Narrative Is Everything: The ABT Framework and Narrative Evolution

by Randy Olson

“Narrative Is Everything” is the culmination of scientist-turned-filmmaker Randy Olson's 40 year journey into Hollywood AND it may seem like just another “joy of storytelling” diatribe, BUT the book plays on two levels, THEREFORE you can take your pick — use it to improve your communication, or allow it to give you a new perspective on cultural evolution. On the practical side, it presents the ABT Framework (And, But, Therefore), showing its power and application in fields as diverse as business, politics, entertainment, science and religion. On the higher, more all-encompassing level, Olson combines his backgrounds in evolutionary biology and communication to propose a detailed mechanism of cultural evolution through what he terms, “narrative selection.” He argues that the brain is the selective agent and the ABT is the factor determining what survives and doesn’t survive over time in all cultures. From epic myths to nursery rhymes to news media to pop music hits, the ABT Framework is present everywhere, leading to the inescapable conclusion that “Narrative Is Everything.”

Genres: Writing, Science

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2019

Reviews

[EL · Rating 4 out of 5]

IMO, this book is an authority on the topic of concise and compelling communication. The subject - the ABT framework - is one of those things that are simple but not simplistic. Effective yet economical. If you have to coordinate actions with other human beings, this will be of use to you. If you lead / persuade others, this might change your life.

It is extremely practical.

I'm highly appreciative of the work that Dr. Randy Olson put into making sense of this, particularly his collection of quantitative data to illustrate its effectiveness. Truth be told, when I first flipped through the book I thought that 60% of it was the same stuff I already found and consumed online. I'm glad I kept my learner's attitude and read it properly, 'coz it turned out to be chockful of valuable content, a huge part of which were case studies fished from real-life, analysed and made plain for me. This certainly helped me with the qualitative - the 'art' - part of crafting ABT's.

I shall practice integrating this into my life. And this book will be my textbook.

*Why not 5-stars? The formatting of the book made it straining to read in some places. Also, some text and diagrams seemed to have been in colour, but shoddily converted to grayscale, so I couldn't make out a number of them.

[Larry Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olson's books are ALWAYS enjoyable reads that are packed full of insights which are delivered in an accessible, easy-going tone. Just what you'd expect from a expert on communication! In this offering, Olson examines the notable applications of the ABT template across various societal domains, and reinforces the importance of mastering narrative structure in light of sensory overload resulting from the unrelenting information age. Olson then delivers a compelling hypothesis regarding narrative selection as a cultural allegory to natural selection.

This book is a really enjoyable and IMPORTANT read for anyone looking to share messages of importance in today's world.

[Karey Pohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABT to the rescue!!!

Give me a deeper understanding of ABT and its use and how it shows up different contexts and it allowed me to Get a better understanding of how to apply it to what I am writing. I really liked the color coding and the commentary that he provided in the appendixes. I was able to skim through some of the parts that I didn’t find as applicable or interesting, and that being said I really respect the author’s thorough treatment of the subject matter.

[Carlos Fernández-Miñope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend to read this book after "Houston, we have a narrative", not because you wouldn't understand it but because both complement each other beautifully. The appendices were the best for me. As the author says: you cannot fully sense the ABT until you see it therefore they are full of examples. A good investment of time, no doubt.

[Cati Fajardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the simplicity of the ABT framework and how can be applied to any type of communication. This is the first time that I can apply something while I am reading towards science communication. Could you recommende me similar books?

[Ewout Knoester · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boisterous draft declaring simple stories as the main force behind successes in entertainment, business, politics and possibly science, including the demonstration of a unifying structure underlying any strong narrative