Non-Fiction That Kept Me Reading

Non-Fiction That Kept Me Reading

A list by Kerry, Customer Service Specialist

Non-fiction often gets a bad rap as "pretentious" or "boring." But please! Don't fall into the trap of believing that all fact-based writing reads like a textbook! Take this list as proof that non-fiction can, in-fact, be wildly captivating.
 

Whether it was the content presented therein, its origin/authorship, or something else entirely, each of these reads had a certain "je ne sais quoi" that kept me hooked and left a lasting impression.

Books

Based on the author's extremely hands-on education, this book swaps seamlessly between factual descriptions of various skills and materials utilized in early civilization and fictional narratives of how someone might've used them.

I couldn't put this one down. Authored by a former lawyer, this book is a fascinating examination of human psychology and the addictive nature of "getting even."

This book reignited my childhood interest in prehistoric reptiles, and as a result, my coworkers learned almost as much new dinosaur trivia as I did!

A riveting memoir written by a former therapist who was driven toward her psychology degree by a desire to understand her own sociopathic tendencies. If you have even the mildest interest in social psychology, read this book!

I almost can't believe the events in this book actually happened. A wild and gripping naval tale that showcases the extremes of human behavior and survival. 

Just plain silly! Great fun to page through, even for the most casual of backyard birdwatchers.

A deeply moving retelling of events that took place before, during, and after "Fat Boy" and "Little Man" were dropped on Japan, focusing on the stories of those caught in the explosions and fallout.

Filled with true stories and real-life examples, this is NOT a "how to get rich" book. Instead, it’s an insightful look at the ways people think about money, and how one's outlook can affect one's long-term finances.

An insider's look at the rising trend of violent and drug-related crimes in, among, and against members of the U.S. Special Forces. 

This true-crime book genuinely reads like a thriller novel: four moms meet through their kids' school, get bored during the COVID lockdown, and team up to solve a cold case older than most of their kids. But what they discover proves far more consequential than any of them could've anticipated...

This bittersweet collection highlights some of the rarest professions and practices still seen in the world today, each one made rare by virtue of being on the edge of dying out.

Scotland's longtime practice of burning and torturing women once led the western world into a centuries-long witch panic. This book examines the context of Scotland's witch-hunting history and discusses some of the pressures and beliefs that drove people's fear. 

(Bonus: the audiobook is narrated in the author's native Scottish accent, which perfectly sets the tone!)

A valuable discussion of relationships, attachment styles, and the different ways people form safe and secure connections with one another. Not just for the polyamorous!

What a read! This book highlights the surprising number of both historic and modern-day connections between wild bears, tax evasion, and a small town in New Hampshire.

A visceral retelling of the 118 days a couple spent adrift on the Pacific Ocean together, with insights into the psychological challenges their relationship faced before, during, and after their harrowing journey. 

Robin Wall Kimmerer's books always present a unique juxtaposition between the logical and the spiritual, and this examination of gifts, resources, and reciprocity is no exception.

A fascinating look at some of the monsters, magic, and mythologies that have historically represented feminine aspects, as well as how those monsters and legends have morphed alongside society's gradual changes in attitude toward women.

I'm in my "bog witch era." If you are too, then this book is the go-to title to help you keep your bog (and its carnivorous denizens) in peak condition!