Best Nonfiction Book Recommendations

If you think nonfiction books are boring, think again. They’re not all books about wars or ancient history (though there are plenty of fascinating books on both of those topics, too). You can explore the world by living vicariously through the most talented travel writers. Or read about real-life spies who put James Bond to shame. You can even dive deep into the world of Old Hollywood gossip queens, or channel your inner animal lover and become an expert on birds. The options are literally endless—pick a topic that you’ve always wanted to know more about, and someone has surely written a book about it.

From deep dives on pivotal moments to sweeping world history to American history to the history of the last madam in New Orleans; from biographies of the world's most fascinating figures to poignant memoirs; from self-help to DIY to cookbooks and more, the vast world of nonfiction writing truly has something for everyone. So go ahead—save that novel for another day, and give a nonfiction book a chance.

997e8038ea3a-md_4af56302c502-birdillustration.png

Have iPhone, Will Cook: How Digital Cookbooks Are Finally Breaking Through

The appeal of e-cookbooks, plus recommendations to get you started!

Food for the Soul: 10 Best Culinary Memoirs

Feast on these delicious and inspiring reads.

8 Revealing Books About Richard Nixon and the Watergate Scandal

Trump isn't the first president to stir up a storm of controversy.

The Latest Dunkirk Trailer Packs a Serious Punch

Get inside the battle that was truly fought by a nation.

Adult Books for Fans of A Wrinkle in Time

Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy discuss their grandmother's incredible adult novels.

6 Necessary Fiction Books About World War I

The Great War not only affected the relationships between countries—it also left a mark on literature.

Inspiring Nonfiction Books About Nature and Animals

Celebrate the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees.

10 Best Civil War Books That Inform and Entertain

These histories tell the story of the Civil War with literary flair.

6 Genre-Bending Books by Stephen King

Nobody puts the "master of horror" in the corner.

10 More Books to Read if You Like Game of Thrones

Because George R.R. Martin doesn't seem to be making much progress.

5 Mystery Novels About Baseball

Discover the dark side of America's favorite pastime.

13 Cozy Mysteries Set During World War II

Solving crimes in a time when the future itself was a mystery.

Marge Piercy’s “Barbie Doll,” Almost 50 Years Later

Author Marge Piercy reflects on the changed state of women's lives since her poem was published in 1971.

20 Historical Fiction Books About Life During World War II

In these historical fiction reads, the effects of war go beyond the battlefield.

Fathering a Chess Prodigy: An Excerpt From Searching for Bobby Fischer

How hard do you push your child to develop their potential?

Lessons from Our Favorite (Literary) Teachers

The best lessons we learned from teachers go beyond the classroom.

Step Inside the White House With These Entertaining Reads

Learn what really goes on behind those closed Palladian doors.

The Best Nonfiction Books for Fiction Readers

We promise nonfiction isn't as boring as you think it is!