30 Thought-Provoking Nonfiction Books That Will Make You Smarter

Some of the best nonfiction books that will make you smarter are The History of Knowledge, The Total Money Makeover, Moonwalking with Einstein, Thinking Fast and Slow, Meditations, Smarter Faster Better, and The Art of War.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it, reading is a relaxing activity. When you pick up a piece of fiction, you dive into another world that has nothing to do with the stresses of your life. 

It’s easy for fiction to be interesting and relaxing because it describes imaginary people and events. But nonfiction describes actual people and events. So, it is easy to assume that nonfiction will be uninteresting and shy away from them. 

However, don’t let this preconception about nonfiction books fool you. There are plenty out there that have nothing to do with your personal life or work. You may find that a nonfiction book still gives you the escape from reality you want in a way you’ve never considered. As a bonus, you get to learn more and expand your knowledge on various topics.

Below are thirty nonfiction books that will make you smarter, just in time for the school year!

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A classic piece of nonfiction that everyone should read. Dale Carnegie’s time-tested advice has helped millions gain the success that they strive for. Within these pages, you’ll learn ways to make people like you, get others to agree with your thinking, and ways to change others without losing them as a friend. 

All of these are tough situations that many find themselves in. With Carnegie’s advice, it won’t be so difficult anymore.

A classic piece of nonfiction that everyone should read. Dale Carnegie’s time-tested advice has helped millions gain the success that they strive for. Within these pages, you’ll learn ways to make people like you, get others to agree with your thinking, and ways to change others without losing them as a friend. 

All of these are tough situations that many find themselves in. With Carnegie’s advice, it won’t be so difficult anymore.

2. The History of Knowledge by Charles Van Doren

Every idea, every invention, every thought humankind has had lies within 448 pages of this encyclopedic guide. The History of Knowledge is easy to understand and explains how humans got to be where they are today. 

It also goes on to explain climates, social conditions, and politics that helped shape our society. It is a thought-provoking read that’s perfect for any book club!

3. The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme by any means. Dave Ramsey gives it to you straight and doesn’t sugar-coat anything. If you’re in debt, he’ll show you how to get out of debt. If you’re saving for a house but still want to enjoy life, he’ll explain how to do it. 

In The Total Money Makeover, Ramsey teaches good money habits that are realistic to follow. You’ll gain the smarts you need to go through life without worrying about finances. 

4. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

At one point or another, you’ve probably asked the same question that we all ask, “How did the universe begin?” Genius Stephen Hawking offers more thought-provoking questions and potential answers in his book, A Brief History of Time. Hawking explains the big bang theory, black holes, and even God in plain English so that those who know nothing about science can understand. An excellent read if you are looking to challenge your thoughts about the wonderous universe we live in.

5. What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe

Another nonfiction book to pick up if you are looking for something to challenge your mind is, What If by Randall Munroe. Get ready to get the answers to some of the strangest questions someone could think of. 

One of the funniest books available that has plenty of research to back up the answers to a question like, “If there was a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last?” Curious to know the answer, then you’ll want to pick up this read to find out!

6. Moonwalking with Einstein Joshua Foer

Ever wish you had a better memory? Author Joshua Foer wanted to. His quest to improve his memory took him on a year-long journey. Foer bases his findings on research on memory and the history of remembering.

7. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Dan Kahneman

Dan Kahneman defines that there ate two systems that drive our thoughts. The first system is fast and emotional, while the other is slow and logical. Only by understanding the two systems, can you begin to make better decisions. An enlightening book that also gives you the techniques that will help when you encounter a “mental glitch.”

8. Consider the Fork by Bee Wilson

Foodie and author Bee Wilson goes way back in time to how humans used to eat and how it shaped their culture. From cavemen to the Renaissance and beyond, Wilson discusses the history of our kitchens and culinary tools. A wonderful and witty piece that shows how the kitchen tools we have now shouldn’t be taken for granted! 

9. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Talk about a story that will empower any woman to be who she wants to be! Hidden Figures tells the story of the African American women who helped NASA calculate the numbers that would launch rockets into space. 

The story takes place when America was still segregated and these talented mathematicians, referred to as computers, were separated from their fellow coworkers. If anything at all, watch the film!

10. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

The title alone is intriguing! The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat explores neurological disorders and the power of the human spirit. The title of the book comes from one of Oliver Sacks’ most interesting cases where a man literally confused his wife for a hat. 

The Man Who Mistook His Wife answers questions society has about the secrets that lie behind the human mind.

11. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Bad Blood is the story of one of the biggest corporate frauds in history. It tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her biotech start-up – Theranos.

The world regarded Elizabeth Holmes as the next Steve Jobs, and Theranos promised to revolutionize the medical industry by making blood testing easier and faster. However, the technology did not work, putting patients in danger. Instead of pulling the plug on the technology, Holmes and her partner did everything to silence people who had misgivings – including the employees and the media. 

Bad Blood reads like a thriller. It shows how far one would go when pushed by ambition alone. It also vividly shows Washington’s facile relationship with Silicon Valley.

12. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

Three Women is a riveting true story about the sex lives of three American women. It explores the sexual desires of the three women and all its complicated and messy outcomes.

One woman was in a decade-old marriage that had lost its passion, and she started an affair (with an old flame) that became all-consuming. The second woman was a seventeen-year-old high school student who allegedly had a clandestine relationship with her married teacher, causing a criminal investigation that consumed their quiet community. The third woman is a gorgeous and independent woman who is happily married to a man who enjoys watching her have sex with other men and women. 

Three Women will make you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about desire and relationships.  

13. The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Emperor of All Maladies is a biography of cancer. It follows cancer from its first documented appearance thousands of years ago to the epic battles to cure, control, and conquer it in this century. The book traces the development of cancer treatment, gives a glimpse into the future of cancer treatment, and offers hope and clarity.

Siddhartha Mukherjee is a physician, researcher, and science writer, so he explores cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. Interestingly, The Emperor of All Maladies reads like a literary thriller.

14. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan

How do we understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience ad the testable hypotheses of science? The Demon-Haunted World explores this.

Most elements of our global civilization depend on science and technology. Thus, holding on to myths and fallacies is a dangerous plunge into darkness threatening our civilization. Yet, fallacies like alien abduction, communal hallucinations, and more are growing in popularity and gaining respect today.

The Demon-Haunted World vividly demonstrates why myths are dangerous. It also examines and debunks many celebrated fallacies like witchcraft, demons, faith healing, and UFOs.

15. Bad Science by Ben Goldacre

Have you ever wondered how accurate a health-related stat or ad is? Then Bad Science was written with you in mind. The book analyzes a variety of health-related claims.

It tackles many “bad science” we are fed daily by hacks and quacks, lifting the lid on scaremongering journalists, quack doctors, and dodgy pharmaceutical corporations. It takes on the MMR hoax, acupuncture, homeopathy, misleading cosmetics ads, vitamins, our view of toxins, and more. 

Bad Science is a wealth of information for all who are conscious of their health and want to know if the health facts out there are true.  

16. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a collection of personal writings of Marcus Aurelius (the Roman Emperor between 161 – 180 CE). Aurelius never intended to publish these writings. He simply put down his ideas on Stoic philosophy to use them for his guidance and self-improvement.

“Meditations” contains timeless philosophies on various topics, including morality, virtue, rationality, and more. For example, timeless quotations about taking a moral inventory of oneself and exercising self-control abound in the book. “Meditations” is a must-read if you seek a deeper understanding of human nature.

17. Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor E Frankl 

Man’s Search For Meaning is an excellent read about how one can draw lessons from suffering to create a better life. It is one of the most inspirational books ever written. Victor Frankl, a psychiatrist, labored in four different death camps (including Auschwitz) while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished.

Man’s Search For Meaning is about Frankl’s personal experience and those of others he treated. He argues that we cannot avoid suffering, but we can choose how we cope with it, find meaning in it, and forge forward with renewed purpose. 

18. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Stiff is a book about dead bodies – specifically cadavers (the corpses used for scientific studies). Stiff is an enthralling, often hilarious exploration of our bodies postmortem. 

Cadavers have been involved in medical advances. This book visits some of the extraordinary deeds of cadavers over the centuries. It explores many different tests and experiments performed on our bodies when we are no longer with them.

19. Columbine: A True Crime Story by Jeff Kass

Columbine is an outstanding book of investigative journalism, telling the complete story of Colorado’s 1999 mass shooting. Using a variety of evidence, it provides a detailed account of the event and dispels many myths surrounding it. 

The book also explores the far-reaching consequences of the school shooting. It also paints a clear picture of the killers and attempts to find the common denominator among public school shooters in the country. The updated version of Columbine includes material about how communities can prevent such public school shootings from happening in the future.

20. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

The name of this book (Astrophysics For People in a Hurry) is apt as it explains the complex concepts of astrophysics in layman’s terms.

It is an excellent read for anyone who contemplates the cosmos, as it explores mind-expanding concepts like the nature of space and time, how we fit into the universe, and how the universe fits within us. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is a book that’ll make you fluent in discussions about the cosmos.

21. Brainiac: Adventures in the Curious Competitive, Compulsive World of Trivia Buffs by Ken Jennings 

Brainiac is an insightful book about trivia by the undisputed trivia king. Ken Jennings won 74 consecutive games of the Trivia TV game show Jeopardy in 2004. In Brainiac, Jennings takes us behind the scenes on his incredible run on the game show. 

He also explores the world of Trivia across America, from the noisy pub to elite college quiz Bowls. Brainiac will show you that trivia is not just pieces of information of little importance but that trivia is fascinating, elegant, and worthy of study.

22. Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity by Charles Duhigg

If you want to make smarter decisions, Duhigg wrote “Smarter Faster Better” for you. It explores the world of productivity and offers real advice about how to be more productive at work and in your personal life.

The book explains why some people and companies are very productive while others struggle to get things done. It draws on neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics findings, as well as the experiences of CEOs, four-star generals, airplane pilots, and more. It identifies eight key concepts that can make you smarter: motivation, goal setting, and more.

23. Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour by Kam Knight

Have you ever felt you have too much material to cover and little time for that? Then Speed Reading is the book for you. It is the go-to book for learners, teachers, and professionals.

It offers simple tips to accelerate your reading speed while improving your comprehension and memory. The book does not just teach how to scan and skim. Instead, you’ll read every word, doubling or tripling your reading speed while understanding and remembering more of what you read.

24. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

What often holds people back from reaching their goals is their habits. However, breaking bad habits is easier said than done. As the second part of its title says, Atomic Habits will show you how to build good habits and break bad ones.

James Clear is one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation. In this book, he shows why it is so hard for one to change a habit. Drawing from biology, psychology, and neuroscience and inspiring true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, and business leaders, he offers easy-to-understand advice for breaking bad habits and building good habits.

25. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War over 2,000 years ago, but it remains one of the best strategy books. It is a timeless classic of military strategy.

Sun Tzu, a Chinese general, starts that all war must be avoided with diplomacy. He then gives strategies and tactics that a side can use to win a war speedily, resulting in as little suffering as possible. 

Beyond the battlefield, the advice in The Art of War can help you succeed in various competitive situations. For this reason, many companies worldwide make it a must-read for their executives. Make The Art of War required reading to have a great and highly tactical mind.

26. Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova

Remember is a fascinating exploration of memory, dealing with why we forget, how we remember, and how to protect our memories.

In this book, neurologist Lisa Genova takes us into how we form memories and retrieve them. You’ll learn why some memories are only temporary while some can last a lifetime. You’ll also see how memory is affected by emotions, sleep, stress, context, and meaning. 

Understanding how memory functions, including its strengths and weaknesses, will help you improve your ability to remember more. It’ll also help you feel less rattled when you inevitably forget.   

27. Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley

The mapping of the 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome is arguably the most significant scientific discovery of the century. What does mapping the genome mean, and what are the ramifications of this breakthrough? This book (Genome) answers these questions.

Matt Ridley picks each gene and tells its story, explaining how it affects our bodies. It examines the application of gene therapy and the horrors of eugenics and probes the scientific, philosophical, and moral issues arising from mapping the genome. This book will make you smart in biology, specifically genetics. 

28. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

Think Again is the work of organizational psychologist Adam Grant. In this book, Grant argues that while thinking and learning are essential, the ability to rethink and unlearn matters even more in our constantly changing world.

He explains that sticking to our beliefs and opinions can make us blind to our limitations, but learning to question our opinions and challenging our thought processes can position us for excellence. Think Again is an invitation to prize mental flexibility by questioning our deeply held beliefs. That is, rethink what you already know, and you might learn something new.

29. Nudge: The Final Edition by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R Sunstein

Nudge is a book that teaches you how to make better decisions for yourself and get others to make the decisions you want. 

The book shows how to use behavioral science to guide decisions and policies. It explains what nudges are and how to use them. It can also help you identify the nudges in your life so that you can be more aware of your choices and make more informed decisions.

Thus, Nudge should be required reading for (i) people who want to be more aware of their choices and (ii) people who want to influence people (whether it is in running a country, leading a country, or raising a child).

30. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Grit shows that the secret to outstanding success is not talent or intelligence but grit (a unique blend of passion and perseverance). If there’s a book that inspires non-geniuses to have the result of geniuses, it is Grit.

The book looks at modern experiments in peak performance, fascinating insights from history, and real-life experiences of both people who are struggling and high achievers. It shows that you can learn grit regardless of your IQ or circumstances. It also shows that the effort you put into something count even more than talent or luck. 

Conclusion 

The thirty nonfiction books above will make you smarter. The collection includes business books that can make you more financially literate, biology nonfiction that will help you know more about the human body and what affects it, strategy nonfiction that can make you more tactical, memory books that can help improve your memory, and more.

Interested in reading all of these books before you step into your first lecture? Then it would help if you learned to speed read. When you take one of our speed reading courses, you’ll learn practical strategies to accelerate your reading, enhance your comprehension, and remember more of what you read. 

Our Speed Reading Foundation Course is helping many beginner speed readers to read more in less time. Our Speed Reading Mastery Course is helping people to increase their reading speed even further, even when reading technical materials.

You can do more in less time when you work with us at Iris Reading. Check out all of our courses today.