Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Presidential Power of the Pardon: A Dramatic Shift Over Time

Why did America’s founders give presidents such broad pardon powers? How has the presidential power of the pardon evolved from a tool of justice to an instrument of political favor? The story of presidential pardons in America reveals a dramatic shift from their original purpose of promoting national unity and showing mercy to their modern use as political weapons. From George Washington’s pardons after the Whiskey Rebellion to Joe Biden’s unprecedented pardon of his son, these executive decisions have shaped American history in profound ways. Keep reading to explore the fascinating transformation of America’s most sweeping executive power and its

Matt Abrahams’s Think Faster, Talk Smarter: Book Overview

A young woman with long dark hair and a backpack looking at a book in a bookstore

What’s holding you back from speaking confidently in unexpected situations? How can you transform anxiety into an asset during impromptu conversations? Matt Abrahams’s Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot has strategies to help anyone communicate more effectively under pressure. You can develop skills to organize thoughts quickly, manage emotions, and connect authentically with others. Keep reading to discover proven techniques that will boost your confidence and transform the way you communicate in spontaneous situations.

The Amazing Sense of Smell in Animals: What Humans Can’t Do

A dog sniffing something on the ground illustrates the sense of smell in animals

What makes dogs’ sense of smell so different from humans’? How do various animals use their sense of smell to navigate and survive? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores the fascinating ways animals perceive their environment through scent. From dogs detecting identical twins to elephants avoiding threats and seabirds mapping the ocean, the sense of smell in animals reveals capabilities far beyond human understanding. Keep reading to discover the surprising truth about how animal and human noses compare, and why we might be better sniffers than we think.

3 Different Types of Anxiety Symptoms & Tips for Overcoming Them

A worried woman with curly hair holding her hands to the sides of her head illustrates different types of anxiety symptoms

What happens in your body and mind when anxiety strikes? How can you transform those uncomfortable feelings into something more manageable? In Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams explores three different types of anxiety symptoms and provides practical strategies to handle them. His approach breaks down anxiety into physical, emotional, and mental components, offering specific techniques to address each one. Keep reading to discover proven methods that can help you stay calm and focused when anxiety threatens to take over.

How to Run a Book Club: Tips to Launch, Promote, Lead, & Grow

Do you love to read? Do you enjoy getting the most out of a book within the context of community? Running a book club requires dedication, organization, and a passion for reading. By following these steps and adapting to the needs of your group, you can foster meaningful discussions and create a vibrant and enjoyable community of readers. Read more to learn how to run a book club successfully.

How to Understand Shakespeare: His Language & His Plays

A skull on top of an old book illustrates how to understand Shakespeare

How prithee dost thou comprehend Hamlet? Canst thou discern what the Bard doth speak? If you’re lost at this point, you’re not alone. Shakespearean language can be difficult to comprehend, and William Shakespeare’s plays entail complexities that go beyond language barriers. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you get more out of these works that deserve comprehension. Continue reading to learn how to understand Shakespeare’s language and his plays.

What Are the Limitations of the Green Revolution? (False Alarm)

A house with solar panels on the roof illustrates what the limitations of the green revolution are

What are the limitations of the green revolution that’s supposed to save our planet? Can renewable energy sources really replace fossil fuels and solve our climate crisis? In False Alarm, Bjorn Lomborg challenges the optimistic vision of a world powered entirely by renewable energy. He examines real-world examples from both developing and developed nations to reveal the practical constraints of solar, wind, and other green technologies. Keep reading to discover why the transition to renewable energy might be more complicated than you’ve been led to believe.

How to Set Up a Home Library: A Haven for Book Lovers

Are you an avid reader? Do you want a dedicated, organized space for your books? How does an inspiring and cozy reading retreat sound? Welcome to the world of bibliophiles, where the smell of books and the promise of adventure fill the air. Setting up a home library is not just about organizing books; it’s about creating a sanctuary for your mind and soul. Continue reading to learn how to set up a home library that’s not only organized by inspiring.

Ed Yong’s An Immense World: Book Overview & Takeaways

A photorealistic image of a squirrel-like animal reading a book in a library

What amazing abilities do animals possess that humans can’t even imagine? How and why do their senses work differently than ours? Ed Yong’s An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us explores the fascinating ways different species perceive reality through their unique senses. From dogs that can smell the past to fish that navigate by electricity, the book reveals these remarkable sensory abilities. Continue reading for an overview of this New York Times best-selling book.

Bad Communication Habits: Overcoming Heuristics & Perfectionism

A man with brown eyes and curly brown hair holding his hand over his mouth illustrates bad communication habits

What holds people back from having clear and meaningful conversations? Why do so many of us fall into predictable patterns when communicating with others? In Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams reveals how bad communication habits such as mental shortcuts and perfectionism can prevent us from connecting authentically with others. He shows how to break free from these limiting patterns and become more engaging in spontaneous interactions. Continue reading to discover how to transform your communication style and create deeper connections with everyone you meet.