Whether you are a non-fiction frequentist or just starting, these books offer new perspectives and realities that may otherwise go undiscovered. As a non-fiction enthusiast, these are my favorite and most impactful books I’ve read so far.
1. Grace Will Lead Us Home: The Charleston Church Tragedy and the Hard, Inspiring Journey to Forgiveness
Goodreads, but in my opinion, should be given a 5/5. This book explores the before, during, and after for the victims, perpetrator, and the public in regards to a mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. While the subject matter is undoubtedly horrific and tragic, Hawes gives a thoughtful and raw perspective of the massacre. She finds sympathy without sentimentalizing the victims.Â
Hawes uses the unique strategy of using a narrative structure for the recalling of the incident. This allows the victims and perpetrators’ backgrounds and experiences to be shown in an impactful way. Throughout the book, you feel personally connected to the victims while gaining an understanding of the shooter’s motives and the public response.
I seriously cannot recommend this book enough- especially if you are new to non-fiction reading. Make sure you have tissues on hand, though!
2. All The Way to The River
This book was written by Elizabeth Gilbert, an author most known for her fiction works. In her memoir, she recounts love, grief, addiction, and healing. She recites the difficulties of being in a LGBTQ+ relationship during a time of extreme hate and dismay.
This book is remarkable in the aspect of perspective. While you are immersed in the words, you are discovering the real thoughts addicts struggle with. It is very unique that a book is written from the perspective of someone who was struggling in many ways, especially a non-fiction book.Â
The memoir does an amazing job at reminding readers that love is not without hardships and brings a new idea that perhaps the darkest moments of our lives are when we are the most loved.Â
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Written by Elizabeth Kolbert, this book argues that Earth is experiencing a sixth, man-made, mass extinction. While the topic may sound discouraging, Kolbert does an amazing job at presenting harsh realities and possible solutions.Â
The book helps audiences become more conscientious about the environment and how just one person can make a difference. Kolbert explores specific cases of habitat loss and recovery as well as specific organisms and their impact. Despite the subject matter being dismaying, I truly learned a lot about efforts happening actively to reverse the risk of catastrophe.Â
Plus, who doesn’t love learning about animals?
4. Know My Name: A Memoir
This outstanding book was written by Chanel Miller, who was previously referred to as “Emily Doe” by the mass media and the court system. Miller details her experience during the sexual assault case against Stanford athlete Brock Turner in 2015. The case gained both the state of California’s and the mass media’s attention.Â
This memoir recites the attack, the trial, and her path towards healing. Her recounts and advocacy changed conversations around sexual assault and even encourage new legislation to be imposed.Â
This book is great! It is both a reality check and inspiring. I highly encourage everyone to read it. (It also has a 4.8/5 rating on GoodReads).
5. Man’s Search for meaning
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl’s memoir depicts life in a Nazi death camp and its lessons for survival. This book is profound, truly. In a terrible situation, Frankl finds the capacity for hope and what humanity means in an inhumane situation.Â
With a mix of philosophy and human experience, this book is a true message of hope and perseverance. Frankl introduces a unique theory, known as logotherapy, which explains that humans strive for meaning.Â
This book made me think in a different way about my experiences as a human. Especially in times of adversity, finding meaning in yourself and your existence may encourage anticipation for enduring.