Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a South African author and avid miner of trivia nuggets. Psychology has always fascinated me and for the past decade, I’ve been lucky enough to make a living writing about the odd and the puzzling, most notably at Listverse.com. I love sharing the most jaw-dropping facts about the human mind, plainly to change the notion that psychology is a dry academic topic. I hope you’ll enjoy the books I’ve suggested - there is something for everyone; from fiction, trivia, and well-being, to a book that puts Batman on the therapy couch!


I wrote

How to Kill an Earworm: And 500+ Other Psychology Facts You Need to Know

By Jana Louise Smit ,

Book cover of How to Kill an Earworm: And 500+ Other Psychology Facts You Need to Know

What is my book about?

Discover why you were always afraid of a monster under your childhood bed and how to recognize “moonwalking,” a little-known…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More!

Jana Louise Smit Why I love this book

I chose this book for a trip because it’s compact (easy to pack) and brimming with psychology facts.

Instead of staring at the plane’s ceiling for hours, I disappeared into a fun refresher course on the core ideas of psychology. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to brush up on their foundational concepts in a way that feels natural and entertaining.

By Paul Kleinman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Psych 101 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A hands-on approach to exploring the human mind

Too often, textbooks turn the noteworthy theories, principles, and experiments of psychology into tedious discourse that even Freud would want to repress. Psych 101 cuts out the boring details and statistics, and instead, gives you a lesson in psychology that keeps you engaged - and your synapses firing.

From personality quizzes and the Rorschach Blot Test to B.F. Skinner and the stages of development, this primer for human behavior is packed with hundreds of entertaining psychology basics and quizzes you can't get anywhere else.

So whether you're looking to unravel the intricacies…


Book cover of How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life

Jana Louise Smit Why I love this book

What sets this book apart from others on the topic is that the author doesn’t drown you in background information.

She focuses on practical steps which even helped a lazy individual like myself (a natural hygge person?) to stick to habits that consistently bring more joy and positivity into my life. 

By Signe Johansen ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Hygge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The “Danish coziness” philosophy is fast becoming the new “French living” in terms of aspirational lifestyle books and blogs. There are countless viral articles comparing the happiness levels of Americans versus Danes. Their homes are more homey; their people are more cheerful. It’s an attitude that defies definition, but there is a name for this slow-moving, stress-free mindset: hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”). Hygge values the idea of cherishing yourself: candlelight, bakeries, and dinner with friends; a celebration of experiences over possessions, as well as being kind to yourself and treasuring a sense of community.

How to Hygge by chef and author…


Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Paper Ghosts: A Novel of Suspense

Jana Louise Smit Why I love this book

As a hardcore fan of psychological thrillers, I’m familiar with all the recurring themes of this genre. But this book was a surprise.

Masterfully written, the author took to my nerves with pliers and kept me hooked with great twists and suspense-craft. I definitely recommend Paper Ghosts to well-read thriller fans who want something fresh and most of all; an unforgettable plot. 

Book cover of Mensa Mind Benders: 100 Logic Games and Puzzles to Improve Your Memory, Exercise Your Brain, and Keep Your Mind Sharp

Jana Louise Smit Why I love this book

On some evenings, I like to curl up in bed with a brain-squeezing puzzle.

What I appreciated about this activity book are the various game genres and degrees of difficulty. This allowed me to select a puzzle based on my interest and focus level of the moment.

Overall, it’s a hearty collection of challenges for anyone who loves getting lost in riddles, mazes, and numbers.

By David Millar ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mensa Mind Benders as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mensa is a huge international organization with hundreds of thousands of members worldwide; it is the oldest and largest High-IQ society, and very well-respected. We have the exclusive right to publish these books with American Mensa. Each of our books will be branded with Mensa's name and logo, and they will help promote the books. This new series will be upbeat, fun, and more attractive than older Mensa publications, along the lines of Mental Floss' series.


Ad

Book cover of The Bridge: Connecting The Powers of Linear and Circular Thinking

The Bridge by Kim Hudson,

The Bridge provides a compassionate and well researched window into the worlds of linear and circular thinking. A core pattern to the inner workings of these two thinking styles is revealed, and most importantly, insight into how to cross the distance between them. Some fascinating features emerged such as, circular…

Book cover of Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight

Jana Louise Smit Why I love this book

The idea of analyzing Batman's mind as if he were a real person intrigued me enough to get this book.

I expected a tongue-in-cheek read but it turned out to be a stunningly well-researched piece of work. What surprised me, even more, was how much I learned about psychology as the author dove deeply into the minds of Batman, his enemies, and his fans.

Explore my book 😀

How to Kill an Earworm: And 500+ Other Psychology Facts You Need to Know

By Jana Louise Smit ,

Book cover of How to Kill an Earworm: And 500+ Other Psychology Facts You Need to Know

What is my book about?

Discover why you were always afraid of a monster under your childhood bed and how to recognize “moonwalking,” a little-known form of gaslighting. Covering six branches of psychology, this book is packed with hundreds of unusual facts guaranteed to give you a new perspective on your own mind through entertaining trivia and challenging quiz questions!

Book cover of Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More!
Book cover of How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
Book cover of Paper Ghosts: A Novel of Suspense

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,278

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of Currently Away: How Two Disenchanted People Traveled the Great Loop for Nine Months and Returned to the Start, Energized and Optimistic

Currently Away by Bruce A. Tate,

The plan was insane. The trap seemed to snap shut on Bruce and Maggie Tate, an isolation forced on them by the pandemic and America's growing political factionalism. Something had to change.

Maggie's surprising answer: buy a boat, learn to pilot it, and embark on the Great Loop. With no…

Book cover of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755-1842

Louise-Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755-1842 by Judith Lissauer Cromwell,

This biography follows the remarkable life of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, whose portraits of European high society hang in many of the world’s most important galleries.

As a young woman in the male dominated society of late 18th century France, she was denied an artistic education and forced to nurture…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in psychology, quality of life, and murder?

Psychology 2,137 books
Quality Of Life 28 books
Murder 1,133 books