Best Nonfiction Books: Top Picks
Looking for your next great nonfiction read?
From gripping adventure tales to insightful explorations of science and society, here are some of my top picks:
Adventure & Exploration
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
This harrowing account of a deadly Everest expedition tops many readers' lists as well.
Krakauer's vivid storytelling and firsthand experience make for a riveting read. The book's enduring popularity reflects a growing interest in adventure narratives.
According to recent statistics, adventure and travel books saw a 7% increase in sales in 2023.
Other adventure favorites include:
If you enjoy thrilling narratives, you might also be interested in my list of best thriller books.
Science & Nature
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Bryson's witty overview of scientific history is captivating. It makes complex topics accessible and engaging.
This aligns with a broader trend in science communication.
As Dr. Jane Goodall notes, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
More top science picks:
If you're looking for more thought-provoking reads, check out my collection of books that will make you question life's meaning.
Biography & Memoir
Educated by Tara Westover
This memoir of Westover's journey from an isolated upbringing to Cambridge University is fascinating.
The popularity of memoirs continues to grow, with the genre accounting for 12% of nonfiction sales in 2023.
Other beloved biographies and memoirs:
For more inspiring life stories, explore my list of life-changing books that shift perspective.
History
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Diamond's Pulitzer Prize-winning examination of human societies is a popular choice for history buffs.
Historian David McCullough highlights the importance of such works: "History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are."
More historical favorites:
If you enjoy historical narratives, you might also like my recommendations for best historical novels like Pillars of the Earth.
Social Issues
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
Many readers also recommend this eye-opening look at gender bias in data and design.
The book's impact reflects a growing interest in social justice literature, with sales in this category increasing by 15% in 2023.
Other thought-provoking social issue books:
For more books that explore societal challenges, check out my list of political science books.
True Crime
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Capote's pioneering "nonfiction novel" about a brutal murder in Kansas remains a classic of the genre.
True crime continues to captivate many readers, with the genre experiencing a 13% growth in sales in 2023.
More gripping true crime reads:
If you enjoy darker themes, you might also be interested in my list of most disturbing books.
Psychology & Self-Help
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
This exploration of the two systems that drive our thinking offers fascinating insights into human decision-making.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth notes, "Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another."
Other popular psychology picks:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Technology & Innovation
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This comprehensive biography of the Apple co-founder offers a compelling look at one of the most influential figures in modern technology.
Tech biographies have seen a 10% increase in sales over the past year.
More tech and innovation reads:
Environmental Science
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
This groundbreaking exposé on the harmful effects of pesticides helped launch the modern environmental movement.
Environmental literature has gained significant traction, with a 20% increase in sales in 2023.
Other impactful environmental reads:
For more books on personal growth, explore my collection of best books on how to live life well.
And That’s It
Whether you're a seasoned nonfiction reader or just getting started, this list offers plenty of compelling options to add to your reading list.
From classic works that have stood the test of time to contemporary bestsellers tackling urgent issues, these books promise to inform, challenge, and inspire.
💡Recent studies have shown that reading nonfiction can significantly improve your critical thinking skills and expand general knowledge.
As author Yuval Noah Harari states, "The real question is not what we should tell our children about the world, but how we should teach them to think about it."
I hope that helps,
-Hakan.
Founder, EternalReads.com