The Social Animal

There is no arguing that David Brooks has an extensively researched book here. It is both fascinating and insightful, however there are large sections of loooong, verbose story that does nothing but bore and adds no impotant information to the characters or studies. With a machete, I hack through these to find the treasures and relevant information I've been yearning for. Good book, but could be much better with less bark and more bite. Where was the editor?

I still don't know how I feel about Mr. Brooks, the man behind the in-your-face Republican Op-Ed column in the New York Times. Being a Democrat, I posses a skewed desire to identify and critique his attempts to use his column to push forth his own political agenda. Being a Democrat, I have an unconscious desire to associate myself with Democrats like Gail Collins and disassociate myself from Republicans like Mr. Brooks. Despite all of these unconscious prejudices, constant desires to shriek "Eureka - I have spotted his political agenda!," and affirm my own biases about Mr. Brooks, I cannot help but admit - no, proclaim:

This book is brilliant.

In a word, it is incredible. In another: Illuminating. Life-changing. Brooks combines the life-defining scientific findings of our era to craft the fictional, science-shaped tale of Harold and Erica from Harold's parents' first date to the end of Harold and Erica's lives. It's all relatable because it's all set in the present tense. Brooks' proves that he can jump from romance to parenting, elite to impoverished, classroom to living room, college to job hopping, work to worldview, leadership to persuasion, politics to people, and even (gulp!) Republicans to Democrats... without a flinch. The all-present construct is brilliant; the depth of exploration is unbiased and intriguing; the point - that we are social animals who must stop socialize to survive - life-changing. Brooks' book has taught me to appreciate the beauty of the unconscious.

Unlike Brooks' Op-Ed columns, The Social Animal doesn't have a political agenda - it just has a life agenda.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read.

This will so put your social hoarding and acumen to the test. Possibly at any level. It’s empowered me on the biggest part of media confidence and sociology. Bringing in creative talks, idea generation about values vs what’s being used by someone else’s class. It’s always a go too bible for a apple fan or someone always typing and sharing and listing new things on social media and their mobile Phones.

This is somewhere a challenging read since from the time of purchase was self driven by a need to understand how to socialize as an introvert. Using social media and messaging and internet communications. David Brooks Social Animal taunts you and puts you out there in a pretty good pedestal and says it’s okay to be socially challenging and annoying at some other points. Celebrity and creative people alike would also benefit from this book. Especially when seeking to gain more traction in understanding how people socialize and sustain social momentum.