101+ Best Nonfiction Books to Read, Study, & Learn From

Plenty of students come to us thinking nonfiction books are just facts translated to the page. But they’re not like textbooks, and they take a significant amount of effort to write. It’s important to learn from some of the best nonfiction books in order to figure out what makes them good.

In the last 10 years, we’ve taught over 8,000 authors how to write, publish, and market their books. More than half of the books written by those authors have been nonfiction, so we have plenty of experience knowing what it takes to write a book, especially nonfiction, and do it well.

Consider this your one-stop-shop for the best nonfiction books out there! Pick out a few from all subgenres, or focus on the subgenre you want to write in. And if you’re serious about writing and publishing a nonfiction book of your own, consider talking with our publishing strategists to learn how you can make your nonfiction book idea a reality!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

The 10 best nonfiction books of all time

If you want a few of the best of the best nonfiction books to read and study from, this short list of 10 are musts. What you want to look for with any quality nonfiction is a hyper specific purpose and topic. One that suggests a transformation by the end. Those will be the easiest to learn how to write a nonfiction book from.

And of course, there’s always good stories within them as well.

Here are the top 10 best nonfiction books:

1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank – A deeply personal and historical account of a Jewish girl’s life in hiding during World War II, offering an unforgettable perspective on human resilience.
2. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote – A groundbreaking true crime book that pioneered the nonfiction novel, blending meticulous reporting with literary storytelling.
3. Essays by Michel de Montaigne – A foundational work of personal reflection and philosophy that explores human nature, skepticism, and self-exploration in a way that remains relevant today.
4. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – A revolutionary environmental science book that exposed the dangers of pesticides and sparked the modern environmental movement.
5. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White – A timeless guide to clear and effective writing, shaping generations of writers with its concise rules of composition.
6. The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois – A seminal work in African American literature that introduced the concept of “double consciousness” and examined the struggles of Black Americans post-Reconstruction.
7. The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe – A riveting chronicle of the early days of the U.S. space program, highlighting the bravery and psychology of test pilots and astronauts.
8. The Double Helix by James D. Watson – A firsthand account of the discovery of DNA’s structure, providing insight into one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century.
9. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley – A powerful narrative of transformation, activism, and Black empowerment that continues to inspire social justice movements.
10. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe – A vivid portrayal of the 1960s counterculture, capturing the psychedelic movement and the rise of experimental living

But if you want to watch a quick overview, check out these recommendations:

Top 12 faith-based nonfiction books

Faith-based nonfiction books explore spirituality, theology, and religious experiences, offering wisdom, inspiration, and deeper understanding. If you’re writing a faith-based book, it’s important to understand what makes them specific to this genre and not another.

Here’s your list of these best nonfiction books in the faith-based category to learn from:

1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis – A classic exploration of Christian beliefs, originally delivered as BBC radio talks during World War II.
2. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren – A guide to discovering one’s purpose through a Christian lens, helping readers live a more meaningful life.
3. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel – A former atheist journalist investigates the historical and logical evidence for Jesus and Christianity.
4. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning – A heartfelt reflection on grace and how God’s love is for everyone, no matter their imperfections.
5. Crazy Love by Francis Chan – A passionate book about how understanding God’s immense love should radically transform the way we live.
6. Knowing God by J.I. Packer – A theological and devotional book that deeply examines the nature of God and what it means to know Him personally.
7. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis – A philosophical and theological discussion on why suffering exists in a world governed by a good God.
8. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – A profound book on Christian discipleship, emphasizing the sacrifices needed to truly follow Christ.
9. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – A daily devotional offering short, reflective passages inspired by scripture to help readers connect with God.
10. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom – A memoir of faith and survival during the Holocaust, highlighting the power of forgiveness and trust in God.
11. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis – A timeless Christian devotional from the 15th century that encourages humility and devotion to God.
12. Confessions by St. Augustine – A deeply personal spiritual autobiography that reflects on sin, grace, and conversion to Christianity.

12 best nonfiction books in the memoir genre

Memoirs focus on a specific aspect or period of a person’s life, offering insight into their experiences, emotions, and perspectives. They’re different from autobiographies and even biographies.

Unlike autobiographies, which cover a person’s entire life in a structured, chronological manner, or biographies, which are written by someone else about a person’s life, memoirs tend to be more personal, reflective, and theme-driven.

If you want to write a memoir, learn what makes them specific to this genre. While they’re still considered some of the best nonfiction books out there, they are very different from others in this list.

1. Educated by Tara Westover – A gripping memoir about a woman who grew up in a survivalist family with no formal education but eventually earned a Ph.D. at Cambridge.
2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – A powerful story of resilience and survival, detailing Walls’ unconventional, poverty-stricken childhood.
3. Night by Elie Wiesel – A harrowing account of Wiesel’s experiences as a teenager in Nazi concentration camps.
4. Becoming by Michelle Obama – A deeply personal memoir from the former First Lady, reflecting on her journey from childhood to the White House.
5. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – A beautifully written memoir by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, reflecting on life, death, and meaning.
6. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion – A heartbreaking and poetic memoir about grief following the sudden loss of the author’s husband.
7. Wild by Cheryl Strayed – A transformative journey of self-discovery as Strayed hikes the Pacific Crest Trail after personal tragedy.
8. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt – A memoir of growing up in poverty in Ireland, filled with both hardship and humor.
9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – A compelling and often humorous look at Noah’s life growing up as a mixed-race child during apartheid in South Africa.
10. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou – A deeply moving memoir about race, identity, and overcoming trauma in the American South.
11. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway – A collection of vivid recollections from Hemingway’s time in Paris in the 1920s, offering insight into his writing and experiences.
12. Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs – A darkly comedic and unconventional memoir of growing up in an eccentric, dysfunctional household.

15 best historical nonfiction

The most compelling historical nonfiction books bring the past to life with rich details and a focus on the individuals who shaped history. These are some of the best nonfiction books and they stand out by capturing the unique struggles and achievements of each era, proving that storytelling in nonfiction thrives on specificity.

Here are the best nonfiction books in historical fiction:

1. The Princess Spy, Larry Loftis
2. The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom
3. Prisoners of the Castle: An Epic Story of Survival and Escape, Ben Macintyre
4. The Swerve: How The World Became Modern, Stephen Greenblatt 
5. Dunkirk, Joshua Levine
6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot 
7. The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
8. The Secret History of the World, Mark Booth
9. Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, Matthew F. Delmont
10. Into Africa, Martin Dugard
11. Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure, Rinker Buck
12. The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown
13. The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson 
14. Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann 
15. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Erik Larson

4 key features of great historical nonfiction

Unquestionable Fact-Checking – Accuracy is paramount, with every detail aligning with historical records to maintain credibility and without this, they can’t be considered among the best nonfiction books.

Respect for Historical Context – Authors must present events within the knowledge limitations of their time rather than judging them by modern standards.

Unique Perspective – While facts remain unchanged, each author brings a distinct viewpoint, adding depth and insight.

Humanizing History – The best books make historical figures relatable by highlighting their everyday challenges and emotions.

14 best nonfiction books in inspirational nonfiction

The most impactful inspirational books resonate by embracing uncomfortable truths and deep authenticity. They motivate readers by revealing personal struggles, limitations, and triumphs, making the journey relatable and compelling. Many think of these when they think of the best nonfiction books.

And remember that self-help is often very different from writing a memoir (something many of our students learn when they publish through us).

Most often, these are the “self help” books you see that change lives.

Here are some of the best nonfiction books in the inspirational category:

1. Beloved, Toni Morrison
2. The Magic of Thinking Big, David J, Schwartz
3. The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino
4. The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion
5. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Richard Carlson
6. Radical Love, Zachary Levi
7. Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand
8. Dream Big, Bob Goff
9. Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch Albom
10. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy
11. Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, Chip and Dan Heath
12. The One Thing, Gary Keller
13. Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins
14. Tools of Titans, Tim Ferris

4 key features of great inspirational nonfiction

Share a Personal Life Lesson – The best books highlight a transformative lesson the author has learned.

Accept Vulnerabilities – True inspiration comes from openly sharing struggles and limitations.

Expand Mental Horizons – These books challenge readers to shift perspectives and grow.

Reveal Inner Dreams – Inspirational stories center around pursuing dreams, whether survival, self-discovery, or overcoming obstacles. Many think their dreams are unique to them, only to find out they’re the centerpieces of some of the best nonfiction books.

13 best books in health and fitness

The best health and fitness books identify a specific problem and provide clear, accessible solutions. Instead of targeting a broad audience, they focus on a key reader, making the advice more actionable and impactful.

These are the best nonfiction books in this genre for you to learn from:

1. No Sweat, Michelle Segar
2. Thinner Leaner Stronger, Michael Matthews
3. The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation, Michael Matthews
4. The 1-Minute Workout, Martin Gibala
5. Glute Lab, Glen Cordoza 
6. The Fitness Mindset, Brian Keane
7. Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics, Roberta Larson Duyff 
8. Built From Broken, Scott Hogan
9. Digestive Wellness, Elizabeth Lipski
10. The Mind-Gut Connection, Emeran Mayer
11. The 5AM Club, Robin Sharma
12. Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker
13. Keep Sharp, Sanjay Gupta 

3 key features of stand-out health & fitness books

Credentialed Author – Whether through professional expertise or personal experience, credibility is essential for the best nonfiction books in health and fitness, especially where advice regarding one’s body is concerned.

Broad View with Detailed Help – Start with general guidance, then offer specific, actionable steps.

Niche Focus – A well-defined target audience ensures the book resonates deeply and effectively.

14 best nonfiction books in the cooking category

Great cookbooks go beyond recipes—they tell a story, focus on a specific cuisine, and feature visually appealing dishes. High-quality food writing and imagery make meals feel inviting and achievable. There’s also usually a theme of some kind, which allows authors to write and publish multiple.

Here are the best ones for cooking:

1. Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, Anthony Bourdain
2. Professional Cooking, Wayne Gisslen
3. On Food And Cooking: The Science And Lore Of The Kitchen, Harold McGee
4. The Flavor Bible, Karen Page and Andrew Domenburg
5. In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean
6. New Professional Chef, The Culinary Institute of America
7. The Professional Chef, The Culinary Institute of America
8. The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook, America’s Test Kitchen
9. Zaitoun: Recipes from the Palestinian Kitchen, Yasmin Khan
10. Nutrition for Foodservice and Culinary Professionals, Karen E. Drummond and Lisa M. Brefere
11. Essential Tools, Tips & Techniques for the Home Cook: A Professional Chef Reveals the Secrets to Better Cooking, Michelle Doll
12. Introduction to Japanese Cuisine, Japanese Culinary Academy, Masashi Kuma, Shuichi Yamagata, Haruo Nakano
13. Foolproof Fish, America’s Test Kitchen
14. Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook, Nick DiGiovanni and Gordon Ramsay

4 qualities that make for exceptional cookbooks

More Than the Recipe – Engaging storytelling adds depth and connection when it comes to any of these best nonfiction books but even in cooking!

Concise Instructions with Alternatives – Clear measurements, metric/imperial options, and dietary substitutes make recipes accessible.

Appeal to the Senses – Vivid descriptions of taste and aroma enhance the reading experience.

Aesthetic Design – High-quality images at each stage of cooking boost confidence and guide visual learners.

22 of the best nonfiction books in the biography genre

The best biography books play a large role in documenting history and the impact of important figures. That said, the best biography books aren’t just restricted to history. As you’ll see in the following list, the best biography books span decades, centuries, and topics.

1. A Beautiful Mind – Sylvia Nasar
2. Alan Turing: The Enigma – Andrew Hodges
3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot
4. Alexander Hamilton – Ron Chernow
5. Martin Luther – Eric Metaxas
6. Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret – Craig Brown
7. Ralph Ellison – Arnold Rampersad
8. Penelope Fitzgerald – Hermione Lee
9. Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
10. Remember The Time – Bill Whitfield, Javon Beard, and Tanner Colby
11. The Lost City of Z – David Grann
12. Shirley Jackson – Ruth Franklin
13. Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin
14. Einstein: His Life and Universe – Walter Isaacson
15. Leonardo da Vinci – Walter Isaacson
16. Frank Lloyd Wright – Meryle Secrest
17. Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window – Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
18. The Journey of Crazy Horse – Joseph M. Marshall III
19. The Brontë Myth – Lucasta Miller
20. Empire of Deception – Dean Jobb
21. A Surprised Queenhood in the New Black Sun – Angela Jackson
22. Camera Man – Dana Stevens

What makes a biography book stand out

Strong Narrative & Storytelling – The best nonfiction books in the biographies genre read like novels, with a gripping structure, vivid scenes, and emotional depth. They don’t just list events; they tell a story.

Thorough Research & Accuracy – A well-researched biography relies on primary sources, interviews, letters, and historical records to ensure accuracy and depth. Fact-checking is crucial to credibility.

Context & Historical Relevance – Placing the subject within the broader historical and cultural landscape helps readers understand their significance and the challenges they faced.

Character Depth & Nuance – A great biography doesn’t idealize or villainize but presents a well-rounded, human portrayal, showing strengths, flaws, and contradictions.

Engaging Writing Style – Even with extensive research, a biography should be readable and engaging, avoiding dry textbook-style prose in favor of dynamic storytelling.

Themes & Bigger Picture – Instead of just recounting life events, quality biographies explore themes such as resilience, ambition, creativity, or social impact, making them relevant to readers today.

Personal & Professional Balance – The best biographies blend the subject’s personal life with their professional achievements, giving a complete picture of who they were.

Nothing replaces learning to write a good book other than specific education and doing it! But of course, reading what makes these best nonfiction books so good can help you formulate a plan for your own.