It all starts with an obsession — a historical figure that pulls you down a rabbit hole of books. What began as a fascination becomes a gateway into the world of nonfiction. It reminds us that history isn’t just dates and events; it’s stories of people who lived and have stories worth remembering. Take a look at a few of the Bookstr team’s hyperfixations that got us into historical nonfiction!
The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman
Not a figure but a group of Yugoslav resistance fighters! I always preferred intrigue to action when it came to history, so I never expected to enjoy The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman when my junior year Introduction to Literature During Wartime class selected it for our fall semester. I was humbled by the vivid and human details of the nonfiction, and I was drawn to a story that doesn’t get much mainstream attention regarding the larger conflict. It definitely awakened me to see potential stories beyond popular historical fiction.
– Sari Kitchen, Marketing Coordinator
Meet Addy by American Girl
I’ve always been an avid reader, even at an early age. In elementary school, I loved to read the An American Girl books, like Meet Addy, which take a look at the lives of young girls throughout pre- and post-Revolutionary America. Many of these were from the perspective of enslaved families, displaced Indigenous Americans, and privileged, wealthy White girls of families who enslaved people. While these are fiction, they started my love of nonfiction, historical, firsthand accounts. Those spun into a hyperfixation of the Tudor Era history (fiction and nonfiction), Greek mythology, and the rest is history.
– Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
One of my favorite genres is historical fiction and nonfiction. What got me into the genre wasn’t exactly a historical figure, but a fascination with the horrors of World War Ⅱ. Learning more about it in high school sparked my interest in nonfiction. I’ve always been fascinated by the people behind the history, so reading about their lives and experiences helps me understand the human side of the war. There’s something captivating about uncovering the real stories of the names and events that shaped the world. One of my favorites that I read recently was The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The story’s humanity and heartbreak reminded me that behind every historical event are real people with stories meant to be heard and remembered.
– Laine McDonald, Editorial
Thank you for checking out some of our hyperfixations on historical figures that sparked our interest in nonfiction books! What influenced you to start reading nonfiction? Be sure to let us know!
Looking for more nonfiction reads? Check out Fresh Off the Press: November 2025 Nonfiction Releases!
If you’re looking for more recommendations, browse our Fascinating Nonfiction Reads You Can’t Miss bookshop page!
