Review of The Upper Hand: Mastering Persuasion and Getting What You Want with the Science of Social Engineering by Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr. Abbie Maroño serves up a compelling, science-based guide to persuasive influence grounded in integrity. She introduces a practical "prosocial engineering" framework that empowers readers to connect, build trust, and ethically shape outcomes—whether in careers, relationships, or negotiations.

The book promotes using influence only to foster cooperation and strengthen rapport—not to control or deceive—a refreshing counterpoint to many persuasion manuals.

Readers seeking highly tactical sales strategies or negotiation scripts might find this more conceptual—focused on mindset and trust-building rather than specific pitch formulas.

The Upper Hand is a standout in the realm of persuasion literature: smart, grounded, and ethically driven. It’s especially valuable for professionals—leaders, coaches, communicators—seeking a deeper understanding of influence rooted in trust rather than tricks. With its credible author and principled framework, this is a fresh, insightful addition to the genre.