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September 1, 2011

Change is hard. Or is it? A keen observer of the human condition explains how tweaking our personal narratives can have a huge effect on our lives.

"I'm such an idiot!" Who hasn't admonished themselves in similar fashion at some point in their lives? The problem, according to Wilson (Social Psychology, 2009, etc.), is that such seemingly innocuous interior narratives can have a profound effect on the way we view ourselves in society. Like the college freshman who muffs her first math test and immediately concludes she's just not cut out for higher education; the little leaguer who strikes out his first time at bat and thereafter confines himself to the dugout. The way we internalize our experiences matters. The good news, writes the author, is that the same toxic narratives that produce drop-outs and bench warmers can just as easily be replaced with positive narratives that promote valedictorians and all-stars. Individually, that means happier, more fulfilling lives. Nationally, it could mean reduced crime, fewer unwanted pregnancies and the end of racism. Wilson looks at how well-meaning people have tried to combat societal ills in the past and concludes that they have been ineffective because they have failed to recognize the importance of core narratives. The same goes for a host of other sociological interventions that on the surface appear sound, but ultimately fail to stand up to scientific scrutiny. That's the second part of Wilson's premise. He's keenly interested in understanding why a certain approach succeeds of feels, and the result is an important examination of the ways we try to ameliorate societal ills.

Rendered in bite-sized portions with ample servings of statistics and case studies, readers should have no trouble digesting any of it—no matter how faulty their own personal narrative about "science books" may be.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

September 15, 2011

Wilson (psychology, Univ. of Virginia; Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious) presents a fascinating argument for how humans make sense of the world. Basing his book on the classic work of Kurt Lewin, Wilson explains that to understand the choices people make, one must understand how they see the world. He believes people can change the way they and others view the world through interventions like story editing, story prompting, and his "do good, be good" approach. Although more relevant for academia, the material is nicely interpreted for lay readers and covers the impact of the author's techniques on improving personal self-esteem, preventing teen pregnancies, reducing teen violence and alcohol and drug abuse, combating prejudice, and achieving personal goals. A plausible and well-documented alternative to David Kinchin's and Victor Volkman's theories of trauma. VERDICT While Wilson's work is well researched and heavily cited, his novel ideas for treating trauma will likely raise eyebrows. Essential for mental-health professionals, especially those working with first responders and members of the military, and highly recommended for all university libraries supporting the helping professions.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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