Monday, July 23, 2018

How To Argue With A Cat A Human’s Guide To The Art Of Persuasion By Best Selling New York Times Author, Jay Heinrichs & Illustrated by Natalie Palmer -Sutton (Give-Away!)

I cannot begin to convey the delight I felt when I first learned about the book, How To Argue With A Cat A Human’s Guide To The Art Of Persuasion By Best Selling New York Times Author, Jay Heinrichs, that was posted on The Purrington Post.




"Cats+Persuasion" two of my loves. You see, when I went to, and graduated from, Kent State University, back in the Stone Age, I majored in Rhetoric and Communication You are probably thinking, "who majors in RHETORIC and what the heck is it??" You aren't alone. Many of you probably know exactly what rhetoric is, but for those who do not, the definition of Rhetoric from the great philosopher Aristotle is: "Rhetoric, is the faculty of observing in any given case, all available means of persuasion."  

Without realizing it, we all use rhetoric every...single...day. From communicating with our partners, our kids, our jobs (sales, law, virtually EVERY JOB that exists), because when you are communicating, you are often engaging in persuasion, without your even knowing it! (My mother used to joke about my degree saying I earned a degree in what I did naturally, PERSUADE.)

I reached out to Jay Heinrichs and told him I HAD to read/review this book! What I expected was more of a humorous book about actually trying to persuade a cat to do (or not do) what I wanted, what I received was SO MUCH MORE.






ABOUT HOW TO ARGUE WITH A CAT

Cats are skilled manipulators who can talk you into just about anything without a single word (or maybe a meow or two). They can get you to drop whatever you’re doing and play with them. They can make you serve their dinner way ahead of schedule. They can get you to sit down right this instant and provide a lap. On the other hand, try getting a cat to do what you want....

While it’s hard, persuading a cat is possible. And after that, persuading humans becomes a breeze, and that is what you will learn in this book. How to Argue with a Cat will teach you how to:

· Hold an intelligent conversation—one of the few things easier to do with a cat than a human.
· Argue logically, even if your opponent is furry and irrational.
· Hack up a fallacy (the hairball of logic).
· Make your body do the talking (cats are very good at this).
· Master decorum: the art of fitting in with cats, venture capitalists, or humans.
· Learn the wisdom of predator timing to pounce at the right moment.
· Get someone to do something or stop doing it.
· Earn any creature’s respect and loyalty.


This catabulous trailer was narrated by illustrator Natalie Palmer Sutton's adorable niece!

Want to learn about the "Art of the Purr"? Jay Heinrich graciously shared this clip from the audio book that teaches us clueless humans what a cat's purr can teach us about persuasion (or should that be "purr-suasion? "Discuss amongst yourselves! Click on the highlighted text above to listen!) 

MY THOUGHTS:

When reading a book that I will  review, I will "dog-ear" pages that I feel are particularly relevant or interesting, (a habit that my bookmark-loving husband loathes, but I digress...) that I want to  refer to in my review, well, I am in DEEP TROUBLE. Virtually EVERY SINGLE PAGE of this book has been "dog-eared" by ME.  The result? There is SO MUCH practical information about CATS AND PERSUASION in this book, that if I were to review it the way I wish I could, I would be writing ANOTHER BOOK!

How To Argue With A Cat is the PURRFECT marriage of  Jay Heinrich discussing qualities that cats inherently possess that make them masters in the "dark art of persuasion" and then explaining those qualities to us,  (referred to as "factors" in the book), that will enable US to effectively persuade other humans, AND CATS. It is "PURR" GENIUS!!

If you are skilled in persuasion, like cats and comedy you are skilled in TIMING. "The secret of persuasion is just like the secret of comedy. It's timing." Timing requires patience. "In rhetoric, this art of waiting for the perfect moment is called kairos (KI-ros). Someone skilled at kairos, such as a cat, not only knows how to wait. She also knows exactly the right moment to act, to seize the occasion, letting no temporary lap go un-sat-upon and no bug unchased."

 Where was this book when I was studying Rhetoric in college??

 I LOVED the black and white "pop-art" style illustrations by Natalie Palmer Sutton, and being a quote freak, I derived great enjoyment from the brilliant snippets of "Cat Wisdom" found throughout the book  that not only are true of cats, but are valuable tips for humans to use when communicating. A few of my favorites are:

"When in doubt, keep a straight face. Cats rarely change their expression. That's one reason they look so dignified. It also helps them hide their ploys."

"Dignity won't get your belly rubbed. So you embarrassed yourself. Be like a cat and leave the past behind."

"Small persuasive creatures rule the world."

Um, that would be CATS. How To Argue With A Cat A Human’s Guide To The Art Of Persuasion By Jay Heinrichs is a book that I am going to refer to again and again. This isn't just a "one and done" deal. It is a book that you can use to enhance your own communication/persuasion skills! Just think, when you get your paws on this catabulous book, YOU (and your cat) just might be ruling the world too with your persuasive selves! It is available on Amazon, Penguin Randomhouse  (Rodale Books)  and more! It's also available as an ebook! 
 ISBN: 978-1-63565-274-1
Jay's cat "Killick" on his shoulders



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JAY HEINRICHS is the New York Times bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing. He has taught persuasion to editors at Ivy League universities, NASA, and the Pentagon and runs the acclaimed blog, Figarospeech.com, as well as the rhetoric site ArgueLab.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

NATALIE PALMER-SUTTON is an art director, illustrator, editor, animator, artist, designer and sometimes writer who lives with her lovely husband and lovely children in Buckhurst Hill, England. To learn more about Natalie visit her website at www.natsutton.com.


ENTER TO WIN!! Jay and the kind people at Penguin Random House have agreed to allow us to do a give-away!!! We are excited that we can give FIVE WINNERS a copy of How To Argue With A Cat (must be 18 and over, and the give-away is open to those in the U.S.A ONLY). Entering is super easy, just enter on the rafflecopter and good luck! (There are TWO mandatory entry requirements! BOTH must be completed in order to not be disqualified).

a Rafflecopter giveaway





DISCLOSURE: I received no financial compensation for this post, I received  a copy of the book in exchange for my always honest opinion.

43 comments:

  1. That's a book I'd love to read!

    Emma and Buster

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  2. I would love to read this book. Such a pity the giveaway (like most giveaways) is only in the USA. I guess I'll have to get out my credit card...

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    1. I am so sorry. I recently had a world-wide give-away.....I try to have them whenever I can, it is out of my control. It is mostly due to shipping costs that they are limited to the U.S.

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  3. This sounds like an absolutely DARLING book and we would LOVE to win a copy. Teddy is VERY persuasive when he wants something...anything. He has a tiny squeaky meow and he looks me right in the eye and I can FEEL what he wants so I guess we have that telepathy thing going! He also will "guide" me to where he wants me to be like the front door where his harness is for walks - or to the bathroom sink where wants me to lift him up for a sink drink....but honestly all he has to do is just look at me and I'm "putty in his paws". The power of persuasion is definitely AT WORK in our relationship!

    Hugs, Pam (with Teddy persuading me to write!)

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    1. oh Pam I LOVE IT! Just love it!!! I know how much you still love Sammy and how much you miss him and always will adore him and love him (as I do Bobo), but I am sooooooooo happy that you have that "soul vibe" going with Teddy too! This made me sooooooo happy! xoxo

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  4. My kind of book and you make a good argument. All my cats and persistently persuasive.

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  5. I don't argue with my cats, I simply say no multiple times and then give in. This book seems interesting and so does a degree in rhetoric. It sounds like something they teach at politician school. :)

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    1. why thank you! Yes, you are right! And....it is a great degree for going into Law.......

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  6. That was a great review and it really does sound like a good one!

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  7. I love the video! I want the book!
    As to your question, my cats get my attention and direct my activities by simply sitting on whatever I'm doing and giving me "the look". We know "the look", right?
    xxoo

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    1. If you entered, good luck!! Isn't that video just to die for??? OMC Natalie's niece is BEYOND adorable and soooo well-spoken!!!!! She is a pro! I watched the video a few times just to hear her adorable little voice! She should do voice-overs or be in movies. She is "purrsonality" plus!!! Oh and YES the "look" always works!!

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  8. What a delightful book which I would enjoy greatly. My two cats know who is the boss. They are of course. Wily and persistent.

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  9. great review. Sounds like a great, interesting book to read. I really want to win this book. Hope I win.

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  10. Sneaky Pie is really good at a stare down. He can go for a very long time!

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  11. Are you kidding!?! WANT THIS BOOK!

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  12. We have three cats, and temporarily have two extras (my daughter's boyfriend moved in while he's looking for a new place). We have every personality you can find in a cat. My old girl, Moko, is my head-butter/cuddler. She just has to be cute to get what she wants (given her health issues, I give her all the attention she wants). My daughter's cat, Arata, is very stubborn but gets very vocal when he wants something. My youngest, Kotoha, just gets all kitten-y and cute when she wants something. The visiting cats are still a bit timid and while I give them their space, when they want something, they get all full of purrs and rubbing against my legs when they want something.

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  13. OMC A book mommy would actually luv to read. As ifin we don't already follow her directions enuff, now she wants to learn more. Mommy says we're great purrsueders. She does purretty much everythin' we want her too. Altho' she could buy a few more treats and we would enjoy dinner twice 'stead of just once purr day. Oh well. Great review. Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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    1. Thanks sooo much and wishing you good luck!!!! Oh and I am certain you are both excellent "purrsueders" xoxo

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  14. I'm in. I would love to win this giveaway.

    On that note can you really argue with a cat? They always seem to win at everything.

    Have a purrfect day, Cody. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥

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    1. Wishing you the best of luck!!! Now remember, this book is MOSTLY geared towards using persuasion with HUMANS (not cats), but includes important "cat-like" qualities that humans need to understand/use/possess in order to be effective! Have a pawesome day! xoxo

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  15. Fun review. I love his other book as well...such an engaging writing style.

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    1. thank you! Also, thanks for the info about his other book, I am more than likely going to purchase it.

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  16. I did not know you could win an argument with a cat! I need this information!

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  17. This sounds fantastic! To think, I live with an absolute MASTER of feline persuasion--erm, purrsuasion?--but have never taken note and applied his tactics for my own benefit..! Clearly, I need to pay better attention, lol. (Seriously, those blue eyes of his, that insistent meow, and the endless getting into things he shouldn't when he wants something? Genius! ;))

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  18. Our mommy is a pushover in an argument with us. We win every single time. We have her wrapped around our paws! We entered so that maybe she can learn a thing or two to use elsewhere since we know she'll continue to give in to all our demands.

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  19. That looks like a great book. My cats always win and get their way.

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  20. I wish I were as persuasive as Raven. She has been successfully convincing us to get up before 6am to feed her.

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    1. Before 6??? Cody wakes my husband up at 3:30am....lol!! If he doesn't get up (which is rare), if I hear Cody I get up and shut the door in his face #meanmama

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  21. that is so true--they are indeed masters of dark art of persuasion--can't wwait to read the book!

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  22. My first thought when I saw the title was, why argue with cats, you'll never win. Then I looked back at my cat agility days and realized I have purr-suaded cats to do some things after all. Sounds like a wonderful, helpful book.

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  23. I think ALL of us would love this book. And you have persuaded me to buy it. I love the points you made and they all speak to me! Katie and Admiral and Robin, Hopping John...everyone, they ruled the household and us. People say that many times --but they think they are jesting. They're not. It's true. XXX

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  24. Pipo runs up to me with a sweet meow...which if ignored...he will paw at my leg. Then if that didn't get what he wanted, he jumps up on the chair right behind me and starts all over! Mostly its about treats or wanting me to get out the laser light toy. And yup, it works! He's at it right now...gotta go...

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  25. This sounds like an awesome book! What a great review, as always, too! Sophie is pretty much skilled at getting anything she wants. She rubs on legs, mews softly or just sits on our chest. Really, all she has to do is look at us and we're done. :-)

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  26. I gotta read this book! I am sure that they must have channeled Nellie (and all the other talkative cats I know)
    And as a witer...I LOVE reading books like this...now how many days is it until pay day...???
    Love ya
    Barb

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    1. I want to thank you for coming to my 2nd Birthday Pawty! It would not have been the same without you!
      You Rock!
      Purrs Marv

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  27. This sounds like such a great book. We would love to read it! :)

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  28. Great giveaway, and a must read! My cats come up to me and meow and there big eyes staring at me so i give in to what they want,TREATS.

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  29. I want to read this so badly! I know first hand just how ... err .. decisive cats can be ;)

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