Why read books about psychology?
Psychology has a way of drawing people in. Maybe you’re fascinated by how the human brain works, curious about behaviour, or thinking about a career that helps others. Books can be a great place to start - giving you a glimpse into how the human mind works, often through stories and examples you can relate to.
If you’re reading for fun, psychology books can help answer everyday questions like: Why do people make irrational choices? How do habits form? What gives us confidence? And if you’re considering study, they can help you spot which areas of psychology you’d like to deepen your understanding in.
Of course, reading books isn’t the same as studying psychology at university. A degree goes deeper, focusing on theory, research methods, and evidence. But if you’re curious about psychology and want a taste before starting formal study, books are a useful first step. They give you a flavour of the kinds of questions psychologists ask, and may even inspire you to take your learning further. and how to become a clinical psychologist.
Are psychology books worth reading?
Generally, the value you'll get from reading about psychology depends on what you’re looking for...
For casual readers
Psychology can be an eye-opening subject. It makes sense of everyday behaviour, can spark new ways of thinking, and can even change how you see yourself and others by improving your understanding of everyday interactions.
For future students
Reading widely won’t replace formal study, but it can give you useful context. You’ll become familiar with key ideas – from memory and decision-making to social behaviour and social norms – making you more aware of your own thoughts, behaviours, emotions and relationships.
Ultimately, psychology degrees are built around theory, research methods, and evidence – not memorising ideas from popular books. But exploring accessible titles beforehand can help you spot which areas of psychology interest you most, and make you more confident with some of the concepts and language you’ll encounter if you choose a degree.
What is the best book to read on psychology?
It’s tempting to look for one book that will give you all the answers, but psychology is far too broad for that. The best book for you depends on what you’re interested in and how much you already know. For some, it’s a light and engaging introduction. For others, it’s a deeper dive into research and theory.
How to choose the right psychology book
Given there isn’t one single “right” book for everyone – our advice is to think first about your goals and how familiar you already are with psychology.
If you’re reading for fun: look for books that explain concepts in everyday language. The best ones use stories and real-world examples to make you think about your own life and choices.
If you’re curious about studying psychology: go for titles that give you a broad overview, touching on areas like memory, development, behaviour, and social psychology. These will help you spot which topics grab your attention most, and give you a head start if you later decide to take a course or degree in psychology.
If you already know the basics: you might prefer books that dig deeper into research or focus on a particular field. More advanced texts can challenge your thinking and show you how psychologists test their theories in practice.
Factors to consider when choosing a psychology book
Once you’ve thought about your goals, there are a few qualities that can make one book stand out over another. Choosing books with these factors will help you enjoy psychology for its own sake, and give you a solid foundation if you decide to take your interest further:
Credibility of the author
A good psychology book is one written by a practising psychologist, researcher, or respected science writer. Their background means you can trust the idea behind the book to be based on research rather than opinion.
Use of real-world examples
Psychology can feel abstract if it’s only theory. The most interesting books explain concepts through studies, experiments, or everyday interactions that bring them to life.
Clarity and accessibility
The best books strike a balance – they introduce a complex idea or theories without drowning you in jargon. This makes them easy to follow, whether you’re a casual reader or preparing for study.
Balanced perspective
Every author has a viewpoint, but strong books make room for evidence, perception and different interpretations. Be cautious of titles that lean too heavily on personal opinion without scientific backing, or ones that are too light on psychological science.
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Best beginner psychology books to start with
If you’re new to psychology, the best place to start is with books that explain psychological theories in plain English. And you don't need to read everything at once. Find two or three titles that make you think, spark questions, and help you decide what you’d like to explore next.
What to look for in a good beginner book
Clear writingFewer acronyms, less jargon, and short chapters you can dip in and out of.
Real stories and studiesCase studies, experiments, and everyday examples that help you understand better.
Breadth before depthA wide sweep across topics (memory, habits, decision-making, social behaviour) so you can spot what interests you.
Evidence you can trustAuthors who reference research and explain how we know what we know.
A helpful reading experienceChapter summaries, diagrams, or reading guides are handy when you’re starting out.
Recommended beginner books about psychology
When you’re starting out, it’s best not to try and read everything at once. Use this list to pick one or two books that sound most interesting to you.
How to use this list:
Start with two that match your interests.
Skim a sample chapter (or try the audiobook) to check the tone and language works for you.
Note one idea per chapter you can apply or discuss – it helps the learning stick.
We believe each of our suggestions is written in an accessible way, explains key ideas, and gives you a sense of what psychologists study.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver SacksA collection of fascinating case studies of real patients that shows how brain disorders shape memory, perception, and even relationships like marriage, bringing abstract psychology to life.
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel KahnemanA groundbreaking text on the two systems of thought – fast and slow. It highlights the importance of decisions in everyday life and builds lasting knowledge.
Predictably Irrational – Dan ArielyA lively story of hidden forces behind our choices, from shopping habits to love. Read this to realise how irrationality drives behaviour and daily interactions.
The Invisible Gorilla – Christopher Chabris & Daniel SimonsFamous experiments show why we miss the obvious. This book describes the limits of attention and memory.
The Power of Habit – Charles DuhiggExplains how habits form and how they can be changed. With real-world examples, it shows the importance of routine, the cognitive neuroscience behind behaviour, and practical knowledge.
50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology – Scott O. Lilienfeld et al.A myth-busting guide that separates fact from fiction. Each chapter describes a common belief, helping you realise how important it is to consider evidence over assumption.
Bad Science – Ben GoldacreA witty guide to breaking down weak claims and poor evidence in psychology and medicine so you can get closer to the truth.
The Language Instinct – Steven PinkerAn accessible dive into how humans learn and use language, showing the critical role of communication and what it reveals about the human mind.
The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry – Jon RonsonA sharp investigation into psychopathy. In The Psychopath Test, Jon Ronson tells a story that makes you realise the fine line between sanity and madness.
Mindset – Carol DweckExplores how our beliefs about ability shape success. Through research and real stories, it explore growth thinking for motivation, learning, and wonder.
Which psychology books should I choose as a beginner?
If you’d like more direction, here are three broad categories to help you choose – with a book suggestion in each. Pick the one that best matches your interests.
Interested in: How the human brain worksRead: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Sacks
Interested in: Everyday behaviour and decision-makingRead: Predictably Irrational – Dan Ariely
Interested in: Personal growth and motivationRead: Mindset – Carol Dweck
What books do psychology students read?
When you study psychology formally, most of your required reading will be textbooks and journal articles. These provide the depth and academic grounding needed for assignments and exams. But many students also choose to read about psychology in their spare time – both to better understand what they’re learning in class, as well as to explore areas that interest them personally.
What books might psychology students read in their spare time?
The books below are unlikely to be set texts, but they might be the kinds of books that students often read alongside their studies. If you’re a psychology fan, dipping into the same titles can give you a taste of how students connect their academic learning to the real world.
For example, students passionate about:
forensic psychology might pick up Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, or The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson – both of which explore how we label, study, and understand psychopathy.
cognitive psychology could explore The Invisible Gorilla by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons, which describes how attention and memory shape our daily lives and perception.
social psychology may turn to Influence by Robert Cialdini, a classic on persuasion, social norms, and the power of context.
clinical psychology might read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks, a moving collection of case studies that showcases the experiences of real patients and their emotions.
sport psychology could try The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow, which explores how athletes use psychological skills and techniques to build focus, resilience and the power of habit.
child psychology may read The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, which describes how children think, feel, and grow – as well as offering supportive advice for parents.
The ultimate psychology reading list
Psychology is a huge subject, so the best way to explore it is by following your interests. Below you’ll find books grouped into themes – from classic studies to wellbeing, and the science of the brain.
Top tip: You don’t need to read them all and don’t worry about reading in order. Psychology is a vast subject, and there’s no “right” path through it. Pick one or two from a theme that interests you, and treat the list as a menu to return to whenever you’re ready for more.
Psychology classics and big ideas
These are the landmark titles that have shaped how people think about psychology. Read these if you want to understand the foundations of modern psychology and the history behind key theories.
Influence – Robert CialdiniA classic on persuasion and why we say “yes,” showing the power of context and social norms.
Obedience to Authority – Stanley MilgramThis book describes the famous experiments on authority and human behaviour.
Games People Play – Eric BerneA look at the “scripts” people follow in relationships and everyday interactions.
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel KahnemanStill one of the most influential explorations of judgement and decision-making in humans.
Mind and behaviour
Books that dig into how we think, make choices, and sometimes get it wrong. Read these if you’re curious about everyday decision-making and individual personalities.
Predictably Irrational – Dan ArielyWhy our choices often defy logic – a vivid story of hidden factors shaping behaviour.
Noise – Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony & Cass SunsteinHow random “noise” affects decisions in business, law, and daily life – often leading to bad decisions and shaky advice.
Blink – Malcolm GladwellThe power – and pitfalls – of snap judgements and fast perception.
The Paradox of Choice – Barry SchwartzWhy having more options doesn’t always make us happier – a clear overview of choice overload and wellbeing.
Wellbeing and emotions
Titles that connect psychology to resilience, happiness, and personal growth. Read these if you want practical suggestions to apply to your own life.
Authentic Happiness – Martin SeligmanAn introduction to positive psychology that describes the factors linked to wellbeing.
Emotional Intelligence – Daniel GolemanWhy self-awareness and empathy matter more than IQ – a persuasive idea with everyday advice.
Everyday Vitality – Samantha BoardmanTurning stress into strength, with small changes grounded in research.
Rapport – Emily & Laurence AlisonFour simple ways to connect with others – practical tools for better communication.
Consciousness and the brain
Exploring the mysteries of the mind. Read these if you love big questions about the brain and the individual experience.
The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der KolkGroundbreaking work on trauma and healing – a blend of clinical research and lived stories.
The Oracle of Night – Sidarta RibeiroA scientific and cultural history of dreams and what they describe about the human mind and memory.
Consciousness and the Social Brain – Michael GrazianoA theory of how consciousness emerges from the brain and what it means to be a human being.
Explaining Humans – Camilla PangA scientist’s personal take on navigating life and our connections with others, using clear language and practical insights.
The Happiness Hypothesis – Jonathan HaidtA fascinating journey through ancient wisdom and modern psychology that tests old claims against modern research.
Society and the darker side of human behaviour
Books that look at how context and culture influence people – and what happens when things go wrong. Read these if you’re interested in psychology on a social scale.
The Lucifer Effect – Philip ZimbardoHow good people can turn bad – a stark history lesson in context and influence.
Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) – Carol TavrisWhy we justify and fall victim to bad decisions and false beliefs, and how to get closer to the truth.
The Psychology of Pandemics – Steven TaylorHow fear, behaviour, and misinformation spread in crises.
Survival of the Friendliest – Brian Hare & Vanessa WoodsWhy cooperation is central to human nature and may be our greatest strength.
Human Givens – Joe Griffin & Ivan TyrrellA new take on emotional health and therapy – a psychological framework that links needs, emotions, and wellbeing.
Can I study psychology on my own?
You can certainly explore psychology on your own. Books, podcasts, and online talks make it easier than ever to explore how the mind works. If you’re reading for fun or personal interest, self-teaching can be rewarding and give you plenty to think about in your daily life.
That said, it’s important to recognise the limits. Reading can help you understand concepts and practise critical thinking, but it won’t qualify you to work as a psychologist. If your goal is a career in psychology, you’ll need formal study that develops your skills in theory, research methods, and evidence, as well as supervised practice through an accredited course.
So yes – self-study is a great way to satisfy your curiosity and build a foundation, but it should be seen as the starting point rather than the whole journey.
Interested in how psychology can become a career? You might like our article: What is a clinical psychologist, and how do you become one? – it explains the training, skills, and career paths involved in one of psychology’s most recognised professions.
Choosing books for self-teaching
Self-teaching can be hugely enjoyable if you approach it with curiosity and an open mind. The key is not just to absorb information, but to reflect on how psychology connects to everyday life.
If you’d like to teach yourself more about psychology, here are some ways to make your reading more effective:
Start broad: Begin with books that cover a wide range of areas – from cognition and social behaviour to habits and decision-making. This helps you get a balanced view.
Follow your interests: If a topic grabs you, read a second or third book on that area. Depth comes from following your curiosity and reviewing each idea against evidence.
Check credibility: Look for authors who are psychologists, researchers, or trusted science writers who base their work on evidence.
Mix old and new: Pair classic books with newer releases so you see how theories have developed over time, and how experiments from history shape today’s research.
Take notes: Write down one or two insights from each chapter. This makes it easier to remember what you’ve learned and connect thoughts across different books.
Use other resources: Supplement your reading with podcasts, TED Talks, or summaries from the British Psychological Society (BPS) to keep your understanding fresh and current.
From books to study: turning interest into a career
Psychology books are a brilliant way to spark your interest, but if you find yourself wanting more depth, the next step is degree-level study. A degree course gives you structured learning, access to expert teaching, and the chance to apply psychology in a way that books alone can’t provide.
At Walbrook, we offer online MSc Psychology programmes that are flexible – you can study full-time in as little as 14 months, or part-time alongside your work and other commitments.
MSc Psychology
We’ve also applied for accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS), and our application is still being reviewed. Until this is confirmed, our MScs aren’t conversion courses and don’t provide a direct route to chartership. They do, however, give you advanced skills in research, theory, and critical thinking, along with a deeper understanding of human behaviour – knowledge valued across sectors from business to healthcare.
