In “The Science of Storytelling,” award-winning journalist Will Storr takes a fascinating look at the psychology and neuroscience behind why humans are hardwired to tales. From evolutionary biology to cognitive science, he explains how storytelling works on our brains and what makes us want to keep reading, watching, or listening. Along the way, Storr masterfully demonstrates that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re essential for understanding ourselves and the world around us.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who want to better understand the psychology and neuroscience behind storytelling. It provides a detailed look at how stories work on our brains, what makes us enjoy them, and why they are so essential for understanding ourselves and the world around us.
Pros :
- Will Storr is a great storyteller himself, and so he knows how to write about the topic in an engaging way.
- The book offers a great overview of the neuroscience of storytelling, as well as some practical tips for writers and filmmakers.
- It’s interesting to read about why various stories are appealing or memorable, and it can help you better understand your own reactions to narratives.
Cons :
- The author tries to hard to sound smart
- The book is not really about the science of storytelling, it’s more a collection of essays on different aspects of human behavior that are loosely related to storytelling
- Some sections are redundant or unnecessary
Learn more about the author
Will Storr is a British journalist and author. He has written for The Observer, The Sunday Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Men’s Health among others. His first book was “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—And Why” (2010), about the ways people deal with extreme stressors such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
Reader Reviews
“This book is a must read for anyone interesting in psychology, the human brain or just great writing.”
“The Science of Storytelling is a well-researched, fascinating examination of the psychology and neuroscience behind why humans are hardwired for tales. Will Storr provides insightful explanations for how storytelling works on our brains and what makes us want to keep reading, watching or listening. This book is essential reading not just for writers but anyone interested in understanding themselves and the world around them.”
“I loved this book! It provides a great breakdown of the science behind storytelling and its effects on our brains. I was really interested in the different case studies used to illustrate how storytelling is used in various contexts (marketing, therapy, etc.).”
“This is a great book! Will Storr takes us on an exploration of the science behind storytelling and how it affects our brains. He demonstrates that stories aren’t just entertainment-they’re essential for understanding ourselves and the world around us. This book is packed with fascinating information, but it’s also very readable. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about why we love stories.”
