5 Non-Fiction Books We Love—and You Will, Too!

When it comes to perusing a bookstore, there's nothing like finding a novel that calls to you. It could be the beautiful cover (contrary to the popular saying, we're certainly not immune to a well-designed cover!), the attention-grabbing title, or even recognizing the author's name. In the world of non-fiction, it's often a mix of the three! The next time you're book shopping, keep a lookout for a few of these non-fiction books we love!

What Does Non-Fiction Mean?

In the literary world, books are separated into two categories: fiction, which is based on made-up characters and plots from the author's imagination, and non-fiction, which refers to factual stories written about real people, information, and events. Just like fiction, non-fiction titles can cover a wide variety of popular genres, from true crime to advice and more, ensuring there's something for every taste.

The Many Types of Non-Fiction Books 

Too many people say they don't "like" non-fiction—but odds are that they just don’t know how many incredible genres fall under the category! You can find all these and more in the non-fiction book section in a bookstore or in audiobook form:

  • Memoir
  • Biography
  • Self-help
  • Essays and shorts
  • True crime
  • Historical
  • How-to guides

5 Non-Fiction Titles We Absolutely Love  

Whether we're listening to an autobiography with our favorite audiobook service or picking up a true crime novel for a quick read on a trip, we can always find time to read a well-recommended non-fiction book! These have to be a few of our current favorites:  

1. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

It doesn't matter what you eat, how often you exercise, or how old you are—there's one thing we all have in common: the need to breathe. In Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, author and journalist James Nestor explores how the human species has lost the ability to properly breathe over the last hundred thousand plus years and the damage it's done to our minds, bodies, and society at large. But as he travels the world in search of answers, from partaking in ancient breathing practices to exploring secret Soviet facilities and more, it soon becomes clear that the secret lies far deeper than pulmonology lab reports and medical texts. Once you read this captivating non-fiction book, you'll never breathe the same again! 

2. The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel 

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession book cover

Sometimes, the most fascinating part about reading non-fiction books is the shock of learning a story is 100% true—and that's exactly what the astoundingly real biography, The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession, did to us! Stéphane Bréitwieser is known as the most prolific art thief of all time, pulling off more than 200 heists (often in crowded exhibits in broad daylight) with his girlfriend as an accomplice. His collection was estimated to be worth around two billion dollars—but he never sold a single piece—why? To find out, you'll have to read it yourself!

3. Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Lynn Paulson 

Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Lynn Paulson

In Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing, Emily Lynn Paulson uses her first-hand experience to tell an expertly entertaining tale of how she rose in the ranks of an MLM pyramid scheme—and what she found waiting for at the top. Multilevel marketing schemes are designed to sound life-changing, easy, and full of community. But this expose reveals the truth, from the cult-like ideologies used in training sessions to its roots in white supremacy and how the companies prey on vulnerable women desperate to feel empowered by something.   

4. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear 

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

James Clear is one of the world's leading experts on habit formation—so it's no wonder why his self-help book, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones has sold over 20 million copies worldwide! If you've ever wanted to break a nasty habit or build a positive one, this non-fiction book could be the key to transforming your life for good. Each chapter is expertly crafted to inspire you, providing you with a proven system for making good habits happen and bad habits disappear. Inspiring stories from comedians, artists, Olympic gold medalists, and more who swear by using small habits to master their field fill the pages. Reading this book about personal growth and human behavior is an investment in the future of you!

5. Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World by Jennifer Palmieri 

Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World

Who runs the world? Girls! At least, that's certainly the hope in Former Communications Director and National Press Secretary Jennifer Palmieri's non-fiction book, Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World. Written in the form of a letter to the imaginary future female president of the United States, Palmieri explores the lack of acceptance of women in leadership roles and offers practical advice and a blueprint to empower any woman looking to find success in their field.  

A Few Non-Fiction Books Your Kids Will Love

When you think of non-fiction, it's easy to stop imagining heavy autobiographies and trendy self-help books, but did you know your kids could be reading about real stories, too? Whether your kiddos only listen to stories with a Yoto player or enjoy graphic novel versions, enjoying non-fiction books is easy with titles like these:    

Non-fiction can feel daunting to new and experienced readers alike—but it doesn't have to. With so many types of non-fiction books to choose from, there's something for everyone. Don't believe us? The next time you're in your favorite local bookstore, spend a little time perusing the non-fiction aisle—you're sure to find something that sparks your interest!

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