{"product_id":"the-small-stuff-how-to-lead-a-more-gratifying-life-9781668062630","title":"The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life","description":"\u003cb\u003eFrom popular \u003ci\u003eThe Atlantic\u003c\/i\u003e columnist Ian Bogost, a lively reflection on how we've become disconnected from the physical world--and how to reclaim gratification in our day-to-day lives.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn an era dominated by convenience and efficiency, one would think that life would be simpler, easier, and most importantly, happier. After all, shouldn't all the time saved with machines and technology leave us with more time for ourselves? \u003ci\u003eThe Atlantic\u003c\/i\u003e columnist Ian Bogost thinks not. From digital tickets to automated faucets, he argues that the simple pleasures of daily life have been stripped away, replaced by sleek, but soulless, design. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Through engaging anecdotes and sharp analysis, Bogost uncovers how modern conveniences not only fail to deliver on their promises but also rob us of small, satisfying tasks and moments that keep us grounded and human. He challenges us to rethink our daily interactions with the material world and illuminates how the loss of these tangible interactions has contributed to widespread feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e But all hope is not lost. Bogost guides us to identify and appreciate the overlooked joys hidden in everyday life. By reforming how we approach ordinary tasks, we can rediscover the gratification embedded in the tactile world around us. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Humorous, thought-provoking, and practical, \u003ci\u003eThe Small Stuff\u003c\/i\u003e reveals that finding joy isn't about achieving monumental happiness or prolonged satisfaction. It's about doing small things, deliberately and with attention, to unlock the basic pleasures that flavor our daily lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Ian Bogost\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Atria Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/07\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 240\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.64lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.26h x 5.27w x 0.93d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781668062630\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e 04\/06\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e 06\/15\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIan Bogost is a contributing writer at \u003ci\u003eThe Atlantic \u003c\/i\u003eand the author of eleven books, including\u003ci\u003e The Small Stuff \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003ePlay Anything.\u003c\/i\u003e He is also the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he teaches computer science and engineering, film and media studies, and art and design. Additionally, Bogost is an award-winning game designer whose work has been held in collections internationally, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and played by millions of people. Find out more at Bogost.com.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Ian Bogost \/ Hardcover \/ English","offer_id":48641385005213,"sku":"9781668062630","price":32.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_9ee25cf7-0c2d-424d-bc51-5077e7526b91.jpg?v=1784108039","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/the-small-stuff-how-to-lead-a-more-gratifying-life-9781668062630","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}