Best NonFiction Books
Make time to read at least 5 pages a day
While in high school and university, reading focused solely on homework and exams. Life didn’t leave too much room for reading for pleasure, let alone reading for self-care or topics that interested me.
I’m excited to share with you some of the most informative, inspiring and thought-provoking books that are sure to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you're interested in history, science, politics, or personal development, there's something for everyone on this list. Whether you're a casual reader or a bookworm, I hope you'll find something on this list that resonates with you. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into some of the most fascinating and enlightening nonfiction books out there!
In no particular order
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
by Yuval Noah Harari
This book is a fascinating and thought-provoking read that will change the way you think about human history.
I was never interested in History when I was in school, please do not let that stop you from picking up this book. Sapiens is a groundbreaking book that explores the history of humankind from the origins of human species to the present day. The book covers a wide range of topics including the cognitive revolution, the agricultural revolution, and the scientific revolution. Harari argues that the cognitive revolution is the key event that set humans apart from other animals and allowed them to build complex societies. He also explores the impact of agriculture on human society and the consequences of the scientific revolution on our understanding of the world. Throughout the book, Harari offers a unique perspective on human history and challenges many of the traditional narratives of history. He also reflects on the future of humankind and the potential consequences of technology and artificial intelligence. This is an absolute MUST read!
Talking to Strangers
by Malcolm Gladwell
This book explores the complexities of human interactions with strangers and the ways in which we misjudge and misunderstand them.
Being from a small town, this book shook me to my core. I always try to see the good in people and still do, but being cautious with strangers is so important. Gladwell examines a wide range of examples from history and contemporary events such as the trial of Amanda Knox, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the death of Sandra Bland to illustrate how our assumptions and expectations about strangers can lead to misunderstandings and tragic consequences. He also delves into the concept of "default to truth," which is the tendency to assume that people are being truthful, and how it can lead to mistakes in our interactions with strangers. Gladwell also discusses the power of first impressions and how they can shape our perceptions of others. The book is a thought-provoking and insightful examination of the ways in which we interact with strangers and the potential dangers of our assumptions and expectations. It encourages readers to question the way they perceive others and to strive to understand the perspectives of those around them.
Attached
by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
This book provides an in-depth analysis of each attachment style, including the strengths and weaknesses of each, and how they affect our relationships with partners, friends, and family.
This book came to me from a friend’s recommendation and I instantly felt so connected with it. Luckily, I have already found my love, but our attachment styles are opposites so this book gave me a deep understanding of not only where I’m coming from, but his side as well. The authors present the concept of attachment styles, which are categorized into three types: secure, anxious, and avoidant. They argue that our attachment style is determined by our early childhood experiences and can greatly influence our behavior and choices in adult relationships. The book provides practical advice and exercises for readers to understand their own attachment style and improve their relationships. It covers various aspects of relationships such as communication, trust, and intimacy. The book is an engaging and informative read that offers a new perspective on the dynamics of relationships and the role that attachment plays in them.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
by John Gottman & Nan Silver
The book is a comprehensive guide to building and maintaining a healthy, fulfilling relationship that is rooted in research and practical advice.
Get ready for some couples’ activities! This was another friend’s recommendation. Even though we aren’t married the principals will help you through the most basic arguments and the biggest fights. This book offers practical advice and research-backed strategies for couples to improve their relationships. The book is based on Dr. Gottman's decades of research on couples and their interactions, which he has distilled into seven principles that can help couples build strong and lasting relationships. These principles include: enhancing love maps, sharing fondness and admiration, turning toward each other, having a positive perspective, managing conflict, making life dreams come true, and creating shared meaning. The book provides detailed explanations and exercises for each principle, as well as real-life examples of couples who have successfully applied them in their own relationships. It also covers the common challenges that couples face and how to overcome them.
Creativity, Inc.
by
Ed Catmull
This book provides an inside look at the inner workings of Pixar Animation Studios and how the company fosters creativity and innovation.
Calling all Pixar lovers… the man behind the success. I adore this book. It’s actually the reason I left my old job, I wanted a boss that leads the same way Ed Catmull leads his team. Catmull, who is the co-founder and former president of Pixar, shares his personal experiences and insights on how the company was able to create some of the most successful and critically acclaimed animated films of all time. He covers topics such as the importance of a strong corporate culture, the role of leadership in fostering creativity, and the methods the company uses to identify and overcome creative obstacles. The book also covers the history of the company, and how it has evolved over time to become one of the most successful animation studios in the world. Catmull also shares some of the lessons he learned throughout his career and how they apply to other industries as well. The book is an inspiring and informative read that offers a unique perspective on the creative process and the role of leadership in fostering innovation.
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
The book is an easy-to-read, yet comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining good habits, which will help readers achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life.
Reading has become an incredible part of my life. With the help of Atomic Habits, I have also created the best morning routine, part of which includes drinking my hot coffee alongside reading a book. I carve out time to read at least 5 pages each day. This book provides a practical and actionable framework for creating and maintaining good habits while breaking bad ones. Clear argues that in order to create long-term change in our lives, we need to focus on making small, incremental improvements to our habits, rather than trying to make big, drastic changes all at once. He presents a four-law framework that can help readers create and maintain good habits, which includes: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. He also provides strategies and tips for overcoming common obstacles that people face when trying to change their habits. Throughout the book, Clear uses real-life examples and case studies to illustrate his points and help readers understand how to apply the concepts to their own lives.
The books on this list represent the most powerful nonfiction works that have made the biggest impact on my life. They cover a wide range of topics, including history, relationships, and personal and professional development, and they offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, gain new perspectives, or simply be entertained, these books will provide a great reading experience. Happy reading!