Everybody loves a great fiction book. It allows us to immerse ourselves in a fictional world where we can forget about our own lives and live through the characters that our mind recreates as we read. The words can jump off the pages as our imagination brings them to life and can we get lost in it all. But there are some non-fiction books that will do so much more. Non-fiction books play an important role in teaching us valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives. Here are 10 non-fiction books that are sure to change your life after reading.

1.    When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times – Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön has become a beloved spiritual author amongst many circles globally. This book is a collection of many talks given by Pema from 1987 to 1994. It covers areas of growth such as turning painful emotions into tools of courage and compassion, tips and tricks to reverse habitual patterns, as well as how to deal with chaotic situations and the strain of everyday life. It is a great resource for living on after pain and difficulties have knocked you down.

2.    The Power of No – James Altucher

Many of us battle to say ‘no’ because we are worried about the repercussions. Using this powerful book, James and Claudia teach you how to take back command and learn to say ‘no’! Full of tips and practical applications, this book will restore your power to say ‘no’ to people and situations that are not in your best interest. It will also show you when and where you can say ‘yes’ in order to get the best out of life.

3.    The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss

This must read book contains a step-by-step guide to get the life you want, now. Instead of focusing on the traditional routine of working towards retirement, Ferriss’s book gives you tips and instructions on how to make the most of your life now by employing time saving and effective methods to make sure you do not have to spend your best years behind a desk working for someone else.

4.    The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less – Richard Koch

Koch explores the 80/20 principle in depth and teaches you valuable lessons on prioritizing your schedule and lifestyle. Giving insight into the things that take the most effort for the least payout, this book shows you what things you can cut from your life and what things you can add to make sure that you achieve more with less.

5.    Fast-Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal – Eric Schlosser

Different from the standard health books, Schlosser delves deep into the bare bones of the fast-food industry in America and exposes the truth about the social, economic, and health aspects of the industry. Busting myths about fast-food using a comedic and hilarious approach, Schlosser is sure to open your eyes to healthy eating in more ways than one.

6.    I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

Written about the racial segregation and issues of the American class, Maya Angelou’s autobiography has been described as ‘poetic and powerful’. It talks about the struggles encountered during this time of history as well as the way that Maya and others can transcend above the issues around them to free themselves from the prisons of perception that many people find themselves trapped in.

7.    Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s All Small Stuff – Richard Carlson

This unique book highlights the importance of the hold that worry and stress has over people’s lives. Helpful daily challenges help the reader to quickly see that the stress they feel over situations is often overstated. It also teaches how to change your perspective to start seeing problems and challenges as learning opportunities.

8.    Silent Spring – Rachel Carson

This call to arms book is a wakeup call to all who read it about the harsh reality and eventual endpoint of our natural planet. It deals with the effects that the human race is having on the environment as well as what the outcome of those effects will be. This landmark book has been used over and over as an awakening for people to realize their impact on the planet and is credited as one of the sparks that started the global ‘green’ lifestyle.  

9. The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin

Many people do not experience true happiness in their day-to –day lives. The Happiness Project explores many ways to gain happiness and teaches invaluable lessons on what to do to ensure that you feel real happiness. Dealing with everything from external factors to the impact of finances on happiness, Rubin condenses all her lessons learnt from her experiences in a simple book that is easy to read and even easier to apply to your life.

I hope you enjoyed these snippets and will take the time to read a few!

Much love,

Annabel