best adult nonfiction novels

Some of the best adult nonfiction novels include 'Between the World and Me' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It's written as a letter to his son, exploring race and the African - American experience in America. 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History' by Elizabeth Kolbert is very important. It examines the current mass extinction event that is happening on Earth due to human activities. And 'Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup' by John Carreyrou is a gripping read. It uncovers the fraud at Theranos, a once - high - flying startup in the medical technology field.

For history enthusiasts, 'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' by Peter Frankopan is a must - read. It shows how the Silk Roads were central to world history, not just as trade routes but also for cultural exchange. '1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus' by Charles C. Mann provides new insights into the pre - Columbian Americas. And 'Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln' by Doris Kearns Goodwin looks at Lincoln's leadership through the lens of his relationships with his political rivals.

One popular adult nonfiction novel is 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. It offers a comprehensive look at the history of our species. Another is 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot, which tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells. 'Educated' by Tara Westover is also well - liked, as it details her journey from a strict and isolated upbringing to getting an education.

One of the best is 'The Big Con' by David W. Maurer. It delves deep into the world of con artists and their elaborate schemes. Another great one is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a nonfiction novel that reads like a caper as it details the crime and the investigation in a very engaging way. Also, 'The Informant' by Kurt Eichenwald is quite good. It tells the story of a corporate whistleblower which has elements of a caper with all the intrigue and deception involved.

One popular young adult nonfiction novel is 'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai. It tells her story of fighting for girls' education in Pakistan. Another is 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank, which gives a poignant account of her life in hiding during World War II. 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson is also great, highlighting issues of justice and inequality in the United States.

Look for books that have a strong sense of mystery and intrigue. For example, if the plot involves some sort of illegal or devious activity that is gradually uncovered. Also, check for reviews. If other readers mention elements like a cat - and - mouse chase between the perpetrator and the pursuer, it's likely a good caper novel. And books that are based on real - life events often make for great nonfiction caper novels as they add an extra layer of authenticity.

The book 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' can be considered. It shows the excesses and moral decay in the world of high - finance and power in New York City. There are elements of people trying to 'heist' their way to the top, through corruption and manipulation. Also, 'Moneyball' has some heist - like qualities. It's about how the Oakland Athletics used unconventional methods to 'steal' talent from bigger and richer teams in baseball, completely changing the game in their favor.

Some top nonfiction graphic novels include 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel. This work is a memoir that delves into her relationship with her father, exploring themes of family, sexuality, and identity. 'The Photographer' is another excellent choice. It combines real - life photography with a graphic narrative to tell the story of a photographer's journey in war - torn Afghanistan. And 'Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?' by Roz Chast is a poignant look at aging and taking care of elderly parents.

One of the best is 'The Guns of August' by Barbara Tuchman. It vividly describes the events leading up to World War I. The details of the military strategies, the political situation in different countries, and the miscalculations that led to the outbreak of the war are all presented in a very engaging way.

The book 'I Survived' series can be considered among the best. These novels are based on historical events and tell the stories of kids who survived disasters such as the Titanic sinking or the San Francisco earthquake. They make history come alive for elementary students. Also, 'National Geographic Kids' books are excellent. They cover a wide range of topics from animals to nature to different cultures around the world, with amazing pictures and easy - to - understand text.