Stepping outside your comfort zone to start reading non-fiction books as a fiction reader can feel intimidating. If you’re used to the safety of fictional tales, their comforting escape may seem preferable to the often harsh realities of non-fiction. However, the truth is, that countless fascinating real-life stories are waiting to be explored. From memoirs and self-help books to investigative journalism, non-fiction encompasses several sub-genres. While the amount of choices can feel overwhelming, it also offers multiple opportunities for you to find your next great read.
Here’s a curated list of recommendations to help you begin. This guide aims to support you on your journey into nonfiction and broaden your horizons with exciting new reading options.
The first step is identifying your interests. Are you intrigued by historical events? Autobiographies? Light-hearted essays? Media literacy? If any of these sound appealing, you’re on the right track — stick to non-fiction books that align with your interests. Here are a few excellent starting points.
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
This is an autobiographical novel about a nomadic family led by dysfunctional parents. Written from the daughter’s point of view, the book recounts childhood stories and how these shaped her into the adult she grew up to be. This compelling book evokes a range of emotions—laughter, tears, anger, and more—making it a powerful and unforgettable read.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
The title of this book is controversial and immediately draws you in. This perfectly sums up this non-fiction read. iCarly star, Jennette McCurdy recounts her experiences as a child actor and how her mother enabled years of toxic behavior at the hands of eating disorders, addiction, and dangerous work environments. The way this novel is written is easy to follow and entertaining. Despite the heavy topics, McCurdy’s humorous writing style keeps readers engaged as she candidly reflects on her mother’s narcissism. If you’re a fan of Hollywood and the life of child actors, this book is one not to be missed.
She Memes Well by Quinta Brunson
Another non-fiction book written by someone in the Hollywood industry. Quinta Brunson is a talented Actor, Writer, and Comedian. This book is an inspiring read for those interested in how to make your dreams come true. She Memes Well is a collection of hilarious essays that focuses on the path to success. This book is real and honest while being lighthearted and comedic. If you’re a fan of the hit ABC sitcom, Abbot Elementary, this is an interesting read, as you will get to know some backstory on how Quinta Brunson made it to where she is today.
What The Fact?: Finding The Truth In All The Noise by Seema Yasmin
Do you often find yourself down rabbit holes at 3 am after stumbling across a conspiracy theory video on the internet? If your answer is yes, this book should be your next read. Seema Yasmin, journalist, physician, and writer, tackles the common mistakes of people on social media and writes about how to navigate the truth within a world that is constantly throwing information at you. Media Literacy is a great tool to have in the 21st century and this book will teach you how to tell fact from fiction.
Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene
Looking to educate yourself on indigenous lives? Well, look no further as Adrienne Keenes’s illustrated book highlights the important lives of Artists, Activists, and Athletes of Indigenous descent. With 50 biographies of people who have achieved great things, this book is the recognition they deserve and focuses on people who may not be in the current spotlight. This book shows the struggle of those who had to fight to preserve their culture and language. This book is for all types of people who want to learn more about Native people.
These five books are a fantastic starting point for exploring non-fiction. They are entertaining, educational, thought-provoking, and easy to read. Remember, it’s all about finding a sub-genre you enjoy, which can be a bit of a trial-and-error situation, but the outcome is totally worth it!
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Don’t miss out on our Bookstr bookshelf, which is filled with many non-fiction books.
