PAYOFF The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations

After immediately drawing listeners in with his reading of Ariely’s riveting first chapter, narrator Simon Jones continues to hold them close with his relaxed diction and skillful handling of this audiobook’s pathos. Jones’s vocal elegance and thorough understanding of the author’s message promote unexpected engagement with Ariely’s extended essay on what motivates people not just to do their jobs but to really commit themselves to their work or to whatever they are doing. Though Ariely, a psychology professor at Duke, is a career academic, he serves up a fascinating array of memorable research and insights without ever sounding removed from people’s everyday experience of what moves them to become engaged. Jones’s pleasing voice and tasteful interpretations make this audio a memorable listen for anyone interested in what moves us to do what we do.  T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2017]