Now that you know the importance of solving problems and thinking critically, it’s time to delve into the best books on critical thinking and problem solving. These books will give you a deeper understanding of both concepts and how to use them in all aspects of your life.
What Makes a Critical Thinking Book the “Best”?
The term “best” is so broad that it could mean different things in various situations. The best book on a certain subject is one that is highly relevant to the topic, expansive and comprehensive in its details, and popular with its readers.
All the books on this list share the above-mentioned qualities. They have four to five-star ratings and positive comments on review sites and forums like Quora and Reddit. Additionally, they offer vast discussions and instructions about how to implement the recommended practices.
Read More:
- The Ultimate Guide To Critical Thinking
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- 12 Critical Thinking Interview Questions and Scenarios With Sample Answers
- How To Improve Critical Thinking Skills At Work And Make Better Decisions
- 5 Creative and Critical Thinking Examples In Workplace
- 12 Common Barriers To Critical Thinking (And How To Overcome Them)
- How To Promote Critical Thinking In The Workplace
- What Is The Role Of Communication In Critical Thinking?
10 of the Best Books on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
These are 10 of the best books to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can start your journey with any one of them and become a master at the evaluative and problem-resolution processes.
Two of the title names have been shortened. You can click on the links to see the full titles of all referenced books.
1. “Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies” by John Cohen
The “dummies” books are popular with people worldwide because of their humorous way of breaking down complex topics and putting them into laymen’s terms. This particular book has a 4.5-star rating from more than 500 readers.
The book pledges to teach readers how to:
- Assess their thinking skills
- Separate facts from opinions
- Understand a writer’s position
- Read between the lines
- Use the information they collect to create solid arguments
The writer takes a solid philosophical stance in his teachings and is said to mention his unbelief in spiritual matters and deity in the text. Thus, his work might be an excellent option for readers with a solid philosophical or psychology-based stance.
2. “Master Your Mind: Critical-Thinking Exercises and Activities to Boost Brain Power and Think Smarter” by Marcel Denesi PhD
This book is suitable for people who already have a background in psychology or philosophy but need a firmer grasp on deductive reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the like. It uses puzzles, case studies, and real-world scenarios to train readers to think more critically before drawing conclusions.
The reading material has an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars from 47 readers. Most reviewers said that the book gave them a brain boost and helped them become better thinkers. You can consider it one of the best books on critical thinking and problem solving for intermediate thinkers who want to advance their skills.
3. “Critical Thinking: This book includes: Beginner’s guide and Critical Thinking Skills” by Carl Patterson
This set includes two books that can help readers become better critical thinkers and problem solvers. One book teaches the readers to draw conclusions using logical reasoning. The second book helps people who read the first book to use deep analysis and think of effective solutions to various challenges and problems.
The book only has a one-star rating thus far, but it’s a perfect five-star rating. It might be worth taking a chance on it, as it could be one of the best critical thinking books of all time.
4. “Critical Thinking: The Basics” by Stuart Hanscomb
The above-mentioned book is perhaps one of the best critical thinking books for beginners. It teaches readers about psychology, emotions, and persuasion and how those elements affect the choices they make. It also goes into argument evaluation once it covers the basics of critical thinking.
Users rated this book 4.7 out of five stars. Positive reviewers claimed that it gave them tools they could use in their personal and work lives.
5. “Critical Thinking & Dark Psychology Secrets 101” by Pamela Hughes
The book, as mentioned above, is a unique piece that takes readers onto the dark roads of psychological manipulation and social influence so that they can understand how to make more informed decisions. Sometimes, it’s necessary to learn how things work from the other side to gain an advantage over your thought processes. Therefore, the book teaches concepts such as:
- Myth and truth recognition
- How to read other people
- The best methods to avoid being manipulated
- Tips for creative problem-solving
This book does not have many comments, but it has a five-star rating. It may be an excellent read for someone who doesn’t mind taking the risk.
6. “Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything” by Charles Conn
This book is a straightforward guide to performing complex strategic problem-solving in the 21st century. It provides real-world business-related issues to help readers learn to tackle them effectively, and it’s one of the best sources for successfully navigating the modern workplace.
7. “The Art of Problem Solving 101:Improve Your Critical Thinking and Decision Making Skills and Learn How to Solve Problems” by Michael Sloan
Michael Sloan’s book teaches people that they are natural problem solvers who need to learn how to fine-tune their skills and bring the best out of them themselves. It not only uses a comprehensive method to teach people to problem-solve, but it instructs individuals who have difficulty facing adversity. It’s a perfect match for people who want to learn how to survive, endure hardships, and come out on top.
Readers rated the book 4.3 out of five stars. The most common positive comments about the book were that it is concise, informational, and extremely helpful. The author has many other books on the shelf with related topics.
8. “Think Out of The Box (Power-Up Your Brain)” by Som Bathla
This hardcover book is a heavy hitter when it comes to problem-solving and decision-making. Its readers rated it 4.3 stars out of five stars and deemed it an excellent book worth the time.
By the time a new reader finishes this book, he or she is expected to know how to think faster, smarter, and more creatively. Furthermore, the reader will develop the skills to boost creativity and activate left-brain thinking. It’s a solid option for beginners as well as intermediate thinkers.
9. “Critical Thinking and Analytical Mind: The Art of Making Decisions and Solving Problems. Think Clearly, Avoid Cognitive Biases and Fallacies in Systems. Improve Listening Skills. Be a Logical Thinker” by Marcus P. Dawson
This developmental guide explores analytical thinking and critical thinking from a self-improvement angle. It seeks to teach its readers how to:
- Improve critical thinking skills
- Identify and resolve hindrances and self-sabotaging obstacles
- Get involved in daily essential exercises for thinking
- Apply crucial thinking to employment decisions
- Help instill critical thinking principles in children
The book has 300 pages full of readworthy knowledge for you to explore. It’s a great pick if you have the time to dedicate yourself to your studies. Satisfied readers rated it four stars out of five, and the positive reviewers adored it because of its informative approach and usefulness.
10. “Think Smarter” by Micheal Kallet
The author describes this book as a comprehensive guide to training your brain to do much more for you. It has 25 useful tools readers can use to increase their critical thinking skills and activities.
Furthermore, the book offers instructions on using those tools in real-world situations. Anyone can take the information they read and use it better for their choices and actions in different aspects of life.
Users rated this book 4.6 out of five stars, which is way above average. Its most grateful readers described it as a “game-changer” and a true source of knowledge.
How To Choose the Best Books on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
All readers have different preferences and styles. First, you have to think about which style of reading suits you. You’ll want to grab a short book if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy reading very much. You can also choose to purchase a book that also has an audiobook version.
Audiobooks are great for people who have limited time or limited interest in sitting in the same place to read. You can listen to these audiobooks on your way to work or whenever you lie down in bed and absorb the knowledge that way.
Then there are writing styles to think about. Do you like flowery, long-winded writers or concise authors? Do you prefer to look at pictures while you read something? You must think about all those factors before you choose a book.
The books on this list are excellent selections, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. Sift through the description to see if they meet your price range and preferences, but don’t be afraid to continue searching if you don’t see a book that piques your interest. You can learn all about problem solving and critical thinking from the best authors in the industry if you dedicate a little time to finding a book that suits you.
Read More:
- Critical Thinking vs Problem Solving: What’s the Difference?
- Is Critical Thinking Overrated? Disadvantages Of Critical Thinking
- 25 In-Demand Jobs That Require Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
- Brainstorming: Techniques Used To Boost Critical Thinking and Creativity
- 11 Principles Of Critical Thinking
- How to Set Long-Term Career Plans After a PhD: 13 Actionable Tips
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