How to Fail by Elizabeth Day review – learning from things going wrong
The novelist shares lessons from the challenges in her own life and those of famous interviewees
How the Brain Lost Its Mind review – beyond hysteria
In this study of psychiatry and neurology, Allan Ropper and BD Burrell ask: does mental illness reside in the brain or the mind?
Meaty by Samantha Irby review – scatological essays
Outspoken and defiant musings on dating, renting, running out of money – and caring for a parent
I used to scoff at self-help. Then I found out it works
I thought simple life advice was a step towards narcissism – until I started listening to an upbeat California podcast, says writer and critic Alex Clark
Nonfiction to look out for in 2020
The next 12 months promise brave books on positivity, daughters trying to fathom their mothers and the twilight world of the terminally ill
Hate baby showers and dinner parties? Sarah Knight wants you to say no
The sweary self-help guru behind a string of bestsellers explains her evangelical faith in turning down everything from lunch to love
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay review – more matchless stories from A&E
From the author of This Is Going to Hurt, funny, disgusting and moving tales with a festive twist – and a show of support for overworked NHS staff
Eat rats and throw poo at the horizon: can Bear Grylls help me survive any disaster?
What could you kill and eat in Hyde Park? How do you fight off an angry dog? And how do you put a nosy journalist in his place? The SAS man turned TV star shows off his survival skills
The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond review – too stimulating by far…
Nature, mindfulness and walking the dog can all aid relaxation, but how did we get so restless to start with?
Do you take hours to make a simple decision? You may have Fobo
Fear of missing out has a more anxious sibling, and could stop you going to social events – or buying your Christmas turkey. Here’s what is behind fear of better options