At the end of the semester, I gave my psychology students a recommended reading list (for the semester break or any upcoming beach vacations, of course). Many of these titles will be familiar to readers of this blog, but I thought it might be nice to share the whole list here (in APA format, just like I gave it to my students).
These books address a range of topics related (sometimes loosely) to mental health and wellbeing, and while no book is perfect, I’ve found them to be worthwhile.
Brooks, A. C. (2025). The happiness files: Insights on work and life. Harvard Business Review Press.
Gurdon, M.C. (2019). The enchanted hour: The miraculous power of reading aloud in an age of distraction. Harper.
Harris, R. (2008). The happiness trap: How to stop struggling and start living – a guide to ACT. Trumpeter.
Holmes, C. M. (2022). Happier hour: How to beat distraction, expand your time, and focus on what matters most. Gallery Books.
Leibowitz, K. (2024). How to winter: Harness your mindset to thrive on cold, dark, or difficult days. Penguin Life.
Murthy, V. H. (2020). Together: The healing power of human connection in a sometimes lonely world. Harper.
Nucci, J. (2025). Psychobabble: Viral mental health myths and the truths to set you free. HarperOne.
Pawelski, S. P. & Pawelski, J. O. (2018). Happy together: Using the science of positive psychology to build love that lasts. Tarcher.
Siegel, D. J. & Bryson, T. P. (2012). The whole-brain child: Twelve revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. Bantam.
Siegel, D. J. & Hartzell, M. (2013). Parenting from the inside out: How a deeper self-understanding can help you raise children who thrive. Tarcher.
Smith, J. (2022). Why has nobody told me this before? Tools for life’s ups and downs. HarperOne.
Solomon, A. H. (2017). Loving bravely: Twenty lessons of self-discovery to help you get the love you want. New Harbinger Publications.
Taitz, J. (2018). How to be single and happy: Science-based strategies for keeping your sanity while looking for a soul mate. Tarcher.
Varma, S. (2024). Practical optimism: The art, science, and practice of exceptional wellbeing. Avery.
Happy reading!
