Love this human. As a big fan of “Cultish”, I’m not surprised at how great this book is. I love how each chapter focused on a form of bias or overthinking, paired with both psychology and pop culture. I felt like I was learning while I was laughing. It helped me understand why people do certain things, such as fall for misinformation or choose to continue bad relationships. Highly recommend!

I really dug Cultish a few years ago, and this blends the same voice that book had with a new topic - the various cognitive biases we experience on a day-to-day basis, in all their contemporary forms like calling pop stars "mother" and pop culture's current obsession with strip-mining the nostalgia of our youths. Prospective reader, I tore through this in a few sittings. It's chatty but knowledgeable, a real winning combination. I look forward to reading whatever Montell chooses to cover next.

As an avid fan of Amanda Montell's previous works, including "Cultish" and "Wordslut," I was over the moon to receive an advanced reader copy of her latest book, "The Age of Magical Overthinking." With her brilliant insights and engaging style, Montell has established herself as a shining star in the realm of cultural commentary.

However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment as I delved into "The Age of Magical Overthinking." While I anticipated another binge-worthy read, I found myself struggling to connect with the writing. Unlike Montell's previous works, which were exciting and educational, this book left me feeling perplexed at times, unsure of its purpose and relevance to me as a reader.

Despite my eagerness to immerse myself in the book, I found it challenging to maintain interest, often reading in small portions at a time. Even then, I struggled to finish the book.

Moreover, the lack of storytelling and cohesion between chapters left me feeling adrift in a sea of potentially interesting ideas. Her neutral approach to tackling overthinking felt disconnected, lacking the depth and controversy I had anticipated. While Montell's wit still shines through in places, and the book's cover is undeniably gorgeous, I personally struggled to grasp the overarching theme or message.

Ultimately, "The Age of Magical Overthinking" fell short of my expectations. While it may still hold intrigue and provoke thought for some readers, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it. Despite this disappointment, I remain a devoted fan of Amanda Montell and eagerly anticipate her future works.

Amanda Montell is back again with an incredibly well researched and written study on the sociological impact of language and its psychological impact on us as a society.. The Age of Magical Overthinking is a study on cognitive biases and how they consciously and subconsciously impact our modern media overconsumption frenzied culture. Montell’s storytelling is magical in of itself, as she weaves personal (and often hilarious) narrative and anecdotes with fascinating psychological and sociological research findings to provide the reader with a palatable thought provoking take on our current post-pandemic culture.

As someone who studied sociology and psychology; I know I have a biased interest in studies such as this but I have to applaud Montell’s ability in producing such a thought provoking and approachable case study on cognitive bias that will resonate with anyone that finds themselves doom scrolling and questioning the information overload that is shoved down our throats through social media, news outlets and even backyard barbeques.. Amanda Montell is a phenomenal story teller and is hands down my favorite non-fiction author.

Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have already purchased a physical version of this book so that I can highlight and tab the hell out of it because I foresee myself coming back to this one often.

Montell describes the current human experience like no other. Taylor Swift is sweeping our country and the first chapter is about that phenomenan, and I think so many readers will connect. As a magical overthinker, this was also self help for me, but is NOT self help in itself. And I love that.

🎉 Happy Publication Day, @amanda_montell 📖🎉

I’ve said it before: Amanda’s books are like hearing your really smart best friend talk about their field of expertise. It absolutely rings true with The Age of Magical Overthinking.

I was fortunate enough to get the advanced copy from @netgalley but I got so much out of this one that I pre-ordered a copy from @paperheartsbooks so I can mark it up and pass it around.

Examining cognitive biases has never been as important as it is during the age of chronic online-ness. Our minds are absolutely inundated with information. How do we base ourselves in reality when there’s so much swirling around us?

Online “psychology”, super fandoms, influencer culture, the health and wellness industry- it’s all vying for real estate in our heads. Amanda helps us break down the processes and slow it all down, so that we function and thrive in the Information Age. And she does so in a way that’s fun, relevant, poignant, and engaging.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book even more than Cultish. I feel like Amanda really put a lot of work into her research. This was fascinating to me because I do every one of the “magical overthinking” described.

I really enjoyed this much anticipated read from Amanda Montell. I was a huge fan of her first book and this one didn't disappoint. Montell does a great job making complex social theory concepts easy to digest with pop culture references. I also enjoyed her personal stories which were woven throughout, especially about her relationship with Mr. Backpack.

Thank you Netgalley & Atria/One Signal Publishers for the advanced reader copy.

This was one of my most anticipated reads. I am a HUGE fan of Montell’s previous book Cultish and I am forever recommending it to everyone.

Her distinct voice and humor are just as apparent in this new book. Reading her books always feels like having a conversation with my much smarter friend— but in the best possible way.

Something I really enjoyed about the book was how much personal stories and anecdotes Montell includes. For example, she has a chapter on sunk cost fallacy and she opens up about an emotionally abusive relationship and it was very relatable to me.

This book delves into cognitive biases, and I read a book that is referenced here called Mistakes Were Made, but Not By Me which is a great book but this one is so much more fun to read overall.

If you’re a fan of Cultish or like your non-fiction with some personality, check this one out.

Overall, I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5) stars.

Montell explains how cognitive biases and fallacies (such as confirmation bias, sunk cost fallacy, halo effect, cause-and-effect relationships) apply in a time of digital information overload. This little book is fast paced with a different concept or two in every chapter including examples from Montell's life and research studies. Unlike some of Montell's previous work, I noticed a conscious effort to include researcher and stories from folks with marginalized identities, which I appreciate.

The biases and fallacies that Montell writes about have evolved over time to help humans survive; it is especially interesting to consider that they, along with humans, are still evolving. I would pair this book with McRaney's How Minds Change or Grant's Think Again.

thank you so much to Atria Books for the ARC of one of my most anticipated books of 2024 by one of my favorite authors!!

in her latest, amanda montell brings us a deeper look into our collective tendency to overthink. with all the information readily available at our literal fingertips, it's no surprise we're completely bombarded by thoughts. montell talks about everything plaguing the everyday mind: from UFOs/UAPs to celebrity worship to overconfidence biases & more. and it's not only what we're constantly thinking about that kept me hooked; it's also how montell relays the information. thinking about reading about thinking did admittedly lead me to some very philosophical rabbit holes, but this book ~ literally~ fed my thought.

montell's voice is such a treasure to our generation. after three whole books, it's safe to say i will be constantly thinking about this book & whatever else she decides to put out in the future.

the age of magical overthinking: notes on modern irrationality is out now!!

Interesting and fast-paced look at logical fallacies using modern examples from internet culture. While I was familiar with most of the fallacies, the examples kept it interesting and it was a short, quick read. Some of the chapters had less intuitive observations that I wish could have been explored in more detail, so at times it felt rushed.

thank you to netgalley + atria books for arc in exchange for my honest review!

i'm kind of a slut for amanda montell's writing - i loved wordslut and tell everyone i know to read cults, so i was so excited to pick up her book on overthinking (which is something i certainly struggle with) through psychological concepts. i'm bummed to say i didn't love this book! i kind of wished it was either more broad (like a memoir-esque situation) or more specific (maybe focusing on one facet of life in the 2020's) and the material didn't really grab me. maybe it's also just the sunk cost fallacy kicking in - this book felt a little tough to get through! however, montell is such a clever and thoughtful writer that even though i wasn't obsessed with this book it won't stop me from picking up her next one (and her next one, and the one after that...)

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell is such an insightful and interesting read! I read and loved both of the authors previous books (Cultish and Wordslut), so I knew what to expect going into this book. Amanda has such an amazing ability to take the different cognitive bias and break them down in such a relatable and accessible way. I am SUCH an over thinker, so I related to the themes in almost every chapter. And was humbled by a few as well! I will absolutely be buying a copy of this book to reference for my next doom spiral!

As a chronic overthinker, this whole book really resonates with me in the best way. I really appreciate Amanda Montell’s thoroughness and wit

I'm convinced Amanda Montell can do no wrong. I loved Montell's additional personal anecdotes in this one! They really helped me connect with her and her interests and I think it made the material stick alot. I specifically loved her perspective on AI and the future of art.

There is something in this book for everyone, and the mix of education, tongue in cheek social commentary is just chefs kiss.

Alright, lovers of Cultish and Wordslut, listen up!

Amanda has given us everything we hoped for here - a brilliant commentary on the modern age, we meander through thoughts on social media “therapists”, confirmation bias, nostalgia, and sunk cost fallacy. She infuses her trademark wit, personality, and humor into every topic, while adding a personal touch to every page. It’s part memoir (and felt like it could’ve been mine, being a similar age to Amanda), part documentary on how our brains tend to work these days. This approachable and relatable nonfiction is my favorite, and Amanda is the queen.

The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell has written another humorous and informative book, this time about modern irrationality. Her research is impeccable; her delivery is spot on. For all of you that tend to overthink (me 👋), this is the perfect book to pick up to see what the heck is going on with our minds.

One thing I love about Montell’s books is her empathy. In this one, it could’ve been easy to show examples of these biases using others but she uses her own examples. She has mastered the art of being the expert while also being human and sharing her own experiences. This book reads like a conversation with a friend, which then makes it easy for you as the reader to reflect on how you fall prey to these biases as well.

Fans of Cultish, linguistic and sociological explorations of pop culture, and books that explore why we are the way we are will thoroughly enjoy this one.

From celebrity worship to alien anxiety, this book covers a lot of modern mental health phenomenon. Though overall I enjoyed the concept and Amanda is obviously an amazing writer. However, this didn't stick with me the way Amanda's other books have. I think maybe my brain just isn't ready to process the anxiety it's currently experiencing. Which is actually a good review of the book! It hit too close to home!

Thank you to Atria Books and Amanda Montell for the opportunity to read and enjoy this ARC.

I am not much of a non-fiction reader and would like to read some more often. I decided to dive into this and I found myself immersed in such a fulfilling and empowering novel. As someone who struggles with overthinking due to my anxiety, I am always looking for new support or ideas to help me cope with these unwavering feelings.

This book is such an incredible tool about pulling back from our toxic thoughts and gaining control of how we think and improving how we feel. Montell is such an entertaining and hilarious writer, which made this all the more enjoyable. You must pick up a copy of this on release day!! And that gorgeous cover is a plus! Well done !!