“If uncovering the truth is the greatest challenge of nonfiction writing, it is also the greatest reward.”
Non-fiction isn’t always the easiest genre to love. For many readers, it brings to mind dusty textbooks, endless data or heavy topics that feel like a chore to get through. For those who have always leaned toward fiction, the thought of diving into books to read non-fiction can feel intimidating – or, even worse, boring. Yet there is a whole world of non-fiction books that read like captivating stories, full of relatable characters and unforgettable plots that more than stack up against their fictional counterparts. Which is why we here at What We Reading thought we would compile some of the best non-fiction reads for people who don’t think the genre is for them. From memoirs filled with heart, and real-life adventures to thought-provoking science, these are the best books to read non-fiction for anyone looking to make the genre their next go-to.
Educated – Tara Westover
First up on our list of best non-fiction books to read if you’re a fiction-lover is Tara Westover’s acclaimed bestselling memoir, Educated. Denied formal education, Tara spent her childhood working in her father’s bunker in preparation for the end of days. Her family’s distrust of mainstream social institutions, including schools and hospitals, left her isolated and grappling with both emotional and physical woes. Despite her lack of education, Tara willed herself to finish her ACT and attend college, which will lead to her obtaining her PhD from Cambridge.
For readers who love deeply personal, character-driven fiction, Educated has all the tensions and emotional pull of a coming-of-age story. Westover’s journey is filled with internal conflict, family dynamics, and moments of both triumph and tragedy. Her vivid storytelling places you at the heart of these experiences, making this a riveting biography that reflects resilience, identity, and self-discovery.
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I’ll Be Gone In The Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search For The Golden State Killer – Michelle McNamara
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark follows journalist Michelle McNamara and her tireless search for the Golden State Killer, one of the most notorious serial killers in US history. Fuelled by her fascination with unsolved mysteries and a relentless pursuit of justice, McNamara spent years piecing together clues, interviewing survivors and scanning existing police reports. Her obsession with the case brought her closer than anyone else, though she ultimately passed away before the killer was identified.
Part memoir, part investigative piece, part crime thriller, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is one of the best true crime books for readers looking for a first-hand perspective of the chilling realities behind a case. McNamara’s writing is filled with tension and dramatic pacing, pulling readers along as if they’re solving the mystery alongside her.
Into The Wild – Jon Krakauer
Into the Wild tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his conventional life to embark on an adventure into the Alaskan wilderness. After graduating from college, McCandless gave away his savings, secured a new identity and trekked across the United States, driven by a quest for meaning and away from social expectations. Through his own musings, interviews and letters, author Jon Krakauer explores the motivations behind the allure of the wild, the motivations behind McCandless’ journey, and the tragic end that befell him.
Into the Wild is another one of the best non-fiction novels for people looking for another gripping character-driven adventure. McCandless’ search for freedom is the classic hero’s journey and comes full of passion, idealism and the harsh realities of life in the wild.
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The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks intertwines the true stories of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were taken without her consent in the 1950s, and the profound impact these cells, known as HeLa, had on modern medicine. From her upbringing in the rural South to her battles with cervical cancer, author Rebecca Skloot delves into Henrietta’s life and the ways in which her cells provided breakthroughs in research for the polio vaccine and cancer treatments. Skloot also ponders on ethical issues surrounding medical consent, race and the intersection of science and humanity.
With its compelling narrative and rich character development, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is one of the best books to read non-fiction. Skloot’s storytelling captures the emotional weight of Henrietta’s tale, blending personal journeys with scientific narratives that challenge perceptions of life and legacy.
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone – Lori Gottlieb
Therapist Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk To Someone is a revealing and candid memoir that meditates on the complexities of human emotions and relationships through both her personal and professional lives. When Gottlieb finds herself at a crossroads in her life, she begins therapy for her struggles and is given a new perspective on the sorts of universal challenges that both she and her patients face. Through strikingly honest anecdotes, she shares the stories of her clients as well as her own journey toward healing.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is one of the most timely and engaging narratives for the intricacies and hardships of modern life. Gottlieb’s intimacy is relatable and invites readers to reflect on their own lives, making for one of the most illuminating non-fiction books to read.
The Warmth Of Other Suns – Isabel Wilkerson
The Great Migration was a mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centres in the North and West of the United States in the twentieth century. In The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson tells the intertwining stories of three individuals: Ida Mae Brandon Gladney, George Starling and Robert Frase, all of whom leave their homes behind in search of better opportunities, freedom and identity. Through their journeys, Wilkerson paints a compelling portrait of the hardships faced by migrants, as well as their cultural imprint on American society to this day.
Another one of the great non-fiction novels for fiction readers looking for great character-driven stories, The Warmth of Other Suns reads like a gripping historical novel. Wilkerson’s ability to bring real characters to life creates an emotional and immersive experience. Through the trials of Gladney, Starling and Foster, readers are offered a powerful exploration of resilience, freedom and dignity and a quest for a better life that any fiction fans are sure to recognise.
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Bad Blood: Secrets And Lies In A Silicon Valley Startup – John Carreyou
John Carreyou lifts the lid on the rise and fall of Theranos, a once-lauded biotech company founded by Elizabeth Holmes in his investigative account, Bad Blood. Carreyou, a Wall Street Journal reporter, uncovers the shocking truth behind Theranos’ claims of revolutionising blood testing. Through painstaking research, Carreyou unveils a web of deception, corporate intrigue and ambition gone awry as Holmes and her team misled investors, patients and the public.
One of the best books to read non-fiction that evokes the same vibes as a gripping crime thriller, Bad Blood is filled with countless twists and turns, ethical dilemmas and the consequences of Silicon Valley’s culture of hype. The ambition, greed and betrayal involved in the Theranos saga make it the perfect read for any fans of the darker side of innovation.
In Cold Blood – Truman Capote
In Cold Blood is a groundbreaking true crime novel that tells the haunting tale of the brutal homicide of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959. Truman Capote meticulously investigates the crime, delving into the lives of both the family members and the two men responsible for their murder, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock.
Through extensive interviews and research, Capote explores the psychological motivations behind the crime, capturing the subtle intricacies behind each character’s life. The book is a chilling exploration of violence, the American criminal justice system, the impact of crime on a small community and one of the most fascinating non-fiction books to read if you love suspenseful thrillers and psychological dramas.
The Soul Of An Octopus – Sy Montgomery
Penned by the naturalist Sy Montgomery, The Soul of an Octopus is a beautifully crafted exploration of octopuses’ complex and intelligent lives. Through her encounters at the New England Aquarium, Montgomery introduces readers to a number of different octopuses, including the curious Octavia and the playful Athena, revealing their remarkable behaviours and emotional depth. Through observing these animals, Montgomery reflects on the nature of consciousness, connection and what it means to be alive.
The Soul of an Octopus blends personal anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical musings, offering an imaginative and enchanting view of the world and its inhabitants.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
