Summer School for Grown-Ups: Dive into a Season of Insight with Key Reads on Psychology, Economics, and Science
6 Books To Read During the Summer to Advance Your Mind
1. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow
- 28 min reading time
- audio version available
Delve into the human mind with Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, as he explores the two systems that drive the way we think. Understanding these can improve your decision-making and offer insights into the cognitive biases that influence our everyday lives. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 28 minutes.
2. “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Freakonomics
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
Economics isn’t just about money—it’s about incentives and how people get what they want. “Freakonomics” offers a quirky and profound look at the hidden side of everything, challenging the way we view the world. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 21 minutes.
3. “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson
A Short History of Nearly Everything
- 38 min reading time
- audio version available
Bill Bryson tackles the greatest questions of the universe and our existence in an accessible and enthralling way. From quantum mechanics to the age of the earth, this book makes science engaging and digestible. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 38 minutes.
4. “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
What makes high-achievers different? Malcolm Gladwell argues that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 16 minutes.
5. “Educated” by Tara Westover
Educated
- 32 min reading time
- audio version available
Tara Westover’s memoir is a compelling testament to the power of education. It chronicles her journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household to receiving a PhD from Cambridge University. This story is not just about academic learning but about educating oneself on life, survival, and self-transformation. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 32 minutes.
6. “Quiet” by Susan Cain
Quiet
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
In a world that can’t stop talking, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. This book gives a voice to introverts, providing valuable insights into how they can contribute to society. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 21 minutes.
This summer, transform your leisure time into a productive and insightful period. Whether you’re exploring the complexities of the human psyche, unraveling economic puzzles, or demystifying the laws of nature, these books are your perfect companions. Embrace the joy of lifelong learning with Blinkist and make your summer both enjoyable and intellectually rewarding.
Start with just 15 minutes a day and watch your world expand with new insights and knowledge.