By Gordon Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/31/25 – The title “Me, But Better” sounded like a positive and intriguing one. The book by Olga Khazan is subtitled “The Science and Promise of Personality Change,” and is for everyone. Especially if you face everyday challenges such as being more outgoing, more generous and less depressed. Author Khazan, staff writer for The Atlantic wrote this book after spiraling towards an existential crisis, fueled by her frustrations with anxiety and neurotic behaviors. She felt uncomfortable in social situations and took aggressive action in addressing what she disliked about her personality.
It took her a year of trying new things and experiences, from improv to meditation, that forced her to act happy, well-adjusted and be healthy. Her game plan worked.
The journalist, also author of “Weird: The Power of Being An Outsider in an Inside World” examined the science behind personality modification, presenting evidence- based techniques.
Khazan looks at the five personality traits extroversion; openness; neuroticism; conscientiousness and agreeableness and with self-deprecating wit and insight, shows how you can actually alter them, by consistently behaving in ways that align with the kind of person you’d like to become. If this hits a nerve, and you want to commit to be “self-made” or need to succeed, be it personally or professionally, then “Me, But Better…” is for you.
Khazan delivers a perfect summer read and this book is worth sharing.
“ME, BUT BETTER. The Science and Promise of Personality Change” By Olga Khazan
Simon & Schuster/Simon Element – hardcover and audiobook.
At bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Vromans Bookstore, Pasadena, by order from Target and The Open Book, Northridge; Woodland Hills; Canyon Country; Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley and online including Amazon.com.
