The Greatest "Nonfiction, Autobiography, Crime" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

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  1. 1. Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington

    The book is a personal journey of a journalist who, while covering a murder trial of a snake-handling preacher, becomes deeply involved in the culture of snake handling in Southern Appalachia. He explores the history and religious significance of snake handling, while also wrestling with his own faith and the nature of religious ecstasy. The narrative is a blend of true crime, personal memoir, and religious exploration.

  2. 2. Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing by Ted Conover

    The book is a first-hand account of the author's experience working as a correctional officer at Sing Sing prison in New York. Through his narrative, the author provides an in-depth look at the American penal system, revealing the harsh realities of prison life, the struggles faced by inmates, and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the staff. The author's year-long journey as a prison guard offers a unique perspective on the often overlooked aspects of the criminal justice system.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download