54 pages 1 hour read

Johann Hari

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--And How to Think Deeply Again

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari explores the decline in people's ability to concentrate, attributing this shift to 12 primary factors, including digital addiction, sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental issues. Hari discusses his personal struggle with maintaining focus, shares insights from experts, and suggests individual and societal changes to combat attention deficits and improve overall mental health. The book includes topics related to trauma, childhood experiences, and addiction.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Johann Hari’s Stolen Focus explores the decline in our ability to concentrate, blending personal anecdotes with research. Reviewers commend its engaging narrative and timely subject, but some criticize its anecdotal evidence and lack of novel solutions. Readers seeking an in-depth analysis of attention issues may find it valuable, though not groundbreaking.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stolen Focus?

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari appeals to readers interested in understanding the decline in personal and societal attention spans. Fans of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows or Cal Newport’s Deep Work will find the exploration of technology's impact on focus and productivity compelling and informative.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Psychology

Health / Medicine

Science / Nature

Genre

Self Help

Themes

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Values/Ideas: Literature

Society: Education