‘Situated’ Book Review: Angela Duckworth Moves Beyond Grit to Environment

Book Title: Situated
Author: Angela Duckworth
Publisher: Vermilion
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 1785044265
Date Published: Sept. 3, 2026

Book Review

Angela Duckworth’s “Situated” builds on the central idea of Grit, exploring how circumstances, surroundings, and social influences shape success. Rather than relying solely on willpower and perseverance, she argues that people can achieve more by creating environments that support their goals. It is a sensible argument, presented with the clarity and conversational warmth that made her first book so appealing.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its personal stories and practical insights. Angela’s honest reflections on her marriage and burnout make her message more relatable, showing that working harder is not always the answer. Her discussion of leadership is equally valuable, reminding readers that great leaders do more than perform well themselves; they create situations in which others can thrive. Her take on self-transcendence also adds depth, suggesting that a meaningful life extends beyond personal achievement.

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However, “Situated” struggles to match the intellectual spark of its predecessor. The importance of shaping one’s environment is hardly new, having featured in habit-building literature and philosophical thought for centuries. Some advice, such as making good habits easier to follow, feels familiar rather than insightful. The book also risks placing too much responsibility on individuals to improve their circumstances, overlooking financial and social barriers that effort alone cannot remove.

Ultimately, “Situated” is an enjoyable, accessible read, but not a transformative one. Angela explains familiar ideas well, yet offers few compelling reasons to rethink established beliefs or change existing practices.

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About the Author

Angela Duckworth, PhD, is a renowned psychologist, MacArthur Fellow, and the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research explores the qualities that drive achievement, with a particular focus on grit, passion, and perseverance. Her TED Talk has become one of the platform’s most-viewed presentations, reaching audiences around the world.

She is the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, a number-one New York Times bestseller that has sold more than five million copies worldwide. Through her research and writing, Duckworth examines how sustained effort and commitment can contribute to long-term success.

Swapna Peri is a Freelance blogger, book reviewer, narrator, and copy editor.