How to Read a Person Like a Book

by Gerard I. Nierenberg
How to Read a Person Like a Book cover
Good Books rating 3.25
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Technical
  • ID: 3263
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780757053146
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-04-26
  • Reviews: 4

Imagine meeting someone for the first time and within minutes, without a word being said, having the ability to tell what that person is thinking. This isn't magic—it's the power of body language. How to Read a Person Like a Book teaches you how to interpret and respond to the nonverbal signals of those around you, whether they are business associates, friends, loved ones, or even strangers. The authors, Gerard Nierenberg, Henry Calero, and Gabriel Grayson, share their expertise to help you recognize, understand, and use nonverbal communication effectively./n/nWith this practical guide, you will learn how to tell if someone is not being truthful, when to push forward or back off during a negotiation, and how to identify an aggressive or submissive handshake. You'll also discover how to put people at ease by mirroring their gestures and why your body language can make or break a deal. Whether in an office, on a date, or on a family outing, mastering the art of reading body language offers real and important benefits.

Reviews
Instagram · 2025-10-17
insightful 4.00

The book is described as insightful and eye-opening, delving into the fascinating world of nonverbal communication. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding people better.

This review praises the book for its insightful and eye-opening exploration of nonverbal communication. The reviewer finds it fascinating and believes it offers valuable lessons on how to read people more effectively. They appreciate the practical advice and the way the book helps readers become more observant of nonverbal cues. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal skills and understand the nuances of body language.

Quick quotes

    In this insightful and eye-opening book, Nierenberg and Calero delve into the fascinating world of nonverbal communication.

    Teaching us how to read people more effectively.

    It offers valuable lessons on how to read people more effectively.

Amazon · 2025-10-17
basic 2.00

The book is considered basic and the insights into body language are not groundbreaking. The reviewer finds the title somewhat misleading.

This reviewer finds the book's title to overstate its value, suggesting that the information on body language is limited and not particularly revolutionary. They mention that many of the insights are common knowledge and might be obvious to most readers. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges that the book could still be useful for those new to the subject, but it may not offer much for those already familiar with basic body language principles.

Quick quotes

    The title of the book seems to overstate its value.

    The information on body language is limited and the insights are by no measure revolutionary.

    Many of them are basic body language that is common sense to a two year old.

Edge Induced Cohesion Blog · 2017-03-06
practical 3.50

The book is a practical guide to understanding nonverbal communication, emphasizing the importance of observing posture and gestures. It is seen as a useful tool for improving interpersonal skills.

This review highlights the book's focus on nonverbal communication, noting its practical approach and the emphasis on observing body language. The reviewer appreciates the book's simplicity and the way it breaks down complex concepts into understandable terms. They find it particularly useful for those looking to improve their ability to read people in various social and professional settings. The book is praised for its concise and straightforward style, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    It is a book on nonverbal communication, and is an attempt to help make people more responsive and observant to the tells of people's posture and gestures.

    The book is simple, straightforward, and written in layman's terms.

    It does not go into all that academic talk which would bore you - and it is very concise.

Goodreads · 1971-01-01
practical 3.50

The book is highly regarded for its practical advice on interpreting nonverbal signals, making it a valuable resource for improving communication skills.

Goodreads reviewers consistently praise this book for its practical and insightful approach to nonverbal communication. Many readers appreciate the book's ability to teach them how to decode and respond to nonverbal signals from various people in their lives, from friends to business associates. The book's practical advice is often highlighted as a key strength, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. The community's positive feedback suggests that the book is not only informative but also engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Quick quotes

    Learn what your friend, your lover, your boss are really saying to you—in their body language.

    How to Read a Person Like a Book is designed to teach you how to interpret and respond to …

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the hidden messages in people's body language.

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