The Best Non-Fiction Books
Aguirre, Lauren
The Memory Thief: And the Secrets Behind How We Remember―A Medical Mystery
The Memory Thief chronicles the investigation into a rare amnesia caused by fentanyl overdose. Researchers faced skepticism from the medical community, but they eventually proved opioids can damage the hippocampus, which forms new memories. The book highlights the obstacles researchers face and reveals why a cure for Alzheimer's may be possible.
Attenborough, Sir David
A Life on Our Planet
A lifetime of knowledge and a positive outlook for the future are shared by award-winning broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough in this scientifically accurate overview of the changes in nature over the past century, providing his "witness statement".
Campbell, Rebecca
Emotionally Involved: The Impact of Researching Rape
Emotionally Involved tackles challenging subjects and offers a clear picture of the difficulties faced by experts who study traumatic situations. Researchers, therapists, fieldworkers, people working on the front lines of the rape crisis and domestic violence work, and anybody interested in the function of emotions in social science should read it.
Catmull, Ed
Creativity Inc.
For fans of Daniel Pink, Tom Peters, and Chip and Dan Heath comes an insightful book about creativity in business and leadership from a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Award-winning studio behind Coco, Inside Out, and Toy Story.
Cohen, Leonard
Book of Longing
A collection of profound and introspective poetry that explores the complexities of love, longing, and the human experience. It is marked by its raw honesty and introspection, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and find solace in shared feelings of longing and love.
Curtis, Scarlett
Feminist Don't Wear Pink (And Other Lies)
"Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies" is a compilation of essays by remarkable women, from Hollywood actors to young activists, who each share their own experiences with feminism. This book, which tries to bridge the gap between the feminist hashtag and the academic text by providing women the room to articulate how they genuinely feel about feminism, is frequently humorous, occasionally shocking, and always inspiring.
Gay, Roxanne
Not That Bad: Dispatches From Rape Culture
It's a revealing anthology that explores the daily struggles of women facing harassment and aggression in today's society. This powerful collection features contributions from established and up-and-coming writers, including Gabrielle Union and Brandon Taylor. From the refugee crisis to first-person accounts of child molestation, "Not That Bad" is a deeply personal and honest collection that demands more than "not that bad" as a response to women's daily struggles.
Given, Florence
Women Don't Owe You Pretty
A vibrantly illustrated primer on modern feminism for the Instagram generation encouraging us to question the insidious narratives that would hold us back from self-acceptance, self-love, and our own power.
Gladwell, Malcolm
Talking to Strangers
Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers" explores the challenges of understanding and misinterpreting strangers. Through captivating narratives and insightful analysis, he highlights the illusions of transparency, the impact of cultural biases, and the importance of empathy in navigating human interactions. It is a thought-provoking examination of the complexities of communication.
Gottlieb, Lori
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone
"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb is a witty and insightful memoir that explores psychotherapy from both sides. With humor and compassion, Gottlieb shares personal experiences and follows four diverse patients, showcasing the transformative power of therapy. It serves as a valuable guide for communication, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections.
Hammel-Zabin, Amy
Conversations With a Pedophile
"Conversations with a Pedophile" is a groundbreaking book that offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a sex offender. Written by Dr. Amy Hammel-Zabin, a therapist who worked with "Alan," a pedophile convicted of sexually abusing over a thousand boys. Readers gain a compelling insight into the real threat of pedophilia in our communities. This must-read book sheds light on one of the most devastating issues of our time.
Hodges, Kate
Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology's Fiercest Females
Kate Hodges' book "Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology's Fiercest Females" is a collection of stories about 50 female characters from various myths and legends around the world. It is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different aspect of female power and agency. The book is a great introduction to the diversity and richness of female mythology, covering a wide range of cultures, traditions, and time periods.