Surprise

Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected

By: Tania Luna, LeeAnn Renninger

Narrated by: Tania Luna

Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected is a fascinating look at how we can handle and harness surprise in our work, relationships, and everyday lives.

Pop quiz: Do you prefer when things go according to plan or when the unexpected happens?

Most of us pick control and predictability. Yet research reveals a counterintuitive truth: our best memories are the surprising ones. We feel most comfortable when things are certain, but we feel most alive when they're not. Surprise is also the little-known key to growth, attention, and connection. In Surprise, the authors present an unusual new perspective: By understanding the science of surprise, we can transform our work, relationships, and everyday life from ordinary to extraordinary.

Through colorful narratives and fascinating scientific findings, the authors shine a light on the world's least understood and most intriguing emotion. They reveal how shifting our perception of surprise lets us thrive in the face of uncertainty. And they show us how surprise acts as a shortcut that turns a typical product into a meaningful experience, a good idea into a viral one, awkward small talk into engaging conversation, and everyday life into an adventure.

©2015 Tania Luna and LeeAnn Renninger (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

good book

I really enjoyed this book and it "surprised" me with the topics that it has in it.

Nick’s Rating: 5/5

Topic: Change, Surprise, Joy, Mental Health, Introspection, Communication

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
goodreads Rating: 3.7/5
Nick’s Rating: 5/5

Who should (or when to) read this: If you are looking for ways to step out of your comfort zone and be more willing to embrace change or want to inject joy into your routine

Nick’s Major takeaway(s): Anticipated surprise (I know sounds weird) is good and can help us grow resilience and be happier in all facets of life

Notable Quote: “Unlike other emotions, surprise has no valence: it is inherently neither good nor bad. In this sense, surprise isn't an emotion so much as it is an emotional intensifier.” – Tania Luna & LeeAnn Renninger
"When we are surprised we feel deeply connected and thoroughly alive. Surprising ourselves every day is a vital part of living a happy life."

Changes the way you go about your day

I whole heartedly recommend this book to anyone that feels stuck in a rut and would like to learn how to make mundane moments count and pay off.. will not be disappointed.

Could Have Been an Article

This book covers several topics through a "surprise" lens (e.g., resilience, adapting to change, relationships, gratitude, and 5 Love Languages). This could be an article that highlights the benefits of going outside of your comfort zone or doing novel things to keep a relationship interesting.

Loved it!!

I really appreciate the chapter recaps. I always enjoy when a book is read by the author. you won't be disappointed.