My bestseller “Plays Well With Others” is now available in paperback!
.
My bestseller Plays Well With Others is now available in paperback!
It’s lighter, cheaper, and comes with all the brutal, hilarious truths of the hardcover edition — just now in a floppier, more affordable format.
Get your copy here.
Let’s face it: hardcovers are the uptight snobs of the book world. They’re thick, heavy, and full of the smug energy of someone who insists you say “croissant” with a French accent. And can we talk about dust jackets? It’s the book equivalent of wearing a toupee.
A hardcover gets a dent, and it’s like its entire career is over. It sits on your shelf like a washed-up actor who had one hit in 1998. But paperbacks develop character. Bent corners, coffee stain on page 43… it just makes it look more loved. They’re that old pair of jeans that just gets more comfortable with age.
Rant over. So what’s in the book?
What You’ll Learn
Unlike most nonfiction books that are essentially just motivational posters stretched out over 250 pages, Plays Well With Others is actually based on science. Yes, science — the stuff you slept through in high school.
Not the vague, horoscope-style pseudoscience like “manifesting your soulmate” or “raising your vibration” while burning sage, but real research. Like, actual studies with clipboards and data and people who probably wear glasses. And even better, it’s now available in a format that won’t make your tote bag sag like a middle-aged dad at a barbecue.
This book takes all that murky relationship advice you’ve been choking down and replaces it with something like, oh, I don’t know, actual facts. It’s both brutally honest and oddly comforting, like a slap on the back from someone who then hands you a beer.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The two things essential to making friends – and what Dale Carnegie got wrong.
- The scientific secrets of reading people. How body language works — and what works better.
- A friendly method of lie detection from professional interrogators.
- How to deal with narcissists and make them better people in the process.
- What creates love, reignites love, and sustains love. (There’s no Build-A-Bear store for a happy marriage but this is close.)
- The ethical and effective way to get your partner to change.
- How social media can actually improve relationships.
- The antidote to loneliness and why what we’re usually told doesn’t work.
- I’ll even explain the meaning of life. (Let no one say Patricia Barker raised an unambitious son.)
And much, much more…
Plus, it’s packed with high-five-worthy stories about Casanova, the friendliest people in the world, the greatest female detective to ever live, the most successful liar to ever open his mouth, genius horses, thieving hermits, the perils of perfect memories, leper colonies, super soldiers, pillow girlfriends and placebos. It will undeniably turn you into a superhero of social skills. (“You should make it clear that last line was a joke,” says Eric’s lawyer.)
Most importantly, it’s honest. I will talk about the things most relationship books don’t. Hard truths. It’s like having a sarcastic therapist who only accepts payment in the form of shattered illusions.
That said, I’m the author, so I don’t blame you if you’re skeptical that the guy who wrote the book is the guy conveniently saying you should get the book.
Well, I’m the blogger who always cites experts, so why should this be any different? What do the experts have to say?
Praise From Smart People Who Are Not Me
David Epstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Range”, says:
Reading ‘Plays Well With Others’ is like having a hard conversation about relationships with your smartest, funniest friend. Eric Barker’s wit and explanatory powers shine through every page.
Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of “When”, “Drive”, and “To Sell Is Human”, says:
An entire branch of social science can be summed up in one phrase: Other people matter. From our highest highs to our lowest lows, our relationships to other people determine our happiness and well-being. In this humorous and profound book, Eric Barker distills what we know about how to make our most important relationships flourish. ‘Plays Well With Others’ will revitalize your life.
(Since the hardcover edition was released neither of them have rescinded their blurbs and that has nothing to do with me changing my phone number.)
What? You still have questions? Fine, fine…
Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it true the book is so good it’s given people seizures?
A: HarperCollins’ legal department said I cannot discuss pending litigation.
Q: Does the paperback come with any extra features?
A: It’s lighter and much easier to throw across the room when it hits too close to home. There’s no “deleted scenes” section or “author’s commentary,” because life isn’t a DVD from 2004.
Q: Were any animals harmed in the making of this book?
A: Absolutely. Authors are members of the animal kingdom.
Q: Is there a money-back guarantee?
A: Oh, I love Fantasyland too, but the teacup ride makes me queasy.
Q: I’ve heard this book is based on “science.” Is that true?
A: Yup. This is the real deal: studies, surveys, and uncomfortable truths about human nature. It’s like getting punched in the face with research. It’s infuriatingly helpful.
Q: Is this product certified cruelty-free?
A: “Cruelty-free” is a term no one has ever used to describe my writing.
Q: Who is this book for?
A: Are you human? Hooray, you qualify. This book is for anybody who’s ever wondered, “Am I the problem?” while secretly hoping the answer is “definitely not.”
Thank You
When I think deep down to what is truly meaningful — to me, to you, to all people and their families — this book definitely delivers on what is most important to us as humans:
It’s cheaper.
All jokes aside, I believe this book will help you. The paperback makes it lighter to carry around, but the insights are still pretty heavy. And it’ll make you laugh until someone asks if you’re okay.
If you’ve ever wished for a user’s manual on social skills, this is your book. It’s approachable, it’s portable, and most importantly, it’s perfectly designed for binge reading while you hide from your responsibilities.
Check it out here.
Your friend,
Eric
PS: This book is my child. And now I’m selling my child at a discount. This book makes the blog possible. So if you’ve ever wanted to help support the blog or to say thanks, this is your chance.
