This book investigates the fundamental role of narrative in shaping human emotion and understanding. Patrick Colm Hogan, a professor of English, draws upon literary theory, psychology, and cognitive science to explore how the stories we tell ourselves and others are not merely entertainment but essential structures for processing experience. He argues that universal patterns in narrative reflect deep-seated human cognitive and emotional processes, providing a framework for making sense of the world and our place within it.

The book is recognized for its ambitious synthesis of literary analysis and cognitive science, offering a compelling argument for the centrality of narrative in human emotional life. Scholars in literature and psychology have noted its insightful exploration of how stories function as cognitive and emotional tools. The work is considered a significant contribution to understanding the deep structures of human experience and expression. Its interdisciplinary approach provides a rich foundation for further research into the mind and its stories.