The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz – review
Stephen Grosz's collection of case histories makes the case for psychoanalysis in the subtlest of ways, writes Alexander Linklater
Blue Monday: a depressing day of nonsense science (again)
Dean Burnett: In the spirit of Blue Monday, here are the equations for the perfect first date, the best late-night junk food and the ideal Bank Holiday shop
The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find Ourselves – review
By recounting real-life stories that have stayed with him, Grosz offers an intriguing insight into contemporary psychoanalysis, writes Susanna Rustin
Consumed: How Shopping Fed the Class System by Harry Wallop – review
In his breezy romp through the intricacies of our social structure, Wallop declares that Guardian readers are Wood-Burning Stovers and Prescotts are Blackpool Posh, writes Sam Leith
Kumbh Mela festival is proof that crowds can be good for you
Stephen Reicher: It's overcrowded, noisy and insanitary, but a study suggests the Kumbh Mela improves devotees' mental and physical wellbeing
Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova – review
Emulating Conan-Doyle's fictional sleuth requires more than a deerstalker and a predilection for the violin – attention to detail and a questioning, methodical approach are vital, writes Sam Leith
Zig Ziglar and staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down, Down world
Oliver Burkeman: Britons may have grounds to sneer at positive-thinking gurus, but the late 'Master of Motivation' knew life was also hard work
Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks – review
Our minds play tricks on us far more often than you might think. In his new volume Oliver Sacks cites a host of vivid examples, writes Lisa Appignanesi
Best psychology books of 2012
From Adam Phillips to Steven Pinker, experts in several fields have pushed the boundaries in our understanding of the mind, writes Lisa Appignanesi
Computer test could spot children at risk of developing depression
Test could be used to screen 11- and 12-year-olds, alerting doctors to those most likely to succumb to debilitating illnesses