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This book is a Malcolm Gladwellish set of chapters surrounding the mystery of mystery. It started off great but then sadly became increasingly sludge-like. I would love to know what “Pythagoras's Constant” is (p. 203) or why the author thought it important to repeat the mechanic's profanities.
I picked this up at the library on a whim and overall enjoyed it. I love mystery novels, tv shows, movies... and now I know why! Mystery (or generally the unknown) keeps us interested and engaged in the world around us, and that is what this book unpacks with various anecdotes and studies. I agree that it felt similar in style to Malcolm Gladwell, with similar format and similar blind spots. There were a few examples he used that I felt were a stretch or at least would rouse hearty debate, and a few I just had no interest in whatsoever. But other than that, the author was preaching to the choir with me. The book helped me understand why certain things appeal to me and why we have to learn to be more comfortable with questions, changes, and uncertainties. It wasn't exactly a page turner, but I am happy I read to the end.