"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

The Nobel-winning behavioral economist takes readers on a tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think — one fast and emotional, the other slow and logical — offering practical insights into how we make choices in both our business and our personal lives.

Why it's great for young people:

"Personal finance is really nothing but a series of decisions," says Meg Marco, executive editor of Consumerist. "'Thinking, Fast and Slow' will help readers understand what drives them to make the choices they make," she says, and allows them "access to insights about how the brain works, which can have a profound affect on the decision-making process."