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A review by libram
Super Better: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver and More Resilient; Powered by the Science of Games by Jane McGonigal

3.0

SuperBetter is a solid self-help resource, but I feel that McGonigal's claim that SuperBetter is a 'game' is at least a little misleading. SuperBetter is a grab-bag of popular psychology strategies (mindfulness, self-care, setting small goals, building social support) with a veneer of gamification (such as calling goals 'quests' and triggers 'bad guys').

Most of the book is a manual, and McGonigal is an engaging guide. I also appreciated the references to research throughout, particularly in the opening section of the book that focuses on studies on the potential benefits of gaming. Speaking of research, I'm not sure why information on the SuperBetter clinical trial was hideen at the very end of the book in what is essentially an appendix rather than integrated in a much earlier section of the book.

All things considered SuperBetter succeeds as a popular psychology guide to self-help with a gameful sugar-coating (once I accepted it for what it was).