The best 100 Personality books

Quiet (2012) focuses on the strengths and needs of both introverts and extroverts. These blinks describe the situations in which both personality types feel comfortable and the ways in which each can use the potential of their personality to the fullest.

• People who want to better understand the introvert personality
• Team builders hoping to help introverts and extroverts collaborate
• Anyone interested in the benefits of being introverted

Outliers is an examination of individuals who achieve a level of success – in math, sports, law, or any pursuit, really – so extraordinary that it lies outside the realm of normal experience.

We often think these outliers possess some mysterious innate ability that helps them rise to the top of their fields, but other factors, like family, culture or even birthdates, can have a huge effect on success, too.

• Anyone who wants to deepen his or her understanding of success and of how to achieve it
• Teachers, coaches and others in training professions
• Consulting professionals and others interested in policy reform

Mindset (2006) discusses the differences between people with a fixed mindset versus those with a growth mindset. Our mindset determines the way we deal with tough situations and setbacks as well as our willingness to deal with and improve ourselves. This book demonstrates how we can achieve our goals by changing our mindset.

• Anyone who wants to find out about different mindsets and how they influence our behavior
• People who want to learn how to realize their own potential to the fullest

Not all psychopaths are locked away in maximum-security prisons and mental hospitals. Many of them live among us, in the midst of society. Indeed, a great number of highly successful political and financial leaders exhibit psychopathic traits. This book investigates why they are so successful, what makes them different from psychopathic criminals and what all of us can learn from them.

• Anyone with a general interest in psychology, criminology or popular science
• Anyone who wants to find out what we can learn from psychopaths and which of their traits could be useful in our professional lives

You Are Not So Smart (2011) explores the many different ways we have of deluding ourselves. By delving into a wide range of psychological research, the author challenges the notion that we are logical, rational beings who see the world as it really is and makes a case that we mislead ourselves every single day, for better and for worse.

• Anyone who believes that they’re quite rational in their thinking and behavior
• Anyone interested in how we delude ourselves every day

Emotional Intelligence (1995) outlines the nature of emotional intelligence and reveals its vast impact on many aspects of life. By presenting the ways emotional intelligence evolves and explaining how it can be improved, it offers an alternative to the overly cognition-centered approaches to the human mind that formerly prevailed in the psychological establishment.

• Anyone who is unsatisfied by more traditional measurements of intelligence
• Anyone who wonders if IQ determines success
• Anyone who is striving to live up to their own abilities

Hooked (2014) explains, through anecdotes and scientific studies, how and why we integrate certain products into our daily routines, and why such products are the Holy Grail for any consumer-oriented company. Hooked gives concrete advice on how companies can make their products habit-forming, while simultaneously exploring the moral issues that entails.

• Anyone who wants to understand how habits are formed
• Anyone who wants to design a hugely successful product or enhance an existing one
• Anyone who wants to understand how some products take advantage of our tendency to form habits

Click (2010) delves into the miraculous topic of quick-set intimacy and explores what’s at work when we’re instantly drawn to some person or thing. It examines how and why clicking makes our life more meaningful and outlines the (very ordinary) factors that can make such “magical” connections more likely.

• Anyone who has always wondered about the hidden dynamics of love at first sight
• Anyone striving to establish more meaningful relationships in their everyday life
• Anyone working with teams and trying to enable them to perform better

Using various experiments to uncover the hidden factors that drive us to cheat in everyday situations, author Dan Ariely finds that certain anticipated motivators – for example, money – actually don’t play a crucial role in our dishonesty. At the same time, other, quite unexpected forces influence us very strongly – for instance, the social acceptability of cheating, and even our altruistic tendencies.

• Anyone who considers themselves to be a good, honest and honorable person
• Anyone interested in the psychology of irrationality
• Anyone who wonders why people constantly cheat and lie

Attached (2010) is all about how to make your relationships work. This book offers you valuable insight into the science of adult attachment and how to use this insight in everyday life, whether you’re in a committed relationship or are still looking for love. It also provides tips and tricks on how to find the perfect partner and reveals why some people just aren’t compatible.

• Anyone who wants to make a current relationship happier and more fulfilling
• Anyone who is struggling to find “the one”
• Anyone who just doesn’t understand why their relationships never work out

Anyone can see that people have different personalities, but what exactly causes this? This book examines the factors that influence personality based on the research of numerous psychologists. You’ll learn about the core traits that determine a person’s overall character, the different strengths and weaknesses they have, and how to get the most out of your own personality.

• Anyone interested in psychology or human behavior
• Anyone interested in learning more about themselves, their friends and family
• Anyone who wants to use their personality analysis to better themselves   

Thrive argues that it’s time for society to stop thinking of success only in terms of money and power, and redefine it altogether. If we want to truly thrive in our professional and personal lives, we have to create room for well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving as well.

• Anyone who feels stressed at work
• Anyone who wants to improve his or her well-being
• Anyone who wants to have a healthier work-life balance

The Upside of Your Dark Side looks into the darkest depths of the human psyche, only to discover that the painful emotions that we often wish we could just make go away – anger, anxiety, guilt – are sometimes the key to our success. Backed by many fascinating scientific studies, The Upside of Your Dark Side makes it clear that psychological health means wholeness rather than happiness.

• Anyone who’s fed up with the happiness-hype in popular psychology
• Anyone who tries to bottle up his or her negative emotions
• Anyone interested in psychology

The Speed of Trust (2006) is about the importance of trust and how it can improve all aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to productivity in the office. Trust improves communication, and in doing so, speeds up efficiency and lowers cost at the same time. Throughout this book, the authors offer us tips on exactly what to do to increase trust in our lives.

• Anyone struggling to trust others
• Leaders who need to influence their staff
• People who want to make others trust them

The Marshmallow Test explains why being able to delay gratification and exercise our self-control is essential for living a successful life. Using insights gained from several psychological studies, it explains how exactly our self-control skills function, and what we can do to improve them.

• Anyone who wants to improve his or her self-control
• Anyone interested in psychology
• Anyone hoping to help children develop good self-control skills, especially parents

59 seconds (2010) lays out some handy tips and insights backed by scientific research. Apply them today, and experience the change you want in your life.

• People sick of the same old self-help books
• Creative thinkers
• Psychology enthusiasts

The Road to Character (2015) explains how society’s focus on fame, wealth and status eclipses moral virtues and internal struggles. These blinks will show you how to reclaim qualities such as kindness, bravery, honesty and commitment.

• Anyone who has achieved their goals but still feels like something is missing
• People wanting deeper insight into modern culture’s obsession with “me”

Our world has changed enormously in recent years. We’ve developed amazing technology, but this technology has also taken a toll on many important aspects of our lives: our attention spans, our relationships and even our personalities. The World Beyond Your Head (2015) is all about the modern crisis of attention and how you can extract yourself from it.

• People frustrated with the modern world
• Those who spend too much time on social media
• Anyone who wants to improve their concentration

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (2009) gives you expert insight into which skills you need to read others and build better relationships. It breaks down the four aspects of emotional intelligence, or EQ, and gives advice on what you can do to improve your own skills.

• Psychologists or family counsellors
• People who struggle with personal relationships
• Managers or business owners looking to improve their team-building skills

In How to Stay Sane (2012), British psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry shows you how to better nurture relationships while using self-observation, “positive” stress and the power of stories to achieve and maintain your mental health.

• Anyone concerned about their mental health
• People interested in psychology and counseling
• Anyone looking for ways to cope amid tough times

Meditations (170-180 AD) is a journey through the mind of the great Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius. These blinks offer philosophical ruminations on the meaning of death and justice, the nature of the world and why things happen the way they do.

• Anyone interested in the philosophy of the ancient world
• People with a fear of death
• Anybody who has a sneaking suspicion that everything happens for a reason

The 5 Love Languages (2015) is a contemporary guide to developing a relationships of lifelong love that can easily overcome the hurdles that modern couples face. These blinks detail the five ways people give and feel love, and how any couple can use this knowledge to make their relationship more nurturing, affectionate and compassionate.

• Lovers wanting to know what to expect from marriage and how to make theirs work
• Couples in crisis
• People who want to meet their partner’s needs and have theirs met in return

Games People Play (1964) explores the fascinating and bizarre world of psychological games, where players unconsciously manipulate each other into acting in alienating and self-destructive ways. Eric Berne dissects the hidden dynamics beneath the games people play – and shows how to escape from them and find true intimacy.

• People interested in human behavior
• Life coaches and therapists
• Anyone who wants to learn how to deal with difficult people

The Gift of Fear (1997) provides insight into the mechanisms of fear, explaining how our instincts protect us from criminals by attuning us to universal signals and warning signs. Violence rarely comes out of the blue, and by recognizing some telltale signs, you will be better equipped to keep yourself out of harm's way.

• Victims of violence or abuse who want to avoid future harm
• Anyone who has been threatened or is worried about criminals and predators
• Criminal law experts and lawyers interested in crime prevention

The Ultimate Introduction to NLP (2012) offers a fascinating primer of Neurolinguistic Programming, or 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.

• Psychology students
• Anyone interested in Neuro Linguistic Programming
• Anyone feeling stuck in life

Rethinking Narcissism (2015) provides fresh perspectives on what we typically understand as arrogance or vanity. These blinks situate narcissism both historically and culturally, explaining the spectrum of narcissism and its different forms; they also provide helpful strategies for recognizing and dealing with the narcissists you might know.

• Anyone interested in psychology
• People with narcissistic partners and friends
• Potential narcissists

Me, Myself and Us (2014) is about what it is that makes you you. These blinks outline the different aspects of personalities, what influences them and how they determine our behavior.

• Psychology and sociology students
• Anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of herself or himself

How the World Sees You (2014) offers a window into yourself, helping you discover what fascinates you and how you can be fascinating to other people. Find out how to use your unique personality to improve your performance and your chances of success, and learn how to read those around you so you can put together the perfect collaborative team.

• Business leaders who want to learn about team building
• Employees stuck at a dead-end job
• Professionals striving to better understand their personal skill set

Mindsight (2010) introduces the reader to the many factors that shape the way we react to life’s challenges. Emotional responses are tied to our bodies, brains and childhood experiences. With mindsight, we can learn to manage our emotions in order to improve our relationships and well-being.

• Readers interested in the relationships between the human body, brain and behavior
• Anyone interested in contemporary approaches to psychotherapy
• Individuals looking for guidance in dealing with uncontrollable emotions

Ego is the Enemy (2016) outlines the dangers of egotism and the strategies we can use to rein in our pride, using historical and cultural examples. From finding a mentor to learning how to delegate tasks, these blinks show us why staying grounded can secure future success.

• Anyone who has been told that they’re arrogant or proud
• Successful business people feeling uneasy about their newfound fame
• Managers interested in how the ego impacts our work lives

The Four Tendencies (2017) reveals the four personality types that dictate how people react to the expectations in their daily lives. Expanding on the first chapter to her book on habit Better Than Before, Rubin provides insight and advice to help you understand your own tendencies, as well as those of the people you live and work with.

• Parents and teachers who want to have better communication skills
• Managers and supervisors hoping to improve employee relations
• Anyone who wants to live a more productive, happier life

Quiet Power (2016) explains why adolescents struggle with introversion and explores how an aversion to socializing can make it challenging to form friendships, complete schoolwork and fulfill social obligations. These blinks offer a number of different techniques that introverts can use to make these situations bearable and turn their so-called weakness into a straightforward advantage.

• Teachers, students and parents
• Child psychologists
• Introverts

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck (2015) is your definitive guide to freeing up your time, money and energy. These blinks teach you how to stop caring about the things that don’t serve you so you can focus your attention on the parts of life that bring you joy.  

• People tired of other people’s nonsense
• Anybody anxious or stressed out by everyday life
• Anyone who wants to be happier and healthier

Sigmund Freud’s cornerstone work, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900), was one of the most influential books of the twentieth century and continues to shape the way we think and create. These blinks offer a fascinating insight into Freud’s understanding of dreams: what they mean, where they come from, how they are formed and how we can understand them.

• Students of psychology, neuroscience or history
• Dreamers who want to understand what their minds are trying to tell them

Dangerous Personalities (2014) is a guide to the dark side of the human psyche. It offers a look inside the minds of some of the world’s most dangerous people, exploring the kinds of personalities that have taken the most lives, as well as taken the biggest toll on society. Learn the traits of serial killers and those who wouldn’t think twice about stealing your life savings. Who knows, you might be able to spot trouble before it has a chance to strike.

• Fans of true crime stories
• Safety conscious people
• Anyone interested in criminal profiling

The Leading Brain (2017) dismisses the trends and gimmicks surrounding productivity in favor of hard science about how the brain really works in the everyday stress of a nine-to-five job. There is plenty of research and scientific data on how to create productive habits, build the perfect team and keep staff working at their best.

• Psychology students
• Managers and supervisors looking to improve their leadership skills
• Readers interested in self-improvement

Walden (1854) is the result of the two years Henry David Thoreau spent in the woods on the north shore of Walden Pond, a lake in Massachusetts. It is both a practical and philosophical account of how he sustained himself through farming and by building his own house, and what he learned about human nature by living a simpler life. Although it was a deeply personal experience, Thoreau’s approach to society teaches us how we, too, can approach the modern world.

• Students of philosophy and literature
• Environmentalists and nature enthusiasts
• Readers who support a move back to simple living

Psycho-Cybernetics (1960) is about human self-image, how it’s crafted and how it can drastically affect your happiness and success. These blinks describe how to use machine principles to feed your mind the right data and steer yourself toward a fulfilling life.

• Psychologists, neurologists and philosophers
• People interested in the inner workings of the mind
• Anyone in need of a boost

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.

• Readers who strive to communicate clearly
• Students of neuroscience and linguistics
• Anyone open to new ideas and techniques for improvement

Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

• Young people who want to improve their social skills
• Singles looking to become dating pros
• Managers and entrepreneurs who want their employees to do their best

The Blank Slate (2002) is about the huge role that evolution and genetics play in making us who we are. Steven Pinker makes a strong case against the belief that everyone is born a blank slate and influenced only by their upbringing, arguing instead that biology is a far more important factor in shaping our behaviors and personalities.

• Students of psychology, biology, and philosophy
• Teachers and parents
• Readers eager to understand human nature

Social (2013) is a whistlestop tour led by noted psychologist Matthew Lieberman through the latest neuroscientific research into our social lives. Foregrounding the deeply human need for connection, these blinks examine how evolution has molded the ways in which we navigate complex social situations. Packed full of original research conducted in the Lieberman’s UCLA lab, Social shows that getting along with others is a primary driver in all our lives.

• People working in teams
• Anyone who’s wondered why a “broken heart” is so painful
• Amateur psychologists

The Laws of Human Nature (2018) takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of the human condition that often go overlooked or unacknowledged. As author Robert Greene explains, we are all a bit narcissistic, irrational, short-sighted and prone to compulsive and aggressive behavior. But once we accept and start to understand these aspects of human nature, we can begin to control and even benefit from them.

• Students of psychology and human nature
• Those seeking to understand their behavior
• People who want to live a better life

Originally written in 1938, Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil (2011) remained an unpublished manuscript for over seventy years. Edited and annotated by Sharon Lechter, who contextualizes the content for contemporary readers, Hill’s book is a compendium of advice on how to succeed in life. Readers now have full access to Hill’s personal beliefs on the forces that are holding us back from leading a successful life and the principles that will enable us to overcome those forces.

• Entrepreneurs looking for the secret to success
• Anyone who wishes to conquer their fears
• Readers interested in the lasting wisdom of a 70-year-old self-help book

Do What You Are (1992) is a classic career guide, updated in 2014 to even better suit today’s constantly changing job market. By becoming more aware of their unique personality types, millions of people have found more fulfilling and satisfying careers doing work that better coincides with their natural strengths, interests and temperaments.

• Anyone looking for a job
• People eager for a new and more fulfilling career
• Baby boomers who’d like an “encore career”

Best Self (2019) is a self-help manual for everyone who’s sick of simply surviving and is ready to start thriving. Life coach Mike Bayer argues that it’s essential to dump your toxic anti-self and put your best self in the driver’s seat. It’s not easy, but it’s possible – just ask the thousands of clients whose lives have been changed by Bayer’s insistence that they start being honest with themselves and learn to face down their deepest fears. Packed full of actionable tips and insights, these blinks will help you do just that.

• Self-helpers
• Innovators
• Those struggling to find deeper meaning in their lives

The Personality Brokers (2018) explores the origins and enduring appeal of the preeminent personality test. Drawing on detailed historical research, as well as recent psychological insights, these blinks detail the origins of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and what the test can really tell us about the nature of human beings.

• Anyone interested in psychology
• Those who enjoy stories about inspiring women
• Sociology buffs looking for new insights into twentieth-century society

Insight (2017) takes you on a journey from self-blindness to self-awareness – a highly valuable, but surprisingly absent skill. Author Tasha Eurich explains what self-awareness is and why it’s a crucial quality to have. She identifies various obstacles to becoming self-aware and provides strategies to overcome them.

• Individuals who’d like to gain more self-awareness
• Anyone coping with peers who lack self-awareness
• Leaders who want to build a self-aware and successful team

The Road Back to You (2016) uses the ancient personality type system, the Enneagram, to teach the importance of self-awareness. It outlines the characteristics of each character type, and encourages you to identify and explore the positive and negative aspects of your own.

• Christians or other spiritual followers
• People seeking self-knowledge
• Enneagram enthusiasts

Surrounded by Idiots (2014) offers insight into the four main personality types and provides methods and tips for how to use this insight in order to be more effective in getting your message across to each of them. Different people require different considerations when you’re trying to work alongside them or sell them on an idea. The more you know about each person’s personality type, the more effectively you’ll be able to communicate in your work life and private life.

• Executives, managers and human resource workers
• Anyone with an annoying coworker
• People who’d like to improve their relationships

The Path Between Us (2019) explores the nine personality types of the Enneagram system. These blinks reveal the desires and fears that drive human behavior, and explain how to successfully communicate with every type of person. 

• Fans of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 
• Anyone looking for a fresh perspective on human behavior
• Those seeking to improve their relationships

Reading People (2017) is a study of the different lenses you can use to understand personality – both your own and those of others. It sheds light on concepts like introversion and extroversion, as well as introducing readers to famous personality type indexes like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. 

• Psychologists and coaches
• Career counselors
• Anyone who wants to understand personality better

The Origin of Everyday Moods (1996) explores the complex relationships between the biological and psychological factors that create and influence human moods. It also challenges common misconceptions, like the myth that moods are caused by thoughts. With a greater understanding of mood science, we can better manage and control our everyday moods.

• Fans of psychology and personality studies
• Those who just can’t seem to break out of a bad mood
• Anyone curious about the different factors that influence our moods

Personality Isn’t Permanent (2020) debunks the myths surrounding personality that get in the way of a life of personal growth, development, and success. The biggest misconception according to psychologist Benjamin Hardy is the notion that our personalities are innate and fixed. Correcting this error isn’t just a scientific advance, though – as we’ll see in these blinks, it also opens up a path to personal reinvention.

• Self-improvers interested in new perspectives
• Rationalists fed up with evidence-free advice
• Anyone looking to kick a bad habit

Sizing People Up (2020) explores the subtle behavioral clues that reveal someone’s true character and intentions. From divining people’s mindset to analyzing their language to understanding common behavioral patterns, these blinks reveal who you can trust – and who you definitely can’t. 

• Recruiters looking to up their game
• Psychology buffs seeking fresh insights
• Sales people wanting to develop their skills

The Virtue of Selfishness (1964) is an argument in favor of self-interest and capitalist economics. At the time of its publication, it was a bold and original assertion of a new moral creed. This daring work is sure to challenge many deeply held ideals.

• Contrarians fond of audacious moral arguments 
• Entrepreneurs in favor of free enterprise
• Political enthusiasts interested in challenging their convictions

The Law of Success (1928) covers 15 valuable lessons that you can use to get motivated about turning your plans and dreams into reality. You can put these practical lessons into practice today. They’re designed to help you turn words into action, gain self-confidence, and thrive in any environment.

• Inspiration seekers
• Salespeople looking for tips on success
• People interested in how to gain self-confidence

The Scout Mindset (2021) explores two very different mindsets: that of the soldier and that of the scout. It explains that most of us have a soldier mindset – we cling to our beliefs and often ignore evidence that might prove us wrong. But we can all learn to be scouts, seeking out truth and improving our “map” of the world.

• Anyone who wants to overcome their inherent biases
• People who want to learn how to be wrong
• Truth seekers

What Happened to You? (2021) is an in-depth exploration of trauma and how it affects the brain. Long before we can make rational sense of traumatic experiences, they become etched into our neural circuits. They influence how we respond to stress, form relationships, and make meaning. Unfortunately, trauma is often misunderstood. By understanding trauma as both a brain issue and a societal issue, we can start to support trauma survivors with the tools they need to heal. 

• Survivors of trauma 
• Teachers, caregivers, and medical practitioners
• Psychology buffs interested in trauma’s effects on the brain

How to Change (2021) is a simple guide to overcoming the obstacles that prevent you from achieving your goals. It diagnoses our most persistent problems, from laziness to impulsivity, and presents a number of research-backed solutions to each one.

• Serial procrastinators who can never get things done
• Anyone whose bad habits interfere with their aims
• People who’ve lost confidence in their ability to change

The Enneagram at Work (2021) reveals how applying the Enneagram – an emotional intelligence metric – can elevate leadership in the modern workplace. It explores the different Enneagram types and shows how tapping into self-awareness can make teams stronger and spark innovative solutions. From managing conflict and building mentorships to giving and receiving criticism, it provides the tools to foster personal growth and long-lasting success in the office.

• Would-be collaborators who want to better understand themselves and others
• Individuals seeking awareness of their strengths and blindspots in the workplace
• Go-getters who want to build stronger teams and become more effective leaders

How to Meet Your Self (2022) is a practical guide to self-discovery. These simple exercises can help you to become more conscious, and more in touch with your own body and emotions, ultimately allowing you to discover your true self.

• Self seekers
• People who feel stuck on autopilot
• Anyone who’s unhappy and doesn’t know why

Toward a Psychology of Being (1962) expands on famed psychologist Abraham Maslow's pivotal theories of motivation and self-actualization, which were first introduced in Maslow's 1954 book, Motivation and Personality. It presents a series of hypotheses about the human condition, dealing with important questions about people’s innate desires, the nature of well-being, and the process of psychological growth.

• Psychology fanatics 
• Aspiring self-actualizers who want to get more out of their lives
• Parents, teachers, counselors, and all those who work with young people

The Neuroscience of You (2022) is an accessible primer to the human brain that explores how our individual quirks arise. Packed with practical tests and cutting-edge insights into why you think differently from others, it invites you to take a closer look at your brain and discover what makes it unique– and how to understand others and their quirks better. 

• Fans of neuroscience
• Those eager to learn about the specifics of brain functions
• Anyone curious about where individuality comes from

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the value of a human-centered approach to business, and of the funny that can be found and created in any environment. It relies on science, psychology, and humorous anecdotes from experts in the field to show how using humor can create a culture of levity, build trust, and unlock creativity.

• Leaders looking to build trust
• Managers who want to enhance creativity
• Anyone seeking more joy in work and life

Be Your Future Self Now (2022) is a guide to defining your future self – and making sure you get there. It walks readers through the seven threats to your future self, the seven truths about your future self, and the seven steps you can take to be your future self today. 

• Those ready to take their careers and lives to the next level
• Individuals seeking clarity on their future
• Anyone frustrated by unsuccessful New Year’s resolutions

You Owe You (2022) leaves you with no doubt as to who is responsible for changing the trajectory of your life. It implores you to identify your purpose and then turn your unique talents into assets that will make you achieve unbridled success.

• Anyone trying to take control of their lives
• Historically disadvantaged people and minorities
• Organizations trying to inspire their teams toward collective success and individual fulfillment

Surrounded By Narcissists (2022) is a guide to recognizing narcissists and understanding how they operate. Erikson suggests simple, effective methods for dealing with any narcissists you know, whether it’s your partner, a relative, someone you work with, or possibly all three – you may be surrounded.

• Victims of narcissists
• Empaths who are worried about being manipulated
• Anyone who’s interested in psychology or personality types

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

• Anyone not feeling seen, heard, or respected by a partner
• People dealing with a narcissistic parent, friend, or colleague
• Those struggling to decide whether they should stay in or leave a relationship

Procrastination (1983) is a deep dive into procrastination – and why people struggle with it. Drawing on personal and professional experience, it offers a tested program and tips on how to conquer procrastination tendencies.

• People seeking to understand why they procrastinate
• Compulsive procrastinators looking for ways to improve
• Friends or family of procrastinators who want to help

How Am I Doing? (2022) helps you dive deep into your thoughts and find yourself. It features 40 introspective questions designed to prompt you to mend yourself and discover the path to the person you want to become.

• People who want to gain a better understanding of themselves
• High school or college graduates looking for their next path
• Anyone interested in personal growth and self-improvement

Dirty Laundry (2023) is an honest and humorous glimpse into the daily chaos that is life with ADHD. Whether you’re diagnosed, undiagnosed, or just trying to better understand a loved one, these real-life stories and practical advice can help you learn from and live with the struggles of this chronic disorder.

• Those living with ADHD who want their struggle to be seen.
• Members of neurodivergent households looking for ways to best help the people they care about.
• Anyone who needs to take the shame, judgment, or frustration out of living with ADHD.

The Imposter Cure (2019) provides strategies for increasing confidence, overcoming fears and doubts, and learning to see oneself through the eyes of others.

• Anybody who feels like a fraud
• Grown-ups who don’t feel grown up
• Self-sabotagers

The Highly Sensitive Person (1996) improves our understanding of that one-fifth of the population whose nervous systems pick up signals the average person can’t register. With greater self-awareness and society’s understanding, people with heightened sensitivity can flourish.

• Highly sensitive people
• Parents of highly sensitive children
• Friends, colleagues, and anyone trying to understand a highly sensitive person

Making a Psychopath (2020) is a thrilling foray into the disturbed workings of the psychopathic mind. With the help of a series of case studies, it addresses many of the misconceptions about psychopaths that we often see in the media. Taking an empathetic approach, it humanizes the people who have this disorder and considers their prospects for recovery.

• Fans of the show Killing Eve
• Lovers of true crime
• Anyone who wants to know whether their boss really is a psychopath

Mindreader (2022) explains how to read and understand people. Written by an FBI instructor and lie-detection expert, it delves deep into how to understand situational subtext, interpret language, and determine whether a person is being honest.

• Mixed signal receivers – at work or while dating
• Those who have trouble reading others
• Negotiators who want to up their game

The Mountain Is You (2020) can help you recognize the negative patterns in your life and what they are really telling you. Changing those patterns will be like climbing a mountain and the reward will be unlocking your own potential.

• People with bad habits that they want to understand and change 
• Those looking to maximize their potential
• Anyone who feels stuck

Reinventing Your Life (1994) is a manual on how to pull yourself out of negative habits and improve your life. By identifying key stumbling blocks to growth – or “lifetraps” – and presenting ways to overcome them, it guides you toward sustainable personal growth and happiness.

• Anyone who feels stuck in the same old negative loop
• People looking to understand themselves better
• Psychology buffs

The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control is about understanding your perfectionist traits and making them work for you, not against you. It details different types of perfectionists and explains how all of them can adapt to their perfectionism.

• Those who identify as perfectionists in any area of their lives
• People interested in understanding perfectionist traits and tendencies
• Readers who are interested in the mental health field

No More Mr. Nice Guy (2000) is the Nice Guy’s guide to recovery. Learn how to stop seeking the approval of others, live your life the way you want to, and ultimately get the love, life, and sex that you crave but that your Nice Guy Syndrome actually stops you from achieving.

• Men who want to take control of their lives
• Men who want to find love – and with it, good sex
• Women who want to help their Nice Guy become the man they really want

The Clutter Connection (2019) explains the root cause behind your cluttered space. It delves into the four different organizing personality styles and offers easy-to-follow, tailored suggestions for organizing your home based on your distinct style.

• Messy people wanting to organize their spaces
• Moms looking to declutter their homes
• Anyone drowning in clutter

Love Unfu*ked (2022) is a no-nonsense, in-your-face guide to identifying and fixing the one thing that’s stopping you from having a meaningful and fulfilling relationship: you. By accepting hard facts about yourself and your habits, you can begin making the changes necessary to be the best version of yourself and stop being the problem that you don’t even know you are.

• The married or committed who’ve grown miserable in their relationships
• Perpetual daters who are wondering why things never work out
• Anyone looking for a more meaningful and satisfying relationship

The Procrastination Cure is a practical and motivational guide to overcoming procrastination. It offers strategies and personal insights to diagnose and address the root causes of this behavior, enabling readers to balance productivity and relaxation without guilt.

• Anyone who struggles with procrastination
• People suffering from perfectionism or resistance
• Anyone willing to introspect and develop self-awareness

You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For (2008) lays out the secret for finding happiness and intimacy in modern romantic relationships. Using the established Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, it shows that true contentment and compassion come from understanding and trusting the Self – your compassionate center of peace and clarity. By adjusting your perspective and completing some practical exercises, your relationship can start to flourish like it never has before.

• Couples who feel unable to connect despite their best efforts
• Therapists, psychoanalysts and armchair psychologists looking for a unique perspective on relationships 
• Those who feel unresolved inner turmoil holds them back from maintaining loving relationships

Reset (2023) is a guide to change for anyone who feels stuck. Drawing on Scripture and her experience as a counselor, Debra Fileta unpacks the psychology behind behavioral patterns and presents simple yet effective daily habits to kickstart change and healing. 

• Christians and believers
• Anyone interested in spiritual approaches to self-healing
• Counselors and therapists

Read People Like a Book (2020) unravels the complex tapestry of human behavior, guiding readers to decipher verbal and non-verbal signals broadcast by people 24/7. Marrying scholarly wisdom to sly real-world tales, the book presents the art and science of people-reading with both flair and finesse. Dive in, and soon you'll be navigating human interactions like a seasoned anthropologist.

• Story seekers eyeing deeper connections
• Negotiators seeking an edge
• HR specialists scouting the right talent

How to Be a People Magnet (2001) offers specific techniques for attracting friendships and romantic partners by overcoming social anxieties. Though ostensibly focused on the socially awkward, it will resonate with even the most confident extrovert who is seeking stronger connections with those around them.

• Those looking to overcome shyness and social anxiety
• People hoping to improve their friendships and relationships
• Individuals wanting to become more likable and magnetic

The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People (2020) sheds light on why empathetic individuals tend to attract those with toxic personalities and harmful behaviors. It provides a practical guide to recognizing, mitigating, and recovering from the manipulative tactics of toxic people.  

• Sensitive types who are prone to manipulation
• Targets for narcissists and other toxic people
• Those seeking emancipation from controlling partners or family members

The Power of Neurodiversity (2011) explores how reframing neurological differences as diversity rather than disorder can empower those with atypical minds. It covers the strengths of neurodivergent thinking, finding one's niche, positive adaptations, and envisioning a more inclusive world. It invites us to celebrate the brilliance found in all human brains.

• Teachers of all levels
• Parents of children with learning or cognitive differences
• Anyone whose brain is wired a little differently

Infinite Jest (1996) is considered a classic of postmodern literature. It weaves together a dizzying story of dozens of characters who are struggling to get by in a lonely, technologically oversaturated world. It also deals with the subjects of substance abuse and recovery in a deep and meaningful way.

• Fans of modern literature
• Anyone interested in dystopian futures
• People who feel isolated by technology

Complex Borderline Personality Disorder (2022) unravels the layers of a multifaceted mental health condition. It guides you through understanding the intertwining of intense emotions, behavioral challenges, and co-occurring mental health issues, offering insights for those directly affected or supporting loved ones. This exploration empowers you with strategies for effective management, fostering resilience, healthier relationships, and personal growth.

• Mental health professionals seeking specialized knowledge
• Individuals diagnosed with Complex Borderline Personality Disorder
• Family members supporting loved ones with CBPD

Psychological Types (1921) presents a groundbreaking theory of human personality and cognition, exploring the concepts of introversion and extraversion, alongside four cognitive functions—thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding individual differences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.

• Psychology enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of personality theory
• Fans of mythology and literature drawn to Jung's ideas about archetypes and the collective unconscious
• Anyone interested in personal growth and self-discovery

The Narcissist's Playbook (2019) is a guide to recognizing, understanding, and breaking free from the manipulation and abuse of narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths. It offers practical tools for identifying manipulative behaviors, understanding why they occur, and empowering their targets to protect themselves and reclaim control of their lives.

• Partners who suspect they’re in an emotionally abusive relationship
• People who want to set boundaries with manipulative family members
• Anyone with a narcissist in their lives

Parenting from the Inside Out (2013) explores how a parent’s childhood experiences shape their parenting style, offering insights into the connection between early relationships and brain development. It empowers parents to build secure, compassionate connections with their children, creating a foundation for lifelong emotional health and well-being.

• New parents who want to build a secure bond with their child
• Seasoned parents ready to break free from unhealthy patterns
• Carers and educators keen to create authentic bonds with the children in their care

5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life (2018) explores high-conflict personalities – those with borderline, narcissistic, paranoid, antisocial, or histrionic traits – who create chaos and harm through volatile emotions, aggression, and blame. It provides actionable advice for protecting yourself, building healthier relationships, and even addressing your own tendencies toward high-conflict behavior.

• Family members who want to manage challenging relationships
• Managers who need to deal with high-conflict individuals in the workplace
• Therapists who want to support the victims of high-conflict personalities

You Don’t Need a Budget (2024) challenges conventional personal finance advice by rejecting rigid budgeting rules and shame-based money management. It presents a liberating alternative that acknowledges systemic inequalities and makes financial planning accessible to everyone, particularly those left behind by traditional capitalist structures.

• People feeling trapped or guilty about their current budgeting approach
• Young professionals questioning traditional financial advice
• Social justice-minded individuals wanting to align money choices with their values

How to Speed Read People (2020) teaches you how to interpret the body language and emotions of others quickly, enabling you to understand unspoken cues and enhance your interactions. By mastering these skills, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and influence others effectively.

• Professionals seeking stronger communication and interpersonal skills
• Leaders aiming to better understand and motivate their teams
• Learners exploring personality, behavior, and emotional intelligence

The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (1901) examines how seemingly minor errors – such as forgetting names, misplacing objects, or slip ups in speech – are not random accidents, but meaningful expressions of unconscious desires. By analyzing these everyday mistakes, it delves into the hidden influence of repressed thoughts and emotions, ultimately revealing that nothing in our mental life happens by chance.

• Students studying psychology
• Therapists keen to revisit classic theory
• Anyone interested in better understanding their inner life

The Developing Mind (1999) provides a comprehensive exploration of how the mind emerges from the intricate interplay of brain, body, and relationships. Weaving together research from several disciplines, it shows how consciousness and identity develop through ongoing neural processes and interpersonal connections, ultimately presenting the mind as both profoundly embodied and relational. 

• Clinical psychologists and family therapists
• Parents and educators of children and adolescents
• Anyone curious about how consciousness and identity develop

What Your Childhood Memories Say About You (2012) shows how your earliest recollections offer a window into understanding who you've become. By examining these formative experiences and your emotional responses to them, you can uncover the patterns shaping your behavior today and use these insights to build stronger relationships and create positive change in your life.

• People seeking to better understand themselves and their behavioral patterns
• Anyone curious about how their upbringing continues to influence their adult life
• Those interested in psychology and self-help approaches to personal growth