's repartee with Mark Shields on PBS's Lehrer Report on Friday night's and was delighted by this book weaving thousands of recent psychological and sociological studies of the human condition through the narrative mode of two characters. Amazing stuff! "

" well written, good insight into how we work. A worthwhile read. "

" Excellent format to communicate so much scientific research, he embeds the research inside storytelling making it accessible and engaging. Very educational. "

" This was like reading a psychology book in novel form. Lots of interesting observations, mountains of name-dropping, and overall easy read. However, unlike what the back cover says, it is not happy. Well, I didn't think so at least. "

" Non-fiction that explores its research with a fictional story makes the entire book extremely easy to read. Combine that with the fact that I find the subconscious and human decision making fascinating in general? Definitely a winner. "

" In an attempt to popularize the science, he ended up with something bloated and shallow. "

" An extremely insightful observation of society and traditional human relationships. Easy to read for anyone, as it is written in novel form. A must-read for psychology/sociology wonks. "