Many of us feel that our social lives are lacking. Loneliness is on the rise across the country, heated political disagreements feel like a daily stressor, and oh yeah, there’s the whole pandemic thing. So if you’re hoping to cultivate a healthier, more rewarding social life, the seven books below can help you make some new friends—both online and off.
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Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide to Connection
By Adam Smiley Poswolsky
In this warm, inspiring guide, a millennial workplace expert proposes a new solution for the mounting pressures of modern life: focus on your friendships. He offers practical habits and playful reminders on how to create meaningful connections, make new friends, and deepen relationships. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, in the Next Big Idea App
The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World
By Nichola Raihani
A biologist looks at how and why collaborative behavior emerges throughout the animal kingdom. She reveals that the species that exhibit cooperative behavior—teaching, helping, grooming, and self-sacrifice—most similar to our own tend not to be other apes; they are birds, insects, and fish, occupying far more distant branches of the evolutionary tree. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Nichola Raihani, in the Next Big Idea App
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
By Vivek Murthy
The 19th Surgeon General of the United States makes a case for loneliness as a public health concern—a root cause and contributor to many of the epidemics sweeping the world today, from alcohol and drug addiction to violence to depression and anxiety. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Vivek Murthy, in the Next Big Idea App
Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life
By Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas
It turns out that a broken funny bone doesn’t just make you a buzzkill at parties; it can also put a damper on your professional life. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a comedian, this book by two Stanford professors can help you use humor to improve your negotiation skills and build better connections. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by authors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, in the Next Big Idea App
How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and Others Who Defy Reason
By Lee McIntyre
A philosopher of science offers tools and techniques for communicating the truth and values of science, emphasizing that the most important way to reach science deniers is to talk to them calmly and respectfully—to put ourselves out there, and meet them face to face. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Lee McIntyre, in the Next Big Idea App
Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing
By Chris Bail
Providing data-driven recommendations for strengthening our social media connections, Breaking the Social Media Prism shows how to combat online polarization without deleting our accounts. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Chris Bail, in the Next Big Idea App
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues
By David Bradford and Carole Robin
The instructors of the renowned Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business have collected their most powerful insights into a single transformative read. Whether you’re negotiating with a potential business partner or trying to reconnect with an old friend, Connect is an ideal guide to building better, stronger relationships. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by authors David Bradford and Carole Robin, in the Next Big Idea App
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