The 8 New Idea Books to Start Spring
On AI, mental health, love, communication, strategy, judgment, habits, and success.
Reading the news is a good way to gain information about the world. Reading books is the best way to gain access to new worldviews.
As I’ve read early copies of the nonfiction books launching over the next month, eight have had a lasting impact on my perspective.
1. Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
My favorite AI maven presents the ultimate explainer on how tools like chatGPT and Claude can make us smarter.
2. The Twentysomething Treatment by Meg Jay
With clarity and compassion, a leading clinical psychologist offers powerful insight on what causes—and cures—quarterlife crises.
3. Somehow by Anne Lamott
An eloquent meditation from a beloved author on the process of judging less and caring more.
4. Says Who? by Anne Curzan
A linguist serves up a guide to using words that will delight everyone who loves language—and put the grammar police in their place.
5. Move by Move by Maurice Ashley
The chess grandmaster I admire most shares the life lessons from the great game of strategy.
6. May Contain Lies by Alex Edmans
An economist examines how to recognize misinformation, interpret data, and distinguish fact from fiction.
7. The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton
An eye-opening look from a social psychologist at why we swear by certain routines—and how we can build more enriching ones.
8. The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
The entrepreneur and marketing guru delivers a financial security playbook that’s packed with his signature blend of wit and wisdom.
For a preview of some of these ideas on my podcast:
Ethan Mollick: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
Maurice Ashley: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
Meg Jay and Anne Lamott: coming April 9 and 16
Thanks for your recommendations. I appreciate your insights. Would you consider linking to bookshop.org in lieu of or in addition to Amazon? Our independent bookstores play significant roles in our local communities and make our world a better place. I only buy from local bookstores.
I've discovered Anne Lamott recently as she has written some excellent books on writing so will keep an eye out for this one. As for books about tech/AI I tend to stay away as the content can't keep up with changes in the tech sphere and they usually become obsolete halfway through reading them. I used to write a weekly newsletter on technology and was amazed at how fast something that was the latest innovation one week became old by the next.