The Weird And The Interesting: Which Non-Fiction Books Will Actually Improve Your Life?
Non-fiction books can be a wonderful tool to learn and grow, whether it be spiritually, emotionally or physically. There is so much interesting information out there, and who better to hear it from than the experts?
Learning new things can be so fulfilling, but often its hard to know which non-fiction books are actually worth your time. As a reader myself, and someone who loves learn and grow, I am giving you my favourite non-fiction books that have actually had a lasting impact on my life.
You are going to find a list of all my favourite non-fiction books I have read over the last few years.
This post is all about the best non-fiction books that every reader should know about.
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My journey reading non-fiction books
Non-fiction books are deeply personal to each reader. There are so many to chose from. Whether you are interested in history, memoirs from you’re favourite celebrities, or if you’re like me and you tend to lean towards self improvement, there’s something for everyone.
As an avid fiction reader, it took me a while to warm up to non-fiction. At first, it required a small shift in how I approached reading. What helped me most was discovering how much I enjoy listening to non-fiction audiobooks. And honestly? This shift has been transformative.
I love that with an audiobook I can listen to it on my commute to work, or when i’m doing boring jobs like dishes. When listening to audiobooks the mundane suddenly feels more interesting.
I’ve also realised something important: I really love to learn. It’s not something I’ve been able to leave behind in my school days. I feel best about myself when I am learning new things, or getting really excited about a topic.
Embracing non-fiction books has made me a smarter and more confident version of myself. And it can for you too.
There are countless non-fiction books I could recommend, but these 9 have genuinely improved my life in weird and wonderful ways.
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9 non-fiction books I’ve loved:
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
If you read no other, make sure it’s this one. This has been truly transformative in the way I view my health
The Psycopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson
Ronson explores the world of psychopaths and the mental-health industry, investigating how society identifies and labels people as “mad.” Through interviews, case studies, and darkly funny encounters, he questions the boundaries between normality and insanity.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Duhigg explains the science behind how habits form and how they can be changed using the cue–routine–reward loop. He shows how individuals, companies, and societies can harness this understanding to transform their behaviours.
How the Pill Changes Everything: Your Brain on Birth Control by Sarah Hill
Every woman must read in order to make educated decisions about their health.
Hill examines how hormonal birth control affects women’s brains, moods, relationships, and overall health. Drawing on scientific research, she argues that understanding these effects is essential for women to make fully informed choices about contraception.
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F by Mark Manson
Manson argues that happiness comes from caring less about what doesn’t matter and taking responsibility for what does. Using blunt humour and psychological insight, he encourages readers to embrace limitations and find meaning through struggle.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Clear outlines a practical system for building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, consistent changes. He shows how tiny improvements compound over time to produce remarkable long-term results.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Angelou’s memoir recounts her childhood experiences with trauma, racism, and resilience in the American South. Through poetic storytelling, she explores identity, voice, and the healing power of literature.
Tuesdays With Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
Albom chronicles his weekly visits with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who shares life lessons while dying from ALS. Their conversations highlight themes of love, purpose, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.
The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby
Narby investigates indigenous shamanic knowledge and its surprising parallels with molecular biology. He proposes a provocative theory connecting visionary experiences with the structure and communication of DNA.
This post was all about the best non-fiction books that are definitely worth your time.
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