The Social Animal: A Story of How Success Happens Paperback – 5 Jan. 2012

I have long been interested in why we humans do what we do. I was given a book token for my birthday this month and found this book by chance in Waterstones. It was fascinating and held me enthralled. So interested was I that I also bought the digital version because I've already promised the paperback to someone else.This book shows just how 'unconscious' we all are about what exactly motivates us to make the decisions we do. It's not a book on decision making but a book on what it means to be human and why we're all so different. This book could change your life, if that is you read it and begin to 'wake up' to the vast underground lake of your own sub-conscious and its effects on your everyday life.It's not a book that allows you to place blame on your parents or culture because it explains how they affect you and in the end shows you how to recognise when those biases and pre-conceptions can trip you up.Anyone working with people would do well to read this as it's the best book I've come across for explaining why you can't please all the people all the time, or sometime some of the people at any time.Dealing with teenagers, children, other cultures (and you'd be shocked by what a culture may actually be and how you can belong to more than one at the same time).In fact if you have any contact at all with anyone, reading this book will expand your vision of what it means to be human.

As with other reviewers, I found this to be one of the best books I've read on such matters/of similar "genre". However, the book does become somewhat of a chore to read in the final 1/3rd as the developments become a political rant over how the USA operates in terms of electoral campaigns, but doesn't have as much background as the rest of the book does. The back cover states "This is the happiest story you will ever read", however I disagree as **SPOILER ALERT** Harold and Erica do not have children, and the book concludes with Harold's death. Not much was given to the reason for them rekindling their love after their marriage was on the brink of divorce either, so I felt that could have had a little more explanation.All in all though, a fascinating read, one of the best yet. I would thoroughly recommend it, even for the pertinent observations Brooks so eloquently conveys masterfully through the style of a biographic novel.

This is a truly brilliantly written book by David Brooks, I've literally just finished it today and instantly went outside to appreciate how beautiful life is. A mix of uniquely interesting analytical information and an emotionally charged story of the lives of two individuals, how they came to be who they are and an account of the inside world behind the decisions and others surrounding their life guided their decisions.Even this review doesn't do this book justice! The last few pages especially were beautifully written especially.A MUST read book for all!!

What a wonderful summation of - what did I just read? How the mind works in terms of the conscious and unconscious, the rational and the emotive, how people choose everything from sexual partners to political parties - a tour de force. It’s dense with knowledge and superbly written. Enjoy!

This book covers a variety of topics usually found in a science non-fiction book. Mostly around psychology many ideas are presented with the accompanying experiment explained as evidence. What makes this book great is how it links these ideas with two fictional characters. This gives a entertaining insight into what affects the way we lead our lives and makes for an enjoyable read as we follow the couple throughout the different stages of their lives.

A bit boring but some good observations, nothing too surprising or new.

Great book! I truly recommend it ! Service on time and in perfect conditions!

This is a brilliant book for those interested in understanding how humans become who they are and how we can be happier and more successful. It is research based and is full of references to the researchers and their publications. I can't easily put it down ! There is a story linking the information , which carries you through effectively.