The harsh contradiction that the world might feel more difficult to understand than ever before in this day of information overload seems to exist. Where should you look to make sense of the world amidst a confusing array of news sources, podcasts, experts, and armchair experts? We believe that the best nonfiction books are some of the best windows on the world, better than movies, television, or even just other reading material, and fortunately for you, we’ve selected some of the notable publications.
Best Nonfiction Books 2023
Nonfiction books provide a wealth of information and insight on a wide range of topics. There are countless nonfiction books that are both informative and engaging, ranging from history and science to personal development and biographies. These books can broaden your worldview, challenge your assumptions, and motivate you to take action.
Nonfiction books in history can transport you to different eras and give you a sense of the forces that shaped our world. They can also give you insights into current issues and explain how they relate to the past. Nonfiction books in science can reveal the most recent research and discoveries, as well as provide a deeper understanding of complex topics.
Nonfiction books on personal development can help you improve your relationships, increase your productivity, and achieve your goals. They can also give you insights into the human mind and behavior, allowing you to better understand yourself and others.
Biographies and memoirs give us a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary people, revealing their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. They can motivate us to pursue our own goals and overcome obstacles.
Finally, nonfiction books provide a wealth of information and insights that can enrich our lives and broaden our understanding of the world. There is a nonfiction book for everyone, whether you want to learn something new, improve your skills, or gain a better understanding of the human condition.
Read on to learn more about the best nonfiction books to read :
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
Paul Newman has been a Hollywood icon for 60 years, so it’s hard to think anything about him is still a mystery. Yet, that is the unique magic trick of this memoir, which was put together through a literary scavenger hunt. Stewart Stern, a screenwriter, and actor Paul Newman had a series of candid conversations about Newman’s life and career between 1986 and 1991. Stern also conducted countless hours’ worth of interviews with the actor’s friends, family, and coworkers with the actor’s encouragement. The entire project was intended to become Newman’s official biography, but after changing his mind about it, he piled the cassettes into a pile and burnt them on fire in 1998.
Fortunately, Stern saved transcripts totaling almost 14,000 pages. These recordings have now been condensed into this courageous book, in which the actor candidly discusses his horrific upbringing, his lifelong battle with drinking, and his crippling self-doubt. Yet there are also good points, such as his 50-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward and questions about how to create art and the “imponderable of being human.” All things considered, the memoir is a remarkable feat of rebirth and reimagination.
The High Sierra by Kim Stanley Robinson
In this tender love letter to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, a titan of science fiction masters a new genre. The High Sierra is a passionate synthesis of memoir, history, and science writing that charts Robinson’s more than 100 visits to his beloved mountains, from his LSD-laced first encounter in 1973 to the numerous “rambling and scrambling” days that followed. This is as full a guidebook as any, packed with all the crystalline ecstasy of nature writing greats like John Muir and Annie Dillard, from descriptions of the area’s multitudinous flora and animals to useful advice about when and where to hike.
Bad Sex by Nona Willis Aronowitz
One of the main reasons the sex columnist for Teen Vogue decided to divorce at age 32 was “poor sex.” Recently divorced, Aronowitz set out in pursuit of satisfying sex, but along the road, she learned difficult facts about “the problem that has no name”: that true sexual freedom is still elusive despite the gains of feminism and the sexual revolution. In Aronowitz’s no-nonsense examination of everything that’s wrong with young lovers, including issues with desire, permission, and patriarchy, cultural critique, memoir, and social history intersect. It’s an enlightening book that will make you think more clearly.
Dickens and Prince by Nick Hornby
What do Prince, the maestro of sensuality in modern music, and Charles Dickens, the social issue recorder of the nineteenth century, have in common? You may be excused for having trouble coming up with an explanation, but for Nick Hornby, the connections are both clear and many. The biographical connections between these two deceased celebrities are readily apparent in Dickens and Prince.
Yet, Hornby contends that what truly unites Dickens and Prince is their “special type of genius”—as the author uncovers, despite both having passed away before turning sixty, they both shared an exceptional urge to create and produce enormous amounts of work. But this interesting history hides a warm and sage craft book about what it takes to create great art in any century beneath its surface.
Raising Lazarus by Beth Macy
Macy returns to the front lines of the opioid crisis in her dramatic follow-up to the wildly successful Dopesick, where she embeds with healthcare professionals, lawmakers, and activists working to save lives and heal communities. Raising Lazarus shifts the focus to the fight for justice, from the prosecution of the Sackler family to the reformers advancing cutting-edge remedies for the afflicted, where Dopesick concentrated on addiction victims and their families. It is both detailed and enlightening, serving as both a heartfelt ode to the value of grassroots movement and a harsh exposé on greed.
The Faraway Brothers by Lauren Markham
The true moving account of identical twin teenage brothers who fled the violence in El Salvador and established new lives as undocumented immigrants in California—ideal for fans of Enrique’s Journey and anyone curious to learn more about the problems that underlie the current discussions about DACA and immigration reform.
Ral and Ernesto Flores are identical twins who are accustomed to being confused for one another. They are accustomed to believing that the United States is simply a distant dream because they are 17 years old and live in a rural area of El Salvador. Ernesto leaves El Salvador for his own protection after coming into conflict with the vicious group MS-13. Ral keeps right behind, worried that he’ll be mistaken for his brother.
The Flores twins make the perilous voyage north, dodging hazard after danger, only to end up in the custody of immigration officials. The challenges continue even after they arrive in Oakland, California, under the supervision of their older brother.
Ral and Ernesto are attempting to lead typical teenage lives while adjusting to a new school and a new language, battling to pay off their rising coyote debt, and anxiously anticipating their day in immigration court. They start the process of forging a life for themselves, one full of possibilities and hope, with just one other as support. The Far Away Brothers is a truly inspirational story of two teenagers navigating American society that has been adapted for young people from the acclaimed adult edition. It also offers a firsthand examination of US immigration law and a compelling look at current immigration issues.
The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has made history throughout her political career thanks to her selection as California’s attorney general, election to the U.S. Senate, and election to the vice presidency. So how did she accomplish her objectives? What principles and inspirations helped her along the way?
In this young readers edition of Kamala Harris’s autobiography, we find out how her family and community influenced her life and how she came to understand her own identity and purpose. The Truths We Hold follows her journey as she examines the principles of justice, equality, and community that are most important to her. This memoir challenges us to take charge of our own lives and demonstrates that anything is possible with willpower and tenacity. It is inspirational and empowering.
Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash
Even though the author’s tale may be foreign to you, the best memoirs make you feel as though you might be friends with the author. Thrash’s comic novel, a loving, open, and humorous depiction of her intense crush on her female camp counselor, does more than just make you want to be one of her pals. It makes you want to have lengthy, outdoor chats with your current relationships.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
A major film picture starring Michael B. Jordan, Jaime Foxx, and Brie Larson is currently in production of the critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestseller Just Mercy, which is also the focus of an HBO documentary feature.
Bryan Stevenson, a renowned attorney and social justice advocate provides a glimpse into the lives of the wrongfully imprisoned and his efforts to fight for their freedom in this deeply personal work, which is an adaptation of the original #1 bestseller and is “as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so,” according to the New York Times.
The tale of Stevenson is one of fighting for the protection of fundamental human rights for those who are most at risk in American society—the needy, the wrongfully imprisoned, and those whose lives have been characterized by prejudice and marginalization. Through this adaption, today’s youth will be inspired to pursue justice with compassion and action.
The author’s actual effort to help the voiceless and defenseless as they struggle to traverse the dysfunctional American justice system will be supported by the book’s proceeds, which will be donated to charity.
Do You Know Who You Are by Megan Kaye
Leave the online quizzes alone! Any way you want to look at it, examining your true self with pen and ink has a way of being far more revealing. This quiz/self-help/activity hybrid book is perfect for would-be journalers whose attempts never quite take off. It is full of questions, creative activities, and advice (imparted by both the professional psychologist who helped create it and the reader who does the exercises). In any case, it’s a worthwhile endeavor.
Final Words
In conclusion, nonfiction books are an excellent way to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. From history and science to personal development and biographies, there is a vast array of nonfiction books available that can inform, challenge, and inspire you. By taking the time to choose the right nonfiction book, you can enhance your understanding of the world and deepen your appreciation of the human experience. We hope that the reviews provided in this blog have helped you to make an informed decision when choosing the best nonfiction book for your interests. We suggest our readers buy one based on the reviews and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and insights that nonfiction books offer. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, improve your skills, or gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others, there is a nonfiction book out there that can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a nonfiction book?
A nonfiction book is a literary work that is based on facts, real events, and real people. Nonfiction books cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to personal development and biographies.
What are the benefits of reading nonfiction books?
Reading nonfiction books can expand your knowledge and understanding of the world, challenge your assumptions, and inspire you to take action. Nonfiction books can also provide insights into the human experience, help you improve your skills, and provide guidance on personal development.
How do I choose a nonfiction book to read?
When choosing a nonfiction book to read, consider your interests, goals, and preferred style of writing. Look for books that are well-reviewed and recommended by trusted sources, and consider asking friends or colleagues for recommendations.
Can nonfiction books be entertaining?
Yes, nonfiction books can be just as entertaining as fiction. Many nonfiction books are written in a narrative style that makes them engaging and compelling to read.
Are nonfiction books suitable for all ages?
Nonfiction books cover a wide range of topics, and some may not be suitable for all ages. It’s important to read reviews and consider the recommended age range before selecting a nonfiction book for young readers.