03-08-2025
7 Books You Should Read If You're In Your Nonfiction Era
Truth is, I'm not an adventurous reader. As a book lover, I really should be, but I often find myself sticking stubbornly to one genre. At age 12, I was a diehard R.L. Stine fan and proclaimed myself a horror-exclusive reader. Then at 14, I discovered Harry Potter and made that series my entire personality. My late 20s were dominated by thrillers, and it wasn't until recently that I've tried something new: nonfiction.
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For many staunch fiction readers like moi, nonfiction can feel like an intimidating genre. I enjoy a good story with an engrossing narrative, and nonfiction, depending on the title you pick, can read like a boring college lecture. I've dabbled with a few, and so far these are the seven genuinely enjoyable nonfiction books that kept me turning the page.
Art Thief by Michael Finkel
Think stealing one artwork is impressive? Imagine stealing more than 200. Stéphane Breitwieser did exactly that during his eight-year stint as a master art thief. Along with his accomplice-slash-lover, Breitwieser road-tripped across Europe, hitting one museum after another a lá Bonnie and Clyde (minus the murders). The most striking thing about this is how maddeningly mundane and simple these heists were. No fancy gadgets, no rappelling from the ceiling, Mission: Impossible-style. All he needed was a screwdriver, a big enough coat, and lax security.
Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
Out of the 12 Galvin children, six suffered from schizophrenia. Hidden Valley Road is both a tragic family biography about violence and abuse and a history of schizophrenia: how it's studied and treated throughout the decades. It's emotional, informative, and a fascinating read. The medical sections of the book were interesting, but what really kept me reading was the family drama. If you're interested in psychology and mental illness, this should be next on your list.
in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
This is a beautiful, bittersweet biography about the complex relationship between Japanese Breakfast singer and songwriter Michelle Zauner and her mother. She talks about her childhood, split between relatives in Korea and her predominantly white hometown in Oregon. She walks us through her rebellious teen years, her pursuit of music, and her mother's cancer diagnosis. This book made me cry and pick up the phone, calling my own mother. When you read this, keep the tissues handy.
4.I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
If you loved iCarly, you likely remember the titular character's best friend, the memorable and feral Sam, played by Jennette McCurdy. Given everything we know about child stardom, it's no surprise that McCurdy's time at Nickelodeon was less than picture perfect. In this autobiography, McCurdy details the abuse she endured from her unstable mother at the rise of her career. Though the darker parts of the book may be difficult to read, McCurdy's effortless humor lends a tone of levity throughout the story.
Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
A group of masked intruders dragged Jean McConville out of her home and into the night — she was never heard from again. Although this book digs into McConville's disappearance, much of it recounts The Troubles in Northern Ireland, the bitter, violent conflict between the IRA and the British Army in the '70s to the '90s. You'll learn much about Northern Ireland's history, politics, and the main figures leading the cause. This book is a thick one, full of rich and detailed info, so be prepared — you're in for a long read.
by Patric Gagne
Patric is not like other girls. Not in a 'pick me' kind of way, but in a I-don't-feel-empathy-for-people kind of way. That's because Patric believes she's a sociopath. The draw of this biography, for me, is the peek into Patric's mind. It's interesting to witness her internal struggle: While she has an impulsive need to act violently, she deep down wants to be a good person and strives against her urges. Now, there is online debate about this book's authenticity, but for me, I'm all in, real or not. And if 10 years from now it's revealed to be all lies, at least it was still an entertaining read.
of the Flower Moon by David Grann
In 1920s Oklahoma, the Osage Nation, living on oil-rich land, were the wealthiest people per capita in the world. The community thrived until…someone began killing them off, one by one. This is an absolute must-read about a forgotten dark time in American history. Written like a fast-paced thriller, this book unravels the secrets and conspiracy behind the Osage murders. If you must read one thing from this list, let it be this. It's a dark and tragic story, one you'll never forget.
These books are just a stepping stone to my nonfiction journey, with Devil in the White City as my current read to be followed by Kingmaker. I may keep this nonfiction streak, I may not. Who knows — maybe I'll try sci-fi this fall.
