The Best Non-Fiction Books of 2021

The Best Non-Fiction Books of 2021

Discovering new knowledge and perspectives through reading is one of the best ways to spend your time. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a thought-provoking story, there's a non-fiction book out there that's perfect for you. Here are some of the best non-fiction books of 2021 that you won't want to miss:

In this article, we'll take a closer look at each of these books, exploring their unique contributions to their respective fields and why they're worth adding to your reading list. From captivating memoirs to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, these books offer a diverse range of topics and perspectives that are sure to leave a lasting impact.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a literary journey that will expand your knowledge, challenge your assumptions, and inspire you to see the world in new ways.

best non fiction books 2021

Discover the best of the best in non-fiction literature from 2021. These books offer a diverse range of topics, perspectives, and writing styles, ensuring there's something for every reader.

  • History's untold stories
  • Science's latest discoveries
  • Memoirs that inspire
  • Essays that challenge
  • Reportage that informs
  • Narratives that captivate
  • Ideas that change minds
  • Perspectives that broaden horizons

Delve into these books and embark on a literary journey that will enrich your understanding of the world and leave a lasting impact on your mind.

History's untold stories

History is often written by the victors, leaving many untold stories and forgotten perspectives. The following books shed light on these hidden narratives, bringing to life the voices and experiences of those who have been marginalized or overlooked.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly tells the inspiring story of a group of African American women who played a crucial role in NASA's success during the Space Race. These women, known as "human computers," performed complex mathematical calculations that were essential for the success of America's early space missions.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson chronicles the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North and West during the 20th century. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book weaves together the personal stories of three individuals to illuminate the larger historical context of this transformative event.

The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World by Vincent Bevins uncovers the dark history of the United States' involvement in anti-communist campaigns during the Cold War. Bevins reveals how the U.S. government supported and participated in brutal military operations and covert actions that resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

The Forgotten Girls: A Memoir of Friendship and Lost Promise in Rural America by Monica Potts tells the story of Potts's friendship with Alisha, a young woman from a troubled family in rural West Virginia. Potts explores the complex social and economic factors that contribute to the challenges facing young people in Appalachia and the ways in which poverty and addiction can devastate families and communities.

These books offer just a glimpse into the many untold stories that exist in our history. By shedding light on these forgotten narratives, we can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the past and the forces that have shaped our world.

Science's latest discoveries

The world of science is constantly evolving, with new discoveries and breakthroughs happening all the time. The following books explore some of the most cutting-edge scientific findings and their implications for our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist who co-developed the revolutionary gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9. This book delves into the science behind CRISPR and its potential to transform medicine, agriculture, and even human evolution.

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez exposes the shocking gender bias that exists in scientific research, data collection, and product design. Perez argues that this bias has resulted in a world that is literally designed for men, with women's needs and experiences often being overlooked or ignored.

The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism and Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy and Build Collective Freedom by Chrissy King explores the intersections of racism, diet culture, and body image. King argues that these systems of oppression are interconnected and that dismantling them is essential for achieving body liberation and promoting health and well-being for all.

Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert Sapolsky is a comprehensive exploration of human behavior, from our basic instincts to our most complex social interactions. Sapolsky draws on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and endocrinology to provide a nuanced understanding of what makes us human.

These books offer just a taste of the many exciting scientific discoveries and insights that are shaping our understanding of the world. By delving into these works, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the natural world and our place within it.

Memoirs that inspire

Memoirs offer a unique window into the lives of others, allowing us to learn from their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The following memoirs are particularly inspiring, offering insights into resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit.

  • All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

    Johnson's memoir explores growing up as a Black queer boy in the American South. He writes about his experiences with bullying, identity, and self-acceptance, offering a powerful and moving account of resilience and self-discovery.

  • Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

    Zauner's memoir is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of grief, family, and the Korean American experience. She writes about losing her mother to cancer and her journey to reconnect with her Korean heritage through food and cooking.

  • Know My Name by Chanel Miller

    Miller's memoir is a powerful and unflinching account of her experience as a victim of sexual assault. She writes about the trauma she endured, the challenges she faced in the aftermath of the assault, and her journey towards healing and empowerment.

  • Educated by Tara Westover

    Westover's memoir tells the incredible story of her upbringing in a survivalist family in rural Idaho. She writes about her lack of formal education, her escape from her family, and her journey to becoming a successful student and writer.

These memoirs are just a few examples of the many inspiring stories that are out there. By reading these books, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the challenges and triumphs that people face. We can also find inspiration and encouragement to overcome our own challenges and live our lives to the fullest.

Essays that challenge

Essays offer a powerful platform for writers to explore complex ideas and challenge conventional wisdom. The following books collect essays that do just that, pushing the boundaries of thought and inviting readers to question their assumptions about the world.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a collection of essays that explores the experience of being Black in America. Coates writes about race, identity, and the legacy of slavery, offering a powerful and unflinching look at the challenges faced by Black people in the United States.

Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino is a collection of essays that examines the ways in which we deceive ourselves and others. Tolentino writes about topics such as social media, the internet, and the cult of self-optimization, offering a sharp and insightful critique of modern culture.

Uncanny Valley: A Memoir by Anna Wiener is a hybrid memoir and cultural critique that explores the author's experiences working in the tech industry. Wiener writes about the sexism and bro culture that is prevalent in Silicon Valley, as well as the ways in which technology is shaping our lives and society.

No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg is a collection of speeches and essays by the young climate activist. Thunberg writes about the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate action. Her powerful words have inspired millions of people around the world to take action to protect the planet.

These books offer just a taste of the many thought-provoking essays that are being written today. By reading these works, we can challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Reportage that informs

Reportage is a type of journalism that uses vivid storytelling to inform readers about important issues and events. The following books are excellent examples of reportage that informs, shedding light on critical social, political, and environmental issues.

  • Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

    Keefe's book tells the story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the 1972 disappearance of Jean McConville, a mother of ten who was abducted and killed by the IRA. Keefe's meticulous reporting and vivid storytelling bring this tragic event to life, shedding light on the complexities of the conflict and its lasting impact on the people of Northern Ireland.

  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

    Alexander's book examines the mass incarceration of Black people in the United States, arguing that it is a new form of racial segregation. Alexander draws on extensive research and case studies to show how the criminal justice system is biased against Black people, leading to their disproportionate representation in prisons and jails.

  • Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

    Desmond's book tells the stories of eight families who are evicted from their homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Desmond's immersive reporting captures the devastating impact of eviction on families, showing how it can lead to job loss, homelessness, and even death. Desmond's work has helped to raise awareness of the eviction crisis in the United States and has led to calls for policy changes to protect renters.

  • The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

    Kolbert's book examines the ongoing extinction crisis, which is the sixth mass extinction event in Earth's history. Kolbert travels the world to document the devastating impact that humans are having on the planet's biodiversity. Her book is a powerful call to action, urging readers to take steps to protect the environment and prevent the extinction of countless species.

These books are just a few examples of the many excellent works of reportage that are being published today. By reading these books, we can learn about important issues, challenge our assumptions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Narratives that captivate

Non-fiction books can be just as captivating as fiction, offering immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters. The following books are excellent examples of narratives that captivate, transporting readers to different times and places and introducing them to unforgettable people and experiences.

The Overstory by Richard Powers is a sweeping novel that tells the story of a group of people whose lives are intertwined with trees. Powers's lyrical prose and deep knowledge of the natural world create a vivid and immersive experience, exploring the complex relationships between humans and the environment.

In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides is a thrilling account of the ill-fated expedition of the USS Jeannette to the Arctic in 1879. Sides's gripping narrative and vivid descriptions bring to life the harsh conditions and dangers that the crew faced, as well as their resilience and determination.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative history of the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North and West during the 20th century. Wilkerson weaves together the personal stories of three individuals to illuminate the larger historical context of this transformative event.

Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham is a gripping account of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. Higginbotham's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the events leading up to the disaster, the heroic efforts of the first responders, and the long-term consequences of the accident.

These books are just a few examples of the many captivating narratives that are available in non-fiction literature. By reading these books, we can experience different worlds, learn about important historical events, and meet unforgettable people. We can also gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the complexities of the world around us.

Ideas that change minds

Non-fiction books have the power to change minds by introducing readers to new ideas, challenging their assumptions, and expanding their perspectives. The following books are excellent examples of works that have the potential to change minds and spark new ways of thinking about the world.

  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

    Harari's book is a sweeping history of humankind, from our origins as hunter-gatherers to our current status as a globalized species. Harari challenges conventional wisdom about human nature and explores the forces that have shaped our societies and cultures.

  • The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

    Beauvoir's book is a seminal work of feminist thought that examines the oppression of women throughout history. Beauvoir argues that women are not simply the "second sex" to men, but that they are actively denied rights and opportunities. Her book has had a profound impact on the women's movement and continues to inspire activists and scholars today.

  • The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

    Becker's book explores the human fear of death and its impact on our lives. Becker argues that our fear of death leads us to engage in a variety of behaviors, such as striving for power and status, in an attempt to deny our mortality. His book is a challenging and thought-provoking look at the human condition.

  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

    Duhigg's book examines the science of habit formation and how habits can be changed. Duhigg shows how habits are formed in our brains and how they can be broken or replaced with new habits. His book has been praised for its insights into human behavior and its potential to help people change their lives.

These books are just a few examples of the many non-fiction books that have the power to change minds. By reading these books, we can challenge our assumptions, expand our perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. We can also find inspiration and guidance for our own lives.

Perspectives that broaden horizons

Non-fiction books can offer us new perspectives on the world, challenging our assumptions and expanding our understanding of different cultures, experiences, and ways of life. The following books are excellent examples of works that broaden horizons and offer readers a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a powerful and moving memoir that explores the experience of being Black in America. Coates writes about race, identity, and the legacy of slavery, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Black people in the United States.

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu is a dialogue between two Nobel Peace Prize laureates on the nature of joy and happiness. The Dalai Lama and Tutu share their insights on how to find joy in the midst of suffering and how to create a more compassionate and peaceful world.

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn is a groundbreaking work of journalism that examines the oppression of women around the world. Kristof and WuDunn travel to different countries to meet women who are fighting against poverty, violence, and discrimination. Their book is a powerful call to action for gender equality.

The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism and Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy and Build Collective Freedom by Chrissy King is a powerful exploration of the intersections of racism, diet culture, and body image. King argues that these systems of oppression are interconnected and that dismantling them is essential for achieving body liberation and promoting health and well-being for all.

These books are just a few examples of the many non-fiction books that can broaden our horizons and offer us new perspectives on the world. By reading these books, we can learn about different cultures, experiences, and ways of life. We can also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that people face around the world and find inspiration to work towards a more just and equitable society.

FAQ

Have questions about books? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Question 1: What are some tips for choosing a good book to read?
Answer 1: There are a few things to consider when choosing a good book to read. First, think about your interests. What kind of books do you usually enjoy? If you're not sure, browse through different genres and see what catches your eye. Second, read the book reviews. This can give you a good idea of what other people thought of the book and whether or not it's worth your time. Finally, trust your gut. If a book sounds interesting to you, give it a try. You might be surprised at what you find.

Question 2: How can I find books that are similar to ones I already enjoy?
Answer 2: There are a few ways to find books that are similar to ones you already enjoy. First, you can ask your friends, family, or librarian for recommendations. They may have some great suggestions for books that you'll love. Second, you can use online resources like Goodreads or Amazon to find books that are similar to ones you've already read. Finally, you can pay attention to the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" section on Amazon or similar websites. This can give you some ideas for other books that you might enjoy.

Question 3: How can I get the most out of reading a book?
Answer 3: There are a few things you can do to get the most out of reading a book. First, find a quiet and comfortable place to read. This will help you focus and concentrate on the book. Second, take your time. Don't try to rush through the book. Allow yourself to savor the words and the story. Third, ask yourself questions as you read. This will help you to engage with the material and to understand it more deeply. Finally, discuss the book with others. This can help you to gain new insights into the book and to appreciate it more.

Question 4: What are some common mistakes that people make when reading a book?
Answer 4: There are a few common mistakes that people make when reading a book. First, they try to read too fast. This can lead to skimming over important information and missing out on the details. Second, they don't ask themselves questions as they read. This can lead to a lack of understanding and engagement with the material. Third, they don't discuss the book with others. This can lead to a missed opportunity to gain new insights and to appreciate the book more.

Question 5: How can I encourage my child to read more?
Answer 5: There are a few things you can do to encourage your child to read more. First, make sure that there are plenty of books available to them. This means having books in the house, at the library, and at school. Second, read to your child regularly. This will help them to develop a love of reading and to see it as a fun and enjoyable activity. Third, talk to your child about books. Ask them what they're reading and what they think about it. This will help them to feel engaged with the material and to want to read more.

Question 6: What are some of the benefits of reading?
Answer 6: There are many benefits to reading, including:

Increased knowledge and understanding Improved vocabulary and communication skills Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills Greater empathy and understanding of others Reduced stress and anxiety Improved sleep Increased creativity and imagination A longer, healthier life

Reading is a wonderful way to learn new things, expand your horizons, and improve your overall well-being. Make time for reading every day and you'll reap the many benefits that it has to offer.

Ready to dive into the world of books? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Tips

Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of reading:

Tip 1: Set aside time for reading.

Make reading a priority in your life. Set aside some time each day, even if it's just for a few minutes, to read. Find a time when you're relaxed and can focus on the book. Whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed, make reading a regular part of your routine.

Tip 2: Find a comfortable reading spot.

Create a comfortable and inviting reading space where you can relax and focus on the book. This could be a cozy armchair in your living room, a quiet corner in the library, or a park bench on a sunny day. Make sure you have good lighting and a comfortable chair or cushion to sit on.

Tip 3: Choose books that interest you.

One of the best ways to get into reading is to choose books that you're actually interested in. If you're not sure what to read, ask your friends, family, or librarian for recommendations. You can also browse through different genres and see what catches your eye. Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.

Tip 4: Don't be afraid to put a book down if you're not enjoying it.

It's okay to put a book down if you're not enjoying it. There are plenty of other books out there that you might enjoy more. Don't force yourself to finish a book that you're not interested in. Move on to something else and come back to it later if you feel like it.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

Reading is a wonderful way to learn new things, expand your horizons, and improve your overall well-being. Make time for reading every day and you'll reap the many benefits that it has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and start reading today!

Now that you have some tips for getting started, it's time to dive into the world of books. Explore different genres, find authors that you love, and let yourself be transported to new worlds and experiences. Reading is a lifelong journey, and there's always something new to discover.

Conclusion

Books are a powerful force for good in the world. They can educate us, entertain us, and inspire us. They can transport us to different worlds and cultures, and they can help us to understand ourselves and others better.

The books on this list are just a few examples of the many great books that are out there. They cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to memoir and fiction. But what they all have in common is that they are all well-written and thought-provoking books that will stay with you long after you finish reading them.

So if you're looking for a good book to read, I encourage you to check out some of the books on this list. You won't be disappointed.

And remember, reading is a lifelong journey. There are always new books to discover and new worlds to explore. So keep reading, and keep learning.

Happy reading!

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