In our quest for personal development and understanding, certain books stand out as potentially transformational.
For the earlier books in the countdown: 100-91, 90-81, 80-71, 70-61, 60-51, 50-41, 40-31, 30-21.
Here are the next ten and the second last post in the countdown. Each offers unique insights into different aspects of the human experience. These range from overcoming addiction to understanding consciousness, from building wealth to processing grief. Enjoy…
20. This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace
Goodreads star rating = 4.24/5
Grace’s approach to alcohol dependency focuses on changing beliefs rather than relying on willpower. People can naturally reduce their desire for alcohol without feeling deprived. It is possible to do this by questioning cultural norms around drinking and understanding psychological triggers.
What makes it special: Grace combines her business background with extensive research on addiction psychology. She creates an approach that feels empowering rather than restrictive. The book addresses the social conditioning around alcohol that most programs ignore, making sobriety feel like freedom rather than deprivation.
Perfect for:
- People wanting to reduce or quit drinking without feeling deprived.
- Those struggling with alcohol dependency or questioning their relationship with alcohol.
- Anyone interested in psychological approaches to behaviour change.
Key takeaway: Sustainable recovery comes from changing your relationship with alcohol through mindset shifts rather than white-knuckling through cravings.
19. Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will by Robert M. Sapolsky
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.24/5
Sapolsky’s exploration of free will is challenging. It argues that our behaviour is largely determined by genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences. These factors are beyond our conscious control. This perspective can be unsettling. However, it can foster greater compassion for others. It can also reshape how we think about justice and personal responsibility.
What makes it special: Sapolsky is a Stanford neuroscientist who seamlessly weaves together neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and ethics. His argument is rigorous yet accessible, challenging fundamental assumptions about human nature while offering a more compassionate worldview.
Perfect for:
- Readers interested in neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and ethics
- People exploring the nature of human agency and responsibility
- Scholars questioning traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility.
Key takeaway: Understanding the deterministic nature of behaviour can lead to more humane approaches to justice. It can also foster greater empathy for human struggles.
18. Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet by Marian L. Tupy and Gale L. Pooley
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.26
This optimistic counter-narrative to doom-and-gloom predictions argues that human innovation consistently solves resource challenges. The authors show evidence that population growth drives innovation rather than catastrophe, and that well-functioning markets and institutions create abundance.
What makes it special: The book challenges prevailing pessimism about population growth and resource scarcity with comprehensive data analysis. Tupy and Pooley introduce the concept of “time price.” This concept explains how long people must work to afford goods. It shows dramatic improvements in human prosperity over time.
Perfect for:
- Readers interested in economics, sustainability, population studies, and technology
- Optimists and skeptics curious about long-term human prospects
- Policymakers and thinkers focused on global development challenges.
Key takeaway: Human creativity and innovation have historically overcome resource constraints. This suggests an optimistic future. We can achieve this through maintaining good institutions and embracing technological progress.
17. How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics by Michael Pollan
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.27/5
Pollan’s exploration of psychedelics offers a fascinating window into consciousness and the brain’s remarkable plasticity. Beyond the therapeutic potential for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction, these substances show our perception of reality is highly malleable. The book emphasizes that “set and setting”—mindset and environment—are crucial for any transformative experience.
What makes it special: Pollan combines personal experimentation with rigorous journalism and scientific research. He bridges the gap between ancient wisdom traditions and cutting-edge neuroscience, making complex topics about consciousness accessible to general readers.
Perfect for:
- People interested in mental health, consciousness, and spirituality
- Researchers and therapists curious about psychedelic science;
- Anyone open to exploring alternative approaches to healing and self-discovery.
Key takeaway: Consciousness is far more flexible than we imagine. Altered states can offer profound insights. This happens when they are approached with proper preparation and respect.
16. A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters by Steven Hayes
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.27/5
This powerful exploration of psychological flexibility teaches us that mental freedom comes not from avoiding difficult thoughts. It comes from learning to coexist with them. One of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)’s most powerful concepts is “defusion.” Hayes and ACT believe that the problem is not the thoughts themselves. It is how much we become fused with them. ACT also emphasises the importance of living according to our core values. It advises not avoiding or being controlled by momentary emotions.
What makes it special: Hayes is the creator of ACT. He provides scientifically-backed techniques. These techniques work better than “positive thinking”. The book offers practical tools like the “thoughts as passengers on a bus” metaphor that make complex psychological concepts accessible.
Perfect for:
- People struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges that would like to learn more outside of their therapy.
- People feeling stuck in negative thought patterns.
- Therapists, counsellors, coaches or anyone seeking practical emotional regulation skills.
Key takeaway: Suffering is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to control our behaviour. True liberation comes from psychological flexibility and value-driven action.
15. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.29/5
Sagan’s passionate defense of scientific thinking provides essential tools for navigating our information-rich world. His “Baloney Detection Kit” teaches us to question claims and seek evidence. It encourages maintaining healthy skepticism. At the same time, it helps preserve our sense of wonder about the universe.
What makes it special: Sagan combines deep scientific expertise with poetic writing and genuine concern for humanity’s future. He shows how scientific thinking enhances our sense of wonder. Rather than diminishing it, this approach adds depth. Sagan argues that critical thinking is essential for democracy.
Perfect for:
- Anyone interested in science, skepticism, and rational thought
- Readers concerned about misinformation and pseudoscience
- Educators, students, and critical thinkers seeking tools to navigate complex information.
Key takeaway: Critical thinking and scientific literacy are not just academic pursuits. They are essential life skills. These skills protect us from misinformation. They also enhance our appreciation of reality’s genuine mysteries.
14. The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness by Morgan Housel
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.29/5
Housel reveals that successful money management has more to do with behavior than knowledge. The power of compounding is a central theme. It emphasizes the importance of saving regardless of income level. Additionally, the wisdom of being “reasonable” rather than purely “rational” in financial decisions is highlighted.
What makes it special: Unlike traditional finance books focused on tactics and formulas, Housel explores the psychology behind money decisions. He uses compelling stories. He provides historical examples to show why smart people make poor financial choices. Our behaviour when it comes to money trumps intelligence.
Perfect for:
- Anyone looking to improve their relationship with money,
- Investors seeking long-term financial wisdom
- People interested in behavioural finance and personal financial psychology.
Key takeaway: Wealth is built through consistent behaviour and emotional discipline, not market timing or complex strategies.
13. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene Brown
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.29
Brown’s groundbreaking work on vulnerability challenges our cultural obsession with perfection and invulnerability. She argues that vulnerability is not weakness but the birthplace of courage, creativity, and change. From parenting to leadership, vulnerability transforms how we connect with others and ourselves.
What makes it special: Brown has researched for over a decade. She debunks the myth that vulnerability equals weakness. She uses compelling data and real stories. Her shame resilience theory provides a roadmap for overcoming the fear that keeps us from authentic living.
Perfect for:
- Individuals seeking deeper relationships and personal growth
- Leaders wanting to create authentic and trusting cultures
- Parents aiming to raise emotionally healthy children.
Key takeaway: To create authentic connections and meaningful leadership, be courageous. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Embrace imperfection.
12. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.30
Goggins presents an extreme approach to mental toughness. He introduces concepts like the “40% Rule.” When we think we’re at our limit, Goggins says we’re only operating at 40% of our true potential. His “Accountability Mirror” technique forces honest self-reflection. His philosophy of “callousing the mind” involves deliberate hardship. It is meant to build unshakeable resilience. To me, I find it too intense and not the most balanced take on being physically and psychologically healthy.
What makes it special: Unlike most self-help books, this is brutally honest about the pain required for transformation. Goggins lived through extreme poverty, racism, and abuse, then became a Navy SEAL and ultra-marathon runner. His story is seen as inspirational for many who want to rewrite their lives too.
Perfect for:
- Anyone seeking extreme mental toughness and self-discipline
- Athletes and military personnel facing intense challenges
- People wanting practical inspiration to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
Key takeaway: Goggins says that most of our limitations are self-imposed. Through extreme discipline and honest self-assessment, we might transcend what we thought was possible.
11. On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Goodreads.com star rating = 4.32/5
This compassionate guide helps us understand that grief is not a problem to be solved. It is a process to be experienced. The famous five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are not a rigid sequence. They serve as a framework for understanding the complex emotions that go with loss.
What makes it special: This book was written by the original creator of the five-stage model, Kübler-Ross. It clarifies misconceptions about grief. It also provides practical guidance. It normalises the messy, non-linear nature of grieving and offers hope without false promises.
Perfect for:
- Anyone coping with the death of a loved one or other major loss,
- Caregivers and therapists supporting grieving individuals,
- People wanting to understand the emotional landscape of grief before they need it.
Key takeaway: Grief is deeply personal and non-linear. Healing comes through accepting and honoring our unique grieving process rather than trying to “get over” loss quickly.
What Resonates With You?
Despite their diverse topics, these books share several important themes:
- Acceptance over avoidance: Whether dealing with grief, difficult emotions, or life’s uncertainties, acceptance proves more effective than resistance.
- The power of perspective: How we think about our circumstances often matters more than the circumstances themselves.
- Growth through challenge: Difficult experiences, when properly processed, become sources of strength and wisdom.
- The importance of evidence-based thinking: In finance, science, or personal development, decisions based on evidence are more successful than wishful thinking.
Each of these books have earned high ratings. They offer practical wisdom that can genuinely transform how we think and live. They remind us that growth is possible at any stage of life. Understanding ourselves and our world more deeply is always worthwhile.
Stay tuned for the top 10…
Dr Damon Ashworth
Clinical Psychologist
Damon Ashworth Psychology 
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