“Mastery: How Learning Transforms Our Brains, Minds, and Bodies” by Arturo E. Hernandez, Ph.D., is a fascinating dive into how we learn and what it takes to truly master a skill. The book breaks down the science behind learning in a way that’s surprisingly relatable, using everything from research studies to real-world examples. One thing I loved was how it highlights the importance of flexibility and adapting rather than chasing perfection—it’s a great reminder that the journey of learning is as important as the end goal. If you’re into personal development or just curious about how our brains work when we’re picking up new skills, there’s a lot to take away here.

That said, parts of the book can feel a little dense, especially if you’re not super into the nitty-gritty of neuroscience. While some sections were really engaging, others dragged on for me. I found myself skimming here and there, wishing it had been a bit more conversational or broken down in simpler terms. Still, the insights are solid, and it’s worth the read if you’re willing to push through the heavier parts.

Far too anecdotal of a narrative for me, but I really value and will retain the lessons Hernandez outlines through his research and identifies in the work of others. Deep practice, plus the five principles of mastery (which you'll have to read to discover), will stick with me throughout adulthood. Hernandez offers numerous inspiring examples for how learning and education can continue in adulthood, and why we should continue to strive for mastery (or at least greater understanding) of what interests us.

Mastery is a deep dive into the science of how people learn. It is not a pop science book. It is full of scientific discoveries rather than a straightforward explanation.

Unfortunately, there is a reason that most books are not this comprehensive. Most science, or at least reading about science, is pretty dry. Okay, I hate to say it, but this book is mostly boring. There are interesting insights, but I was hard pressed to stay awake long enough to find them. Mastery was not the book for me. It is like the abridged version of two years of college science classes. 2 stars.

Thanks to Prometheus and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

This book reveals the transformative journey from novice to expert by recombining smaller components in innovative ways. Through diverse research and engaging narratives, readers discover the power of flexible adaptation and how to tap into their innate talents to achieve remarkable feats.

This interesting and easy-to-read book provides a lot of detailed information about the subject through specific examples. It doesn’t do the best job of synthesizing the information into general principles. Still, it convincingly replaces the “10,000 hours” myth with actual science and real-world examples.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a very informative book. I enjoyed reading it a lot. It brought up a lot of great points. I would highly recommend this book.