Mindreader: The New Science of Deciphering What People Really Think, What They Really Want, and Who They Really Are

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 282 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 02-25-2025


About this item

Tired of guessing what they’re really thinking? Read people in every situation—in person, on a screen, or in writing—using the new science of psycholinguistics, from a New York Times bestselling author and consultant to the FBI, CIA, and NSA.

“A treasure trove of concepts, ideas, and tools that we can all master to be safer and happier. It’s a must-read!”—Joe Navarro, author of Dangerous Personalities

What did your boss mean in that email? Is your mechanic stretching the truth? Whether you’re engaged in a casual conversation or a high-stakes negotiation, it’s critical to understand the subtext of a situation. But with so much interaction happening on screens—via email, texts, or video chat—we are losing the ability to interpret expressions and cues. Furthermore, since many are now savvy about the meaning of body language, it’s become even harder to discern someone’s true thoughts or intentions.

A leading lie-detection expert who instructs the FBI and other security agencies, noted psychotherapist David Lieberman, PhD, takes “people reading” to a whole new level. Drawing on the latest research in psycholinguistics—the cues embedded in spoken and written speech—he shows you how to apply his cutting-edge methods to countless everyday situations, including:

  • Detecting the messaging behind passive language, personal or impersonal descriptions, and level of detail.
  • Determining whether someone’s account of any incident is the truth or a work of fiction.
  • Finding out whether a potential hire, dating app match, or new babysitter is trustworthy or hiding something.

Nobody wants to be played a fool. Mindreader will help us identify who can be trusted, and who may be out to get us.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Heavy Duty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing read, helpful in many ways
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
    I deal/talk with people on a daily basis through my work. This book has helped me to “read” people when interacting with them. I never knew all these “hints” that people drop when communicating until reading this. It has been very insightful, while also helpful to me as I feel like I can understand their behaviors better and in turn understand/relate to them better. Being able to do this can go a long way in the business world. Also I found it helpful as the concepts explored have helped me to better understand my own children and family. Very interesting and easy read.
  • Ed
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read with examples and appications
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
    Enjoyed reading this book. Not sure it makes you a Mind Reader but certainly emphasizes the importance of listening.

    Everyone provides clues based on their actions and speech of who they really are. It’s the interpretation that’s critical and this author provides back stories with summary checklists to help with the interpretation.

    However nothing really new provided. You have two ears and one mouth - listen 2x as much and talk. Past actions > whatever is said.
  • Joe B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly helpful for my relationships at work!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2022
    I loved how this book helped me understand and "read" people better. This translates to real change in my working relationships as I can better sense what they're communicating and what's underlying that communication. I now know what they're really trying to tell me and I can adjust my responses accordingly. As a team leader, this is so helpful - it's a real gamechanger. I found the book extremely clear and easy to read. Very highly recommend. I try to read everything Dr. Lieberman writes, but this one is a MUST!
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional work in the field of trust assurance.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2022
    I find this to be one of the best written books on the subject of deception detection, or in the positive, trust assurance. Highly readable, to the point, giving many good examples, including unique techniques and insights. I am very pleased to have this book in my personal library. And, I expect to read it multiple times, which I tend to do with exceptional works.
  • B.K. Forsyth, Ph.D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2023
    Five star insightful. I made myself not read quickly. I needed to absorb the the information on emotional and intellectual levels. I’m talking about this great book. My cousin asks. Can I take it with me on the plane? He comes home in three months, and I want my book back. BTW, he loved it just as much as me. — Medusa
  • Utkarsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly eye opening
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023
    This will be THE book that changed how I see and deal with people but also myself. Not a massive tactics or tools book but a explanation and demonstration of so many real life examples of human nature at play to be ready for. Highly recommended.
  • Alexander Goldstein
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2022
    Dr. Leiberman has done it again!! This book was an excellent and interesting read!
    So insightful to read about every day examples and how it impacts social interactions and cues! As someone who interacts with many different people daily I found this super helpful !!!
  • Bizmom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2022
    Mindreader is a fun and fascinating read. I love Dr. Lieberman's style of combining dry science with his trademark sense of humor to present a practical and easy to read book. This book is so insightful and a great asset to anyone looking to improve their skills at "reading between the lines". I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

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