How Stories Change Us

Reese provides a superb synthesis of our scientific understanding of stories, which she weaves together with tales from her own life like a true storyteller. An engaging and stimulating read * you will learn a lot about why you love the stories you do and the ways they shape you.Donna Rose Addis, Canada 150 Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Aging and Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest; Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto; and Honorary Professor of Psychology, The University of Auckland * Elaine Reese's masterful book, Stories Change Us, provides a rich overview of the ways that stories and reading can alter the ways we think and connect with others. Trained as a developmental psychologist, Reese walks us through the science of narrative * from hearing bedtime stories to reading novels. Her work has important lessons about reading in the twenty-first century, including introducing adults to the role that social media is playing with today's children, tweens, and teens. I loved this book. It's the kind of book that stays with you whether you are a parent, a storyteller, a budding writer, or a researcher.James W. Pennebaker, Regents Centennial Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin, and author of The Secret Life of Pronouns and Opening Up by Writing it Down * As a psychological scientist who loves stories, Elaine Reese is the perfect person to tell the story of the science of stories. In this engaging and deeply researched book, she describes the development of our relationship with stories across the human life course, beginning even in the womb as we hear our mother's narrating voice. Stories change us, and they teach us how to be human. With great authority and compassion, Professor Reese conveys abiding insights about human development, parenting, gender, and family relationships, and she provides practical advice regarding the promise and the perils of storytelling in today's world. * Dan P. McAdams, author of The Person: A New Introduction to Personality Psychology *