When I tell people that I love non-fiction, I get looks of disgust, betrayal and confusion. How dare I prefer textbooks over Harry Potter? Or academic essays over the latest thriller?
True, textbooks and essays are examples of non-fiction, but that isn’t ALL non-fiction. The following books will truly turn your opinion of non-fiction on its head. Be warned, though: After reading these books, you are likely to find that you will be disappointed by any fiction you read in future, that doesn’t start with those spine-chilling five words: “Based on a true story.”
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
To kick off, we have the sublime solo journey of Cheryl Strayed. A New York Times bestseller, this novel is the story of one woman’s trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. This novel shows Strayed proving to herself and her readers that, no matter how physically isolated you make yourself, it is impossible to be lonely if you find strength within yourself.
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover and her family grew up preparing for the End of Days but, according to the government, she didn’t exist.
If that doesn’t sound like the start of an amazing piece of dystopian fiction, I don’t know what does. In her account, Westover provides a deeply personal look into her life within an extreme survivalist family in rural Idaho. I will admit that, when I began to read it, I thought it was fiction. I was stunned to find that it most certainly was real.
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
My go-to comfort read, I Am, I Am, I Am consists of seventeen chapters equating to O’Farrell’s seventeen near-death experiences. With a premise so bizarre, you could easily read this novel as a work of fiction. This book will not only leave you feeling the intensity of the phrase ‘tomorrow isn’t promised’, but also a strange sense of second-hand gratitude that, each time, O’Farrell lived to tell this amazing tale.
Twas’ The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay
Of all the works on this list, this novella by doctor-turned-comedian Adam Kay (who has recently released a new book Undoctored), packs the most punches in the shortest amount of time. As a follow up to his bestselling novel This Is Going To Hurt, the succinctness of this book is an immediate draw to anyone with a short attention span. Its festive title implies seasonal fun, which it delivers. But that isn’t the only thing that it delivers (read it to find out what I mean!).
I would bet money that anyone, after reading the first paragraph, won’t want to stop until every single word, cover to cover, has been devoured.
For a quick, festive, emotional rollercoaster, I cannot recommend this novella (and ALL of his other works) enough.
Check out some of these student-specific non-fiction books that will be perfect for those of you starting university soon!