By Whether or not you’re an avid reader, you’re likely to have found yourself struggling to pick up a book at some point, especially if it belongs to the daunting genre of non-fiction. However, as scary as they might be, non-fiction books have unparalleled advantages in increasing your knowledge base. So, if you’re someone who’s struggling to find the right book to get into the genre, this list is for you. We’ve put together a series of easy and enjoyable titles to read which will get you into the habit of reading non-fiction books more often. Happy reading! P.S – they might just change your life.
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
By Stephen Hawking
Hawking’s famous book A Brief History of Time, is one that we’ve all heard about – especially if you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory. However, this lesser-known book is the perfect segue into non-fiction reading and pays a final homage to the brilliant physicist before his passing. This is a straightforward book to read because Hawking does not assume his audience to be astrophysicists or well-versed in science. Instead, he takes the reader step-by-step through whatever he is explaining and manages to convey his sense humour, even while talking about something as serious as black holes.
All in all, this is the perfect book to read regardless of whether you’re interested in space and science. It will teach you more about the world from the perspective of someone whose life’s work revolves around the great mysteries of the universe.
The Story of Philosophy
By Will Durant
From Plato to Nietzsche, this book will take you across the lives and contributions of all famous philosophers and introduce you to the revered subject of philosophy. If you’re remotely curious about philosophical ideas, this book promises to increase your thirst to learn more and sets the groundwork for more advanced non-fiction books on the subject. The great thing about this book is that with its accessible and introductory framework, you can expect to read it without the struggle of understanding complex ideas. Durant is renowned for his intellect and insights and doesn’t fail to impress his readers in this work either.
When Breath Becomes Air
By Paul Kalanithi
We’re sure you must have heard of this book when it made waves across social media for its profound writing. Although heart-wrenching, Paul Kalanithi’s book takes the concept of life and death and places it in the context of a timed existence. He writes about his own experience with stage IV lung cancer and how it changed his life as he knew it. What’s so emotionally intriguing about this book is that anyone could face similar circumstances at any given day, and it makes you realise how precious the gift of life is. If this doesn’t take you on an emotional rollercoaster, we don’t know what will!
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
By Laura Hillenbrand
If you’ve watched the 2014 film on Louis Zamperini, the US Olympic runner, you’ll understand why this phenomenal story is on our list. This book documents Zamperini’s struggle as he gets taken as a Japanese Prisoner of War. His emotional journey through life and his intense time as a POW makes this book a gripping non-fiction story, one that not only reaches out to your emotions but also educates you about factual instances in World War 2. If you’re as much a fan of history as we are, this book will be the perfect choice for you!
Tuesdays with Morrie
By Mitch Albom
We’ve all had a mentor in our life who has helped us through tough times, whether it’s a friend, sibling, or professor. Mitch Albom writes about reconnecting with his own professor, who’s struggling through a degenerative stage of ALS. The heartwarming conversations and lessons about living will teach you a thing or two about cherishing moments in the present and making the most of things.
This short book is sure to be an easy yet enjoyable read, especially if you’re just getting into the genre.
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