The 12 New Books to Enliven Spring and Summer

How we can build a better future, accomplish great things, and enhance our mental and physical health.

A good book introduces us to an exciting world. A great book introduces us to an exciting worldview.

That’s the promise of the new releases on my reading list for spring and summer. They explore how we can build a better future, accomplish great things, and enhance our mental and physical health.

A BETTER FUTURE

1. Human Raised by pediatric surgeon Dana Suskind (July)

How to protect our children—and our humanity—in the age of AI.

2. Incorruptible by entrepreneur Eric Ries (May)

A road map to preventing people and organizations from making unethical decisions.

3. Leave the Lights On by social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn and sustainability expert Jiaying Zhao (June)

Fun ways to protect the environment and fight climate change.

SUCCESS

4. Inside the Box by science journalist David Epstein (May)

How smart limits can unblock insight, unlock creativity, and unleash potential.

5. The Power of Beliefs by positive psychology evangelist Shawn Achor (May)

The mindsets that can transform our trajectories and propel us to new heights.

6. Why We Talk Funny by linguist Valerie Fridland (April)

Why we have different accents, and how they shape our success.

MENTAL HEALTH

7. How to Not Know by journalist Simone Stolzoff (May)

A guide to embracing uncertainty in a time of foolish conviction.

8. Joyful Anyway by divinity professor Kate Bowler (April)

Where to find light even when the world seems dark.

9. Anxietyland by cartoonist Gemma Correll (April)

Get ready to laugh at your neuroses—and feel seen, too.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

10. You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong by gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha (April)

Never thought I’d recommend reading about “poophoria,” but this adventure through joyful bowel movements and the gut-brain connection is too good to miss.

11. The Plunge by sports journalist Chris Ballard (June)

A deep dive into the cold water craze—one of the most controversial health, fitness, and athletic obsessions of our time.

12. Walk by chiropractor Courtney Conley and physical therapist Milica McDowell (May)

It’s about much more than counting our steps—this book explores how movement enriches our lives.