23 Nonfiction Books to Read in 2023

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[illustratorsam]

I found that most people who hated Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, didn’t like that she had been a heroin addict. This book confronts it honestly, and shows how it was one of the catalyst to her journey.

[Kim_Traveling_in_Books]

I loved Wild. It's the book that inspired me to stop waiting around for people to be able to travel with me, and just go on my own. Four countries and five trips abroad later, I've had some of the best experiences of my life while traveling alone.

[LaRosaReads]

I predict that you’re going to love the book and movie, Hidden Figures! I grew up minutes from Katherine Johnson’s childhood residence. I even portrayed her in a middle school assembly back in the 90’s. We West Virginians have been celebrating her long before the book and movie were released. ❤ Malala is one of Natalie’s favorite people ever!

[juanlara]

I’m glad you’re getting back to non-fiction! It’s what brought me to your channel years ago. I Am Malala has got to be one of my favorite memoirs of all time

[erinh]

Born a Crime is amazing - this is one you definitely consume via audio. He narrates it himself; probably one of my favorite audios ever. Killers of the Flower Moon, An Immense World, and Caste are all also fantastic. Have you read Isabel Wilkerson's other book yet? Also outstanding. Speaking of mushrooms, the only Michael Pollan book I've read so far is How to Change Your Mind, which was really interesting even for someone like me who doesn't even take cold medicine - Botany of Desire has sat on my shelf unread for years! One of my favorite nonfiction books of all time was Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, if you want more after The Horde. I've been wanting to get to Alexievich's Chernobyl book for ages. I've read two others; my favorite of hers so far was Secondhand Time.

[prairierose]

I've read and very much enjoyed Born a Crime, Killers of the Flower Moon, Wild, and I am Malala. Haven't done any 2023 planning so thanks for this video -- I have now created my own list of books from your choices! Yeah, I feel in control! Can't recommend Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell highly enough (especially Hamnet). I don't remember if you talked about I'm Glad My Mother Died, but it is amazing. I couldn't put it down. Being older I hadn't heard of the writer but it was still gripping. Thanks for all you do. Happy Holidays and all the best for 2023.

[bookoffholicbookwart]

Olive never fails to introduce some amazing books.

[anne-marie]

Entangled Life was one of my favourite reads of this year! Absolutely brilliant.
Born a Crime, I Contain Multitudes, and Being Mortal are both on my shelves to read.
Ace, Fresh Banana Leaves, and Why We Sleep are other high priority ones for me next year :)

[heth]

You have become my go-to for nonfiction books. I've read several of your recommendations and enjoyed all of them.

[WellTraveledBooks]

What a solid list! Born a Crime and Wild are two books I loved! I have Botany of Desire on my TBR as well. I have read a few of his other books and I really enjoy his writing.

[quinntessentialreads]

Fellow INTJ here who definitely understands the thrill of compiling a list and crossing things off it! My faves on your list are The Botany of Desire, Crying in H Mart, and I Am I Am I Am. I cannot wait to get to that Ed Yong book.

[justines]

Killers of the Flower Moon was maddening. Very good but maddening! Caste is excellent; definitely thought provoking. An Immense World is on my list for this year too.

[JessOwens]

I haven’t read Born A Crime either and I don’t know why. 2023 is the year!

[EntertheBook]

Great list - so many of these I want to read in 2023 as well. I haven’t read any of them. Look forward to your reviews!

[joreads]

I have had Entangled Life and I Am, I Am, IAm on my list for a really long time. Looking forward to seeing what you think and the rest look great. I have debated about Voice for Chernobyl for a while too.

[lindaharrison]

Hi Olive! Looking good. Those makeup colors make you look so springy and fresh. I've read 4 on your list and here they are: LIT (excellent), Unfinished Business (disappointment; more about her life than her books), WILD (fun especially if you hike), and finally HIDDEN FIGURES (Snoozer; I DNFed it, which I felt bad about, but the writing put me to sleep. I have 5 on my TBR and they are Killers of the Flower Moon, Reading Lolita in Tehran, An Immense World, Caste, and the Gulf. I hope our reading overlaps some on these reads. Have fun! 📚📚📚📚

[dottypetrosky]

I'm rereading "Killers of The Flower Moon" for a book group. I found it unforgettable.

[tokyochemist]

All of Barbara Demick's nonfiction are fantastic. The one about Tibet was also quite fascinating. I really need her to write another book.

[toniblessing]

This is a great list. You have a lot of wonderful reading coming your way.

[GloriaZThompson]

Great reading list! I'm with you on wanting to read more of the popular nonfiction that is out there. Wild and I am Malala are high on my priority list. Born a Crime and Caste were both so incredible! Happy reading for 2023!