Why Smart Women Make Bad Decisions: And How Critical Thinking Can Protect Them

by Annie McCubbin

This is a laugh out loud, narrative-driven self-help book. Think Bridget Jones gets a critical makeover. In Why Smart Women Make Bad Decisions, our protagonist Kat is learning that the philosophy of ‘Believe-in-yourself-and Magic-will-happen’ will not deliver her a better life. Her story, which recounts her hapless attempts to navigate scenarios disturbingly familiar to many readers, is presented with a companion account of the cognitive quirks that drive her faulty thinking and behaviour.   This is neuroscience explained through the lens of a modern comedy; the buggy brain stripped bare in a laugh out loud take down of magical thinking and the goofy, delusional self-actualisation movement.  Kat discovers that the simplistic advice to honour your intuition is not all it’s cracked up to be. Despite practising Gratitude and Acceptance, she is still failing to lose the 5lbs that preoccupy her. Despite her Positive Thinking, her performance review leaves her limp with despair, and despite her assiduous application to making affirmations, her philandering Hipster Boyfriend leaves her (taking with him the remote control). In the companion explanation to each chapter, author Annie McCubbin explains to readers what drives people to behave in blindly optimistic and self-destructive ways. If only they could apply the critical thinking that our narrator suggests, smart women would indeed stop making bad decisions. It becomes clear to Kat, and in turn the reader, that positive thinking, meditation and magical thinking will not turn her life around. Instead, women should apply the narrator’s advice and change the inherent cognitive flaws that run, and often ruin, their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Adelle Santillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was an okay read, started out good and laughed a bit but overall not my favourite.

[Derryn Theresa Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the most creative self help book I’ve read so far.

[Mel ☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining and witty self help book with a very Bridget jones vibe to it

[Kaitlynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this book, but I didn't feel empowered. It just felt like a sad sorry about Sad Kat.

[Ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that this book was probably slightly over-sold to me by the cover. It wasn't laugh out loud funny, and whilst it was about critical thinking and heuristics, it didn't really go over new ground compared to other books published years ago in the same field. Unless reading a cognitive psychology book for the first time - and perhaps that is exactly the intended readership - confirmation bias is not a new idea. In fact, it is an idea emphasised again and again - which is also not my style. It is no surprise that the main thrust of the book is a narrative to attach examples to - but readers of Thinking Fast and Slow have already had Daniel Kahneman's apologetic explanation that there are not really two 'systems' in the mind at all, but that we need stories if we are to learn. There wasn't a conclusion, and because of the hopping back and forth between the pop psychology and the story, it didn't satisfy me.

I did enjoy the topics discussed, and their application to women's lives - and I particularly found interesting some of the nuances in writing to make sure the psychological state was emphasised, and physical details excluded - so that it is surprising to see what characters really look like. I also enjoyed the section about how people interpret situations of stress as 'high status' or 'low status' and how combining aspects of both groups of behaviours can be beneficial to those struggling to have good relationships, particularly in professional settings.

It all felt plausible, I think I am only disappointed because most books in this sphere challenge me more or show more novel insights. This was more of an interpretation of cognitive psychology for the lens of Bridget Jones's Diary.
I'd recommend this in a very, very specific set of circumstances - I think this is a bit niche, if I'm honest, and for those looking for more profound insights there are other places to look such as the above Thinking Fast and Slow. Nonetheless a pleasant read.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I might be biased because I think Annie is a fabulous person but I genuinely think this book is great! A straight-forward, entertaining, instructive book that doesn't get bogged down in self-help jargon or delusions of grandeur. It's relatable (sometimes in ways you wish it wouldn't be...) and real. As someone who is very sceptical of magical thinking and most New Age trends, this really spoke to my soul in its clear-talking, no-nonsense approach. This is accessible and full of helpful advice for both personal and professional life.

Written in a similar style to Alain de Botton's The Course of Love, there are short narrative chapters followed by a few pages that break down the cognitive biases and flaws in thinking that have popped up throughout the story. Each chapter also includes a few helpful points to sum up the advice for each topic.

Perfect for people who'd like a bit of guidance but generally find self-help books to be a bit of a wank.

[Sian Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. Overall a nice book with some good messages but I was disappointed it didn’t delve deeper into the psychological analysis of behaviour, and was quite simplistic. Many of the reactions to scenarios; while being accurate for real world events were just common sense. I would recommend to someone who wanted a brief overview of decision making behaviours. I think there are more insightful books relating to self help and behaviour, I will not be reading the follow up book.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story style chapters followed by “the science” made it relatable and easy to read

[Nikki T · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh I am REALLY not the target audience for this book. Too bad I didn't know it before I decided to dive in.
I'm just super curious here, WHERE TF IS ALL THE SCIENCE??? What I find absolutely hilarious is that this author is so obsessed with what she seems to perceive as "facts and logic" that I was waiting on the edge of my seat for all of the proof... And got almost nothing? I'm pretty sure that most of us aren't entirely superstitious nowadays, but this book made it seem like everyone is still counting bad events in threes. Where the hell did I put my wood? I need to go knock it...
I feel like this author was traumatized by a vegan Christian somewhere and this is the hate book that was on her recovery bingo card. Honestly, if you're Christian, I highly recommend avoiding this book. And if you're vegan? Call me. Let's go meditate with the cows and send this lady some good vibes. She clearly needs them. But hey, maybe she doesn't believe that they'll reach her, so it won't help anyways.

I'm sorry (not sorry). This book was honestly so bad that it makes me want to go read Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks. Isn't that like THE manifestation book? Asking for a friend, of course. Not that I would *ever* eschew logic and go read something crazy like that. Whoops. It's already on it's way? Fantastic.

I just can't. My own review is impossible to take seriously because all I hear is that dang cat meowing at me from the audiobook. No. Just no. I'm going to go buy a meditation pillow because this author seems so sad and bored with life that I would rather emulate those "crazy yogis" and manifesters because they actually seem to enjoy life.

And would someone PLEASE send this lady some good hard science? Cause I do NOT have the patience.

DNF at around 50% (Next time, I'll try to stop earlier in order to preserve more braincells.)

I did find the gratitude bit interesting tho.

[Anne Looby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is HILARIOUS (and yes I am shouting) and insightful and a much needed antidote to the woo woo world of spiritual bypass and magical thinking. It is a great resource, full of helpful tools and practical advice to guide the reader to a healthier, more functional mindset. The narrative woven throughout is laugh-out-loud funny and creates a context where the cognitive tools are understood with great clarity. In a world where the masculine voice is so loud, it is so refreshing to have a strong, clear, discerning woman’s voice leading women to greater discernment and autonomy. #majorstreetpublishing #anniemccubbin #whysmartwomenmakebaddecisions #womenwriters

[Lucinda Armour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is as funny as it is important. Essential reading for all young women (and older women who are still trying hard to work out what is going on for them!). Important research and learning made accessible through cracking humour. Every woman will see themselves in this and will make stronger/smarter choices because of it. In a world where women are bombarded with inauthentic influencers and unsubstantiated advice this one has the science to back it up. I have bought it for the young woman in my life - it may not stop them from making a bad decision or two but it sure as hell will give them a heads up first.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, playful and funny. I enjoyed the story telling and how relatable it is in everyday life with Kate's experiences. It definitely makes sense and there is truthfulness to it all. I like how Annie McCubbin confirms "that serious stuff is best swallowed with a funny pill", I so agree. Reading along I was reflecting on my own experiences, so many moments I would say "yep". Some great take aways in the book as well. Lighthearted reading that every woman should read, well maybe not every woman, but there are definitely a lot of us out there that should read it. Time for a bit of a different approach and way of thinking. Onwards and upwards I say!

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best, funniest audio books I have every listened to. Alot of the advice and tips seemed a bit basic to me, but I do study marketing were we have alot of classes about the being influenced and how people think. So that might just be me.
The story around the advice was very nice and I enjoyed that it kept building like a traditionel book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly enjoyable read. Witty and insightful. Very practical and easy to understand examples and suggestions relating to sometimes complex psychological phenomena. Definitely a recommended read from me!

[Jade Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. A good reminder of basic cognitive biases and a relatable character that takes the science and makes it everyday. Well written both in the fiction and non-fiction.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the title of the book is a little misleading. Just explains some standard human failings.

[Nathalie Bilinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this was all a bit silly but kept reading as it was so damn funny. Turns out it’s actually very insightful and I even learned a thing or two. And it really is hilarious.

[L]

Didnt finish

[Brooke Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted, bright jonesesque but with psychosocial explanations for seemingly common decisions women make when it comes to work, relationships, and confrontation