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Although there have been updates to modernize the book, it feels dated, like it was written for 1930s salesmen. Recommending using peoples names often, coaxing their birthday out of them, referring to dog training as a way to think about how to act around people you want to influence. It briefly mentions the importance of going into conversations with an open mind and willing to have your opinion changed, but mostly starts with the presumption that what the reader wants and needs is to convince others to their own opinion.

I knew nothing about Susan Sontag before reading this. It is meticulous in its research and takes a neutral view. I found it worthwhile and very interesting.

I thought this was a bad book because of the writing. There are some interesting facts, but it is mostly the author romanticizing trees and pontificating on personal theories. There are some references to scientific studies, but mostly is just conjecture.

Definitely has flaws when thinking of it in terms of the traditional novel structure. But I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it was for it being untraditional. Would recommend and would read again.