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.

997e8038ea3a-md_4af56302c502-birdillustration.png

7 Alternate History Books

How could changes in our past affect our present?

8 Books for X-Files Fans

We want to believe that the truth is out there. And if it's not, at least we've got something to read.

6 Books for Your Making a Murderer Obsession

Wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years, man freed, then convicted of murder. Super addictive documentary series born.

8 Scary Things from Dystopian Novels That Have Come True

Author Ray Bradbury anticipated the greatest dystopia of all—"Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

Holiday Challenge: 31 Days of YA Books

It's time to put your passion to the test.

Literary Pilgrimage: Virginia Woolf’s England

Take a tour of England through the life and work of Virginia Woolf.

In Defense: Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert haters cite Eat, Pray, Love as proof of her failings, and in the process neglect her fantastic, near-perfect novel.

Holidays Abroad: Kate Christensen’s Thanksgiving in Tuscany

Writer Kate Christensen shares a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the Florentine hills—and her recipe for persimmon pudding.

11 Bizarre Facts From Robert Caro’s The Years of Lyndon Johnson

One writer listens to 150 hours of the four-volume LBJ biography so you don't have to.

9 Shocking Things You Didn’t Know About the Suffrage Movement

You know they battled for a woman’s right to vote, but did you know they also faced feeding tubes, macho critics, and police brutality?

Literary Pilgrimage: Sleepy Hollow, New York

October is the perfect month to visit Washington Irving's favorite town—and the setting for his spine tingling short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

All The Dead Literary Ladies (And Some Dudes, Too)

Jessa Crispin, in the midst of an existential crisis, follows the lives of exiled writers and artists.

Gloria Steinem on Domestic Violence and Next Time, She’ll Be Dead

Ann Jones's revolutionary work offers powerful insight into domestic violence.

These Albert Einstein Books Are Easier to Read Than You Think

He's one of the most brilliant men in history—and one of the most fun to read. See why.

Literary Pilgrimage: Asheville, North Carolina

Head to the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains to tour an important town for four major American writers.

Beyond Sister Wives: 5 Reads That Explore Mormonism

Everyone's favorite plural family is back! Complement your poly-binge-watching with these Mormon-related reads.

10 Fantasy Books That’ll Give You Chills

These genre-bending reads are both horrifying and fantastical.

HistoReads: Top 10 Greatest Leaders of All Time

Play "follow the leader" with biographies about history’s most notable people.