Non Fiction November | My 6 Most Memorable Non Fiction Reads So Far

It’s Non Fiction November! If you’re following me on my socials, you’ll know that I regularly include non fiction books in my reading list. Three years ago, I never would’ve imagined that there would be instances when I’ll be reading more non fiction books than fiction at a time – but here we are. So in honor of this special month, I am listing down 6 of my most memorable non fiction reads so far. (I decided to select them by categories because it is so hard to pick!)

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SELF-HELP

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Let’s start with the OG: Dale Carnegie’s iconic How to Win Friends and Influence People. I feel like I owe this book so much. I have a copy of this in quick-reach – written, tabbed, highlighted – so I could refer to it over and over again.  Instantly, this became my bible-of-sorts for social interaction – especially at work. Besides the lessons I got from reading this, I think this kickstarted my non fiction streak circa 2019. (Read my full review here.)

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections and Courage by Brene Brown

I think I’ve recommended Brene Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability to so many of my close friends and I do think this is one book that every person should read at least once. If you’re dealing with a lot of guilt/shame, having a hard time being vulnerable with others, having a hard time admitting your flaws even to yourself, or even just a casual reader looking for something worthwhile – you will gain something from here. This is truly life-changing – and I can attest to that.  (Read my full review here.)

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INFORMATIVE

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, PhD

Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep really turned my relationship with sleep on its head. If you want to know how sleep works, or maybe you’re looking for reasons why you can’t sleep, or better yet (like me) you’re looking for systematic ways to improve your sleeping hygiene – this book is the best place to start. (Read my full review here.)

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score is probably one of the most, if not THE most important book I’ve ever read about trauma and PTSD. I believe it is one of those books, along with Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep, that people should read at least once in their lives. If you’re a mental health professional or someone passionate about it, AND especially if you’ve suffered the effects of trauma or know people whose lives were greatly affected by it, I highly recommend this book. (Read my full review here.)

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MEMOIR

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

There’s a lot to be said about Chanel Miller’s Know My Name but know that it deserves all the stars and praise everyone is giving it. There’s a reason you see it everywhere. This is maybe the most beautiful memoir I’ve ever had the chance of reading and it was up there among the best books I’ve ever read, including fiction – and that says a lot. Chanel will probably remain as one of the most inspiring persons I’ve ever come to know (even just through a book) and I am guessing that her existence and her story will always be a source of strength for me. (Read my full review here.)

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

Reading Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe you Should Talk to Someone cemented the idea more that you don’t really need a mental condition to seek out professional help. It can be about processing your emotions, processing your grief, coming to terms with loss or a confusing major moment in your life – it’s actively putting in the effort towards making yourself feel better with the assistance of others. This is necessary reading for any mental health advocate and to people that are still trying to figure out whether they need therapy / counseling. Read this and it might just give you the proverbial kick (or gentle nudge, if you might) to finally go. (Read my full review here.)

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Other related posts:

• Want to start reading more non fiction? Read my Tips to Reading Non Fiction Books
• Some benefits of reading memoirs regularly
• Read more of my Non Fiction Round Up series – where I review some of the non fiction books I’ve read lately.
• Or you can view Review Index to see a summary of non fiction books I’ve read.

What about you? Do you have a favorite non fiction read?