The Greatest "Nonfiction" 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 284 '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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  1. 26. The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride

    This book is a moving memoir that tells the story of a biracial man raised in a housing project in Brooklyn by his white, Jewish mother. The narrative alternates between the author's perspective and his mother's, providing a nuanced view of issues related to race, religion, and identity. The author's mother, a Polish immigrant, married a black man in the 1940s and raised twelve children in the midst of poverty and racial tension. Despite the hardships, she instilled in her children the importance of education and self-reliance. The book is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and love of this remarkable woman.

  2. 27. I, Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian Woman in Guatemala by Rigoberta Menchú Tum

    This book is an autobiographical account of a woman who grew up in a small village in Guatemala during a time of extreme political turmoil. Despite facing poverty, racism, and violence, she becomes a prominent activist for indigenous rights. Her story provides a firsthand account of the hardships and injustices faced by the indigenous people in Guatemala, and her tireless fight for their rights eventually leads her to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

  3. 28. The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm

    The book is a gripping exploration of the uneasy relationship between journalists and their subjects. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when they become too involved with their subjects. The narrative centers around a lawsuit between a convicted murderer and the author who wrote about his case, revealing the blurred lines between objectivity and subjectivity in journalism. The book also raises questions about the morality and responsibility of the journalistic profession.

  4. 29. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

    The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American tobacco farmer whose cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. The book explores the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.

  5. 30. One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty

    This memoir explores the author's early life in Mississippi and her journey towards becoming a writer. The narrative is divided into three sections: Listening, Learning to See, and Finding a Voice, which respectively discuss the author's childhood memories, her education and love for reading, and her growth as a writer. The book delves into the author's personal experiences, her family history, and the influence of the Southern United States on her work.

  6. 31. The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson

    This book intertwines the true tales of two men during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. The narrative alternates between the story of Burnham, his challenges and successes in building the fair, and the chilling story of Holmes, who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. It's a vivid portrayal of the Gilded Age and a chilling exploration of one of America's first known serial killers.

  7. 32. Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

    "Sister Outsider" is a collection of essays and speeches that delve into the complexities of intersectional identity, exploring themes of racism, sexism, and homophobia. The author, a black lesbian poet and feminist writer, challenges the marginalization of minority groups and critiques the lack of inclusivity within feminist movements. Through personal narratives and powerful prose, the work confronts social injustices and calls for the recognition and celebration of differences as a means to drive political change and dismantle systemic oppression. The book is a seminal text in intersectional feminist thought, advocating for solidarity and the importance of communication across diverse communities.

  8. 33. This Bridge Called My Back by Cherríe Moraga, Gloria Anzaldúa

    This seminal anthology is a groundbreaking collection of essays, personal reflections, poetry, and critical analysis from a diverse group of women of color. It explores the complexities of their intersectional identities, focusing on the challenges and experiences they face due to their race, gender, class, and sexuality. The work serves as a foundational text in feminist theory, providing a platform for voices that had been marginalized within the feminist movement. It delves into themes of social justice, cultural identity, and political activism, calling for solidarity and empowerment among women of color as they navigate the overlapping oppressions of a patriarchal and racist society.

  9. 34. This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff

    This memoir explores the author's challenging childhood as he moves across the country with his divorced mother, fleeing an abusive relationship and seeking a better life. The young boy struggles with his identity, often resorting to lies and deceit to create a more favorable image of himself. As he navigates adolescence in a small town in the 1950s, he contends with a violent stepfather, school troubles, and his own rebellious nature. Despite the adversity, he maintains a sense of hope and resilience, offering a compelling portrait of a young man coming of age in post-war America.

  10. 35. Experience by Martin Amis

    "Experience" is a memoir which delves into the author's life, exploring his relationships with his family, friends, and his own self. The narrative is a candid reflection on his father's influence, his friendships with other writers, his marriages, and his children. The author also discusses his experiences with fame, age, and loss, providing an intimate look into his personal and professional journey. The memoir is a blend of the author's unique humor, sharp observations, and poignant moments, offering a compelling and deeply personal narrative.

  11. 36. We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch

    This book is a chilling account of the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994, where an estimated 800,000 to 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically murdered within a span of 100 days. The author provides a detailed narrative based on interviews with survivors and perpetrators, shedding light on the horrifying events, the international community's failure to intervene, and the aftermath of the genocide. The book serves as a powerful critique of political indifference and a poignant exploration of the depths of human brutality.

  12. 37. The Last Lion by William Manchester

    "The Last Lion" is a comprehensive biography of Winston Churchill, providing an in-depth look at his life, from his birth in 1874 to his death in 1965. The book covers Churchill's early years, his military service, his time as a journalist, and his political career, including his role as British Prime Minister during World War II. It also delves into his personal life, relationships, and struggles with depression. The book presents a nuanced portrayal of Churchill, highlighting his strengths, flaws, victories, and defeats.

  13. 38. Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas

    "Before Night Falls" is an autobiographical work that chronicles the life of a young Cuban man growing up during the political turmoil of the Cuban Revolution. The protagonist, a rebellious writer and poet, grapples with his sexual identity in a society that is deeply homophobic. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and exile, he remains defiant and committed to his art and personal freedom. His story provides a candid and deeply personal perspective on the harsh realities of life under Fidel Castro's regime.

  14. 39. The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi

    This book is a deeply moving exploration of the Holocaust, written by a survivor. It delves into the horrifying experiences at Auschwitz, examining the psychological impact on the prisoners, the brutal behavior of the guards, and the complex moral dilemmas faced by both. The author also discusses the concept of memory and its unreliability, especially in the context of such traumatic events, and analyzes the ways in which the Holocaust has been represented and remembered in society. The book serves as a profound meditation on the human condition under extreme circumstances.

  15. 40. Alan Turing by Andrew Hodges

    This biography provides a comprehensive look at the life and work of a pioneering computer scientist and mathematician who played a crucial role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II. It delves into his groundbreaking contributions to the development of computer science, his tragic prosecution for homosexuality, and his enduring legacy in the field of artificial intelligence and computing. The book not only celebrates his scientific achievements but also examines the social context of his time, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the impact of his work on future generations.

  16. 41. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

    This striking narrative non-fiction tells the real-life story of a young man who turns his back on society to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Despite a privileged background and a promising future, he donates his savings to charity, abandons his car and most of his possessions, and embarks on a journey into the wild. His solitary existence in the wild, his struggles for survival, and his untimely death provide a profound exploration of the allure of wilderness and the human yearning for solitude and self-discovery.

  17. 42. The Warmth Of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

    "The Warmth of Other Suns" is a powerful and deeply moving narrative that chronicles the Great Migration, a significant event in American history that saw millions of African Americans leave the South in search of better opportunities and freedom from racial oppression. Through the compelling stories of three individuals, the book explores the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices made by these courageous migrants as they embarked on a journey to find a new life in the North and West, ultimately reshaping the social and cultural landscape of America.

  18. 43. Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama

    This memoir explores the life of a man who grew up in a multicultural family, with a Kenyan father and an American mother. The narrative delves into his early years in Hawaii and Indonesia, his self-discovery and racial awakening in Chicago, and his journey to Kenya to learn more about his father's heritage. The book provides an introspective look at the author's struggle with his racial identity, his relationship with his family, and his path to finding his place in the world.

  19. 44. What Is the What by Dave Eggers

    The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

  20. 45. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

    The book explores the concept of the sixth extinction, suggesting that we are currently in the midst of it due to human activity. By examining previous mass extinctions and the current rapid loss of species, the author argues that humans are causing a mass extinction event through climate change, habitat destruction, and spreading of non-native species. The book offers a sobering look at the impact of human behavior on the natural world, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these environmental issues.

  21. 46. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

    This memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of a young boy forcibly recruited into the Sierra Leonean army during the country's brutal civil war. The narrative follows his journey from an innocent child fascinated with rap music to a hardened child soldier, who is eventually rescued by UNICEF and rehabilitated. The book provides a stark, firsthand account of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

  22. 47. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

    This book explores the political acumen of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on how he assembled his cabinet from political adversaries, many of whom initially dismissed him for his perceived lack of experience and ungainly appearance. The narrative delves into how Lincoln used his rivals' talents to navigate the tumultuous times of the Civil War, maintaining unity and leading the nation towards the abolition of slavery. It underscores Lincoln's extraordinary ability to turn rivals into allies, demonstrating his leadership and his profound impact on American history.

  23. 48. The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

    "The Road from Coorain" is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey from her childhood on a remote sheep station in Australia, through her adolescence in war-ravaged Sydney, and finally, to her departure for America. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, gender roles, and the power of education while providing a vivid portrayal of life in the Australian outback. The memoir also delves into the author's complex relationship with her mother and the impact of her father's death on their family.

  24. 49. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

    The book delves into the question of what we should have for dinner. It explores the paradox of the omnivore's dilemma, detailing the food chains that link farm to table, and explaining how the industrial revolution has changed the way we eat. The book also discusses the implications of our modern diet on our health and the environment, suggesting that we should return to more traditional methods of food production and consumption. It advocates for a more conscious and sustainable approach to eating.

  25. 50. A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

    This book is a comprehensive overview of American history from the perspective of the marginalized and underrepresented groups, rather than the typical focus on political elites. It covers a wide range of historical events and periods, including the discovery of the continent, the founding of the United States, slavery, the Civil War, and up to the modern era. The book challenges traditional narratives and provides a critical and thought-provoking look at the nation's past.

Reading Statistics

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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.

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