psychology book reviews

By Raisa AW

What is this website?

about

This website is used for psychologists, aspiring students, or just people with general interests to psychology -- searching for books about the topic ranging from fiction to educational books

codes

fiction- pink

educational/nonfiction- red

other- black

Gone Girl

Author

Gillian Flynn

Plot summary

“Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn is a thrilling tale of a seemingly perfect marriage turned sour when Amy Dunne goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary, and her husband, Nick, becomes the prime suspect. As the police investigation and media frenzy unravel hidden secrets, the story takes shocking twists and turns, exposing the dark, manipulative games played by both spouses, leading to a suspenseful and jaw-dropping conclusion.

My review and rating

I started reading this book due to the movie adaptation starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. I read this book knowing the plot and it’s razor-sharp (literally) plot twists and I still gasped when the truth was unveiled. Moreover, the book gave me a great insight to the sick personalities of the main characters which really solved the puzzle pieces for me when watching the movie. Overall a great read if you’re into psychological thrillers and not-so-sweet Mary Sues. 4.7/5

Man’s search for meaning

Author

Viktor E. Frankl

Plot summary

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl is a poignant account of his experiences as a Holocaust survivor in Nazi concentration camps. In this profound book, Frankl not only describes the horrors of the camps but also explores the human capacity to find meaning and purpose in the midst of extreme suffering, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience.

My review and rating

The reason why this book is categorized as a psychological book is due to its distinctive viewpoint on the human psyche under challenging circumstances. The invention of logotherapy by Viktor himself, which emphasizes the need for meaning as an essential trait of humanity, has had a significant impact on the field of psychology. It has influenced therapeutic strategies that aim to support people in finding meaning in their lives. It’s a very thought provoking book and an easy read to those who don’t consider themselves bookworms. 5/5

The Bell Jar

Author

Sylvia Plath

Plot summary

"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who spirals into mental illness and depression. Set in the 1950s, the book explores Esther's struggles with societal expectations, the constraints of gender roles, and her gradual descent into the titular "bell jar" of emotional confinement as she grapples with her own identity and the oppressive norms of her time.

My review and rating

Although I did enjoy Plath’s writing style and her interesting use of personifications, it's important to highlight the book's racism, especially in its bigoted portrayal of race and culture. The text(s) which stood out to me the most was when Plath uses the metaphor of figs to represent the protagonist’s battle with societal pressures and her crushing sense of being trapped. I feel like it was an interesting way to engage readers inside the novel's psychological problems. 3.9/5

Maybe you should talk to someone

Author

Lori Gottlieb

Plot summary

"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb is a captivating memoir that follows the author, a therapist, as she navigates her own crisis and seeks therapy herself while also providing therapy to her clients. Through her experiences and those of her patients, the book explores the complexities of human emotions, the healing power of therapy, and the universal need for connection and understanding.

My review and rating

The author's ability to capture the profound nature of self-reflection and personal growth through therapy struck a chord with me, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in psychology and emotional well-being. The book's touching quote, "The most painful things seem unbearable only in retrospect," also stood out to me. 4.5/5