I was always a reader who leaned heavily in favour of fiction, even if I was not actively avoiding non-fiction. But oh, how times have changed! Over the past few years, I’ve undergone a literary transformation, gradually venturing into the realm of autobiographies, sociology, psychology, self-help, health, and wellness. And let me tell you, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Not only have these books expanded my horizons, but they’ve also ignited a newfound passion for learning and personal growth.
So, consider this list my humble offering—an eclectic mix of non-fiction gems that have captured my heart and mind. It’s by no means exhaustive, but rather a curated selection of must-reads based on my personal journey from non-fiction skeptic to enthusiastic advocate. From gripping memoirs to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition, these books have left an indelible mark on me, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you.
Title: Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Author: Ethan Kross Genre: Non-fiction, Psychology, Personal Development Publish Date: Jan 26, 2021 # of Pages: 272 Rating: 4/5
(Goodreads) An award-winning psychologist reveals the hidden power of our inner voice and shows how to harness it to combat anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and deepen our relationships with others. Tell a stranger that you talk to yourself, and you’re likely to get written off as eccentric. But the truth is that we all have a voice in our head. When we talk to ourselves, we often hope to tap into our inner coach but find our inner critic instead. When we’re facing a tough task, our inner coach can buoy us up: Focus–you can do this. But, just as often, our inner critic sinks us entirely: I’m going to fail. They’ll all laugh at me. What’s the use? In Chatter, acclaimed psychologist Ethan Kross explores the silent conversations we have with ourselves. Interweaving groundbreaking behavioral and brain research from his own lab with real-world case studies–from a pitcher who forgets how to pitch, to a Harvard undergrad negotiating her double life as a spy–Kross explains how these conversations shape our lives, work, and relationships. He warns that giving in to negative and disorienting self-talk–what he calls “chatter”–can tank our health, sink our moods, strain our social connections, and cause us to fold under pressure. But the good news is that we’re already equipped with the tools we need to make our inner voice work in our favor. These tools are often hidden in plain sight–in the words we use to think about ourselves, the technologies we embrace, the diaries we keep in our drawers, the conversations we have with our loved ones, and the cultures we create in our schools and workplaces. Brilliantly argued, expertly researched, and filled with compelling stories, Chatter gives us the power to change the most important conversation we have each day: the one we have with ourselves.
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