Books on Happiness: Q1 2026 Favorites

I was excited to explore happiness through a number of books in Q1 2026 that delved into connection, intention, and self-understanding. Each offered a different angle on what it means to truly thrive: the science of interpersonal synchrony, how much to share, how to feel we matter, what our emotions are trying to tell us, how to use design thinking for purposeful living, and how to navigate life's challenges. The most important takeaway for me is that happiness is an ongoing practice, not a destination.

Thank you to all the authors whose research and writing are helping us on our journey. 

Book list (most of these I listened to on Audible)

• Emotion Rules: The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom by Joshua Freedman (Mar 2026)

• Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself Up to Perform by Steve Magness (Feb 2025)

• Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing by Leslie John (Feb 2026)

• Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose by Jennifer Breheny Wallace (Jan 2026)

• The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar (Jan 2026)

• New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong by Stephanie Harrison (May 2024)

• Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony by Kate Murphy (Jan 2026)

• How to Live a Meaningful Life: Using Design Thinking to Unlock Purpose, Joy, and Flow Every Day by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans (Feb 2026)​​

• Atmosphere: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Jun 2025)