Psychology Books

A good understanding of the fundamentals of psychology is essential to living a happy and successful life. As an introduction to psychology and neuroscience, we’ve compiled 8 books which are recommended as a primer to all modern psychological research.

These books cover everything from clinical psychology to consumer psychology, and everything in between. The study of the functions of the brain is fascinating and illuminating for anyone interested in why we do what we do.

8 Essential Psychology Books That Everyone Should Read

1. The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Tales – Oliver Sacks

Psychology Books

The man who mistook his wife for a hat is probably the most interesting clinical psychology books ever written. It is utterly fascinating to know that, as a result of a neurological condition, a man can actually mistake his wife for a hat and not realize it. In reading this book, you come to respect and appreciate the human brain as well as those who are struggling to deal with one of the conditions which Sacks explores.

2. The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature – Steven Pinker

Psychology Books

This book deals with evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics. Its probably most interesting from a Freudian perspective as it deals deals with many of our unconscious instincts.

3. Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions – Dan Ariely

Psychology Books

A great psychology book which covers unconscious decision-making, behavioral economics, and consumer psychology. A fun read.

4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B. Cialdini

Psychology Books

This is the most popular psychology book covering the science of persuasion. Its popular among business professionals and entrepreneurs.

5. Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships – Daniel Goleman

Psychology Books

From the author of Emotional Intelligence, we get his follow up psychology book, Social Intelligence. It covers social neuroscience, mirror neurons and empathy. Its mainly packed with practical content mixed with easy to understand science.

6. Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind – V. S. Ramachandran

Psychology Books

This is an easy to read book with some very helpful illustrations. Ramachandran has written a book that is both valuable to his peers and fascinating to everyone. This is a psychology book which will catch you up on all the major advances in neuroscience in the last 30 years.

7. The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science – Norman Doidge M.D.

Psychology Books

This book covers neuro-plasticity which explains how experience shapes our brains. It includes some really remarkable case studies that make you wonder how powerful our brains really are.

8. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy – David D., M.D. Burns

Psychology Books

This book is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, one of the most prominent evidence-based treatments for psychological disturbances ranging from low self-esteem to schizophrenia.