6+ Favorite Books About Psychological Well-being (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books about psychological well-being (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Quiet by Susan Cain
$10.50

In Quiet, Susan Cain shines a light on how our society often overlooks the strengths of introverts, arguing that this leads to a huge loss of potential. The book discusses the rise of the extrovert ideal and how it shapes our culture, while introducing us to successful introverts who’ve thrived by embracing their nature. I appreciated the book's insights on valuing introversion, the importance of listening, and fostering meaningful connections. While I found it packed with smart ideas, it did feel a bit lengthy, and the small print made it hard to read. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that encourages embracing our quieter sides.
Pros:
The book presents smart ideas about introversion.
It challenges traditional views of success.
It provides useful takeaways on appreciating introverts.
Cons:
The book is a bit long.
The type is hard to read.
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02/01/2026 04:03 pm GMT
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
$8.87

In Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach focuses on helping readers overcome feelings of inadequacy and connect better with their emotions. The book offers a blend of personal stories, meditations, and Buddhist wisdom, aiming to bring mindfulness and compassion into our lives. I found it engaging and can see how it would be beneficial for many. However, I struggled to finish it since some parts felt too heavy and didn't resonate with my own experiences. Overall, it has valuable insights, but it might not hit home for everyone.
Pros:
Engaging and helpful for many readers
Offers a toolkit for relating to thoughts and emotions
Draws on Buddhist teachings and personal stories
Cons:
Did not resonate with me
Some parts were very heavy and difficult to read
I didn't finish the book
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02/01/2026 10:01 am GMT
Magic Pill by Johann Hari
$20.76

In Magic Pill, Johann Hari explores the new wave of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, revealing both their potential benefits and serious risks. I was drawn in by Hari’s engaging style and his thoughtful approach to a complex topic. He combines personal stories with a global perspective, offering insights into how our processed food culture contributes to obesity. While the book is well-structured and empathetic, I did wonder how quickly it might become outdated given the fast-evolving nature of weight-loss treatments. Overall, it’s a compelling read that encourages deeper reflection on our relationship with food and health.
Pros:
Engaging narrative structure that thoughtfully addresses complex issues
Empathetic author who considers human emotions in the context of science
Comprehensive footnotes and global perspective enhance understanding
Cons:
The book may age quickly due to its specific focus on a changing moment in time.
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02/01/2026 01:01 am GMT
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari
$9.99

In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari tackles the urgent issue of our dwindling attention spans and how technology plays a big role in this crisis. He shares eye-opening stats, like how often students and adults switch tasks, and discusses the impact on everything from problem-solving to climate change. I appreciated the practical tips he offers, especially the advice to simply log off when needed. While there are some minor points I didn’t love, the overall message is strong. The key takeaway? Slowing down and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more meaningful life.
Pros:
The book is thought-provoking and timely.
It provides practical day-to-day tactics for improving focus.
It highlights the impact of technology on attention spans.
Cons:
There were plenty of quibbles here and there.
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02/01/2026 10:00 am GMT
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
$11.79

In Awareness, Anthony De Mello dives into spiritual awakening, blending tough love with practical insights. The book is structured around short, impactful chapters that cover themes like self-awareness, change, and understanding others. I loved how De Mello challenges readers to confront their conditioning and encourages personal growth without the fluff I expected from a Jesuit priest. His approach feels grounded and relatable, reminiscent of Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, some stories can be a bit unsettling, which caught me off guard. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that pushes you to reflect on your life.
Pros:
The format of the book is short and aphoristic, making it easy to digest.
The author is an independent and grounded thinker, challenging expectations.
The book offers practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional growth.
Cons:
Some stories are uncomfortable and ethically fraught.
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02/01/2026 12:01 pm GMT
How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
$11.02

In How To Stop Worrying and Start Living, Dale Carnegie tackles the pervasive issue of worry and its negative impact on our health. The book offers straightforward techniques to help you manage anxiety, including a three-step process and tips for crowding out worry through busyness. I found the 1930s tone both charming and amusing, making the advice feel refreshingly straightforward, even if some examples are outdated and focused on a narrow audience. Despite its age, the practical advice still holds up, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to kick the worry habit.
Pros:
The book offers simple and actionable techniques to eliminate worry.
It has a vintage, humorous tone that makes it enjoyable to read.
The advice is surprisingly solid and backed by modern psychology.
Cons:
The examples are dated and focus mainly on white male breadwinners.
Some content includes benevolent sexism.
It's from the 1930s, which may not resonate with all readers.
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02/01/2026 10:02 am GMT
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
$7.99

Stanford psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues we're living in a dopamine tsunami where constant pleasure-seeking has rewired our brains. The book explains how our reward systems are overloaded by phones, social media, and instant gratification, leaving us anxious and dissatisfied. Her solution: strategic deprivation and embracing discomfort to reset our brains' pleasure-pain balance.
Pros:
Well-researched by an actual practicing psychiatrist with real neuroscience
Clear framework for understanding compulsive tech/behavior patterns
Practical case studies make abstract concepts relatable
Cons:
Solutions feel extreme and impractical for modern life (30-day phone abstinence?)
Lacks nuance between normal use and addiction
Barely addresses how companies engineer addictive products
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02/01/2026 04:01 am GMT
How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide
$11.99

How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay offers a practical framework for navigating disagreements. The core premise: you can't win arguments or change minds instantly, but you can build understanding through curiosity and active listening. The authors provide tactical approaches to managing emotional reactions, using the Socratic method genuinely, and finding common ground. It's immediately useful for work conflicts, relationship discussions, and political conversations.
Pros:
Extremely practical with actionable tactics, not just theory
The reframe from "winning" to "understanding" genuinely changes how you approach conflict
Authors are honest about their failures and learning process
Cons:
Repeats core concepts; later chapters feel like variations on the same theme
Focused heavily on political/ideological conversations rather than workplace or relationship examples
Requires real practice to implement effectively; reading alone isn't enough
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02/01/2026 04:01 am GMT