Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds

by Martin Lindstrom
Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds cover
Good Books rating 3.75
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  • ID: 3936
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
satisfying 3.00

The reviewer found 'Here’s to Us' to be a different and more challenging read compared to 'What If It’s Us'. The story explores the complexities of second chances and the emotional rollercoaster of reconnecting with an ex. The reviewer appreciated the honesty and moments of satisfaction in the characters' journey.

The reviewer notes that 'Here’s to Us' has a different feel and magnitude compared to 'What If It’s Us'. It's a more challenging read, with a slow-burning emotional rollercoaster that explores the complexities of second chances. The reviewer found the story to be almost painful at times, as the characters navigate their past and present feelings. However, they appreciated the honesty and moments of satisfaction that allowed the characters to make a choice for their future. The reviewer also noted that the story is not easy, but perhaps that's what's intended, as second chances often come with painful side effects.

Quick quotes

    Your heart strings are pulled in directions you weren’t expecting.

    That sometimes, more often than not, second chances are harder to earn back because of the painful side effects of letting go.

    Leaving what if’s behind and plunging into the what could be and finding satisfaction in taking that risk.

hive.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
fascinating 3.50

The reviewer finds Brandwashed to be a fascinating exploration of how companies manipulate consumer behavior, though some of the examples may feel dated. The book offers valuable insights into the psychology behind branding and marketing strategies.

Brandwashed provides a compelling look into the tactics companies use to influence our decisions. The author delves into various psychological tricks that brands employ to create loyalty and desire. While some of the examples might not be as relevant today, the core principles remain insightful. The book is particularly strong in explaining how brands shape our perceptions and behaviors, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in marketing or consumer psychology. However, the pace can be uneven, and some sections may feel more like a collection of anecdotes rather than a cohesive narrative.

Quick quotes

    The book is a fascinating exploration of how brands manipulate our minds.

    It offers valuable insights into the psychology behind branding and marketing strategies.

    The pace can be uneven, and some sections may feel more like a collection of anecdotes.

publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
satisfying 4.50

The sequel to What If It’s Us revisits Ben and Arthur, now in college and with new romantic entanglements, as they navigate their past and present relationships. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, filled with wit and chemistry, and expands the world with lovable side characters and a strong sense of community.

In this sequel to What If It’s Us, Ben and Arthur, once college sweethearts, find themselves drifting apart two years after their flash romance. Arthur lands a dream internship at a queer off-Broadway theater, leading to a reunion with Ben, who is now involved with Mario. Arthur is dating Mikey, whose steadiness helps him move on from his past with Ben. The story explores the complexities of their situations with heartfelt nostalgia and off-the-charts wit. The narrative alternates between Ben’s and Arthur’s perspectives, balancing their emotional journeys with a strong sense of community and lovable side characters. The epilogue ties up loose ends believably, making this a satisfying continuation of their story.

Quick quotes

    Swoonworthy wish fulfillment that checks all the right boxes.

    Former boyfriends’ “big Broadway love story” gets a revival in this sequel to What If It’s Us (2018).

    Arthur is Jewish; Ben and Mario are Puerto Rican, and Mikey is White.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
heartfelt 4.00

The reviewer was deeply moved by 'Here's To Us', finding it to be an emotional and satisfying sequel to 'What If It's Us'. They appreciated the complex relationships and the exploration of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, ultimately rating it highly for its impactful storytelling.

The reviewer was thoroughly impressed with 'Here's To Us', describing it as an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully captures the complexities of love and heartbreak. They particularly enjoyed the character development of Ben and Arthur, noting how their struggles with long-distance relationships and personal growth were portrayed with depth and authenticity. The reviewer also appreciated the supporting characters, Mario and Mikey, who added layers to the story and made the emotional conflicts even more poignant. Overall, the reviewer found the book to be a heartfelt and satisfying sequel that stayed with them long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    Oh boy did this book kill me! I swear Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli definitely don’t do things by halves. When I finished “What If It’s Us” in October 2019 I was so heartbroken and instantly demanded a “do-over” of Ben and Arthurs love story.

    But I’m getting ahead of myself here so let’s not start with the ending but with the beginning of “Here’s To Us” instead.

    That sentence hurt so much! ARGH! It was a stab in the heart because one of the main reasons why Ben and Arthur’s relationship didn’t work out was because they would have had to do long-distance.

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