I've Become a Fan of Nonfiction Books, and Here Are a Few of My Favorites

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I've always been a reader; as a child I read practically anything I could get my hands on, and my idea of a perfect weekend definitely includes a good book. I find that my book preferences depend on my mood. Sometimes I want a fun beach read, sometimes I want to read classic literature, and sometimes I like a new novel. However, recently I've been diving into the world of nonfiction books, and they've become some of my favorite titles I've ever read.

The most common thing I hear about nonfiction books is that they're boring. My rebuttal to that is that the majority of books I haven't liked have been fiction books. With nonfiction books, I generally have more of a sense of what I'm getting myself into, so I'm more likely to enjoy it. When I want to learn more about a topic I'm interested in, feel a bit more inspired, or expand my mindset, I grab a nonfiction book. There are a few that really stand out to me, and if you're interested in adding some new titles to your collection, I'd go with these picks.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
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Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance ($10, originally $18) is a game-changing book. If there's something in your life you want to improve upon, read this, because it will help relieve the mental block that talent alone drives success. Plus, the research is fascinating, and it will give you a whole new understanding of success.

21 Lessons For the 21st Century
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21 Lessons For the 21st Century

Harari's most famous book is Sapiens, but I'm personally a fan of 21 Lessons for the 21st Century ($15). It's a good one if you want to pick it up and just flip to an individual lesson.

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success
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Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success ($12) will forever alter the way you think about operating in the workplace, no matter what you do for a living. Frankly, it will alter how you operate in the world. I couldn't recommend this enough.

The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love
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The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love ($17) is just that, radical. After hearing Sonya Renee Taylor on a podcast, I devoured this book. It is completely perspective-shifting and will blow your mind.

The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance
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The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance ($15, originally $17) has always been in my home because everyone in my family actually plays tennis, but I think everyone can benefit from it.

Into the Wild
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Into the Wild

Into the Wild ($10, originally $15) is a great option if you want to ease into the world of nonfiction. Frankly, it's such a detailed story that you'll think it's a novel.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
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The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Most of us have heard of Malcolm Gladwell, and many have read his books Outliers or Blink. However, I think The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference ($10, originally $18) is a fascinating read. You'll see how everything is connected, and all the ways in which small actions make an important impact.

Shoe Dog
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Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog ($11, originally $20) by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike, has the unique distinction of being a memoir and a look inside one of the most impactful companies of our time. Knight is a master storyteller, and you will love this book whether you're a fitness fanatic or you don't own a pair of running shoes.