Recommended Reading List

Dr. Manoff’s note: I do not necessarily endorse or agree with all the viewpoints, conclusions, and opinions found in these books. Some of the content found in this diverse list may even contradict each other. However, the perspectives, stories, insights, and research presented below have been invaluable in my development as a professional and as a human being. I hope these books offer you a similar opportunity for contemplation, growth, and understanding.

Mental and Emotional Health

• “It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People” - Ramani Durvasula, PhD
  A guide to recognizing narcissistic personality traits in others, understanding their impact on mental health, and learning to protect oneself and heal from narcissistic relationships.

• “Feeling Good” - David D. Burns, MD
  Offers practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques for managing depression and reshaping negative thoughts.

• “Darkness Visible” - William Styron
  A personal memoir that provides an intimate portrayal of the experience of depression.

• “Trauma and Recovery” - Judith Herman, MD
  A comprehensive guide to understanding trauma and the process of healing, beneficial for trauma survivors.

• “Emotional Intelligence” - Daniel Goleman, PhD
  Explains the importance of emotional awareness and empathy in fostering healthy relationships and self-regulation.

• “The Happiness Trap” - Russ Harris, MD
  Introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help readers manage difficult emotions and lead a fulfilling life.

• “Building a Life Worth Living” - Marsha Linehan, PhD
  Memoir of the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, sharing insights into creating a meaningful life despite emotional struggles, particularly related to borderline personality disorder.

• “Good Morning, Monster” - Catherine Gildener, PhD
  Real-life therapy stories that highlight the transformative potential of healing and personal resilience.

Meaning and Purpose

• “Man’s Search for Meaning” - Viktor Frankl, MD, PhD
  Explores finding purpose and resilience in suffering, based on Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps.

• “The Courage to Be Disliked” - Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
  A guide to embracing self-worth and rejecting people-pleasing, inspired by Adlerian psychology.

• “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” - Haruki Murakami
  A reflective memoir on the parallels between running and the discipline needed for self-discovery and personal growth.

• “Can’t Hurt Me” - David Goggins
  A motivational account of pushing past mental barriers and building resilience through extreme physical and mental challenges.

Relationships and Attachment

• “The Secret Life of Families” - Evan Imber-Black, PhD
  Examines the impact of family secrets on individual identity and family dynamics.

• “The Primal Wound” - Nancy Newton Verrier, PhD
  Examines the psychological impact of adoption, particularly around issues of identity and attachment.

• “Eight Dates” - John Gottman, PhD and Julie Gottman, PhD
  Structured conversations to help couples strengthen their relationship and deepen their emotional connection.

• “Love Sense” - Sue Johnson, EdD
  Explores the science of adult bonding, explaining how to create secure and lasting romantic relationships.

• “Not Just Friends” - Shirley Glass, PhD
  A guide to preventing and recovering from infidelity, with practical strategies for rebuilding trust.

• “What Women Want” - Max and Miller, PhD
  Examines social expectations surrounding female desires, providing insights into relationship needs and boundaries.

Grief and Loss

• “Six Stages of Grief” - David Kessler
  A compassionate framework for understanding and processing grief, helpful for those working through loss.

• “How to Heal a Broken Heart” - Guy Winch, PhD
  Practical advice for grief and recovering from romantic loss.

• "A Matter of Death and Life: Love, Loss, and What Matters in the End" - Irvin D. Yalom and Marilyn Yalom
  Reflections on love, mortality, and finding meaning in loss from a couple confronting the end of life together.

Gender and Identity

• “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” - Terrence Real, PhD
  Explores male depression and the psychological cost of emotional suppression in men.

• “The Case Against the Sexual Revolution” - Louise Perry
  Critiques modern sexual norms and their impact on women, encouraging reflection on personal values and social expectations.

• “The Velvet Rage” - Alan Downs
  An exploration of the struggles gay men face with shame and societal rejection, offering a path toward self-acceptance.

• “The Mask of Masculinity” - Lewis Howes
  An exploration of how societal expectations of masculinity impact men’s emotional well-being and relationships.

Social Psychology and Behavior

• “The Elephant in the Brain” - Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson
  Investigates the hidden motives behind our actions, offering insights into self-awareness and human behavior.

• “How to Win Friends and Influence People” - Dale Carnegie
  Classic advice on building positive social relationships and effective communication skills.

• “Lying” - Sam Harris, PhD
  A philosophical look at the importance of honesty, arguing that even “white lies” can erode trust and authenticity in relationships.

Society and Culture

• “Lost Connections” - Johann Hari
  Explores environmental and social causes of depression, offering a broadened perspective on mental health and well-being.

• “Life at the Bottom” - Theodore Dalrymple, MD
  A psychological perspective on poverty, addiction, and social despair, highlighting empathy and understanding of social issues.