Ask This Book a Question

A one-of-a-kind guide to smarter decision-making based in the science of cognitive bias and the wisdom of storytelling

This book is an interactive game that empowers you to understand yourself in a new way, inviting you on a playful journey of self-discovery.  

Drawing from the science of cognitive bias, Ask This Book a Question will help you gain the insight you need to approach any decision with confidence. We all take these mental shortcuts, and this book with show you how they influence all aspects of our daily lives, from the way we perceive time, to how the people around us influence us, to our tendency to remember the bizarre over the familiar. When you view your questions in a different light, you’ll be surprised by how clear your answers become.  

Start with a question and follow it through thought-provoking visuals and charts to find your journey through the book. Discover a multitude of paths to learn how cognitive biases can either sharpen your judgment or lead you astray: 

• What do I want right now? Consider how the Appeal to Novelty and overstimulation might be draining your attention and resources.  
• Am I drinking too much? Recognize the role of Restraint Bias in your quest for well-being. 
• How do I find my person? Uncover both sides of the Fundamental Attribution Error to deepen connections and navigate conflict with others.  
• Am I spending too much money? Understand how Mental Accounting affects your financial decisions and discover the power of intentional spending.  
• Should I quit my job? Confront the Sunk-Cost Effect to find courage when considering a career change. 
• How can I become happier? Reclaim your leisure hours by finding joy in time confetti, with the Denomination Effect. 
• How do I become lucky? Mull over the big questions of purpose, meaning, and happiness, as you explore Optimism Bias. 

More than just a one-time read, treat this book like a wise old friend. Keep it close at hand as a trusted reference, turning to the prompts when you get stuck or recognize a cognitive bias at play. Over time, the insights and lessons within these pages will become deeply ingrained, empowering you to make more intentional, self-aware choices. 

If you’re ready to unravel the magic of your own mind, understand the patterns they form, and create a narrative uniquely your own, Ask This Book a Question is your essential guide. Dive in and start exploring today – your future self will thank you!

“In an age of content overload, we need better questions. Vicki Tan’s excellent book poses just the right ones.”
– Yancey Strickler, author and cofounder of Metalabel and Kickstarter

“This self-reflective guide will help you navigate life’s uncertainties with clarity and curiosity.”
– Nir Eyal, author of Hooked and Indistractable

“Everyone should read this magical book! It will change the way you navigate your inner world.”
– Buster Benson, author of Why Are We Yelling?

Vicki Tan is a digital product designer, based in San Francisco, with over a decade of experience crafting widely used and beloved experiences. As a design leader at Pinterest, Spotify, Headspace, Lyft, and Google, she blends behavioral science with design to create meaningful products that help people find inspiration and build healthy habits. When not designing or writing, Vicki can usually be found walking with her Great Pyrenees Charlie, reading sci-fi, or exploring the best noodle spots in the city.

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