10 Non-Fiction Books You Should Be Reading

By Julia Bianco on January 20, 2014

If you’re looking for a new book to read, don’t skip over the non-fiction section. Despite the common misconception that true stories can never be as exciting as the ones people make up, well written non-fiction books are captivating, entertaining, and informative, and their real life aspects have started to make them even more popular than fiction.

Here is a list of the 10 non-fiction books that you should be reading right now.

10. Bossypants

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By Tina Fey

Funny, clever, and, at often times, extremely uncomfortable, Tina Fey’s autobiography will have you laughing the entire way through. Fans of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock will particularly enjoy some of the behind- the-scenes stories, and anyone who has ever been completely, ridiculously awkward will be able to relate to Fey’s bumbling life story.

9. Silent Spring

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By Rachel Carson

Often credited with launching the modern environmental movement, Carson’s book about the dangers of pesticides is both informative and insightful. Although there are more current books on environmentalism, Silent Spring is a classic, and it is worth taking a look at.

8. On Writing

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By  Stephen King

A must-read for any fan of King’s work, and any aspiring writers, On Writing provides valuable insight into the life of the novelist, and gives some great advice for being successful at the craft.

7. This Boy’s Life: A Memoir

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By Tobias Wolff

Wolff’s story about growing up in the 1950s has received a lot of attention for its attention to detail and for its flowing narrative style. Because it reads like a novel, This Boy’s Life is an engrossing read from start to finish. Plus, the deeper theme of finding oneself during adolescence is relatable for just about everyone.

Also, for anyone who is interested, you can watch the critically acclaimed movie based on the book, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, although I would recommend reading Wolff’s book first.

6. Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip

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By Matthew Algeo

A humorous tale of President Harry Truman’s road trip across the country with his wife, Bess, Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure combines important facts with interesting anecdotes that make learning about 1950s history fun.

5. A Short History of Nearly Everything

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By Bill Bryson

A Short History of Nearly Everything tells the story of the universe, from the Big Bang to the start of the civilization, in a way that is both entertaining and informative. If you’re interested in science, or if you just want to be able to contribute during conversations with your more scientifically inclined friends, this is the book for you.

4. Assassination Vacation

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By Sarah Vowell

Author Sarah Vowell travelled across the country studying the assassinations of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley. Along the way, she managed to craft an interesting and extremely entertaining book about American history and the way that the media has affected death in this country.

3. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

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By Michael Pollan

A must-read for anyone interested in politics, environmentalism, or food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma provides a lot of compelling insight into changing American culture and how it affects what we eat.

2. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

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By Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City tells the story of the first serial killer in the United States during his killing spree at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The book is as exhilarating as any fictional novel, with complex characters and a story with so many twists and turns that it’s almost unbelievable. Plus, with a movie in the works, you’ll want to read the book before seeing it on the big screen.

1. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity

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By Katherine Boo

Winner of the National Book AwardBehind the Beautiful Forevers is a poignant, engaging, entertaining, beautiful page turner that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. The book tells the story of the people of Annawadi, a slum located behind the airport in Mumbai, through the eyes of Abdul, a garbage picker; Asha, a slumlord; Manju, her intelligent daughter; and Sunil, an orphan. The story gives a clear picture of what life in an Indian slum is like, without resorting to any of the prejudices or biases that often plague these types of stories.

 

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