Growing up, I always found nonfiction books vaguely interesting but believed that they were meant for readers with a specific interest in nonfiction topics. They didn’t appear to tell a story the way a novel does — at least, that’s what I had come to believe. After being exposed to the fascinating world of nonfiction, with its true stories and compelling real-life knowledge, I learned that this isn’t the case. In fact, it’s quite the contrary.
As I began to explore the genre, I discovered that there is an abundance of authors eager to enlighten us about the things that captivate us. Through articulate, illustrative works of nonfiction, we can learn about things such as the ways that nature speaks to us, the enigma of our universe, unthinkable true stories from survivors, ever-relevant cooking guides, and the mysterious world of ancient civilizations. Let’s take a look at some edifying nonfiction books about topics that interest you as a reader.
Connecting With Nature
Do you ever stop to notice the peaceful hum of bird sound, or the comfort of grounding earth at your feet? Nonfiction can educate us about the natural world and its healing properties. These nature experts acknowledge that nature is, after all, our first home. Listen to these authors passionately describe the quiet, peaceful world of nature and the immense value that connecting with it offers to humankind.
- Wild Wonder: What Nature Teaches Us about Slowing Down and Living Well by Stephen Proctor
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Rewild Your Life: Reconnect to Nature Over 52 Seasonal Projects by Sarah Stirling
- Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K. Anderson
Space Exploration
If you enjoy learning about the alluring nature of stars and the possibility of life in space, these nonfiction recommendations are perfectly suited for you. With knowledge of the perplexing nature of space-time and the existence of matter like ours billions of lightyears away, your view — just like our universe — is sure to expand. We are just beginning to discover a vast universe beyond our atmosphere. These nonfiction authors provide us with answers about the ever-changing universe and its seeming mind of its own. In these books, the incomprehensible is made reader-friendly for those without an astrophysics degree.
- The Secret Life of the Universe: An Astrobiologist’s Search for the Origins and Frontiers of Life by Nathalie A. Cabrol
- Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime by Sean Carroll
- Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe by Brian Greene
- The Universe in Your Hand: A Journey Through Space, Time, and Beyond by Christophe Galfard
Memoirs
Although fictional stories can keep readers on the edge of their seats, nothing is quite as riveting as the real-life accounts retold in a memoir. These authors have a special ability to captivate readers with firsthand retellings of real-life events. The emotional content and compelling detail of these memoirs will no doubt teach readers valuable life lessons from the hands of those who experienced the unimaginable.
- Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Night by Elie Wiesel
- A Long Way Home: A Memoir by Saroo Brierly
- In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park
- Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel by Elias Chacour and David Hazard
Easy-To-Read Cookbooks
Whether or not cooking is your forte, cookbooks can provide a valuable footing to rely on in the kitchen. Food doesn’t have to be boring, and it also doesn’t have to be hard! These author’s unique strengths and experiences have contributed to how they create dishes. Even if your goal is to learn a few new meals to add to your regimen, these four books will be your new go-to’s.
- The Well Plated Cookbook: Fast, Healthy Recipes You’ll Want to Eat by Erin Clark
- Fix Me a Plate: Traditional and New School Soul Food Recipes from Scotty Scott of Cook Drank Eat by Scotty Scott
- Taste of Home Copycat Favorites Volume 2: Enjoy Your Favorite Restaurant Foods, Snacks and More at Home! by Taste of Home
- Bad Manners: Hungry as Hell: Meals to Live By, Flavor to Die For: A Vegan Cookbook by Bad Manners, Michelle Davis, and Matt Holloway
Mysterious Ancient Civilizations
People often say that history was written by the winners. While this may be true, these authors attempt to cover some of the most intriguing, unheard details of human history. Are you curious to learn about the humans who paved the way for our modern day? About the unique cultures of our early ancestors and the way that people used to think — and if it is similar to how we think today? Check out these intriguing nonfiction books on human history, which are just as capable of thrilling the reader in you as any fiction title.
- The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer
- Inheritance: The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World by Harvey Whitehouse
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Search for Atlantis: A History of Plato’s Ideal State by Stephen Kershaw
Whether or not you’re already a nonfiction fiend or are just starting to explore the interesting true tales recounted by experts, you’re bound to love the enchanting world that unfolds before your eyes in nonfiction books. Knowledge about our world is priceless, and discovering what truly interests you is key — the reader in you will thank you for it.
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