Good Nonfiction Books to Read: Notable Picks from 2022
Looking for a memorable nonfiction read from 2022? The year brought gripping memoirs, accessible science, thoughtful history, and books that explored how people live and understand the world. Here are some standout titles to consider, whether you’re choosing your next book club pick or looking for something new to read.
An Immense World by Ed Yong
Science journalist Ed Yong takes readers beyond the limits of human perception to explore how other animals experience their surroundings. From a dog’s sense of smell to the signals animals detect through sound, touch, and electricity, this lively book offers a fresh perspective on the natural world. It’s an excellent choice for curious readers who enjoy science writing that’s both informative and engaging.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
In this candid memoir, actor and former child star Jennette McCurdy writes about growing up in the entertainment industry and navigating a complicated relationship with her mother. The book addresses difficult subjects, including grief, eating disorders, and the pressures of fame, with sharp humor and emotional honesty. It’s a powerful read for those interested in memoirs about family, identity, and recovery.
The Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Physician and author Siddhartha Mukherjee explores the history and science of the cell, one of the basic building blocks of life. He explains how discoveries about cells have changed medicine and shaped our understanding of the human body. Readers who enjoy popular science will find this a rewarding introduction to a complex subject.
Stay True by Hua Hsu
This memoir reflects on friendship, growing up, and the lasting effects of loss. Hua Hsu looks back on his college years and his friendship with Ken, considering how relationships shape our sense of self. Thoughtful and intimate, Stay True is a strong pick for readers who appreciate reflective memoirs about youth and connection.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
In this follow-up to Becoming, Michelle Obama shares personal reflections and practical ideas about dealing with uncertainty, building confidence, and maintaining meaningful relationships. Her conversational style makes the book approachable, while its themes may resonate with readers looking for encouragement during challenging times.
The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris
Historian Lindsey Fitzharris tells the story of Harold Gillies, a pioneering surgeon who helped develop reconstructive techniques for soldiers injured during World War I. The book combines medical history with stories of the people affected by wartime injuries. It’s a compelling choice for readers interested in the history of medicine and the human stories behind scientific progress.
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
Journalist Jonathan Freedland recounts the story of Rudolf Vrba, a prisoner who escaped Auschwitz and tried to alert the world to the mass murder taking place there. This carefully researched work of Holocaust history focuses on courage, testimony, and the struggle to make others believe the truth. It is a sobering but important read.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Physician Gabor Maté and his son Daniel examine the connections between health, trauma, and the pressures of modern life. The book invites readers to think about how personal experiences and broader social conditions can affect well-being. It may appeal to those interested in psychology, health, and the ways people respond to adversity.
How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur
Inspired in part by the questions raised in the TV series The Good Place, writer and producer Michael Schur introduces readers to ideas from moral philosophy. With humor and everyday examples, he explores questions about doing the right thing and treating others well. This is a light, accessible option for readers curious about ethics without wanting a textbook.
Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman
New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman examines Donald Trump’s rise in business and politics, drawing on years of reporting and interviews. The book offers a detailed account of a consequential period in American public life. Readers interested in recent political history and journalism may find it especially compelling.
How to Choose Your Next Nonfiction Read
The best nonfiction book for you depends on what you’re in the mood to explore. Choose a memoir for a personal story, a history book for a deeper look at the past, or a science title to discover new ideas about the world. If a subject feels unfamiliar, look for a book known for clear explanations and engaging storytelling.
These 2022 nonfiction releases cover a wide range of subjects, but they share one quality: each offers a chance to see a person, a place, or an idea from a new perspective. Pick the topic that interests you most and add it to your reading list.
7 Must-Read Nonfiction Books of 2022: Discover Fascinating Insights and Compelling Stories
- Read *An Immense World* by Ed Yong for a fascinating look at animal senses.
- Try *The Song of the Cell* by Siddhartha Mukherjee for an engaging tour of biology.
- Pick up *His Name Is George Floyd* by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa for a deeply reported biography.
- Explore *The Light We Carry* by Michelle Obama for personal reflections and practical advice.
- Read *The Escape Artist* by Jonathan Freedland for a gripping account of a Holocaust escape.
- Choose *The Revolutionary* by Stacy Schiff for a vivid biography of Samuel Adams.
- Consider *The Myth of Normal* by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté for a thought-provoking look at health and society.
Read *An Immense World* by Ed Yong for a fascinating look at animal senses.
Read *An Immense World* by Ed Yong for a fascinating look at how animals experience the world through senses that humans can barely imagine. With engaging explanations and vivid examples, Yong explores everything from a dog’s remarkable sense of smell to the ways other creatures detect sounds, vibrations, and signals invisible to us. It’s an absorbing choice for readers who enjoy science, nature, and discovering a fresh perspective on the animal kingdom.
Try *The Song of the Cell* by Siddhartha Mukherjee for an engaging tour of biology.
For an engaging tour of biology, try The Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjee. The physician and acclaimed science writer explores how cells work, how scientists discovered their role in life, and how cellular research has shaped modern medicine. Mukherjee makes complex ideas approachable, making this 2022 book a rewarding choice for curious readers.
Pick up *His Name Is George Floyd* by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa for a deeply reported biography.
For a deeply reported biography, pick up His Name Is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa. Drawing on extensive interviews and research, the book explores Floyd’s life beyond the headlines, tracing his family, experiences, and the circumstances that shaped his story. It offers a thoughtful, humanizing look at the man whose death sparked a global movement and invites readers to consider the broader issues surrounding race and justice in America.
Explore *The Light We Carry* by Michelle Obama for personal reflections and practical advice.
Explore The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama for a thoughtful blend of personal reflections and practical advice. Drawing on her own experiences, Obama shares ideas for navigating uncertainty, building confidence, and strengthening relationships. Her warm, conversational style makes the book an encouraging choice for readers looking for fresh perspective and useful ways to handle life’s challenges.
Read *The Escape Artist* by Jonathan Freedland for a gripping account of a Holocaust escape.
For a gripping work of Holocaust history, read The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland. The book tells the story of Rudolf Vrba, who escaped from Auschwitz with fellow prisoner Alfred Wetzler and risked his life to reveal the truth about the camp. Freedland combines careful research with compelling storytelling to explore their escape, their warning to the outside world, and the urgent effort to make others listen.
Choose *The Revolutionary* by Stacy Schiff for a vivid biography of Samuel Adams.
For a vivid portrait of one of the American Revolution’s most influential organizers, add The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff to your 2022 nonfiction reading list. Schiff brings Samuel Adams to life as a skilled political strategist and persuasive writer, showing how he helped build support for independence. Rich in historical detail and lively storytelling, the biography offers an engaging look at the people and ideas behind the founding of the United States.
Consider *The Myth of Normal* by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté for a thought-provoking look at health and society.
Consider The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté for a thought-provoking exploration of how personal health can be shaped by trauma, relationships, and the pressures of modern society. Blending medical perspectives with social commentary, the book invites readers to think more deeply about the connections between individual well-being and the world around us.