Strange Contagion

Lee Daniel Kravetz has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is a graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Journalism. He has written for Psychology Today, the Huffington Post, and the New York Times, among other publications. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and children.

“This is a marvelous account of why we catch the emotions and habits of the people around us—for better and for worse. It has big implications for workplaces, schools, and families. And it reads like a novel…only it isn’t fiction” — Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take“The questions Kravetz asks are of vital importance. His bold conclusions...are sobering and potentially lifesaving.” — Publishers Weekly“Kravetz’s gripping narrative has the tension of a thriller, but the stories he shares are tragically real.” — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine“Strange Contagion is a deep dive into something very scary, but at the end, it is also about how we can catch hope and resilience and we can spread that even in the darkest of times.” — Marcie Geffner, Publishers Weekly“Strange Contagion is a thoughtful, provocative discourse about a gripping topic, providing a strong foundation for dialogue and further exploration.” — Psychology Today“A chilling and important look at the social contagions that threaten us.” — BBC“Lee Daniel Kravetz has written a wise and searching book, bristling with restless intelligence. This is a lively, sweeping story. Though Strange Contagion starts with tragedy, it refuses to linger there, instead opening up into questions of community, resilience, and just what it is we owe to one another — Daniel Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Monkey Mind: A Memoir of Anxiety“This is a powerful book on something pervasive in our world while still mysterious. Mirroring builds cultures, generates social change and connects peoples. Yet it can take lives, many lives while leaving others untouched. The story that Lee Daniel Kravetz weaves here is lucid, profound and compassionate” — Marco Iacoboni, author of Mirroring People; Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences; and Director, Neuromodulation Lab/David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA“Compelling and well-researched, Lee Daniel Kravetz’s exploration of why and how social contagions take hold makes fascinating reading. The answers may not be easy but, as he cogently argues, there is much to be gained in their pursuit.” — Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author of Triggers“ Strange Contagion is the best and most fascinating book I’ve read on social contagions, and a must-read for every parent, teacher, leader, and policy maker who wants to promote the spread of helpful thoughts and actions, and mitigate against harmful ones.” — Kristina Rizga, author of Mission High and senior education reporter, Mother Jones.“[Kravetz] has covered the bases well, raising provocative questions. A worthy...treatise on matters of urgent concern.” — Kirkus Reviews