Learn how to get more out of your conversations with this indispensable guide

​Everyone knows how to talk, right? Wrong, according to Harvard Professor Alison Wood Brooks. We’re ill prepared with topics to discuss, don’t ask enough questions to maintain momentum and fail to see conversation as a way to engage and have fun. Professor Brooks backs up her guidelines for good conversation with rigorous science. Many of her findings may surprise you. 

For example, one section of the book discusses the importance of apologising, even for things you didn’t do. Brooks cites a study where participants asked complete strangers if they could borrow their mobile phone to make a call. Only 9% of those asked cooperated. But when the study was performed on a rainy day, and participants apologised for the rain, 47% of people offered their phones when asked. 

Other research shows that, despite our aversion to sounding intrusive or overly familiar, asking directly personal questions are for the most part well received. They demonstrate a strong interest in people, and so recipients are almost flattered at the attention. 

Not all conversations are good, however. Some are hostile, or can quickly escalate. In a particularly useful chapter, Brooks guides the reader through the minefield of disagreement.and conflict. By listening and acknowledging grievances, the way can be smoothed to air an opposing point of view or opinion. Research shows that this method of discourse makes an opponent more amenable to what you have to say. 

To make the book’s lessons easier to remember, Brooks smartly distillates her message into four main points:

T. Topics. Research things to talk about.
A. Asking questions
L. Levity. Finding the fun in conversation.
K. Kindness. Hear out what people have to say and give them space.

Written in cheerful, companionable prose, this guide to talking offers vital tips not only for making good conversation, but for also building strong relationships. A must read.

Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, by Alison Wood Brooks. Penguin Books. $26.99

Review by Chris Saliba.

A happiness expert uses the latest science to show how the brain defaults to negative thinking, and how we can fix that bias.

Professor Bruce Hood is a psychologist and philosopher specialising in neuroscience. His latest book, The Science of Happiness, mixes the self-help genre with up-to-date scientific research to establish the best path forward in the pursuit of happiness. Seven chapters, or “lessons”, are provided that cover the various ways our brains work, or rather work against us. We learn, among other things, that we are prone to negative comparisons, need to avoid isolation and should focus our attention better. The overarching theme of the book is that egocentrism, which is our natural default position, causes significant suffering. We think too much about ourselves, which only leads to worry. The antidote to this condition is to pursue “allocentrism”, a state of mind that is more collective and outward focused. In short, we should try to do more for others, or think of ourselves more as part of a group. Scientific studies show allocentrism leads to a more sustained happiness. 

The Science of Happiness makes for rewarding reading, providing a simple, cohesive psychological overview of how the brain is predisposed to negative, egocentric thinking, and how by considering ourselves a small part of something bigger can bring joy. 

The Science of Happiness, by Bruce Hood. Published by Simon and Schuster. $32.99

Review by Chris Saliba​

How tiny germs made the world as we know it

According to Jonathan Kennedy, a teacher in global health, pathogens have played a bigger role in historical events than we give credit for. History's narrative arc is usually described as one of great men and superior civilisations, the world mere putty awaiting the hands of god. But what if it was pathogens – smallpox and malaria for example – that have really given conquering armies their competitive edge? Jonathan Kennedy argues that this is very much the case. From the fate of Neanderthals to the American Civil War, pathogens have played a major role in aiding one side against the other.  Societies with no immunity to introduced diseases didn't have a hope. The most famous historical example is the Spanish conquest of the Mexica and Inka Empires. The population was brutally swathed by smallpox, allowing the Spanish victory with only a few hundred soldiers. The mosquito-borne virus yellow fever allowed immune Haitian rebels to win independence from Napoleon's France. French soldiers didn't stand a chance against the virus.

Pathogenesis provides example after example of killer diseases changing the course of history. Kennedy even argues the Medieval plague helped kick start the capitalist revolution. By drastically reducing the number of farmers, it gave them more bargaining power and the incentive to maximise profits.

Written in lively and engaging prose, and weaving in amusing literary allusions from Genesis to Tolkein, this is a compelling history that will appeal to readers of Sapiens and Guns, Germs and Steel.

Pathogenesis, Jonathan Kennedy. Published by Random House. $35

Review by Chris Saliba

A fascinating two thousand year history of fasting.

For thousands of years, fasting was more religious practice than scientific endeavour. From antiquity to Christianity, people starved themselves in the hope of appeasing their gods. Some philosophers and divines took a more moderate approach, and saw fasting as generally good for mind, body and spirit. But overall fasting, especially under Christianity, was an extreme practice that served little good.

Come the 19th century and fasting started to take on a more scientific aspect. It was proven that the body could endure fasting for much longer than was thought safe or prudent, and that it could in some strange way cure certain ills. There were some famous proselytisers, such as writer Upton Sinclair and  bodybuilder and publisher of Physical Culture magazine, Bernarr Macfadden. But for all these steps forward, there were many steps back. Fasting is deeply counter-intuitive. Starving yourself to promote a healthy body defies common sense. The most logical way to cure illness is to seek out a doctor and take prescription drugs or undergo surgery. The medical fraternity was deeply hostile to fasting. It threatened a powerful interest group.

Arriving in the 21st century, fasting has made a few leaps forward. There is a bit more science around what fasting does for the body, which is basic repair work, flushing out toxins and swapping out bad cells for good ones. When the body doesn't have to metabolise food, it can turn its attention to self-maintenance. While it won't cure all diseases, regular fasting might act as a good preventative. Studies show impressive benefits across a range of diseases. It could even be useful for combating mental illness, as several cases in the book demonstrate.

The great tragedy of fasting's long history is its neglect by science. If much more rigorous scientific inquiry in fasting had taken place over the past century, we might have cures for a range of diseases, avoiding hospital stays and lifelong drug dependency.

Steve Hendricks has written an engaging, lively, wide ranging history that should have broad appeal. 

The Oldest Cure in the World, by Steve Hendricks. Published by Abrams Press. $45

Review by Chris Saliba

Why movement is not only good for our bodies, but for our brains as well.

As we all know, our lives are too sedentary. The last century has brought us many labour saving devices – cars and washing machines – but there has been a detrimental effect. We are moving less and less. As Move! by Caroline Williams shows, this is even having an effect on our cognition. Exercise – whether it be walking, dancing or gardening – helps power up brain function. Sadly, research shows that IQ scores have been dropping over recent decades. Lazy limbs are leading to lazy minds.

A book on the benefits of movement sounds like a guilt inducing trip urging us to quickly sign up for all year aquatic passes and gym memberships. That's not the aim here. What Move! shows, backed up by the latest science and interviews with experts in the field, is how important the simple, everyday movements are in life. Walking, jumping, doing housework, sitting straight and not slouching, or simply performing a few stretches. Did you even know that laughter is good for your core? The final chapter concentrates on a topic that may surprise many in a book about movement: breathing. Correct breathing should be evenly measured and done through the nose, not the mouth. There are many health benefits in this technique, as the nose filters air. Slowing down breathing to six breaths per minute can induce a state of meditative calm.
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Move! is a nifty little book that uses science to explore the mind-body connection and urges readers to not think of their brains and bodies as things in isolation, but as a fully integrated nervous system that requires thought and care.

Move!: The New Science of Mind Over Body, by Caroline Williams. Published by Profile Trade. $22.99

Review by Chris Saliba

An invitation to breathe your way to health, inner peace and happiness.

Yolanda Barker is a film maker and yoga teacher. She had experienced persistent depression and decided to try yoga. While this helped, the dark feelings didn't entirely lift. Going deeper into her yoga practice, she decided to concentrate on breathing exercises. A mixture of research and talking to experts in the field helped Yolanda discover breathing techniques that suited her. Finally, relief. Yolanda was hooked on breathing.

Everyone knows how to breathe, so why read a book on it? Apparently we don't breathe properly. We should breathe calmly, with correct posture and always through the nose. The nose filters toxins before entering the lungs. Moreover, breathing is a part of our body's functioning that we can actually control. Research shows that by controlling breathing we can change our mood. Our emotional state does not necessarily emanate from the mind, but from the nervous system. Measured, thoughtful breathing can reduce inner turmoil and bring equilibrium. 

The book is divided into a seven day program, which can really be read as seven aspects of breathing. Yolanda Barker mixes a good dose of science and physiology with practical steps to improve breathing. The Breathing Revolution is an easy to read guide that is a surprisingly calming experience in itself.

Discover how mind and body are more closely intertwined than previously thought.

The Breathing Revolution, by Yolanda Barker. Published by Green Tree. $24.99

Review by Chris Saliba

A persuasive case is made for the power of positive thinking.

David Robson is a British science writer. His first book, The Intelligence Trap, looked at how smart people can make poor decisions. In The Expectation Effect, Robson examines the science of how expectations can influence the way our bodies perform. In short, a healthy mind means a healthy body. And the science agrees.

The book lists many extraordinary findings on health, fitness, anxiety, illness, learning and intellectual performance. There's even a fascinating chapter on food and diet, with research showing that appetite can be moderated with mere suggestion. For example, study participants who were told a meal was hearty and filling ate less. Obversely, participants who were told the same meal was fat free and low in calories ate more. Priming with words has an effect on how we eat and appreciate food.

In other studies, research has shown that low expectations leads to poorer academic outcomes. Girls who internalise negative social cues about their abilities go on to trail behind boys who are naturally more confident. Studies have found that girls given positive messages can close the learning gap. Teachers who send subtle cues to their students that they lack confidence in their abilities unwittingly foster poorer performances. In education, a teacher simply looking for the best in their students can dramatically improve learning.

While positive thinking can boost our health and fitness, the opposite can be deadly. A bizarre 1970s case of Laotian male immigrants suddenly dying in their sleep highlights the powerful effects of negative thinking, or what is now called the nocebo effect (the opposite of placebo). It is believed the Laotian immigrants, living in the US and far away from their home, feared the evil demon 'dab tsog' that roamed at night. Usually these men would have approached a local shaman to provide a protective spell against the demon, but that was no longer possible. Terror killed the Laotian men in their sleep. There are many other documented cases of what is known as Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS).

Highly readable popular science on the mind-body connection. It will convince you that maintaining an optimistic outlook is essential to well being.  

The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your Life, by David Robson. Published by Canongate Trade. $32.99

Review by Chris Saliba

A cautionary tale about power unchecked.

From 1968 to 1995, Colin Manock was South Australia's chief forensic pathologist. During that time, he was there at every crime scene where an autopsy was required. His evidence helped secure some 400 criminal convictions. There was only one problem. A lot of his work as a pathologist was considered substandard. He was also lacking in qualifications, having no training in histopathology – the practice of taking tissue samples from various organs to discern more complex signs of disease or injury.

In 1968, Manock had seen an advertisement for the director of pathology at South Australia's institute of Medical and Veterinary Science. The institute was eager to fill the position, and with no other promising candidates, Manock was accepted, with the hope that he would undertake further training. He didn't. Manock's English accent (he emigrated from the UK), self-possession and refusal to concede mistakes meant his evidence was often accepted without demur. But as his work has come to be reviewed over the years, deficiencies have become obvious. In the handful of cases author Drew Rooke examines in A Witness of Fact, many have spent decades in prison due in large part to questionable forensic work. Some have had their convictions entirely overturned.

Drew Rooke has written a fascinating, easy-to-read biography of a strange, disturbing character. The middle sections concentrate on a number of cases and read like the best of true crime – enigmas to be solved. The book offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving too much power, unchecked, to one person. Clearly the work of forensic pathologists, as presented in A Witness of Fact, requires rigorous peer review before being used in courts of law. Once legal decisions have been made, lives can be ruined for decades. Or forever. Derek Bromley, who still protests his innocence of murder, has been behind bars for close to forty years. He could have walked free in the early 2000s if he'd admitted guilt, but maintains his innocence. He was convicted in large part on Manock's evidence, which has come under increasing scrutiny in the past two decades.

Public interest journalism mixed with compelling true crime cases.

A Witness of Fact: The Peculiar Case of Chief Forensic Pathologist Colin Manock, by Drew Rooke. Published by Scribe. $32.99

​Review by Chris Saliba