The best 7 NLP books

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a powerful approach to personal development and communication. It explores the connection between language, behavior, and the mind, offering practical techniques to enhance our lives. Our thoughtfully selected book list is here to help you dive into the world of NLP.

These books provide insights and strategies to help you improve communication, build better relationships, and overcome personal challenges. So, why not take the first step towards self-improvement and start exploring these transformative NLP books?
  1. 1The Ultimate Introduction to NLP

    The Ultimate Introduction to NLP

    Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti and Owen Fitzpatrick

    How to Build a Successful Life

    4.4 (304 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Ultimate Introduction to NLP about?

    The Ultimate Introduction to NLP (2012) offers a fascinating primer of Neurolinguistic Programmingor NLP, a novel approach to the ways your thoughts and language can “program” your emotions, behavior and communication. When you learn to master NLP, you’ll connect better with the people around you, have a healthier outlook on the future and lead a happier life, too.

    Who should read The Ultimate Introduction to NLP?

    • Psychology students
    • Anyone interested in Neuro Linguistic Programming
    • Anyone feeling stuck in life
  2. 2The Mind Club

    The Mind Club

    Daniel M. Wegner and Kurt Gray

    Who Thinks, What Feels and Why It Matters

    3.6 (145 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Mind Club about?

    The Mind Club (2016) is all about how we perceive beings as having a mind or not, and how this determination affects our moral judgments. These blinks explain what constitutes a mind as well as how and why we perceive minds the way we do.

    Who should read The Mind Club?

    • Psychologists, philosophers and scientists
    • Students of philosophy or neuroscience
    • Anyone interested in the field of ethics and the justification of brutal acts
  3. 3Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

    Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

    Romilla Ready and Kate Burton

    A beginner's guide to one of psychology's hottest topics

    4.0 (336 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies about?

    Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies (2015) is an introduction to the basic principles behind NLP. If you’ve ever struggled to say what’s on your mind, NLP may be of use to you. Discover the human traits that can keep us from understanding each other and the helpful methods that can lead to clear and effective communication.

    Who should read Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies?

    • Readers who strive to communicate clearly
    • Students of neuroscience and linguistics
    • Anyone open to new ideas and techniques for improvement
  4. 4Words Can Change Your Brain

    Words Can Change Your Brain

    Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman

    12 Conversation Strategies to Build Trust, Resolve Conflict, and Increase Intimacy

    4.4 (612 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Words Can Change Your Brain about?

    Words Can Change Your Brain (2012) is an easy-to-follow guide on the art of effective and compassionate communication. Informed by the brain’s natural behavior and responses, these blinks outline measures we can take to become better at listening, expressing ourselves, and fostering trust and cooperation with others. 

    Who should read Words Can Change Your Brain?

    • Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills
    • People who’d like to approach difficult conversations with confidence
    • Those curious about the science of communication
  5. 5The Art of Reading Minds

    The Art of Reading Minds

    Henrik Fexeus

    Understand Others to Get What You Want

    3.9 (225 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Art of Reading Minds about?

    The Art of Reading Minds (2019) explains how we unconsciously reveal our thoughts and emotions through nonverbal cues, and provides practical tips rooted in cognitive psychology to decipher those cues and influence others’ thoughts and beliefs. By mastering the techniques outlined, we can heighten self-awareness, improve persuasion skills, and gain insights into what others are truly thinking and feeling.

    Who should read The Art of Reading Minds?

    • Connection-seekers wishing to gain a deeper insight into other people’s thoughts and emotions
    • Communicators who want to use psychology and mentalism to improve their persuasive skills
    • Anyone who’s always wondered how mentalists “read minds”
  6. 6The Ellipsis Manual

    The Ellipsis Manual

    Chase Hughes

    Analysis and Engineering of Human Behavior

    4.2 (27 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Ellipsis Manual about?

    The Ellipsis Manual (2017) reveals the hidden psychological patterns that influence people's thoughts and behaviors without their awareness. It explores how natural mental processes can be leveraged through systematic frameworks to guide decision-making, and how understanding these techniques can also provide protection against unwanted persuasion. 

    Who should read The Ellipsis Manual?

    • Professionals in sales, marketing, and negotiation looking to master the principles of psychological influence
    • Individuals who want to better recognize — and defend against — manipulation in media and advertising
    • Anyone seeking to strengthen their critical thinking skills amid today’s constant information overload
  7. 7The Difference that Makes the Difference

    The Difference that Makes the Difference

    Josh Davis, Greg Prosmushkin

    NLP and the Science of Positive Change

    4.3 (145 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Difference that Makes the Difference about?

    The Difference That Makes the Difference (2025) by Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin introduces readers to practical Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques for personal transformation. It focuses on identifying limiting beliefs and developing communication skills that create genuine connection and influence in both personal and professional relationships. 

    Who should read The Difference that Makes the Difference?

    • Personal developers who want practical self-improvement strategies and evidence-based approaches to changing limiting patterns
    • Business professionals and entrepreneurs looking to advance their careers and build better relationships with clients and colleagues
    • Anyone struggling with self-doubt or imposter syndrome

Related topics

Frequently asked questions about NLP

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Ultimate Introduction to NLP as the ultimate read on NLP.
Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Ultimate Introduction to NLP by Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti and Owen Fitzpatrick
  • The Mind Club by Daniel M. Wegner and Kurt Gray
  • Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies by Romilla Ready and Kate Burton
  • Words Can Change Your Brain by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
  • The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
  • The Ellipsis Manual by Chase Hughes
  • The Difference that Makes the Difference by Josh Davis, Greg Prosmushkin
When it comes to NLP, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti and Owen Fitzpatrick
  • Daniel M. Wegner and Kurt Gray
  • Romilla Ready and Kate Burton
  • Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
  • Henrik Fexeus