First published 2013
Jonathan Gottschall explores why humans create and consume stories with such intensity. He examines how we transform everything around us into narrative form, from novels and films to sporting events and criminal trials. Gottschall presents storytelling as an evolutionary adaptation that helps us practice for real social challenges, much like flight simulators train pilots for emergencies. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology research, he builds a comprehensive theory explaining our species' relationship with fictional worlds. The book reveals how narratives function as survival tools and demonstrates their power to reshape society. Gottschall shows that while we pride ourselves on crafting stories, these same narratives fundamentally alter who we are.
Genres: psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, biology, academic
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, informative
272 pages · Paperback · Mariner Books