Best psychology books in 2021

If you’re looking for insightful books on personal development, self-awareness, time management, and mental well-being, here are some of the best reads to help you navigate these topics. Additionally, for those interested in exploring diverse LGBTIQ+ experiences, we’ve included a selection of books that offer perspectives on identity, justice, and community.

Personal Development and Self-Improvement

1. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself. Nedra Glover Tawwab offers practical advice on establishing healthy boundaries to improve relationships and personal well-being. The book presents simple yet powerful ways to assert personal and emotional limits, fostering healthier interactions in various aspects of life.
2. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Oliver Burkeman delves into the concept of time management, emphasizing the finite nature of human life—approximately four thousand weeks. He encourages readers to embrace their limitations and focus on what truly matters, rather than striving for unrealistic productivity.
3. Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters by Steven Pinker. Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker explores the concept of rationality, examining why it appears scarce and its significance in human affairs. He provides insights into improving our thinking processes and making better decisions in everyday life.
4. Know Thyself: The New Science of Self-Awareness by Stephen M. Fleming. Neuroscientist Stephen M. Fleming investigates the science of self-awareness, discussing how understanding our own minds can lead to better decision-making and well-being. The book delves into the mechanisms of introspection and its impact on our lives.
5. Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear by Judson Brewer. Psychiatrist Judson Brewer combines neuroscience, mindfulness, and practical exercises to help readers break free from the cycles of worry and fear. He introduces techniques to “unwind” anxiety by understanding and reshaping the habits that fuel it.

LGBTIQ+ Perspectives. This selection aims to provide valuable insights into personal growth and a deeper understanding of LGBTIQ+ experiences.

1. Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much. Jen Winston offers a candid and humorous exploration of bisexuality, challenging stereotypes and embracing the complexities of sexual identity. Through personal essays, Winston delves into the nuances of being bisexual in a world that often seeks to categorize sexuality.
2. Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer. Based on his popular advice column, John Paul Brammer shares heartfelt and witty stories about growing up as a queer, mixed-race individual. The book provides insights into identity, relationships, and the journey to self-acceptance.
3. The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice. Shon Faye presents a compelling analysis of the systemic challenges faced by transgender individuals, advocating for social and political change. The book addresses issues such as healthcare, employment, and the criminal justice system, calling for a more just and inclusive society.
4. We Can Do Better Than This: 35 Voices on the Future of LGBTIQ+ Rights edited by Amelia Abraham. This anthology brings together diverse perspectives from activists, writers, and thinkers discussing the future of LGBTIQ+ rights. The essays cover a range of topics, from healthcare and education to representation and intersectionality, offering a comprehensive look at the ongoing fight for equality.
5. Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale – In this collection of personal essays, Dale explores the transformative and often joyful experiences of gender transition. The book offers a positive and celebratory view of gender euphoria, counteracting the typical narratives around gender dysphoria and focusing on the happiness and fulfillment that can come with gender exploration.
6. Ace: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen – This book examines asexuality as both an individual identity and a lens for understanding broader societal expectations about sex, desire, and relationships. Chen explores the intersection of asexuality with issues of gender, sexuality, and social norms, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on sex and intimacy.