Often times, most people avoid browsing through the nonfiction category, claiming that the genre doesn’t suit their taste, because non-fiction is too ‘serious’, too depressing even, at times.
But non-fiction is often more chilling and shaking than fiction because we know that the horrors in the books are the reality that we’re living in. Non-fiction is true, truer than fiction, and we can’t handle the ugly truth.
But it’s always there and non-fiction will always be here, whether we like it or not. So brace yourself for these top 12 nonfiction books that are equally shocking as they are inspiring.
- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is a woman of color who has had to deal with abuse, which makes her book a very painful and emotional read. Because it reminds of how women all around the world still suffer these consequences and are living with them. (Buy)
- The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank
A world classic which was discovered in an attic, gives us the vivid descriptions of war and it’s horrors and consequences. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who had abandoned her home in Amsterdam to seek shelter from the Nazis. She was living with her family in hiding where her diary was discovered. (Buy)
Princess Trilogy by Jean Sasson
The three books talk about Princess Sultana of Saudi Arabia and what life really is like for people behind the veil, regardless of royalty and otherwise.(Buy)
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Some people tend to believe that if you have a loving husband, a country home and a successful career, you’ve got it made. That’s not the case, most times and in her book, Elizabeth Gilbert explores the reasons of her confusion and lack of fulfillment. (Buy)
- A Room Of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Despite it having a fictional narrative, A Room Of One’s Own is considered to be non-fiction where Virginia talks about women, both as writers and the characters in fiction. (Buy)
- Guns Of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
In her hauntingly informative book, Barbara talks about the events that led to World War One and despite the fact that the war could’ve been stopped, it wasn’t. It’s a horrifying reminder of how inhumane humanity can be. (Buy)
- Between Two Worlds by Zainab Salbi
Taught from a young age, to forget what she saw around her and to be always be silent, because violating that silence was dangerous, Zainab Salbi witnessed some truly horrific wrongs and in her book, finally broke her silence. (Buy)
- Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
As a woman of color struggling to be recognized for her efforts, Roxane talks about her contradicting views and how complex the nature of the world we live in is. She has a humorous taste as well, which makes the book more interesting and relatable. (Buy)
- Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray
True, men and women are very different from each other but this book just proves that and also helps us to communicate our needs in a way that won’t allow any conflicts to arise. John Gray’s book has helped and re-constructed many people’s relationships. (Buy)
- The Interpretation Of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
As one of the pillars of modern psychology, Sigmund’s book is very knowledgeable and interesting and one that you wouldn’t want to miss out. Especially if you’re a curious reader. (Buy)
- Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja
Running away from her home in Africa to avoid an arranged marriage and painful rituals, Fauziya Kassindja seeks refuge in the U.S only to be locked up prison. In her book, she talks about the terrifying 16 months behind bars. (Buy)
- Bad Blood: A Memoir by Lorna Sage
Your family is something that you should be able to lean on but for Lorna Sage, who came from a dysfunctional, claustrophobic family, she was only eager to escape. But can you really untangle yourself from your past?
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