Book Review: Switch, by Chip and Dan Heath

In addition to soliciting student contributions for National Nutrition Month, I've also asked the Virginia Tech Dietetic Interns to contribute book reviews to this blog.  These book reviews will feature books owned by University Libraries and available for checkout here at Newman Library that are relevant to nutrition and other health professionals!  A side note:  half of our dietetic interns are actually in Northern Virginia (not in Blacksburg), so if any Northern Virginia folks are interested in checking out any of the books reviewed here, remember that you can use our Interlibrary Loan service to have books from Newman delivered to you up there!


Without further ado...our first book review!  Click the link below to view the Addison record for this book.



Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2010). Switch: How to change things when change is hard. New York: Broadway Books.  


Reviewed by Danielle Osborne, Virginia Tech Dietetic Intern

Ever taken a ride on an elephant? Imagine what would have happened if the elephant had its own idea of where it wanted to go. Would you, the rider, have any chance of re-directing the vast elephant? Reading Switch by brothers Chip Heath and Dan Heath will provide a thorough answer to this question. Written for the lay audience, Switch has a casual, conversational tone that engages the reader as it uses the analogy of an elephant and a rider to explain the psychology behind change.   

The book starts with the section “Direct the Rider” which delves into a discussion on the rational part of each person’s mind, which the authors call the rider. They suggest using the logical, reason-based section of the brain to find what works in a situation in order to mimic and spread that success, to find specific, small behaviors to focus on, and to define the goal of change. This is followed by a group of chapters on “Motivating the Elephant”.  The elephant represents the emotional, and more influential, part of the mind. The Heath brothers suggest finding the feeling behind change in order to inspire it, to break the change down into manageable pieces, and to help foster an identity in others that will enable change. Finally, the book discusses how to “Shape the Path” by making changes to alter the environment surrounding the logical and emotional person in order to support change. Detailed examples of success stories are scattered throughout the pages, as are numerous references to recent research and sections that provide ways for the reader to apply the book through brain-storming and problem-solving sessions. With its numerous examples from a wide variety of fields, readers will likely find Switch quite relevant to their lives.

Switch includes references to research and evidence from its first page through its last (294 pages in all, including notes). For instance, the opening paragraph cites a study conducted at a movie theater on popcorn consumption. When compared to the origin of the citation, the authors were found to have accurately shared the results of the study. Later in the book, a reference to a 1968 study by Latane and Darley on the effects that bystanders have on an individual’s response to an emergency was made. The original research in this instance also matched the quoted material in Switch. This reveals one of the strengths of Switch; it includes extensive references to solid research and evidence in support of the authors’ theory. The book includes 254 notes for its eleven chapters, many of which reference studies or other forms of evidence. Another strength of Switch comes from its hands-on approach. Throughout the text, sections are set aside to provide a break for the reader to apply what has just been explained. The sections include examples which allow the reader to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to brain storm a solution, using the tactics provided by Switch.  The authors walk step by step through the examples as well, providing further insight into the process of inspiring change. Finally, Switch flows well as the three sections build upon one another in an organized manner to develop the authors’ idea.

Possible weaknesses of Switch include its assumption that the elephant/rider approach to change will work in all situations. Though the book certainly provides a number of success stories, it may be naïve to think the approach could never go awry. In spite of this, Switch still provides a unique approach to facilitating change, one that numerous studies and stories support. Also, though plentiful examples are both helpful to understanding the ideas presented and to facilitate application of the information, the book could be condensed and still remain effective. Even if a reader can only read half of Switch, useful insight into the psychology behind change will be gained.

As a newly published book, Switch has come at a needed time. With a push for change in the public sector, including in America’s current food and exercise culture, this book can provide useful insight and guidance. For those who apply what they learn about the elephant and rider, Switch has the potential to inspire lasting change.