Best Nonfiction Book Recommendations

If you think nonfiction books are boring, think again. They’re not all books about wars or ancient history (though there are plenty of fascinating books on both of those topics, too). You can explore the world by living vicariously through the most talented travel writers. Or read about real-life spies who put James Bond to shame. You can even dive deep into the world of Old Hollywood gossip queens, or channel your inner animal lover and become an expert on birds. The options are literally endless—pick a topic that you’ve always wanted to know more about, and someone has surely written a book about it.

From deep dives on pivotal moments to sweeping world history to American history to the history of the last madam in New Orleans; from biographies of the world's most fascinating figures to poignant memoirs; from self-help to DIY to cookbooks and more, the vast world of nonfiction writing truly has something for everyone. So go ahead—save that novel for another day, and give a nonfiction book a chance.

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"Your Horoscope," by Roger Angell

The famous essayist wrote about more than just baseball.

Revisiting The Color Purple: A Discussion with Alice Walker

Ms. Walker answers readers' questions about her most famous work.

I Am Spartacus! Remembering Kirk Douglas, 1916-2020

Read an excerpt from Kirk Douglas's 2012 memoir.

12 Powerful Books About Depression

Stories to remind us we're not alone.

15 Powerful Books About Immigration

Authors recount deeply personal stories of learning to adjust to life in a foreign world.

17 Holocaust Books You Have Never Read Before

Go beyond the famous works in Holocaust literature.

A Dog Returns to His Fierce Nature in The Call of the Wild

Read an excerpt from Jack London's classic adventure novel.

Gloria Steinem on Pat Conroy’s The Great Santini

The Great Santini stands as a classic account of families shaped by the rigid patriarchy around them.

11 Lawrence Durrell Books You Need to Read

A world traveler, prolific writer, and political commentator, Lawrence Durrell wrote a book for every kind of reader.

6 Books to Read Over the Winter Holidays

Whatever you’re doing this winter, make time for one of these great reads.

Gloria Steinem on The Color Purple

The iconic feminist praises Alice Walker's ability to move readers.

Get a Bunch of Brainy Books With This Incredible Humble Bundle

Support an amazing cause and grow your personal library with the BRAIN WAVE 2 Humble Bundle.

Getting to Know Anna and the King of Siam

Understand the story like never before with an excerpt from Margaret Landon’s novel.

13 Famous Memoirs Everyone Should Read Once

There are tons of best selling memoirs, but these are the ones that deserve a spot in your TBR list.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition & More Grammar Myths Busted

Everything you learned in school is a lie. But who is behind this grammar conspiracy?

Fact or Fantasy: All About Female Samurai Warrior Tomoe Gozen

Can you tell the difference between historical Japanese legend and creative fantasy fiction?