New Books for Happy Brains

Three books have just been published on the brain science of happiness. Neuroscience nerds and psychology students rejoice. But not too much. You’ll flood your brain with all those chemicals. Which is your favorite? Backlist title recommendations on this topic are welcome in comments!

Happy Brain: Where Happiness Comes From, and Why by Dean Burnett

From the author of Idiot Brain, comedian-neuroscientist Dean Burnett’s latest investigative adventure mines for the source of happiness from pop stars and MRI technicians alike. Is it money, fame, love, or sex that makes us happy? Is there really a happiness center of the brain? Is it all just chemicals? What he fails to mention is the possibility that happiness may be traced back to his adorable Insta-cat Pickle. (W.W. Norton, May 2018)

What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite: Updated and Revised by David DiSalvo

Newly revised to include the latest research on the workings of the brain, this book tackles the paradox of how much of what makes our brains “happy” leads to errors, biases, and distortions, which cloud our judgment and muddle our decision making. Science journalist and neuro-blogger David DiSalvo distills the science behind how brains work into easy-to-understand lessons that will give average readers insights into their habitual behavior. (Prometheus Books, February 2018)

When Likes Aren’t Enough: A Crash Course in the Science of Happiness by Tim Bono

Aimed at today’s young adults dealing with social media envy, high-stakes testing, college rejections, and helicopter parents, psychology professor Dr. Tim Bono distills his popular college course on the science of happiness into this creative, often counter-intuitive, masterclass for young adults to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Also available on audio. (Grand Central Publishing, March 2018)