Best Non-Fiction Books 2023 | Know about real stories and events

best non-fiction books

Non-fiction means something that is not fiction, something that is based on true stories, experience and other significant events happening around us. Non-fiction gives us the chance to look at the world around us and experience the changes and histories behind it. When you read non-fiction books you will learn about something that really happened. For all the non-fiction lovers, below here presented some of the best non-fiction books you will ever find to read.

Stuff You Should Know
Author: Clark, Josh
Published at: 22/06/2021
ISBN: 1409199398

It’s the Josh and Chuck you’ve been listening to for years, except they wrote it down this time and now you’re reading it!

While each chapter covers one topic, they keep it interesting with fun stories and "rabbit holes" which are just as interesting as the chapter's topic. The book covers a wide range of stuff that we should know, from the equation for blackouts from a tequila (important), how to slow down the ageing process, whether there will be a trillionaire, all the way to answering whether Paul McCartney really died, and who the hell was John Frum and why was he so influential in Vanuatu. I cannot believe that they can even make few dull subjects such as taxation and the smell of dogs become hella interesting. 

And what about the jokes, eh? I'm not going to spoil anything, but let’s just say the chapter about how to use your pet rock, and their illustration of a pet rock, made me laugh a little longer than I should. In fact, the many illustrations in the book are just downright hilarious. Meanwhile, every once in a while the book gives us pithy sayings that set us straight on the right path in life and away from troubles. Sayings such as  “never get into a shouting match with someone whose job involves a microphone.” Or “you’re usually better off going with the guy who has all the spreadsheets.” Or "nothing good has ever happened in the back of a van in the woods." Wise, wise words.



Days of Steel Rain: The Epic Story of a WWII Vengeance Ship in the Year of the Kamikaze
Author: Jones, Brent E.
Published at: 11/05/2021
ISBN: 031645110X

This is one of the best non-fiction books.

Sprawling across the Pacific, this untold story follows the crew of the newly-built "vengeance ship" USS Astoria, named for her sunken predecessor lost earlier in the war. At its centre lies U.S. Navy Captain George Dyer, who vowed to return to action after suffering a horrific wound. He accepted the ship's command in 1944, knowing it would be his last chance to avenge his injuries and salvage his career. Yet with the nation's resources and personnel stretched thin by the war, he found that just getting the ship into action would prove to be a battle.

Tensions among the crew flared from the start. Astoria's sailors and Marines were a collection of replacements, retreads, and older men. Some were broken by previous traumatic combat, most had no desire to be in the war, yet all found themselves fighting an enemy more afraid of surrender than death.

The reluctant ship was called to respond to challenges that its men never could have anticipated. From a typhoon where the ocean was enemy to daring rescue missions, a gallant turn at Iwo Jima, and the ultimate crucible against the Kamikaze at Okinawa, they endured the worst of the final year of the war at sea.



The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War
Author: Donohue, John "Chick"
Published at: 09/11/2021
ISBN: 0062995472

only JT Molloy could bring Chickie Donahue's story and experiences to life with their sense of humour, pride, and optimism. I learned more about this war that I did not know before and the brave, young men that sacrificed so much and a dear friend who risked his life to bring them a little joy. Guy takes off to Vietnam at the height of the war to deliver beer to guys from the neighbourhood serving in the military. The whole idea is preposterous, but he pulls it off. Turns out I was over there at the same time and place, and he managed to get caught up in the Tet Offensive like all the rest of us. This book brought back many memories and it is a real hoot.



Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning
Author: Hong, Cathy Park
Published at: 02/03/2021
ISBN: 1984820389

Cathy Park Hong’s incredible poetry (if you haven’t read any of her three collections, you should) were just a precursor to her sharp insights, raw humanity and forceful wisdom displayed in her essays. Her book is one of those rare reads that, immediately upon finishing it, you want to read again; further, the works she references, whether Richard Pryor’s comedy, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha’s writing and films or Myung Mi Kim’s poetry, provoked me to search out those gems and add them to my TBR/TBW list. Cathy writes with such grace and expression that it made me proud that she grew up in Los Angeles. In short, Minor Feelings challenges its readers in all the right ways.



The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
Author: Larson, Erik
Published at: 25/02/2020
ISBN: 0385348711

On Winston Churchill’s first day as prime minister, Adolf Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next twelve months, Hitler would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons. It was up to Churchill to hold his country together and persuade President Franklin Roosevelt that Britain was a worthy ally—and willing to fight to the end.



Island of the Lost: An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World
Author: Druett, Joan
Published at: 06/08/2019
ISBN: 1616209704

It is 1864, and Captain Thomas Musgrave’s schooner, the Grafton, has just wrecked on Auckland Island, a forbidding piece of land 285 miles south of New Zealand. Battered by year-round freezing rain and constant winds, it is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death. Incredibly, at the same time on the opposite end of the island, another ship runs aground during a storm. Separated by only twenty miles and the island’s treacherous, impassable cliffs, the crews of the Grafton and the Invercauld face the same fate.

And yet where the Invercauld’s crew turns inward on itself, fighting, starving, and even turning to cannibalism, Musgrave’s crew bands together to build a cabin and a forge and eventually, to find a way to escape.  Using the survivors’ journals and historical records, award-winning maritime historian Joan Druett brings to life this extraordinary untold story about leadership and the fine line between order and chaos.



The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))
Author: Phillip Hoose
Published at: 12/05/2015
ISBN: 0374300224

If you are interested in reading the real-life events of WWII that changed the world you are now living then THE BOYS WHO CHALLENGED HITLER is one of the best books you can read. National Book Award winner Philip Hoose's narrative style will amaze you in every way. This non-fiction book is written on the background of WWII, where a little known group of heroes arose to save Denmark from the aggression of German Dictator Hitler. It is based on the personal experience of Knud Pedersen who was a member of the Churchill Club. When Denmark accepted Nazi soldiers to stay on their land, the soldiers began to rule the continents of Denmark. A group of young boys stood up against them and formed a club named the Churchill Club named after the fiery British leader. They have committed countless acts of sabotage, made resistance against the Germans. They got caught by the Germans but their heroic acts helped others to rise against the enemies. With the fascinating story of the Churchill Club boys, this book will keep you engaged in your seat once you start reading it. Grab this amazing book now.



The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory--More Than 150 Magical Recipes for Wizards and Non-Wizards Alike (Unofficial Cookbook)
Author: Dinah Bucholz
Published at: 18/09/2010
ISBN: 1440503257

Everybody loves Harry Potter, the world of wizards and unimaginable possibilities. The series gives us the inspiration to be a Wizard. But have you ever thought of being a Wizard cook? If yes, then THE UNOFFICIAL HARRY POTTER COOKBOOK is all you need. The recipes in this book will make you feel like a Wizard Cook who can make delicious pies and dishes. The recipes are incredibly fun and easy to follow and the book pages are designed in such a way that it looks like a spellbook. There are more than 150 easy to make recipes with step by step information, tips, and techniques. Moreover, people of all ages can easily adapt the cooking secrets revealed in this book. It has authentic English and wizard-like dishes. You will fall in love with this amazing cookbook.

Chapters include:

  • Treacle Tart, Harry's favorite dessert
  • Molly's Meat Pies
  • French Onion Soup
  • Pumpkin Pasties and many more amazing dishes


Read Harder (A Reading Log): Track Books, Chart Progress
Author: Book Riot
Published at: 04/09/2018
ISBN: 1419732552
READ HARDER is an exceptional book that is created by Book Riot, an online-based platform that is designed to keep track of the books people read, record the reading stats, reviews of the books and impressions after reading them. This book has 12 challenges which will encourage people to read more and read smartly. Each of the challenges used in this book has a pretty impressive outcome and these will reward for future challenges. This non-fiction book works as a reading log. It also has charts to track your progress. Each challenges have 5 more books to read as suggestions. Get this amazing book to enrich your reading quest.

Challenges included in this book:
  • Read a book about books
  • Read a book published in another language
  • Suggestions and references after each of the challenges


Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (National Book Award Winner)
Author: Ibram X. Kendi
Published at: 15/08/2017
ISBN: 1568585985

STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING is the definitive history of racism in America which has been continuing through the modern era. Racism in America existed since the colonial era. Legally sanctioned rights were given to the white Americans while neglecting the other races. They were granted privileges on education, work, voting rights, immigration, citizenship, and criminal aspects. In this research-based book Ibram X. Kendi has presented the dark chapters of racism in America. He used the life stories of 5 major American intellectuals. He showed that racism is not created from ignorance, rather it was created on purpose for taking advantage and keep the nation's racial discrimination. The author discussed the root of racism and why it is still practiced in America. He upheld the critical review of racism and it's effects on a country in this book. There is a total of 5 chapters on this book, each based on the point of view of 5 American greatest minds. This book is a thoughtful and detailed summary which explains American current trends and position towards racism. Grab this New York Times bestseller book today.



The Last Viking: The Life of Roald Amundsen (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)
Author: Stephen R. Bown
Published at: 22/10/2013
ISBN: 0306822660
If you are a fan of Arctic Exploration then THE LAST VIKING will be the best choice for you. It is a well-crafted work on the life of an unsung hero and one of history's greatest explorer Roald Amundsen. Among his accomplishments, some of are: he was the first European to sail for Northwest Passage, the first person to see the north pole, the first human to reach the south pole. He was given the name "THE LAST VIKING" by a Norwegian press. He was also the first man to use airplanes for arctic exploration. In this book author Stephen R. Bown has presented the amazing journey of Roald Amundsen. He has done a great job detailing his life in this book. What really made Roald Amundsen a successful explorer was his willingness to learn, to read and his preparations before a journey. He loved to share his experience with people. This book has very interesting stories about his journey. How he survived in the harsh weather, how he found the maps of north and south pole, how he arrived at his destination and many more about his extraordinary journey is discussed in this book. This book will be worth to your every penny and every second of your reading time.


Presidents of War
Author: Michael Beschloss
Published at: 09/10/2018
ISBN: 0307409600
Ever wondered how America came this far to be an independent and powerful country in the world! Ever wondered how many wars have been fought to leave a mark on the world map! How many presidents have guided the people to victory! If you want to know it all then there is no alternative than PRESIDENTS OF WAR. In this book, Michael Beschloss has brought up with ten years of research on the possession of America's greatest leaders as they guided their people in the most difficult situations and show them the way to victory. The author interviewed the surviving presidents with original letters, diaries, national classified documents and other sources and secrets which have been never told before. This book shows you the amazing history of two centuries of America. The wars covered in this book are War of 1812, Mexican-American war, Civil war, Spanish-American War, World war I and II, Korea and the Vietnam war. The history was laid out clearly in this book. This book is filled with 17 chapters describing the stories about 9 of the greatest American presidents and the wars they have fought. Grab this amazing book to know about the history of America.


The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Author: Dalai Lama,Desmond Tutu,Douglas Carlton Abrams
Published at: 20/09/2016
ISBN: 0399185046

If you are having trouble with your daily life, you need to struggle with anxiety to make the right decisions, having difficulty to find joy? Well, you don't need to worry about them. THE BOOK OF JOY is all you need to simply put those difficulties away and be happy. Two of history's remarkable spiritual masters Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu have shared their way of the path to find happiness in your life. These two great people have suffered much hardship but they are considered two of the most joyful people on planet earth. How did they become happy? Their incredible stories are shared in this book by Douglas Abrams. This book highlights the ways that can bring happiness, fulfilment, and purpose to our life illuminates the nature of the interconnected relationships among emotions, love, and sympathy. The author brings forth the wisdom of the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu in such a wonderful insight that everyone can understand the language of happiness. What you will find the most rewarding about this book is the simple solution to complex situations in your life. This book is all you need to be simply happy. 

Some contents of this book:

  • The nature of true joy
  • Obstacles to joy
  • The eight pillars of joy



The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
Author: A. J. Baime
Published at: 24/10/2017
ISBN: 0544617347
THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT is the story of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States who was in charge after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild the economy of Western Europe. He was called the Accidental President by his wife because on the first four months of his work as a vice president he had to take some of the biggest decisions that have changed the whole world. He had to make decisions like atomic bombing against Japan, take on Germany and Stalin. He also helped rebuild postwar Europe, worked to contain communism and led the USA into the Korean War. No other Presidents in American history had to take as many decisions as he took in such a short period of time. How did he handle these extraordinary circumstances, A. J. Baime has presented them all in this book. During the days of the World, War Truman had to play both Judge and Jury which took America to a new height. In the first 4 months, the world saw the rise of the United Nations, the fall of Berlin, victory at Okinawa, bombing on Hiroshima & Nagasaki, the Nazi surrender and many other historical challenges. This book is highly researched and deeply analyzed the significant events of Harry Truman's life. Experience the history-making 120 days of the Accidental President.


Legend: The Incredible Story of Green Beret Sergeant Roy Benavidez's Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines
Author: Eric Blehm
Published at: 26/04/2016
ISBN: 0804139539

LEGEND is the story of Green Beret Sergeant Roy Benavidez's most heroic rescue mission of a special forces team caught on the trap of enemies during the Vietnam war. In this book, the author Eric Blehm takes us to the plot of Vietnam War where a team of 12 men special force inserted into the territory of Neutral Cambodia where the US military was forbidden to operate. Their task was to gather evidence that the North Vietnamese Army was using this territory to supply troops and materials of war through Ho Chi Minh Trail. But the team fall into the trap of major enemy base surrounding by hundreds of Vietnamese Army. The special force was low on ammo and supplies and was waiting to accept their fate. But when Special Forces Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez heard their distress call, he took a helicopter and set for the combat zone to rescue them. He jumped from the hovering aircraft, ran nearly 100 yards through withering enemy fire. He was shot several times, suffered two grenade blasts and got bayoneted while rescuing the life of 8 soldiers. This sacrifice has made him a hero that Americans will always remember. The extraordinary courage of rescuing and the sacrifice is all that makes him a LEGEND.



The Order of Time
Author: Carlo Rovelli
Published at: 08/05/2018
ISBN: 073521610X
THE ORDER OF TIME is one of the few books that can change the perception of the world as we see it. With a clear and concise explanation using physics and quantum physics, the author Carlo Rovelli has created the mind-blowing concept of time, explaining to us how fascinating time is. Time is the most important thing for us to care about. Once a second of time is gone we cannot bring it back. That's why we remember the past, not the future. In this book he answered all the paradoxical questions like do we exist in time or time exists on us. We all feel time passing through some events but time is very mysterious as many of us don't know more about it. The author tears down the conventional myths about time and reveals a strange world where at the most fundamental level of time disappears. He explains the quantum theory with a new perspective. He created a fusion between ideas of philosophy, science, and literature which will explain to you more about time. Grab this book and know the mysteries of time. 


The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Author: Dashka Slater
Published at: 17/10/2017
ISBN: 0374303231

THE 57 BUS is a rare and heart-wrenching view inside the lives of two completely different young human beings. Dashka Slater's authentic writing style will amaze you. The story is about two kids from the same city but not the same place. They are both outsiders in different ways. They both have families that love them. Sasha, a white girl, teenager, from a middle-class family and from a private school. Richard, a black teenager, from the crime-plagued lands, from a large public school. They both traveled on the same bus each day. Their path crossed for a mere 8 minutes each day from school to home. But one day something very terrible happens. One afternoon their way back home there happens something that left Sasha severely burned and Richard was charged with hate crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment. What happened on this day in 57 BUS that caught international attention and taking both the teenagers into the spotlight? If you want to know about it, then you must read this book. Feel the thrilling event that happened on The 57 Bus. Grab this amazing book right now.



Double Cross: The Explosive, Inside Story of the Mobster Who Controlled America
Author: Chuck Giancana
Published at: 20/03/1992
ISBN: 0446516244

This book presents an intriguing history of organized crime in America. One of the surprises for me was how far back the business arrangements with US presidents goes! Much further back than the Kennedys. What this book does very well is fill in a lot of blanks on collusion between organized crime with both the C.I.A. and F.B.I. It's fairly well known by now that the Bay of Pigs invasion was one of the joint efforts with the C.I.A., but it goes deeper and on a larger scale than that. In this book, the case is made quite convincingly that the mob and C.I.A. worked together to assassinate JFK.

The reader will also see a very different view of the Kennedys and other presidents. Is it "the definitive " book on the subject? I don't think so. But I would rate it in the top 3. The book is fast-paced and written very well. I would place "Double Cross" at the top of the list if you want to read about the organized crime angle of the assassination.



The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Author: Macintyre, Ben
Published at: 18/09/2018
ISBN: 1101904194
en Macintyre comes through and gives us a true-life narrative of one of the West's greatest heroes - Oleg Gordievsky. A man who helped, particularly the UK, inform the goings-on of the KGB and all the Boris and Natasha's and helped hasten the end of that nasty Politics.

This would be best read in the autumn on a train in the UK. Knowing that something good came out of all this, after all. Ben Macintyre probably will be sitting behind you. He has your back covered. A truly superb work of true-life spycraft. Other reviewers have more than adequately outlined the content of this work. I will just comment on my continued amazement at how during the Cold War so many liberals in the West were Soviet apologists blaming the West for all the world's problems. In the UK particularly, so many in the Labour Party took money from Moscow while undermining democratic institutions. The Soviet Union was a hell hole from beginning to end. How anyone could support it in any way is inexplicable.



Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
Author: Nez, Chester
Published at: 06/09/2011
ISBN: 0425244237

Although more than 400 Navajos served in the military during World War II as top-secret code talkers, even those fighting shoulder to shoulder with them were not told of their covert function. And, after the war, the Navajos were forbidden to speak of their service until 1968, when the code was finally declassified. Of the original twenty-nine Navajo code talkers, Chester Nez is the only one still alive. The original twenty-nine were the men who first devised the code, then proved it indispensable in combat. In this memoir, the ninety-year-old Nez chronicles both his war years and his life growing up on the Checkerboard Area of the Navajo Reservation - the hard life that gave him the strength, both physical and mental, to become a Marine. His story puts a living face on the legendary men who developed what is still the only unbroken code in modern warfare.



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