Sorry, Sorry, Sorry

The Case for Good Apologies

By: Marjorie Ingall, Susan McCarthy

Narrated by: Eunice Wong

“A witty, useful guide” (People) to apologies, why they matter, and the healing power of saying you’re sorry, from the dynamic duo behind the acclaimed SorryWatch site.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that terrible apologies are the worst. We’ve all been on the receiving end, and oh, how they make us seethe. Horrible public apologies—excuse-laden, victim blame-y, weaselly statements—often go viral instantaneously, whether they’re from a celebrity, a politician, or a blogger. We all recognize bad apologies when we hear them. So why is it so hard to apologize well? How can we do better? How could they do better?

Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy show us the way with this fresh book that is “philosophically deep, crisply reported, and funny as heck all the way through” (Clive Thompson, author of Coders). Drawing on a deep well of research in psychology, sociology, law, and medicine, they explain why a good apology is hard to find and why it doesn’t have to be. Alongside their six (and a half)-step formula for apologizing beautifully, Ingall and McCarthy also delve into how to respond to a bad apology; why corporations, celebrities, and governments seldom apologize well; how to teach children to apologize; how gender and race affect both apologies and forgiveness; and most of all, why good apologies are essential, powerful, and restorative.

Critic reviews

"With a pleasing blend of youthful enthusiasm and careful attention, Eunice Wong narrates the authors’ well-conceived advice on the best ways to apologize. Ingall and McCarthy write with a jaunty energy that gives their ideas motivational spark...From everyday faux pas to serious errors that can ruin relationships, this audiobook covers them all. Wong’s energetic performance infuses the listening with the authors’ humanitarian intentions and desire to connect with their audience."

"The authors reveal surprising examples of good apologies as well as the neuroscience and psychology behind poor ones—in addition to the things never to say when attempting to write a wrong....Essential protocol for those seeking to hone their apology skills." —Kirkus Reviews

Excellent book!

With this book I learned that I didn’t know how to apologize. I learned techniques that will help me to be a better person in this world. Manny thanks!!

informative and entertaining

I've been reading the Sorrywatch site for years, so I was familiar with the concept, but I was impressed with how well it works as a book. This is informative, well researched, and funny.

The narration is terrific and enhances the text.