Short Version The Misinformation Age by Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall offers important insight for scientists, journalists, nonfiction writers, and anyone who wants to combat the spread of false beliefs. Long Version: How Misinformation Spreads and What We Can Do About It “Individually rational agents can form groups that are not rational at all.” […]
Books for writers
Writing to Persuade: A Book Review
Short Version If you want to change people’s opinions with your words, and particularly if you want to write an opinion piece that makes an impact, read this new book by the former editor of the New York Times Op-Ed page. Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall interweaves fun, behind-the-scenes stories about the workings of the Times […]
Reader, Come Home: A Book Review
Short Version In Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Maryanne Wolf makes the argument that the digital world is transforming our reading brains, and not always for the better. Only by understanding these changes can we figure out how to navigate them and form a brighter future for a literate, and […]
Wired for Story: A Book Review
Short Version A story proves itself not on the paper but in the reader’s brain. In Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence, Lisa Cron offers valuable insights and practical advice for crafting better stories. Long Version: 3 Things I Love about This book (As […]
From Page to Stage: Speaking for Writers
Short Version Like it or not, speaking is part of the author’s overall marketing toolbox. With her new book From Page to Stage, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers excellent advice for becoming a better advocate for your book, whether on the stage, at an in-person reading, or on a podcast interview. Long Version: Why You Need […]
What Alan Alda Understands about Science Writing (and More)
Short Version If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda is a terrific addition to your writer’s bookshelf. Although the book focuses on scientific communication, it holds valuable lessons for all nonfiction writers about effective communication. Oh, and it’s fun to read as well. Long Version What can Alan […]
