Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" by Michael McQueen is a compelling exploration into the art of persuasion in an era where changing minds seems more challenging than ever. McQueen, with his extensive experience in helping Fortune 500 companies and leaders adapt to change, delves into the intricacies of human psychology and the barriers that prevent us from influencing others.

The book is structured in a way that each chapter builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive guide on the subject. McQueen's use of anecdotes and case studies from his professional life adds a personal touch that makes the content relatable and engaging. His writing style is both efficient and lively, ensuring that the reader is not just informed but also entertained.

One of the book's strengths is its practicality. McQueen doesn't just theorize about the difficulties of persuasion; he offers actionable advice and techniques that readers can apply in various aspects of their lives, whether they are leaders trying to inspire their teams, businesspeople seeking to convince partners, or parents attempting to communicate with their children.

Drawing from disciplines such as neuroscience and behavioral economics, McQueen argues that traditional methods of persuasion are outdated for our modern minds. He suggests that we need an upgrade in our approach to truly influence others in the 21st century. The book ends each chapter with persuasion tips, serving as valuable takeaways for the reader.

Critics and readers alike have praised "Mindstuck" for its insights and practical advice. Notable figures like Mel Robbins and Daniel H. Pink have endorsed the book, highlighting its significance in today's polarized society where open-mindedness is often overshadowed by obstinance.

In conclusion, "Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds" is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of human interaction and persuasion. It's a timely guide that restores the lost art of civil discourse and equips readers with the tools to make a greater impact in their personal and professional lives.

Well, this was another solid four-star read.

I’ve read a lot of books like this before (and have a few that I haven’t read), so this was a happy little jaunt into familiar territory.

The main strong point of this book is that it actually improves upon the books about this stuff that I was reading ten years ago, with updated context and sources. Back in 2014, when the term “sigma male” hadn’t been coined yet and people were still trying to be Sherlock Holmes because Benedict Cumberbatch, the sorts of books I read on this topic still tried to suggest that Donald Trump was somebody we should look up to in business strategy. Meanwhile, this book mentions a lot of current topics that will hit home with people, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2016/2020 US elections, so I think that readers will almost always have a good idea of what the author is talking about.

The book also features a lot of scientific studies, including a great deal of newer ones (i.e. from the past ten years), plus some classics. There are a lot of big names cited in here including Asch, Festinger, Gazzaniga, Cialdini, Zak, and other familiar psychologists. McQueen has also read around his own genre here, because he cites Jay Heinrichs, Kevin Hogan, and other authors who have written similar things. As a result, not everything in this book is terribly original, but it’s packaged and formatted for the modern era and McQueen cites his sources and influences very well. It’s a whole lot more compelling than a book written by someone who claims to have discovered something nobody else has ever written about, which usually implies that they are either making something up out of whole cloth or haven’t even done the most basic searching to see what has already been written about their topic. (See: the endless number of authors claiming to have written the definitive book on why people are unhappy, how to be happy, what makes us human, or how to become a CEO) This book also does away with some of the outdated stuff in older books that has been disproven, like the idea that you can always depend on body language to figure out what other people are thinking, which research now suggests isn’t true. (Which I can attest to—if I have a blank look on my face, it’s not because I’m “uncertain” or “unhappy”, it’s because I’m lost in my mind thinking about how much I enjoyed “Escape from New York” (1981) or the computer-generated imagery in The Second Law by Stephen Wolfram.)

My only complaint is that, at times, McQueen suggests things that really only make sense in certain circumstances. For instance, while I do think you need to understand other perspectives, there are many cases in which you really shouldn’t genuinely open yourself up to those perspectives, because many are quite simply based on information that isn’t true. As in, I guess I could be a sympathetic ear to someone who believed that aliens were putting chips in our heads, but suggesting that something so clearly untrue could actually be a valid standpoint would likely make things worse—while you need more than evidence to inspire someone to change their mind, you do need to show that evidence at some point.

I also think there are also plenty of cases in which you shouldn’t try to persuade someone, or are under no obligation to try to persuade them. For example, whenever I am in a completely avoidable conversation with someone who clearly doesn’t really see me as a human person in the same way that they are, I tend to extricate myself and go home (so to speak). Not because these people are incapable of ever being persuaded, but because you do need to have some higher degree of good faith from both sides in order to have a constructive, persuasive conversation, and when the other person doesn’t even see you as someone who might matter, there is not equal good-faith participation. No matter how “nice” I try to be about it. Really, I’d be better off trying to convince Person X who is already predisposed to have basic respect for me that someone they might not have basic respect for, Person Y, could be deserving of respect, simply because I already have some rapport with Person X to a degree that X and Y don’t have with each other. At some point I think you need to realize that you are limited in your ability to shape everyone’s opinions and spend your energy accordingly.

Other than that, I generally recommend this book, particularly to people who don’t want to sift through every book on this topic in the library like I did when I was 14.

indstuck offers readers a carefully crafted roadmap to mastering the art of influence. Written with clarity and precision, this book stands out for its exceptional organisation, accessible language and practical insights into the psychology of persuasion.
In a landscape cluttered with similar titles, Mindstuck stands out for its impeccable organisation. From cover to cover, the book is structured to guide the reader seamlessly through the intricacies of persuasion. By starting with the basics and gradually moving on to more advanced concepts, the author ensures that any reader, regardless of their familiarity with the subject, can follow along and grasp the principles presented.

What really sets Mindstuck apart, however, is its ability to translate complex persuasion techniques into digestible and relatable language. While the concepts discussed may be familiar to seasoned readers, the author's skilful presentation breathes new life into age-old principles. Unlike other books in the genre, which often feel dry and disconnected, Mindstuck resonates with readers on a deeper level, making it not only easy to understand, but also effortless to remember and apply.

What's more, the book doesn't just rely on theory; it is enriched with practical examples that illustrate the principles of persuasion in real-world contexts.

The true measure of Mindstuck's impact lies in its practicality. Readers will find themselves constantly referring back to their notes, drawn to the book's wealth of wisdom and practical advice. Whether navigating challenging conversations or seeking to increase their influence, readers attest to the enduring value of the principles espoused in Mindstuck, both in their line of work and in their everyday interactions.

In conclusion, "Mindstuck" is a must-read for anyone seeking to master the art of persuasion. With its well-organized structure, relatable language, and practical examples, it transcends the realm of persuasion literature, offering readers a transformative journey into the heart of influence and effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice in the art of persuasion, "Mindstuck" is sure to leave an indelible mark on your approach to communication and influence.

This book tackles the challenge of persuading stubborn minds in our modern, polarized world. The author presents the idea that traditional persuasion techniques are outdated, urging readers to embrace a modern understanding of influence rooted in neuroscience and behavioral economics. Whether you're a leader, businessperson, or parent, this book offers practical advice on navigating change and persuading even the most resistant individuals in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

A wonderful book. Highly recommended. You will enjoy reading it. Written in a very engaging prose. Nowhere would you feel being stuck or bored. Pick it up if you get a chance. Thanks to the author for a review copy.

Oh, I wish I read this book when I was starting out in advocacy, because it has references on neuroscience and human cognition on how to persuade and influence.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

This is an important book for anyone that wants to advocate and influence. It has solid foundations in neuroscience and the science of persuasion, it contains many examples and many pro-tips for engaging individuals in many settings for example individual performance or advocating for change. A great book I learnt so much. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Thoughtful book about neuroscience that can bring new perspectives on personal states, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. There are many engaging examples of this science application throughout the book that illustrate ideas. In many cases one can definitely recognise himself/herself and reflect on life situations. How can this be applied in real life? By understanding how we unconsciously think and act can and is used in different manila and it is indeed important to see the scenarios and recognize patterns.