Joe Hallinan is an accomplished writer and journalist based in Chicago, known for his insightful explorations of human behavior and societal issues. His most recent book, "Kidding Ourselves: The Hidden Power of Self-Deception," was published by Crown in 2014, building on his reputation for examining psychological themes. His earlier work, "Why We Make Mistakes" (Broadway Books, 2009), became a Book-of-the-Month Club selection and sold over 100,000 copies in the U.S., with translations in more than a dozen languages. His debut book, "Going Up the River: Travels in a Prison Nation" (Random House, 2001), earned critical acclaim, including recognition as a "Notable Book" by The New York Times and one of the "Best Books of the Year" by the Los Angeles Times.
Hallinan's career spans journalism, academia, and authorship, marked by prestigious accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting during his tenure at The Wall Street Journal. As a former Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, he has contributed to major publications like The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Sunday Times of London. His writing often blends rigorous research with accessible storytelling, addressing themes of psychology, decision-making, and institutional systems. Hallinan has also taught at several universities, including a visiting professorship at Vanderbilt University, and has appeared on prominent media programs such as NPR's "Fresh Air" and CBS News "Sunday Morning." He resides in Chicago with his family.