Books we love
Every month we will update the lists with our top picks, be sure to check back in
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Neuroscience
This is a really popular book and for good reason. It is a pretty big read but really funny, interesting, and written so well that it is easy to get stuck into. A good dive into understanding why people act the way that they do mixing social psychology and neuroscience. The sections about the us vs them mentally are worth reading and a bit of an eye opener.
A slightly more technical view about how our brains are adaptive throughout life and how we can continue to learn more. Offers good explanations and examples to help talk through some concepts. As David Eagleman writes, it’s how our brains ‘upgrade our software’.
Really relevant book about the rise in mental health issues and the difficulties in treating people, either with drugs or therapy. It gives a lot of good background and context and tries to help you to create your own system and strategies for dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and others.
Written by a top neuroscientist, this book goes deep into the process of just how complex emotions really are and how we ourselves can impact them, for better or for worse. Lisa Barrett has a great background with social psychology which comes across in the writing, and which I found really interesting, she writes clearly and with expertise.
Popular Science
This was recommended by a friend of mine, who was a junior doctor himself in the UK, just like the author He writes about his experiences with a lot of comedy, not surprising as he also does standup conedy, although a little sarcastic at times. Classic England. Emotional at times but worth the read, with visceral anecdotes.
This book basically sells itself. It has been out for decades and I’m no expert, but I think it sold 1 quadbillion copies, so it has to be good. Well, it is fascinating. It talks about the beginning of the universe, what might happen when the universe dies, and everything in between. Easy to follow and understand. Surprising considering the complexity.
I read this back when I was doing my PhD, in pain, and even then I still found it useful. It has a broad scope, talking about pain receptors, research, genetics, hormonal influences on pain, and much more. A niche topic unless you actively want to learn more about pain, but it will be a good introduction to the topic for anyone interested.
Ok, technically I didn’t read this one, but…I listened to the audiobook. Although I would prefer the paperback cause the author isn’t great at narration. A great look into genes and how change the body, and when they don’t. An important read for anyone who wants to get past the terrible logic in the media, where 1 gene= 1 disease.
Health & Wellbeing
This book makes me happier just by looking at it. Written in a fun and loving way, Gretchen Rubin talks about how adding a few different set times within your day can make all the difference. Whether it be a new 10 minute morning routine to set you up for the day, or spending a few minutes in the evening to do things that will make the next day easier. Simple to try for yourself and I really found the morning happiness routine benificial.
Written by a former Buddhist monk…..need I go on? OK fine, I shall. Offers great techniques that can fit into any busy day. Simple to read and follow, even for beginners, which I definitely was when I read it. I think originally it was desgined to accompany the headspace app, so if you are a fan of headspace, or looking to invite some easy meditation into your life, why not have a read?
Gives a great perspective from years of experience talking about relationship hurdles, making it relatable with what are essentially, example case studies. Even without being in a relationship, it talks a lot about understanding your own emotions better, and how to understand other peoples emotions, to help find better ways to communicate those feelings. Beautifully written and detailed enough to give great advice.
The book cover says it all really. James Nestor talks about breathing control and techniques to help everyone in so many different ways. He brings in a lot of history about the ideas behind these techniques and offers good guidance. I found it quite useful to help me sleep better at night. He also talks about the science behind some of the effects and in general, it is an interesting topic and book.
Women in Science
Inferior: How science got women wrong and the new research that's rewriting the story
by Angela Saini
I really enjoy learning more about women in science, and in the modern world. Not to sound preachy or anything. Although the writing style is a little repetitive, the two authors pick some great scientists from Marie Curie, to Virginia Apgar, and present them as standalone chapters so you can dip in and out as you choose. Great details the personal and professional lives, and a great choice of their 10 women.
This is a very powerful book and draws the reader to think about many issues in a world that make it more difficult for women to be heard. A great book to learn more about unconcious bias, microagressions, and presumptions. Well researched which provokes a lot of discussion with a very progressive and fascinating book.
A New York Times bestseller, my friend actually told me to add this book to the list. Targeted more towards younger readers, particularly girls, it offers a whole range of interesting women in STEM fields. The illustrations are awesome, all done by the author herself, and with 50 women to read about, it offers a lot of inspiration.
A detailed and very knowledgable book going through 200 years of science and the different gender roles of each time. There are a lot of topics and it is one of those books that would need a second read to really take it all in. Angela Saini writes so passionately to use great examples from case studies and compelling studies.
Psych yourself up for life
This Malcolm Gladwell book is fairly famous now, if nothing else, but for the 10’000 hours to become an expert quote. He breaks down success into basic ideas and talks about decision-making, support, hard work, and just how important it is to find something that is meaningful to you. Worth reading to inspire a drive for success.
Ex-hostage negotiator writes a book about how to negotiate in your normal life…….I’m sold….I love it already. It is a lot more relatable to everyday life than I initally thought it would be. Potentially useful in business, dealing with confrontational people, or just meeting new people socially. Gives great tips and tricks with things to practice. He also has a course on Masterclass, which is awesome.
The author details 8 concepts that are used by individuals, or companies, to explore productivity and how to maximise your time and potential. Managing how you think, rather than what you are thinking to change your mindset, and ultimately helping to achieve your goals. Many other books dive into these topics too, but I really liked the writing style and the way the book was structred.
Amazing book giving great practical tips and guidance to making your life better, and a new way of thinking about how you experience your own life. Essentially, reframing your perpective to see opportunity in tough times and I found it really inspiring. Ryan Holiday writes in a way to make it easy to read and the pages just flowed.