871: The Thing About Things

Bad Luck, Hot Rocks is a unique book that combines original photographs of petrified wood—known as 'bad luck rocks'—with facsimiles of 'conscience letters' sent by visitors who, after taking these rocks from Petrified Forest National Park, returned them by mail, often years later, along with stories of misfortune they attribute to their theft. The letters range from humorous to tragic, expressing remorse, seeking forgiveness, and sometimes warning others of a supposed curse. The book offers a fascinating look at human superstition, guilt, and the desire for redemption, while also reflecting on our relationship with the natural world and the consequences of our actions.

In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.