25 Best psychology books
Last updated: April 28, 2025
Almost everything we do daily — making decisions, communicating, forming opinions – is rooted in psychology. While this topic is undeniably vast and diverse, we’ve selected essential titles for you to learn about psychological principles and theories that explain our emotions and behaviors.
Nonviolent Communication
What is Nonviolent Communication about?
“Nonviolent Communication” emphasizes the vital role communication plays in shaping our society. Marshall B. Rosenberg introduces us to a method known as "nonviolent communication" in his book. The primary objective of this approach is to teach us how to establish effective communication with both ourselves and those around us.
If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?
What is If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy? about?
“If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?” by Raj Raghunathan is a guide to attracting happiness into your life. Sounds very complicated, right? But after reading the tips and eliminating the seven main negative habits, you will be one step closer to feeling happy.
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather
What is There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather about?
A Scandinavian saying goes like this: “There’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothing”. The book There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather offers a refreshing perspective into the importance of outdoor play in all seasons. Written by a Swedish mother, Linda McGurk, raising her daughters in USA, it provides a blend of vital research, humor, and warmth. This book provides invaluable insights not only for parents, but for anyone who plays a role in a child’s life.
Games People Play
What is Games People Play about?
“Games People Play” by Eric Berne is an accessible primer to human behavior and the inner world that explores how we play social games. The author gives many examples of such games so we can recognize and avoid them. Let's find out what games people play and their impact on our lives!
Mindset
What is Mindset about?
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck is a book that makes you think twice about your mindset. It provides a piece of example-based advice on growing and improving yourself. Also, it helps you find the reason for your fixed mindset.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
What is Thinking, Fast and Slow about?
In “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, Daniel Kahneman invites us on a journey through the complex landscape of our minds, revealing how two distinct systems govern our thought processes. Using psychological insights and engaging examples, Kahneman unveils the hidden impacts of cognitive biases and heuristics on our perceptions, decisions, and beliefs.
Influence
What is Influence about?
“Influence” (1984) explores the deep-seated instincts that drive human behavior, from reciprocity to the allure of scarcity. The book highlights how we are influenced by different factors such as social proof, authority, and subtle signals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed choices in our lives.
Blink
What is Blink about?
Discover the Power of Snap Judgments with “Blink”. In this captivating book, Malcolm Gladwell explains intuitive decision-making and our choices. “Blink” will change how you see your mind and empower you to make better decisions instantly.
Emotional Intelligence
What is Emotional Intelligence about?
“Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman is a fascinating book about how feelings are vital in our lives. It teaches us how understanding and controlling our emotions can help us build relationships and attain our goals.
Drive
What is Drive about?
“Drive” by Daniel H. Pink illustrates what success and satisfaction from life and work are all about. You will learn why autonomy is so important in your decisions and actions. The author will teach you strategies to improve your motivation and abilities and to transform your life.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales
What is The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales about?
Have you ever wondered how different cognitive disorders can present themselves in individuals? Dr. Oliver Sacks, a neurologist, tells you about the most fascinating cases he worked with in his book “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales.”
Quiet
What is Quiet about?
The book “Quiet” by Susan Cain shows the power of introverts in a world where extroversion is often favored. It provides strategies and tips for introverts on how to behave, raise children, and succeed. Overall, the book seeks to help introverts better understand the world around them.
The Laws of Human Nature
What is The Laws of Human Nature about?
In "The Laws of Human Nature", Greene reveals the essential principles of people's motivations and unconscious behaviors. By understanding the hidden forces that shape our decisions and interactions with others, we can master self-awareness. This book is a treasure trove of timeless wisdom and practical guidance.
The Lucifer Effect
What is The Lucifer Effect about?
Do you ever wonder why good people do bad things and how someone good and kind turns evil? The creator of the Stanford prison experiment, Philip Zimbardo, explains why we all are attracted to the "dark side." With the book "The Lucifer Effect," you'll come closer to understanding the reasons behind tortures, abuses, and genocides.
You Are Not So Smart
What is You Are Not So Smart about?
We believe that everything, or at least half of what we do, is logical, but is it actually so? "You Are Not So Smart" by David McRaney unveils irrational beliefs that shape our decisions. You'll find out about learned helplessness, the illusion of transparency, and much more. So, is our irrationality just part of being human?
The Gift of Fear
What is The Gift of Fear about?
What's the difference between true and unwarranted fear? Knowing the answer can help you trust your instincts and stay safe. "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker offers ways to identify the signs of danger and advises you on protecting yourself.
Flow
What is Flow about?
“Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi uncovers the secret to living happily and fully. Unlike many would think, it’s not about wealth, fame, or power but about savoring precious moments of deep engagement. Csikszentmihalyi introduces us to the concept of “flow,” a state of peak enjoyment, deep concentration, and profound creativity. Through his insightful analysis, we learn how to use this power, channel our passions, and unlock the heights of personal fulfillment.
Surrounded by Idiots
What is Surrounded by Idiots about?
“Surrounded by Idiots” delves into the distinct Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue personality types. The book seeks to unravel how these types interact, often leading to misunderstandings. As the author suggests, recognizing these complexities can enhance communication and foster better teamwork.
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
What is The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read about?
“The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)” by Philippa Perry explains all aspects of parenting, both positive and negative. You will find the psychologist's advice on how to improve healthy parent-child relationships and family communication.
Psych
What is Psych about?
Psych: The Story of the Human Mind explores dives into topics ranging from Freud to the mysteries of consciousness, both enlightening and entertaining. Bloom serves as a knowledgeable guide, rendering complex concepts approachable for all readers. Explore the complexities of human psychology to better understand the forces shaping our behavior.
The Anxious Generation
What is The Anxious Generation about?
A renowned social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, explains the alarming rise in mental health problems among young people. He argues that well-intentioned but misguided parenting practices and smartphones have inadvertently created a generation of overly anxious individuals. You will learn how factors such as “safetyism” parenting, excessive screen time, and online culture have contributed to a decline in resilience, empathy, and the ability to cope with challenges.
The Noonday Demon
What is The Noonday Demon about?
“The Noonday Demon” by Andrew Solomon is a profound exploration of depression and its complexities. Solomon is a prominent writer, lecturer, and mental health advocate. His book describes the intersection of mental illness and societal factors and introduces effective methods for combating depression.
The School of Life
What is The School of Life about?
What can help you be successful and build strong relationships today? "The School of Life: An Emotional Education" unveils the secrets of emotional intelligence and ways to achieve it. You will learn to relate to others and even yourself.
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