The holiday season is officially coming to an end—it’s time to stop dreaming of “becoming a better version of yourself” and start taking action. You can even do this without the use of questionable drugs, like in the film “Substance,” which, by the way, gave rise to the meme with this phrase. You need desire and good books. We’re sharing new non-fiction titles that will help you get yourself in order and take a step towards a happier life. All these publications will be presented at the Moscow International Book Fair from September 2nd to 6th.
Rami Kaminsky, “The Otrovert: The Gift of Not Belonging”
A psychiatrist with 40 years of experience, Rami Kaminsky challenges Jung’s classic dichotomy and introduces a third, previously undescribed personality type—the otrovert (from the Spanish otro, meaning “other”). This is neither a shy introvert nor a boisterous extrovert, but a person who doesn’t need to belong to any group to feel happy. The extrovert’s greatest gift is freedom from the herd instinct: they don’t seek the approval of the crowd, and their self-esteem isn’t dependent on the opinions of others. In the book, the author, citing examples from Kafka to Einstein, proves that dissimilarity is not a disadvantage, but a superpower that allows you to live by your own rules, think outside the “hive” and build deep personal connections without obligations to the team.
Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People. Basic. Updated Translation 2.0”
The famous American writer, teacher and psychologist Dale Carnegie stood at the origins of communication theory and developed effective communication strategies that have remained in demand all over the world for decades. His absolute bestseller on how to win friends and influence people has been upgraded with a more accurate and complete translation. This means the author’s practices will become even clearer: they will teach you how to win over your interlocutor, awaken their trust, and successfully avoid conflicts in conversation.
Alina Ishanova, “Free from Anxiety. Therapeutic Practices That Will Help You Feel Your Worth and Let Go of Your Fears”
Alina Ishanova is a psychologist, blogger, and author of the “Anxious Suitcase” method, which is based on a real street experiment. One day, she set up a small table on a pedestrian street in Orenburg and invited people she passed to write down words that had once pierced their hearts, and then “let them go” by dropping the note into a jar. This simple gesture demonstrated that pain, expressed in writing, noticeably alleviates emotional distress and allows one to rethink the situation. The book includes those very same anonymous notes from passersby, real stories, and practices that allow people to shed the burden of old grievances, fears, and painful doubts about their own worth. The psychologist carefully guides the reader and suggests tools that will help to ecologically sort out anxieties through physical experience and form a stable system of self-support.
Dasha Shamash, “Love is not a feeling. How to Choose the One with Whom You’ll Last
Experienced journalist and psychological educator Dasha Shamashu, whose columns include Oops, Yes, Cosmo, Elle, and Elle Girl, addresses a pressing issue: why women choose abusive and manipulative men and how to find the one with whom you’ll truly live happily ever after. The secret is that love is a conscious choice based on a harmonious relationship with yourself, not just chemistry and butterflies. The author offers an honest conversation about self-worth, boundaries, and why things don’t work out. A big plus of the book is Dasha’s signature humor, without which reading about your own mistakes would be unpleasant, but with it, it’s like sitting with a friend who knows everything about you and still makes you laugh until you cry.
Veronica Pecherskaya, “Adult Copybooks for Improving Self-Esteem”
Crisis psychologist Veronica Pecherskaya offers an unexpected approach: work on self-esteem through fine motor skills and writing. No complicated theory, just a notebook, a pen, and short assignments for each day. The idea is that the body and brain are more closely connected than it seems: when you write down on paper “I have the right to make mistakes,” “My boundaries are important,” “My value is self-evident,” the phrase ceases to be abstract and literally becomes ingrained in your muscle memory. Over time, your handwriting becomes more confident, and with it, your inner voice. It’s like a journal with a simple, almost meditative tool for working on creating inner support.
Betty Holbreich, “Style Isn’t About Clothes. Life, Style, and Resilience Lessons from a Woman Who Defied Trends”
Betty Holbreich is one of Hollywood’s leading stylists and the renowned director of personal shopping at the iconic New York department store, Bergdorf Goodman. She began her career at 49, having survived a divorce, a nervous breakdown, and a stint in a psychiatric hospital. In her book, the fashion legend shares her style and wardrobe secrets, as well as principles of inner resilience in the face of life’s challenges. She speaks of a sense of self-worth that doesn’t depend on the brand name on the label. Through personal stories and reflections on age, beauty, and freedom, Betty teaches you how to rebuild yourself with simple things: a morning ritual, a favorite blouse, and the ability to say no to what’s not yours.
