Psych: The Story of the Human Mind

Why I recommend it

Bloom gives an approachable tour of psychology, from memory and perception to happiness and mental illness. He also explains how the field tests its ideas.

What it changed in my thinking

Disagreements can be useful. They remind us to ask what evidence would tell a convincing explanation from an accurate one.

Who it’s useful for

Readers new to psychology or wanting a broad refresher.

A tension or limitation

A survey can only go so deep. Individual subjects deserve more time than one book can give them.