Nov 9, 2024

Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way by Jonah Berger

 

Nonfiction reading

Magic Words by Jonah Berger

January 1, 2023; Harper Business
Genre: language, communication, psychology

I came across this library book by chance and was eager to read it.  Who doesn't want to know how to get your own way? The theme is communicating to convince - tips on how to and how not to. 
 
Believe it or not, the author even references the future president elect a few times re making speeches (conveying the utmost confidence and conviction) that sway many people. And this book was published in 2023! I guess it's not so much What you say as much as How you say it! 

Another point of the book - speaking in concrete not abstract terms makes more of an impact. Specifics win over generalities. Depending on the situations, of course. 

I'm halfway through the book and eager to see what else the author offers. Update: depending on the situation, suggestion is using could or would instead of should; using a noun replacement for a verb; using the present tense instead of the past, and more.

Description: how six types of words can increase your impact in every area, from persuading others and building stronger relationships, to boosting creativity and motivating teams.

I was hooked, and just sent a copy of the book to a friend in a new job. 

Getting ready for Christmas



I gave two of J.E. Rowney's earlier thrillers three stars on NetGalley, and my most recent read of hers, (The Other Passenger), I gave four stars  . I'm eager to see if this most recent book, Xmas Break (Nov. 2, 2024; Little Fox Publishers) will be as good. 

Description
When Isla reluctantly accepts her estranged sister Clara's invitation to spend Christmas at a luxury mountain retreat, she expects awkward family tension – not a fight for survival. After years of silence following their mother's death, this holiday reunion seems too good to be true. And it is.

Currently reading: ARCs



Rowan Gallagher stalks her ex by following his avatar on her phone and seeing his whereabouts at all times. But when she is a suspect in his death, she has to get out of it. Portland, Maine. (May 2025; Harper)




I started this a while ago but got side tracked by other books, a common occurrence, unfortunately.

I may have to start close to the beginning again to follow this thriller. The description sounds interesting and vaguely familiar: 

It's been years since Zoe last saw them – since they graduated and lost touch.

Years since the night an unexpected death shattered their close-knit group of friends.

Now, Zoe is invited to a wedding on a remote island in Scotland. Apprehensive, she hopes the long drive with Lily will ease her nerves.

Lily has agreed to give Dan a lift, and Rod is joining them, along with his fiancée.

And when they come into trouble on a cold, dark, desolated Highland road, a chain of events will leave them all shaken to their core. (Nov. 20, 2024; Boldwood Books

What books are you reading? 

Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated BookreviewerAlso,  It's Monday: What Are You Readingand Sunday SalonStacking the ShelvesMailbox Monday 

27 comments:

  1. Magic Words would be a good one for me to add to my nonfiction list for next year. Glad you highlighted it here.

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  2. I guess it is time for some Christmas reading! I'll have to have a check up on what I've got still, I read a lot of Christmas mysteries last year. Hope you enjoy your reading!

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  3. I hope that you enjoy your current read and have a wonderful weekend.

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  4. Looks like a great bunch of books. Magic Words sounds especially interesting.

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  5. I think I just stumbled across "Magic Words" too, and I'm glad I did! So interesting to read how a simple word exchange can make a difference.

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  6. That an interesting collection of books. I think I might add "Dying to Meet You" to my reading list.

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  7. Xmas Break looks interesting. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. - Katie

    Here's my STS if you wish to visit - https://justanothergirlandherbooks.blogspot.com/2024/11/stacking-shelves-november-9-2024.html

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  8. I'm not quite ready for Christmas - it will come when it does. Thanksgiving plans to work on. Have a good weekend!

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  9. Just added Magic words to by TBR! Sounds like a good one.

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  10. Those books sound interesting. I keep looking at that Christmas book on Netgalley but don't realistically have the time to read it at the moment so have left it.

    Enjoy your books!

    Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
    My post:
    https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2024/11/09/stacking-the-shelves-84/

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  11. Magic Words sounds intriguing. I will look for it.

    And it's almost time to find a Christmas book or two. I'm hoping to find something amusing or inspiring.

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  12. That first book has my attention. May read it. Thank you.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  13. The holiday thriller sounds good! I just finished browsing to pick up some seasonally appropriate books ;)

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  14. These books sound good. The Reunion and Dying To Meet You sound like books I'd like. I'll have to check them out. Have a great week!

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  15. I'm still not ready for Christmas reads. I have noticed the Sarina Bowen title and think I'd like to read it at some point.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  16. I hope all of these books end up being winners. ☺

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  17. I keep bouncing back and forth between the nonfiction book The Next Everest and some lighter Christmas romances. Happy reading this week! :D

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  18. I just looked at Dying to Meet You. It looks like such a page turner. I'll have to give Magic Words a try. Have a great week!

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  19. Dying to Meet You sounds really good! I've enjoyed Sarina Bowen in the past. Hope you have a wonderful week, Harvee!

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  20. I just ordered a Christmas book from the library that is also a novella. Gotta read it in November!

    <a href="https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2024/11/sunday-salon-self-care.html">My week of self-care

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  21. All of your books this week sound wonderful. Hope you enjoy your week.

    https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-nov-11.html

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  22. The Reunion sounds so scary and good!!

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  23. Nice assortment of books. Magic Words does sound interesting. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  24. Xmas Break sounds like a dicey way to spend the holiday. Yikes! pretty scary. Enjoy.

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  25. I am in communications and let me tell ya, it's a fine art. I like the tone of that book. As far as our next Pres, he did have a way with words, for sure. Even though every word was a lie he did say it convincingly.

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  26. I was just searching around for Christmas-themed thrillers. I'll keep Xmas Break in mind. Dying to Meet You sounds good too.

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  27. Books about language are always interesting, thanks for that information.
    And thank you for visiting my Nonfiction November post:
    https://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2024/11/nonfiction-november-2024.html

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