About the Author

David Brooks has millions of readers worldwide from his New York Times column. His influence has only grown since the publication of his book Bobos In Paradise. In a recent profile, New York magazine called him "the essential columnist of our time". He lives with his family in Washington DC.

Reviews

Brooks delivers alook at the impact of social influence on the individual that will help many reconsider what shapes them. He structures this work of the latest research in psychology and sociology (with emphasis on social psychology) in the tradition of Rousseau's Emile, creating two fictional characters whose choices and decisions throughout their lives are contextualized by a myriad of social, economic, and cultural forces. With a friendly projection, Arthur Morey narrates with a strong, calm, and deliberate tone, making sure each piece of this complex puzzle is understood, and Brooks's prose certainly invites this approach. With well-chosen emphasis and pauses, Morey engages listeners with a sincere tone that comes close to condescension, but never actually crosses over. Both Morey and Brooks are enthusiastic, but shy away from being preachy. A Random hardcover. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

**NEW YORK TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER** 'Mr. Brooks is at his best as a social observer... his talent for capturing the way we live now is truly impressive. Brooks surveys a stunning amount of research and cleverly connects it to everyday experience - several passages made me think that Brooks had been glancing through my own windows.' Wall Street Journal 'Brooks's layman's tour through the science-sparked revolution in consciousness is an enjoyably thought-provoking adventure.' Boston Globe 'A fascinating study of the unconscious mind and its impact on our lives'The Economist 'An uncommonly brilliant blend of sociology, intellect and allegory' Kirkus Reviews 'David Brooks has a very different background to most psychology and popular science writers. In the United States he is a revered and reviled political commentator whose twice-weekly op-ed columns for the New York Times are so influential that, as this deadline nears, he will often receive a call from the White House to find out if they should be worried.' The Observer