Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Before something can go viral, it must be contagious. Drawing upon his numerous academic publications and the work of others in a variety of fields, Berger explores the essential elements of how ideas, products, and organizations become very popular very quickly—and unlike other authors, his answers don’t necessarily point to social media. Keith Nobbs narrates in a youthful, slightly nasal voice—and this makes his performance all the more effective, as a youthful voice, rather than an older one, is better suited to explain the dynamics of popularity. Nobbs’s reading is nuanced and will help listeners navigate the author’s anecdotes and research. On its own, the author’s prose is engaging, but with Nobbs’s narration, the audiobook feels almost conversational, making Berger’s book even more accessible. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (March)