9 Nonfiction Books Fiction-Only Readers Will Enjoy

“Is reading fiction a waste of my time?”

We didn’t say it! Search this question on Quora or Reddit, and it would surprise you how many people asked the question and responded to it. Many agree with the sentiment that reading fiction is for entertainment only, and some went as far as to say that it is no different than watching TV. That’s taking it to the extreme, but fiction only readers counter by saying, “Reading nonfiction so boring!”

Having a mixture of fiction and nonfiction reads in your 2020 reading challenge list is essential to stay sane! Here are nine nonfiction books that you’ll want to include in your reading that fiction-only readers will enjoy.

Cleopatra, A Life by Stacy Schiff

History buffs will all agree that Cleopatra lived an extraordinary life. If you know nothing about her or are not interested in history, read Stacy Schiff’s book, and you’ll think differently. Cleopatra was the last queen of Egypt, and her less than forty years of life on this planet was nothing but drama. Those who love romance novels will enjoy learning about Cleopatra, her reign, and her love life.

 

 

 

 

The Crown by Robert Lacey

Fan of the Netflix show The Crown? Get a more in-depth look at the events that take place in the video adaptation. The book comes complete with vintage photos that bring the royal family to life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort

Every once in awhile, a book about mental health will come along. Society is open about mental health more than its ever been. If you’ve struggled with the emotional roller coasters that come with being in a relationship, you’ll enjoy It’s Okay to Laugh. Part drama, part comedy, Nora McInerney Purmort opens up about what her adventure was like going about finding the right sweetheart. Shortly after their relationship began, her new love is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. They don’t let that interfere with their relationship and soon marry in the hospital as he undergoes chemo. You have to read it to understand the power of true love.

 

 

 

 

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

Malcolm X once referred to himself as “the angriest Black man in America” yet became one of the most influential and respected people of the 20th century. He journeyed from prison cell to Muslim minister, and how did he do it? Read his autobiography and see his fascinating transition, that has the power to encourage anyone headed in the wrong direction to take a turn for the better.

 

 

 

 

 

World Without Mind by Franklin Foer

Fair warning, Franklin Foer’s World Without Mind is borderline political, but it will make you think about the changes technology has on society. Discussing the four biggest influences in tech, Foer argues that we’ve set our privacy aside and conformed to their operations. Do you agree? Read to find out what else he has to say and make up your mind then.

 

 

 

 

How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg

Another page-turner that discusses tech discusses the most significant thing to hit the internet in decades, the search engine giant Google. Learn how Google Executive Chairman and ex-CEO Eric Schmidt and former SVP of Products Jonathan Rosenberg created Google to be the company it is today.

 

 

 

 

 

Cooked by Michael Pollan

In Defense of Food author Michael Pollan explores the science behind what happens to when food gets cooked. The book explores all types of foods and methods of cooking. Pollan argues that the most important thing about cooking is how it brings people together and live a wholesome life.

 

 

 

 

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky 

Salt? Did someone honestly publish a best-selling book about an everyday mineral you add to your favorite dish? Salt has a more interesting history than one would think. Beginning in ancient Greece, it was believed that salt was a divine substance. Later, you find out how salt became a staple in food preparation. Fascinating stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

Bullies by Alex Abramovich

Ever think about becoming friends with your worst enemy? Alex Abramovich never thought he would until he met his elementary school bully decades later in a whole other state. The two became friends, sharing an interest in motorcycles, and after Abramovich gets to know his bully more, he realizes what a burden violence has become in his life. Bullies is a nonfiction book that will read like a fiction one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How quickly do you think you can read all nine of these books? Some of the most successful CEOs can do so easily. Learn how they do it with our online course, Speed Reading for Business Professionals. This no-nonsense course is for the busy professional that needs to get through tons of information quickly. Learn how to read faster and more effectively in this streamlined course.