A Book of Secrets

A Book of Secrets

Finding comfort in a complex world THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Perhaps being happy is not the answer after all.

In this thoughtful and brilliant new book, the internationally bestselling author of HAPPY considers the value of friction in our lives.

In chapters revealing his own moments of anger and prejudice, anxiety and shyness, loneliness and loss, Derren Brown examines the means to a more rewarding life, be it saving yourself from small talk or navigating middle age. Referencing the ideas of some of the world's great philosophers, he has to wonder if the Greeks were right - unless we tend to all aspects of our lives - our whole flawed natures - the snubbed secreted aspects of ourselves will wreak revenge. Perhaps we need to accept and experience complexity, and allow uncertainty? Is anxiety in fact a pointer for growth? Rather than being true to ourselves, might we instead prioritize better interaction with other people?

Considering these questions leads him to surprising sources of consolation and compassion.

© Derren Brown 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Reviews

  • Enlightening, thought-provoking and illuminating. Derren Brown asks questions about the world, and his intelligent curiosity benefits us all.
    Elizabeth Day

About the author

Derren Brown

Derren began his UK television career in December 2000 with a series of specials called Mind Control. Since redefining the genre of magic for intelligent, modern audiences, he has become synonymous with the art of psychological manipulation. His TV shows have become must-see events. Amongst a varied and notorious career, Derren has played Russian Roulette on live television, convinced middle-managers to commit an armed robbery in the street, led the nation in a séance, stuck viewers to their sofas, successfully predicted the National Lottery, motivated a shy man to land a packed passenger plane at 30,000 feet, exposed psychic and faith-healing charlatans, and hypnotised a man to assassinate Stephen Fry. On top of this he tours the UK every year with a sell-out stage show and has recently finished a run on Broadway, NYC.

He has published five books: Tricks of the Mind, Confessions of a Conjuror, Happy, A Little Happier and a book of his caricatures, Portraits.
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