Best-Selling Author of "GRIT" Presents "SITUATED"

From the #1 bestselling author of Grit, a new book that reveals the hidden power of situations—and how you can shape them to bring out your best.

In Angela Duckworth’s first book, she showed that a common denominator of successful strivers is a blend of passion and perseverance she dubbed “grit.” This second book springs from her deepening realization that grit, while necessary, is sometimes not sufficient. How you situate yourself to meet a challenge can be crucial.

Duckworth’s in-depth research reveals the enormous influence wielded by the objects within arm’s reach, your peers and mentors, and even your zip code. Though you’re often told to make the best of your situation, it is far, far better to make your situation better first. For instance, why your personality changes, sometimes dramatically, from one situation to another—and how you can harness that shift; the secret to conquering temptation without willpower; why taking the less effortful path can feel like cheating but often solves a stubborn problem; how the company you keep shapes the person you become; the most effective ways to help others succeed; and more. 

Highlighting four essential elements of successful situations, Duckworth shows how high performers like Taylor Swift, Michael Phelps, and Jerry Seinfeld create situations that make it easier to excel. And with disarming honesty, she shares her own struggles with burnout and marriage—and how learning to change her situation, not herself, made all the difference. Whatever it is you want to achieve, there’s a situation that can make your journey easier.

Angela Duckworth, PhD, is a psychologist, MacArthur Fellow, and the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Duckworth’s TED talk is among the most viewed of all time. Her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.

Advanced ticket purchase is required and reflects only the retail price of book, which you can pick up at the Library on the evening of the program. To purchase your ticket from Elm Street Books, please click HERE. There will be no physical ticket. We will have a list at the door.