THE ART OF RISK:  THE NEW SCIENCE OF COURAGE, CAUTION & CHANCE is a look inside the art and science of risk-taking behavior.

What people are saying about THE ART OF RISK:

THE ART OF RISK begins with an admission: Kayt Sukel’s lost her mojo — and like any great journalist, to find it again, she researches her way to the root of the issue. This entails interviewing adrenaline junkies, uncovering the psychology, and delving into the complicated neuroscience. (She’s the only writer I know who can make terms like mesocortical limbic pathway and DRD4 variants downright titillating). An engrossing look at at fascinating issue by one of the most fearless science writers in the business.”

-Susannah Cahalan, New York Times bestselling author of BRAIN ON FIRE: MY MONTH OF MADNESS

“In THE ART OF RISK, Kayt Sukel deftly probes the neverending push-pull struggle within our brains between wanting to be safe, wanting not to be hungry, wanting sex, wanting money–and the willingness to take a chance that will lead to even more of the same. We weigh risk based on what is in our heads, in our genes, and our hearts. This smart, impeccably researched book travels easily between the realms of advanced neuroscience and everyday experience. Intelligent, informed, and deeply curious, THE ART OF RISK is a revelation.”

-William Souder, Pulitzer finalist and author of UNDER A WILD SKY, ON A FARTHER SHORE, and A PLAGUE OF FROGS.

A blithe and personable guide to risk-taking.

Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating and beautifully written tour de force on the curious ways our brains weigh decisions, and how we can hack our biology to risk smarter. Kayt Sukel writes with warmth and candor, like a girlfriend over drinks, giving us insight into the research and minds of thrill seekers, adventurers and high-risk professionals to answer once and for all: when is it worth the risk?”

-Christine Gilbert, 2014 National Geographic Traveler of the Year, founder of Almost Fearless, and author of the upcoming MOTHER TONGUE:  A GLOBETROTTING FAMILY’S QUEST TO DREAM IN MANDARIN, LAUGH IN ARABIC, AND SING IN SPANISH.

“Great accomplishments are impossible without substantial risk-taking. Yet, risk-taking is equally important for the everyday decisions, when we never know the threats and rewards that await. You should read this book because it is a road map for understanding boldness. And just maybe, you will become committed to a bolder lifestyle.”

-Todd B. Kashdan, author of THE UPSIDE OF YOUR DARK SIDE:  WHY BEING YOUR WHOLE SELF – NOT JUST YOUR “GOOD” SELF – DRIVES SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT and professor of psychology at George Mason University.

Kayt Sukel combines true stories from colorful risk-takers with scientific
explanations to produce a terrific book that is engaging, full of up-to-date science, and always interesting. Whether you believe you put yourself in danger way too much, or worry that you play everything too safe, THE ART OF RISK will help
you understand what’s going on inside you. You’ll learn a lot, and have a great
time doing it.

-Jim Davies, Associate Professor of Cognitive Science and
author of Riveted: The Science of Why Jokes Make Us Laugh, Movies Make Us
Cry, and Religion Makes Us Feel One with the Universe.

A smart, lively book about risk that makes you want to reexamine the decisions
you’ve made in your own life.  Sukel gives us great insight into when it makes sense to take a risk and how to parlay uncertainty into potential
.”

-Jena Pincott, author of Do Chocolate Lovers Have Sweeter Babies?:  The Surprising Science of Pregnancy