Favorite Reads: Nonfiction
For me, a great nonfiction read isn’t just informative—it’s gripping, well-paced, and feels like a journey of its own. These books take you deep into fascinating topics, providing fresh perspectives and often leaving you with more questions than answers. They are the perfect travel companions, offering stories that are as enriching as they are engaging.
And the best part? Many of these books are so well-reported and detailed that they transport you into different worlds, even when you’re already in the middle of an adventure.
These picks include a mix of investigative journalism, historical accounts, and thought-provoking narratives that keep you turning the pages, even on the longest of journeys.
Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. (And I will be most appreciative.) Rest assured, I only share products and brands I genuinely love and think you will too.
Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to scam billions, buy a fleet of yachts, and still have time to party with Leonardo DiCaprio, then Billion Dollar Whale is your ticket to the wild ride. This jaw-dropping exposé of the 1MDB scandal dives deep into how one man, Jho Low, pulled off a financial heist so audacious it makes The Wolf of Wall Street look like a lemonade stand. Wright and Hope unravel the intricate web of lies, corruption, and greed with the kind of suspense that would make any thriller writer jealous. It’s outrageous, it’s shocking, and most disturbingly—it’s true. You’ll walk away both amazed and appalled at how one man fooled the world.
On Animals by Susan Orlean
Susan Orlean could write about the inside of a cereal box and make it sound riveting, so naturally, her take on the animal kingdom is both charming and insightful. From chickens to tigers, she explores the strange and often heartwarming relationships between humans and animals. Orlean’s keen observations and dry wit make this more than just a book about furry (and feathered) friends—it’s a meditation on the wild world we share with them. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll never look at your pet the same way again.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Didion’s exploration of grief is so raw, you’ll feel like you’re intruding on something deeply personal—but you won’t be able to stop reading. It’s a masterclass in how to put words to the indescribable, with Didion’s signature sharpness cutting through the fog of loss. This isn’t a “feel better” book; it’s a “feel everything” book, and that’s what makes it so powerful. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. If you only read one book about grief, make it this one.
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever
Bourdain’s posthumous travel guide is exactly what you’d expect—irreverent, insightful, and full of biting commentary. It’s like having Tony as your personal tour guide, taking you to places you never knew you needed to visit and telling you exactly where to find the best (and weirdest) food. If you’ve ever wanted to travel the world with a side of sarcasm and a dash of wisdom, this book is your ticket. Just don’t be surprised if you start planning your next trip halfway through.
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
It’s rare that a book that is essentially historical journalism actually solves the puzzle—and yet this one does the impossible. I won’t say more than that, but Keefe’s gripping account of murder, politics, and secrecy in Northern Ireland is as riveting as any thriller—except it’s all terrifyingly real. It’s a deep dive into a dark and complex world, where memory is as dangerous as a gun. You’ll come away with a new understanding of the conflict and a deep appreciation for Keefe’s ability to weave history into a narrative that feels personal and immediate.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
The Sackler family’s name might be on the world’s most prestigious art galleries, but Keefe’s book exposes the empire built on opioids, deceit, and death. It’s a scathing indictment of the American healthcare system, the pharmaceutical industry, and the moral bankruptcy of one very powerful family. Keefe’s thorough research and sharp writing make this both an infuriating and deeply compelling read. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how we got into the opioid crisis—and a lot less sympathy for the ultra-rich.
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino
Tolentino’s essays are like a mirror you really don’t want to look into but can’t tear your eyes away from. She examines modern life with such sharpness, you’ll feel slightly queasy—yet totally captivated. From the horrors of social media to the delusions of #selfcare, it’s like having a deep conversation with the friend who’s way smarter than you but doesn’t make you feel bad about it. If you’ve ever wanted to spiral into existential dread while nodding in agreement, this is your book. A refreshing, bitter antidote to our sugar-coated, influencer-drenched world.
Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters by Anne Boyd Rioux
Rioux breathes new life into the March sisters, making you care about their squabbles, dreams, and heartbreaks all over again. It’s like someone hit the refresh button on Alcott’s classic, reminding us why we should still care about these 19th-century heroines. Expect a few moments of feminist fist-pumping as Rioux argues why these ladies are just as relevant today. If you’ve ever debated who’s the best March sister (it’s Jo, obviously), this one’s for you.
No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
Finally, a business book that doesn’t make you want to gouge your eyes out. Fosslien and Duffy tackle the sticky subject of emotions in the workplace with humor, insight, and some seriously clever illustrations. It’s the rare career guide that actually makes you feel better about being human, instead of pretending you’re a robot programmed for success. You’ll come away with practical tips for navigating office politics without losing your sanity—or your soul. It’s emotional intelligence for the modern workforce, and trust me, you’ll want to take notes.
Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
If “I’m fine” is your go-to lie, this book is your new best friend. Fosslien and Duffy dive into the messier side of emotions with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and spot-on illustrations. It’s a guide for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re falling apart while the world expects them to hold it together (aka, all of us). You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and by the end, you might just feel a little more okay with not being okay. Plus, the illustrations are like therapy for your eyeballs.
Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman
Gorman doesn’t just write poems; she writes soul-shaking manifestos for a generation that’s seen enough. Her words are powerful, raw, and unapologetically hopeful, even in the darkest of times. You don’t just read this book—you feel it in your bones. It’s the kind of poetry that makes you want to stand up and do something, even if you’re not entirely sure what that something is. If you weren’t already convinced she’s the voice of her generation, this will seal the deal.
