The New Books to Refresh Your Thinking in 2026
How to set boundaries, boost well-being, enhance communication, navigate change, and improve civic life.
Most information goes in one ear and out the other. Great books have a lasting impact on how we think and who we become.
My favorite new releases this winter explore how to set boundaries, boost well-being, enhance communication, navigate change, and improve civic life.
BOUNDARIES
1. Poisonous People by social psychologist Leanne ten Brinke (March)
How to recognize, avoid, and neutralize narcissists, psychopaths, and Machiavellians.
2. The Balancing Act by therapist Nedra Tawwab (February)
Walking the tightrope between setting boundaries and staying open.
WELL-BEING
3. Flourish by journalist Dan Coyle (February)
Why certain people, projects, and places make us feel alive.
4. Mattering by journalist Jennifer Wallace (January)
Where we should look for purpose and contribution.
COMMUNICATION
5. The Story of Stories by technologist Kevin Ashton (March)
A journey through the hidden past and potential future of narratives.
6. Revealing by behavioral scientist Leslie John (February)
The science and practice of healthy vulnerability.
7. Your Best Meeting Ever by management scientist Rebecca Hinds (February)
Ways to eliminate pointless gatherings—and make the most of our time together.
CHANGE
8. Jolted by organizational psychologist Anthony Klotz (March)
How to decide whether to stay or leave your job—and other relationships too.
9. The Other Side of Change by cognitive scientist Maya Shankar (January)
Finding purpose after adversity and possibility under uncertainty.
CIVIC LIFE
10. Politics Without Politicians by political scientist Hélène Landemore (February)
What if citizens ran the government?
11. We the Women by journalist Norah O’Donnell (February)
The forgotten history of the heroines who shaped America.
12. The Triangle of Power by political scientist and head of state Alexander Stubb (January)
The present and future of geopolitics, from Finland’s president and former prime minister.
What books are you most excited about for 2026, and what was your favorite read of 2025?
Regarding poisonous people: the best thing I’ve ever done was to cancel my cable subscription. All the criteria described is instantly removed from my environment. More time for my classical music, playing my Native American flutes and my Violin. I only have myself to blame if there is angst in my immediate environment.
I think you should look at Priorities Determine Everything, Uncover the Truth About What Holds You Back. Free copies at the moment on Gumroad markap.gumroad.com/l/wazknr