Predictably Irrational

Why I'd hand it to you

Dan Ariely uses experiments to show that our mistakes aren't random. We overvalue anything free, judge options by what they are compared to, and let expectations change how things taste. The chapters are short and often funny, and you'll start noticing these patterns at the store and at work. I should be honest about one thing. Some of Ariely's later research came under serious scrutiny over its data, so it is fair to hold individual findings loosely. The broad lessons line up with what many other researchers have found. As a light introduction to behavioral economics, it still has value, just read it with a skeptical eye.

— Matt Jordan