Happy, sad, angry, glad—why do we cry when we’re ecstatic or mad? A fascinating look at the science of emotion

Emotions can be a pain. After his father died of Covid, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what it would be like to live without emotion. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope—for science.

With his trademark humour, Burnett takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the ends of the universe. Along the way, he reveals why we would ever follow our gut; whether things really were better in the old days; why it’s so hard to stop doomscrolling; how sad music can make us happier; why we can’t think straight when hungry; the point of nightmares; and why it is virtually impossible to forget embarrassing memories.

"Take some time out with this brilliant book to acknowledge that without emotions we wouldn’t be able to grieve, regret, celebrate or love–or to put it simply–be wonderfully human." — Stylist (UK)

"Burnett links humorous and touching personal stories with scientific know-how." — Buzz (UK)

A "Don't Miss" — New Scientist

“Thoughtful and thought-provoking—you need to read this book.” — Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain: The New Neuroscience that Shatters the Myth of the Female Brain

“An affecting and illuminating book for anyone who has feelings and wants to know why.” — Katie Mack, author of The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)