Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Nonfiction

Whether you’re an author or a reader, nonfiction books can offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I loved biographies as a child, and recently I’ve started reading them again. In this blog post, I want to share some great nonfiction books for writers and readers.

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1. “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King

On of my favorite nonfiction books because Stephen King is so honest. He describes his beginnings as a writer, his addiction, and the chaos that brought to his life, and where he is now. You may not like his early stuff (written in deep addiction), but his newer books are super, in my opinion.

From Amazon: Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

2. “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott

I have Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird in my TBR book pile. I know it is one of the most beloved books on the craft of writing.

From Amazon: For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom passed down from Anne’s father—also a writer—in the iconic passage that gives the book its title:

“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”

3. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Every writer can benefit from a solid understanding of grammar and style. The Elements of Style is an essential guide for all writers to learn to master the basics. This book covers important principles of writing clearly and concisely, from word choice to sentence structure. Writers will find it an invaluable resource for refining their prose and ensuring their work is polished and effective.

Also on my TBR! 😉

4. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

For readers and writers alike, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a compelling, true story that blends science, history, and ethics. Rebecca Skloot’s narrative chronicles the life of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were used without her consent to make groundbreaking medical discoveries. This book serves as a powerful example of how nonfiction can illuminate profound social issues and inspire deep empathy in readers.

From Amazon: Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.

5. “Zen in the Art of Writing” by Ray Bradbury

I haven’t read Ray Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing, but I think I’d like it!

From Amazon: Part memoir, part philosophical guide, the essays in this book teach the joy of writing. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of putting words together, Bradbury’s zen is found in the celebration of storytelling that drove him to write every day. 

Some nonfiction I’ve read

I’ve read several biographies in the last couple of years that I really liked. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb is amazing! From Amazon: It’s rev­olutionary in its candor, offering a deeply per­sonal yet universal tour of our hearts and minds and providing the rarest of gifts: a boldly reveal­ing portrait of what it means to be human, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious lives and our power to transform them.

Next is Matthew Perry’s Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir. What an insight into the actor’s true life that was full of loss, addiction, and also love. From Amazon: it’s an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.

I also really enjoyed When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. It’s inspiring as he describes his role as a patient and physician, even as he is dying. Sad? Yes, but very motivating.

Conclusion: Reading for Inspiration and Growth

This isn’t a very long nonfiction reading list, but it offers a variety of books for both readers and writers. Whether you’re seeking practical advice on writing, a deeper understanding of human nature, or simply looking to explore new ideas, I think these books provide a wealth of knowledge.

Something I have to remind myself of is that reading nonfiction isn’t just about gaining new information—it’s about expanding your horizons, nurturing your creativity, and discovering new perspectives that can inform your own writing and life.

Happy reading and writing!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024! And book #2 in the series – Where’s the Quetzal? – released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)