The best 18 Cognitive Psychology books

Rationality (2021) explores the faculty that sets us apart from other species: reason. The ability to think rationally drives individual and social progress. It allows us to attain our goals and create a fairer world. But rationality isn’t just something we do as individuals – it also sustains our best institutions.

The Happiness Trap (2007) is a self-help guide to pursuing a richer and more rewarding life instead of fleeting feelings of happiness. It outlines the six core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that can help you tackle unpleasant thoughts and feelings and build a fulfilling life.

Don't Overthink It (2020) unveils the mental entanglements that come with constant rumination, highlighting how overthinking can rob us of time and precious moments. Drawing on her own experience as an overthinker, Anne Bogel provides readers with tangible solutions to break free from the chains of repetitive, negative thought patterns. 

The Mind Illuminated by John Yates, Jeremy Graves is a comprehensive guide to meditation that combines traditional wisdom with modern neuroscience. It offers a step-by-step approach to developing mindfulness and concentration, providing practical techniques and insights for anyone interested in deepening their meditation practice.

Misbehaving (2015) by Richard H. Thaler challenges the traditional economic theory by exploring the irrational behaviors of individuals and the impact they have on decision-making. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful analysis, Thaler offers a new perspective on economics and provides practical advice for understanding and influencing human behavior.

Gödel, Escher, Bach is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Hofstadter that explores the interconnectedness of mathematics, art, and music. Through an engaging blend of analogies, puzzles, and thought experiments, Hofstadter delves into the works of mathematician Kurt Gödel, artist M.C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach to unravel the mysteries of human cognition and the nature of self-reference.

Consciousness and the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene explores the fascinating relationship between our conscious experiences and the inner workings of the brain. Drawing on research in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, the book delves into topics such as attention, perception, and self-awareness, offering profound insights into what it means to be conscious.

The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides a thorough overview of the principles and techniques of CBT. Written by Leslie Sokol and Marci Fox, this book offers practical guidance for mental health professionals looking to incorporate CBT into their practice. It covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the theoretical foundations of CBT to implementing specific strategies for different psychological disorders. With case examples and helpful resources, this book serves as an invaluable resource for clinicians seeking to enhance their CBT skills.

The Emotional Brain by Joseph Ledoux delves into the complex inner workings of our brains and how they give rise to our emotions. Ledoux explores the latest findings in neuroscience to offer insights into why we feel the way we do, and sheds light on the link between our emotions and our behavior. It's a fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in understanding the workings of the mind.

Feeling Good by David D. Burns is a self-help book that provides practical techniques to overcome depression and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Through cognitive behavioral therapy methods and real-life examples, the book offers a step-by-step guide to challenge and change negative thought patterns, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids by Kelli Miller LCSW MSW is a helpful resource for children with ADHD. It provides interactive activities and exercises designed to improve attention, behavior, and self-esteem. The book offers practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and empowering children to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Metaphors We Live By (1980) challenges the way we think about language and its relationship to our everyday lives. Authors George Lakoff and Mark Johnson argue that metaphor is not just a literary device, but a fundamental part of human thought. They explore how our use of metaphor shapes our perceptions, actions, and understanding of the world around us.

Author: Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky

Description: This book explores the ways in which people make judgments and decisions under uncertainty. Drawing on extensive research in psychology and behavioral economics, the authors reveal the systematic errors and biases that can influence our thinking. They also propose strategies for improving decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.

How the Mind Works (1997) by Steven Pinker delves into the fascinating world of cognitive science to explore the inner workings of our minds. From emotions and language to memory and decision-making, Pinker offers insights and explanations on the complex mechanisms that shape our thoughts and behaviors. This thought-provoking book challenges our understanding of the human mind and provides a compelling account of its evolution and functioning.

The Number Sense by Stanislas Dehaene delves into the world of numerical abilities, exploring how the human brain processes and understands numbers. From uncovering the innate numerical sense in infants to discussing the mathematical abilities of animals, this book offers a captivating journey through the neuroscience and psychology behind our numerical cognition.

Metaphors We Live By challenges the traditional view of metaphor as a mere literary device and reveals how deeply embedded metaphors shape our thoughts, actions, and even our society. Written by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, this thought-provoking book explores the cognitive mechanisms behind metaphorical thinking and its profound implications for our everyday lives.

The Mind Illuminated by John Yates (Culadasa) is a comprehensive guide to meditation that combines traditional wisdom with modern neuroscience. It offers a step-by-step approach to developing mindfulness and concentration, providing practical techniques for overcoming common obstacles along the way. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator, this book can help deepen your practice and transform your mind.

The Number Sense by Stanislas Dehaene delves into the fascinating world of numbers and how our brains are wired to understand them. From exploring the concept of numerosity in animals to uncovering the neural pathways involved in mathematical thinking, this book offers a captivating journey into the cognitive processes behind our numerical abilities.