If one of your goals this year is to strengthen your relationships, Adam Grant has some book recommendations for you. The Wharton organizational psychologist and best-selling author released his list of books to “feed your mind” in the upcoming year, and dedicated an entire section to relationships and communication.
“As I reviewed this winter’s new releases, I had three filters: screen out what’s inaccurate, impractical, and uninteresting,” he wrote in his newsletter Granted. “My recommended reads to start 2025 are brimming with thought-provoking ideas and data points—and they won’t put you to sleep.”
Here are four books Grant says can help you improve your communication and relationships.
1. ‘Outraged’ by Kurt Gray
Release date: January 14
Kurt Gray, a professor in psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, outlines the latest science on how people who have seemingly opposite beliefs might be able to find common ground.
He explores where moral judgement comes from and how we can combat the feelings of outrage that often divide us.
2. ‘Calling In’ by Loretta Ross
Release date: February 4
Activist Loretta Ross makes the argument that including people in conversation and finding shared values, as opposed to engaging in conflict, is a more effective way to inspire change. Ross, who teaches a course on “call-out culture” and white supremacy at Smith College, draws on her own experiences as a feminist and advocate for reproductive rights.
“This book is the ultimate antidote to cancel culture,” Grant wrote.
3. ‘Ping’ by Andrew Brodsky
Release date: February 11
In this book Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at the University of Texas at Austin, creates a guide to best communication practices in contemporary workplaces.
“Finally: an evidence-based guide to having better conversations by text, email, phone, video, and yes, even social media,” Grant wrote.
Some topics Brodsky focuses on include, when to choose an email, instant message, or video call, how to make better virtual first impressions, and how to build strong relationships at a distance.
4. ‘Validation’ by Caroline Fleck
Release date: February 18
Licensed psychologist and adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University Caroline Fleck believes that the key to being heard and understood is providing that experience for others. Validation, she says, is psychotherapy’s best-kept secret and can help us improve our relationships.
The book, Grant writes, “may make you a better parent, partner, colleague, and friend.”
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