Contagious

by Jonah Berger
Contagious cover
Good Books rating 4.38
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 6050
  • Added: 2025-10-30
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
swordandthescript.com · Unknown · 2025-11-14
insightful 4.50

Contagious by Jonah Berger is a fascinating exploration of why some ideas and products become popular while others don't. The book delves into the science behind viral marketing, offering practical insights and examples that make it both engaging and informative.

Contagious by Jonah Berger is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of viral marketing. The book breaks down the six key principles that make ideas contagious, using real-world examples to illustrate each point. Berger's writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. The book is not just theoretical; it provides actionable advice that can be applied to various fields, from product development to social media strategy. While some of the examples might feel dated, the core principles remain relevant and insightful. Overall, Contagious offers a compelling look into the psychology of sharing and why certain ideas capture our attention and spread like wildfire.

Quick quotes

    The book's central idea is that word-of-mouth is the primary driver of what's popular

    Berger argues that understanding the science behind viral marketing can help anyone create more contagious ideas

    The principles outlined in Contagious are not just theoretical; they are practical and can be applied to various fields.

visionone.co.uk · Unknown · 2021-06-01
insightful 4.00

The book 'Little White Duck' offers a unique perspective on growing up in China during the 1970s and '80s, presented through a series of autobiographical short stories illustrated as comics. The narrative challenges the typical American view of Communist China, providing a more personal and nuanced understanding of the era.

The book 'Little White Duck' is a collection of eight autobiographical short stories from Na Liu's childhood, illustrated as comics by Andrés Vera Martínez. Liu's experiences growing up in China during the 1970s and '80s offer a fresh perspective on a period often oversimplified in American narratives. The stories are presented in a comic format, which adds a layer of accessibility and visual appeal. The book challenges the typical American view of Communist China, providing a more personal and nuanced understanding of the era. The illustrations by Martínez are delicate and expressive, effectively complementing Liu's storytelling. The book is a valuable addition to the genre of graphic memoirs, offering insights into a significant historical period through the eyes of a child.

Quick quotes

    Da Qin’s parents take her to a vigil for the deceased leader.

    I thought Liu would explain 'that sad day' in accordance with my family’s stories: perhaps she would describe the horrors of the Cultural Revolution.

    The illustrations by Martínez are delicate and expressive, effectively complementing Liu's storytelling.

girlsinmarketing.com · Unknown · 2020-10-12
remarkable 4.50

The graphic novel Little White Duck offers a powerful and insightful look into growing up in China during the late 1970s. Through the eyes of a young girl named Da Qin, readers experience the cultural nuances, life lessons, and emotional depth of a communist society, all beautifully illustrated with rich, evocative artwork.

Little White Duck is a remarkable graphic novel that provides a window into the life of a child growing up in China during the late 1970s. The story follows Da Qin, a young girl whose experiences and observations offer readers a deep understanding of what it means to live in a communist society. The novel is not just a narrative but a series of life lessons, humor, and emotional moments that make it both educational and engaging. The artwork is particularly noteworthy, evoking traditional Chinese scrolls and midcentury propaganda posters, which adds to the book's cultural richness. Whether you're a young reader or an adult, this book is both delightful and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

Quick quotes

    What this graphic novel points out with classy in-your-face power is that we really don’t know what it’s like to grow up in China.

    Aside from showing us life in China, the book gives marvelous little life lessons through Da Qin’s experiences.

    Little White Duck is an amazing book, truly. My only question is whether it’s really for kids.

chaptr.studio · Unknown · 2015-07-07
fascinating 4.50

The book "Little White Duck: A Childhood in China" by Na Liu, illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez, offers a fascinating glimpse into the disappearing China of Na Liu's childhood. The graphic novel is praised for its beautiful illustrations, historical context, and heart-warming stories, though the reviewer notes a minor issue with the exaggerated facial expressions of the characters.

The book "Little White Duck: A Childhood in China" by Na Liu, illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez, is a captivating autobiography that provides a unique perspective on the disappearing China of the 1970s. The graphic novel format, with its beautiful illustrations and historical context, makes the story accessible and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the blend of mythical and practical elements, as well as the historical insights conveyed from a child's perspective. The book's depiction of Chinese culture, including houses, food, and celebrations, is both informative and heart-warming. The reviewer particularly enjoys the glossary, timeline, author biography, and maps, which add depth to the reading experience. However, they note a minor issue with the frequent over-the-top grimaces of the little girl characters, a common trope in graphic novels. Despite this, the book is highly recommended for all ages, offering a pleasureful and enlightening read.

Quick quotes

    We are treated to a vision of the disappearing China of Na Liu’s childhood, which began in the city of Wuhan in 1973.

    The practical is conveyed in the fact that only one child can start in pre-school — and that privilege goes to little sister Xiao Qin.

    My one objection is the frequent over-the-top grimaces of the little girl characters, but this is the status quo in graphic novels. And since I’m enjoying graphic novels more all the time, perhaps I’ll learn to appreciate the extremes of emotions depicted. I love the glossary, timeline, author biography and maps. This book is a pleasure for all ages.

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