The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal: Overview

A cartoon image of a man and woman jogging in a park

What if the secret to lasting fitness isn’t willpower or discipline, but rediscovering the natural joy your body was designed to feel during movement? In The Joy of Movement, Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal challenges everything we think we know about exercise by revealing how our brains are evolutionarily wired to find movement rewarding—not punishing. Whether you’re someone who dreads the gym or you’re seeking a deeper understanding of why some activities feel naturally energizing while others feel like punishment, this guide will help you discover how to harness movement’s built-in rewards to create sustainable, joyful fitness habits.

Superagency by Reid Hoffman & Greg Beato (Overview)

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What if artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t humanity’s greatest threat, but its greatest opportunity for empowerment? In Superagency, Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn) and writer Greg Beato challenge the dominant anxieties around AI, arguing that it can dramatically amplify individual human capabilities while creating collective benefits for society.  They argue that the real risk isn’t AI becoming too powerful, but democratic societies withdrawing from AI development and ceding control to less benevolent actors. To learn more, continue reading our overview of Superagency.

Unplug by Richard Simon: Overview, Lessons, & Exercises

A girl unplugging her cell phone from its charger

Do you reach for your smartphone dozens of times a day, even when you don’t need it? If so, you’re not alone. You’re caught in a cycle that affects millions of people worldwide—one where the very device designed to make life easier has become a source of distraction, anxiety, and disconnection. The solution isn’t about finding better apps or setting screen time limits; it requires a complete shift in focus away from constant digital stimulation and toward intentional, meaningful engagement with your real-world priorities. In his book Unplug, Richard Simon argues that breaking free from smartphone dependency demands radical action:

Me, But Better by Olga Khazan: Book Overview & Lessons

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What if the anxious, disorganized, or introverted parts of your personality aren’t permanent fixtures, but changeable patterns you can reshape? Most people assume their personality traits are fixed characteristics they simply have to live with, but emerging research reveals otherwise: personality is malleable. In Me, But Better, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan chronicles both the science of personality transformation and her own year-long experiment to become more extroverted, emotionally stable, and socially confident. Here’s an overview of her book.

Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman doing volunteer work by cleaning up trash

Tired of feeling like your career doesn’t matter? You’re not alone. In Moral Ambition, Rutger Bregman explains that 25% of workers in wealthy countries believe their jobs are socially meaningless. At the same time, the world’s biggest problems, from climate change to global poverty, need talented people working on solutions. His answer is to restructure your career around creating a measurable impact on humanity’s greatest challenges. To understand Bregman’s critique of current approaches and his proposed alternative, we’ll examine his argument through four questions: What is moral ambition? Why does it matter? Why do both traditional activism and effective altruism

Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson (Overview)

President Joe Biden sitting at his desk in the Oval Office

President Biden’s awful debate performance in June 2024 shocked millions of Americans. But, according to two journalists, that moment wasn’t a sudden decline—it was the inevitable result of years of carefully orchestrated deception. Their explosive book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson reveals how Biden’s inner circle, family, and Democratic allies allegedly worked together to hide his deteriorating condition from the public. Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.

Dana Perino’s I Wish Someone Had Told Me… (Book Overview)

Political commentator and author Dana Perino speaking at CPAC 2016 on stage

How often do you receive truly life-changing advice? If you’re Dana Perino, it’s a regular occurrence. As a Fox News host and former White House Press Secretary, Perino meets people from many walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. In her book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me…, she compiles the highlights of the advice guests gave in her online column, Short Questions With Dana Perino, alongside her own tips for success. We’ve highlighted the book’s major themes for different stages of life and the challenges you might face, from finding your purpose to becoming a leader. Read below

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More (Jefferson Fisher)

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Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or like you were talking to a brick wall? Whether it’s a heated family dinner discussion or a tense meeting at work, we’ve all been there. Jefferson Fisher’s The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More isn’t about winning debates or getting your way. Instead, Fisher focuses on building genuine connections and turning conflicts into opportunities for understanding. Continue reading to discover how to handle even the toughest conversations.

Life Lessons From a Brain Surgeon by Rahul Jandial: Overview

An up-close shot of a surgeon wearing a gown and gloves

How can something so small control every aspect of your existence? The human brain, with its 85 billion neurons forming over 100 trillion synaptic connections, holds the key to optimizing your cognitive abilities, protecting against age-related decline, and unlocking your full mental potential. In Life Lessons From a Brain Surgeon, neurosurgeon and scientist Rahul Jandial reveals how understanding your brain’s structure and function can transform the way you approach everything from daily habits to long-term health planning. Keep reading for a detailed overview of the book.

Shortform Articles: Read Something Worthwhile Today

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Here at Shortform, we’ve made a name for ourselves with our trademark book guides, but you might not know that we also produce human-written, high-quality articles. Shortform Articles are included with every Shortform subscription. Whether you want to stay updated on trending topics, get inspired by influential authors, or explore timeless topics like self-care and human connection, Shortform Articles are designed to inform, engage, and enrich your daily thinking. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Shortform Articles different—and why they might be exactly what your brain’s been craving. What Are Shortform Articles? Shortform Articles are original pieces of