The Liar in Your Life

A psychology professor with a knack for storytelling shows how pervasive lying is and what to do about it. An authority on deception, he draws on the latest research and expert opinion and applies enough of his intellectual pizzazz to make this massive body of knowledge come across as enjoyable and accessible. Bob Walter adds his own pizzazz in his narration. With an approach that is arresting but not alarming, you can feel the drama as he delivers examples of lies that occur in personal, government, media, and business arenas. His vocal centeredness helps him engage with the book's exposé approach and make listeners pay attention without making them feel manipulated. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2009
Feldman (psychology, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst; "Understanding Psychology") reviews studies of lying that he and others have conducted, demonstrating that deception is deeply ingrained in social interaction. Writing for the lay reader and using examples from recent news, he explores, e.g., how learning to deceive is part of a child's socialization, with implications for cognitive and social development. He also shows that lying is essential for self-preservation yet often leads to self-deception. Frequently restating previous findings, Feldman traces the evolution of lying and its consequences for personal and workplace relationships. Trying to be objective and dispassionate, he does not offer formulas or exercises for becoming more honest. Feldman admits that it would be difficult to live in a society where the truth was always told. His final advice is to compromise: accept that lying is universal, become comfortable with uncertainty, and verify information before making conclusions; be aware of your tendency to lie and commit to be more honest. Recommended for self-help fans.Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.