Book Review: The Science of Likability

A while back I purchased a number of Audible titles, thinking I’d listen to them as I traveled around. I grabbed a number of ones related to presentation and I thought I’d also check out some general self-improvement titles.

What I didn’t realize, is although they had different titles, I’d basically bought a number of copies of essentially the same book, but with different titles. This was one of them.

The Science of Likability: 27 Studies to Master Charisma, Attract Friends, Captivate People, and Take Advantage of Human Psychology is a book by Partick King. This book is a 2017 update of a 2015 book that titled The Science of Likability: Charm, Wit, Humor, and the 16 Studies That Show You How to Master Them. 

However, it’s not just this series of books. I was amazed how many other books by Patrick King I had inadvertently purchased. After listening to most of them, even though they all have different titles, so many basically deliver the same message.

And what is sad though, is that I didn’t really find the message all that compelling in the first place. Many of the techniques that Patrick discussed seemed pretty cheesy to me. However, I’m sure there is an audience for this type of book. You only have to read the comments on Amazon to find how many people this sort of content helps.

I also have many introverted friends who I think would find many ideas in these books useful. If you are hesitant to join a group of people, or to enter a discussion, or to meet new people, or just to break the ice with someone you don’t know, this could well be the book for you. While I find meeting and talking to new people quite invigorating, I do not underestimate how intimidated many people are about doing these things.

Bottom line?

I think I’m the wrong audience for Patrick’s books. If however, you struggle with introversion and shudder when you think about talking to new people, etc. this book could well be for you.

Greg’s rating: 5 out of 10

2019-05-31