Metamorphosis: How and Why We Change by Polly Morland – review
Most of us are wary of change, but it can be the making of us, according to this persuasive study
Sally Brampton obituary
Women’s magazine editor and author whose memoir Shoot the Damn Dog recounted her experience of depression
Dietland by Sarai Walker review – fat is still a feminist issue
A bold debut about female self-loathing and the representation of women in the media
The Path by Michael Puett & Christine Gross-Loh – how to turn your life around
Forget navel-gazing – the authors of this bestselling self-help book claim that ancient Chinese wisdom offers an easy way to the good life. But does it say anything new?
The Voices Within: The History and Science of How We Talk to Ourselves by Charles Fernyhough – review
Hearing voices can be as much a sign of creativity as madness, according to an intriguing new psychological study
Book an appointment: doctors to prescribe novels in new scheme
The Reading Well for Young People campaign lists books to help young people deal with mental-health issues and will be available at surgeries and libraries
Forget mindfulness, stop trying to find yourself and start faking it
Why is the history of Chinese philosophy now the most popular course at Harvard? Top tips on how to become a better person according to Confucius and co
Adventures in Human Being by Gavin Francis review – a tour round our bodies
A beautifully written guide to our wonders and weaknesses
Reading from Behind: A Cultural Analysis of the Anus review – getting to the bottom of ‘anal theory’
It might be shortlisted for the oddest title of the year award, but Jonathan Allen’s book is a serious work of theory, exploring the backside as a site of humiliation and disgust
States of Mind edited by Anna Faherty review – ‘a compelling collection’
Mark Haddon introduces this fascinating book, which looks at the nature of consciousness through literature, science, art and case studies